Extension Of 30 Day Visa On Phuket?

[Flying Clog]

Hello,

Quick question, is there any easy way extend the 30 day visa exempt stamp in my passport for another 10 days or so? It's a UK passport...

Had a look on the Thai Visa main page, but was wondering if someone had any specific info regarding Phuket, and maybe where the visa extension office is, and whether it's even possible/worth the hassle!?

Thanks,

Flying Cog

[KarenBravo]

You can extend it by 10 days at the immigration office in Phuket Town. The cost is 1900 Baht.

[noob7]

You can extend it by 10 days at the immigration office in Phuket Town. The cost is 1900 Baht.

10 days? I thought, 7?

Phuket Road, http://goo.gl/maps/O6jZm

Or consider a day visa run to Ranong. 1200-1500 Baht, 2 weeks

Edited October 4, 2012 by noob7

[Lite Beer]

Nope. 7 days maximum to leave the country.

[KarenBravo]

Apologies, thought it was 10.

[sportsman69]

If you want to extend for 30 days Tiger Air and Air Asia both offer same day returns for around 3000 b, sometimes less sometimes more. Far better, although costing more than an uncomfortable, white knuckle and sometimes dangerous minivan ride to Ranong with a jockey straight out of Kamikaze school. There was one driver named Pot who with us did over a million kilometers whilst in our employ without a single accident or incident. He now runs his own company catering predominantly to Vietnamese workers in Patong. Money is king. Unfortunately he no longer drives.

With the new band of inexperienced drivers I refuse to subject myself to the torture, the fear and the risk. Many visa runners have been killed or crippled for life. None to my knowledge, using the airlines.

Edited October 4, 2012 by sportsman69

[britpop]

There is a little known exemption to get over the 7 day extension or get out of a visa run, on medical reasons!!!!!!, more hassle then it's worth though, but if you have or get a medical certificate from a doctor or hospital stating a reason why you can't do a visa run, it's down to immigration discretion to extend your current visa over the 7 day normal extension, meaning no visa run.

i think no real help to the OP, but TV members keep it in mind!!!!

[noob7]

If you want to extend for 30 days Tiger Air and Air Asia both offer same day returns for around 3000 b, sometimes less sometimes more.

Out of my experience, even with some month 'early bird discount': >4000, minimum

The last time, I got a lower 3k Baht price was in 2011.

Not even with the latest flight from Phuket, and the first one, next morning, back to Phuket.

Or trying to mix the cheapest offers from Tiger, Jetstar or Air Asia: Nada! Not in a 24h timeslot.

And Singapore is only fun, in daytime or with a hotel! Changi is not so nice, over night!

Edited October 4, 2012 by noob7

[paz]

I did a sort of visa run (15 days) by myself few days ago to Malaysia, it maybe worth to mention it here as alternative, to either the minibus to Penang for a 60 days tourist visa, and the 7-days extension at the Phuket office, that I've both done in the past.

I called the Avis reservation office and among all the promotions, the most affordable was a small car (Toyota Yaris) for 800 Bt/day, with minimal insurance. Since my C/C covers LDW, I declined that. The deposit on C/C was 20,000 Bt. So we parked the bike at the Airport, picked up the car, you have to walk inside arrivals from the door that is all the way right in the hall. Avis has two counters, you can use either. I have the International Driver License, but wasn't asked to show it.

The idea was to take it easy and do some sightseeing, as I did go with my TG. Leaving about 3 pm we arrived in Sikao in the evening. There is a very wide beautiful beach, with very little people around. I didn't saw not even a foreigner. We dined on the beach then checked in to a small resort, not so well maintained, a little expensive for 800 Bt. My girls a bit worried being in the "deep south" because the in her words "the put bombs everyday". That punctually happened the following day in Pattani, with the sad loss of many lives.

The following day we drove to all the way down for the actual border crossing. Of course the journey is much more enjoyable when not subject to the constrains of a minibus. There was no problem driving into Malaysia, so we did. The border is much more guarded and organized on the Malaysian side, it wasn't even needed to get out of the car. We stopped at the first shopping mall, My GF did not wanted anything, I took some really nice shirt for the equivalent of Bt 400, went to pay but none of my C/C were not accepted. Another cashier at the supermarket confirmed that was because none of my US issued cards had a microchip. I was surprised as that had never happened to me before anywhere in the world. Another thing we couldn't really understand was the location of the prayer room, inside the toilets, in fact both me and my girl entered it by mistake. So not being really interested in staying longer we turned back, again the impression is that at the Thai border is not actively guarded with people coming in, out back and around depending on their needs.

My small issue was the the office at the booth noticed that I had overstayed one day, thing that was OK with the officer that stamped me out one hour before. No excuse was accepted at the office, so there I paid 500 Bt to be admitted back in Thailand. Also crossing by car the officer asked for something like 20 Bt additional fee. we really didn't had any small bill so the matter was dropped. Between all that we spent one good hour parking and moving and going from a booth to the office, etc I was a bit curious about how things are handled, and remain convinced that Malay do a better job on the matter.

Anyway we drove to Hat Yai for a night visit that really did not produced anything beside seeing kids pulling wheelies on the main avenue.

Looking for a hotel, found that Air Asia now operate a brand new one with the low cost concept, that is quite horrible for that, who want to opt of towels, A/C and wifi nowadays. Their full optional room at Bt. 1,200 was not as good as the Siam hotel for 850 two blocks down the road, so there we stayed in total comfort.

The last day we again did some sightseeing, some lonely waterfall, at sunset stopped in brand new small resort managed by Isaan people, thing that is always extremely positive when having a girl from the same region. The room was I think 600 Bath and they charged cost price for food and drinks brought to our bungalow.

On returning the car we used all the extra 4 hours allowed by Avis, after clarifying on the phone about actual pickup time that was a little after the reservation time. Overall it was quite nice trip, I liked very much to have spent money and time my way rather than caged in a bus,

[Old Croc]

The OP asked for the easy way to extend his stay.

[pagallim]

^^

A lengthy but nonetheless informative post. Some good feedback and views, even if you're not doing a visa run.

[stevenl]

I did a sort of visa run (15 days) by myself few days ago to Malaysia, it maybe worth to mention it here as alternative, to either the minibus to Penang for a 60 days tourist visa, and the 7-days extension at the Phuket office, that I've both done in the past.

I called the Avis reservation office and among all the promotions, the most affordable was a small car (Toyota Yaris) for 800 Bt/day, with minimal insurance. Since my C/C covers LDW, I declined that. The deposit on C/C was 20,000 Bt. So we parked the bike at the Airport, picked up the car, you have to walk inside arrivals from the door that is all the way right in the hall. Avis has two counters, you can use either. I have the International Driver License, but wasn't asked to show it.

The idea was to take it easy and do some sightseeing, as I did go with my TG. Leaving about 3 pm we arrived in Sikao in the evening. There is a very wide beautiful beach, with very little people around. I didn't saw not even a foreigner. We dined on the beach then checked in to a small resort, not so well maintained, a little expensive for 800 Bt. My girls a bit worried being in the "deep south" because the in her words "the put bombs everyday". That punctually happened the following day in Pattani, with the sad loss of many lives.

The following day we drove to all the way down for the actual border crossing. Of course the journey is much more enjoyable when not subject to the constrains of a minibus. There was no problem driving into Malaysia, so we did. The border is much more guarded and organized on the Malaysian side, it wasn't even needed to get out of the car. We stopped at the first shopping mall, My GF did not wanted anything, I took some really nice shirt for the equivalent of Bt 400, went to pay but none of my C/C were not accepted. Another cashier at the supermarket confirmed that was because none of my US issued cards had a microchip. I was surprised as that had never happened to me before anywhere in the world. Another thing we couldn't really understand was the location of the prayer room, inside the toilets, in fact both me and my girl entered it by mistake. So not being really interested in staying longer we turned back, again the impression is that at the Thai border is not actively guarded with people coming in, out back and around depending on their needs.

My small issue was the the office at the booth noticed that I had overstayed one day, thing that was OK with the officer that stamped me out one hour before. No excuse was accepted at the office, so there I paid 500 Bt to be admitted back in Thailand. Also crossing by car the officer asked for something like 20 Bt additional fee. we really didn't had any small bill so the matter was dropped. Between all that we spent one good hour parking and moving and going from a booth to the office, etc I was a bit curious about how things are handled, and remain convinced that Malay do a better job on the matter.

Anyway we drove to Hat Yai for a night visit that really did not produced anything beside seeing kids pulling wheelies on the main avenue.

Looking for a hotel, found that Air Asia now operate a brand new one with the low cost concept, that is quite horrible for that, who want to opt of towels, A/C and wifi nowadays. Their full optional room at Bt. 1,200 was not as good as the Siam hotel for 850 two blocks down the road, so there we stayed in total comfort.

The last day we again did some sightseeing, some lonely waterfall, at sunset stopped in brand new small resort managed by Isaan people, thing that is always extremely positive when having a girl from the same region. The room was I think 600 Bath and they charged cost price for food and drinks brought to our bungalow.

On returning the car we used all the extra 4 hours allowed by Avis, after clarifying on the phone about actual pickup time that was a little after the reservation time. Overall it was quite nice trip, I liked very much to have spent money and time my way rather than caged in a bus,

Thanks, very informative.

I guess with International Drivers License you mean IDP, or International Drivers Permit.

IDL's are a scam, an IDP has no legal value in Thailand provided your own license is in English already.

[Flying Clog]

Thanks everyone! Appreciate all the input. We need to extend for 9 days, so bugger, if the max is 7 days we're out of luck! Low cost flight it is!

Thanks, Flying Clog

[KarenBravo]

You can fly to KL and back within a day, Singapore, too by Silk Air.

Edited October 5, 2012 by KarenBravo

[sportsman69]

Thanks everyone! Appreciate all the input. We need to extend for 9 days, so bugger, if the max is 7 days we're out of luck! Low cost flight it is!

Thanks, Flying Clog

Check the current schedules but last time for me was a few months ago. from memory Dep. HKT 8.30 am Tiger Air return to SIN. Back HKT 7.00 pm I think around 3,200 b all up. Painless.

[pagallim]

Am I correct in saying that the fine levied for overstay is 500 baht/day? If the need to extend for 9 days is only partially met by a 7 day extension, surely better to do that and just pay the overstay fine on departure and save a few thousand baht? Maybe I'm missing something here.

[Mario2008]

Fine is 500 baht a day. Immigration might ask to see a flight ticket out in 7 days or deny, but certainly not all immirgaiton offices require to see a ticket out. Don't know about Phuket.

[noob7]

Am I correct in saying that the fine levied for overstay is 500 baht/day? If the need to extend for 9 days is only partially met by a 7 day extension, surely better to do that and just pay the overstay fine on departure and save a few thousand baht? Maybe I'm missing something here.

You missing, that 2 days fine PLUS the 7 day extension is 2900 Baht, not only the 1000 for the overstay

[pagallim]

^

OK, got you. Guess it depends whether to opt for the cost of a flight + day written off, or visa extension and overstay fine route.

[noob7]

^

OK, got you. Guess it depends whether to opt for the cost of a flight + day written off, or visa extension and overstay fine route.

yep, indeed. But if I have to calculate 2900, anyway, I would consider 3-4k (if available, but i doubt that) for a 6+ h shopping/sightseeing trip to Singapore as a nice option. Or I even would make it 2 days, or so.

But you would need to check lots of flights, to find a 4k price. With 2 airlines to go and come back, me think.

And in case, money is a point: still the land border run is a option.

But that day really is to write off! Kind of adventure holiday, bald tires, tired drivers, the rush, ...!

Edited October 5, 2012 by noob7

[paz]

I guess with International Drivers License you mean IDP, or International Drivers Permit.

IDL's are a scam, an IDP has no legal value in Thailand provided your own license is in English already.

In fact, there is two types of IDPs (someone calls them IDL), depending by the convention year a country is part of. Without boring with the details that can be fond online, I have the two types accompanied by their respective national licenses. Never had to use them In Thailand or anywhere else.

Edited October 5, 2012 by paz

[stevenl]

Never had to use them In Thailand or anywhere else.

In Thailand that could be because they have no legal basis or value.

[KarenBravo]

Fine is 500 baht a day. Immigration might ask to see a flight ticket out in 7 days or deny, but certainly not all immirgaiton offices require to see a ticket out. Don't know about Phuket.

Better not have an accident, or, any dealings with the police whatsoever. Otherwise, you'll be charged with staying in Thailand illegally and will get a few weeks stay in IDC, Bangkok.

There is a risk to overstay.

[merijn]

Fine is 500 baht a day. Immigration might ask to see a flight ticket out in 7 days or deny, but certainly not all immirgaiton offices require to see a ticket out. Don't know about Phuket.

Better not have an accident, or, any dealings with the police whatsoever. Otherwise, you'll be charged with staying in Thailand illegally and will get a few weeks stay in IDC, Bangkok.

There is a risk to overstay.

Phuket do normally not ask for a ticket for the 7 day extension.

As mentions above overstay is illegal and if they find out you will be arrested and put in immigration detention until you can show them a ticket to your home country after which you are deported.

[KarenBravo]

As mentions above overstay is illegal and if they find out you will be arrested and put in immigration detention until you can show them a ticket to your home country after which you are deported.

.......but, first they have to check if you have any further outstanding criminal charges from any police department in Thailand, if not, then you get deported after about three weeks stay in IDC.

[merijn]

As mentions above overstay is illegal and if they find out you will be arrested and put in immigration detention until you can show them a ticket to your home country after which you are deported.

.......but, first they have to check if you have any further outstanding criminal charges from any police department in Thailand, if not, then you get deported after about three weeks stay in IDC.

I suppose by IDC you mean the IDC section in Bangkok!

If you are deported from Phuket, there is no time limit and they get deported as soon they have the ticket.

This is normally after a few days and if their flight requires a stopover in Bangkok one officer will escort them from Phuket to Bangkok airport. ( on the expense of the person to get deported )

[KarenBravo]

Never served time in IDC Phuket, but, speak from experience about IDC Bangkok.

[stevenl]

As mentions above overstay is illegal and if they find out you will be arrested and put in immigration detention until you can show them a ticket to your home country after which you are deported.

.......but, first they have to check if you have any further outstanding criminal charges from any police department in Thailand, if not, then you get deported after about three weeks stay in IDC.

I suppose by IDC you mean the IDC section in Bangkok!

If you are deported from Phuket, there is no time limit and they get deported as soon they have the ticket.

This is normally after a few days and if their flight requires a stopover in Bangkok one officer will escort them from Phuket to Bangkok airport. ( on the expense of the person to get deported )

Correct, a friend of mine got deported, took all in all about 5 days after he got caught for overstay by a few years. (He missed his chance to claim he lost his passport with the tsunami.)

[Mrjustice]

Never had to use them In Thailand or anywhere else.

In Thailand that could be because they have no legal basis or value.

Don't know where hole you dug this tidbit from, but bury it back up -- 'cause you are Wrong.

Thailand is in fact part of the International Convention that adopted the IDP (International Driving Permit),

Unless you possess a Thai License, the ONLY legal way a foreigner can drive is to be in

possession of an IDP together with your original valid home country DL. And, even then, only permissible,

for period of 6 mos. after arriving in Thailand, and then the foreigner must obtain Thai License.

Despite the foregoing, it is of course true that many/most car and motorbike rental places will be satisfied

with just your home country DL. But, that doesn't make it legal -- and, if stopped by Thai Police, or worse you get

in an accident; you could be in deep doo-doo. (and, it will also be an excuse for any supposed insurance coverage

you thought you had, to be denied).

[stevenl]

Never had to use them In Thailand or anywhere else.

In Thailand that could be because they have no legal basis or value.

Don't know where hole you dug this tidbit from, but bury it back up -- 'cause you are Wrong.

Thailand is in fact part of the International Convention that adopted the IDP (International Driving Permit),

Unless you possess a Thai License, the ONLY legal way a foreigner can drive is to be in

possession of an IDP together with your original valid home country DL. And, even then, only permissible,

for period of 6 mos. after arriving in Thailand, and then the foreigner must obtain Thai License.

Despite the foregoing, it is of course true that many/most car and motorbike rental places will be satisfied

with just your home country DL. But, that doesn't make it legal -- and, if stopped by Thai Police, or worse you get

in an accident; you could be in deep doo-doo. (and, it will also be an excuse for any supposed insurance coverage

you thought you had, to be denied).

Here we go again, again somebody who claims a IDP is required without knowing the facts but accompanied by the usual scare mongering. Please do a search, also here on the forum and the motorforum, and you'll find differently. Or please show here the Thai law requiring an IDP.