My math is bad. I booked tickets for exactly 3 months in Thailand, thinking 2 month visa + 1 month extension = 3 months. I arrive Nov 10, and leave Feb 10. I realized later that works out to be 92 days. I believe it's actually 60 day visa + 30 day extension. I've gotten another extension of a week in a past visit, but I would like to avoid this last step if possible. I'm a US citizen, and planning to get my tourist visa in Vietnam about a week before I get to Thailand. Options?

Your period of stay in Thailand will actually be 93 days, since both the day of arrival and the day of departure are being counted.

Sorry to sidetrack slightly, but I'd be very interested to know what the potential disadvantages/pitfalls of the final 7-day extension are?

3 day overstay, 1500 baht. 7 day "pack out" extension, 1900 baht and another visit to immigration. But don't get caught by the bib during the overstay period if you elect this option. You don't say where you will be, but you could do a border run near the end and get 15 days. If in Bangkok, cost between 2000 and 2500 baht and one day trip.

Sorry to sidetrack slightly, but I'd be very interested to know what the potential disadvantages/pitfalls of the final 7-day extension are?

I'm no expert, but it's a bit of an expense and a hassle. Looks like I might be stuck with it though. Someone here, in another thread, mentioned that not everyone qualified for it...can't remember the details though.

Don't risk overstay. Just do a border run in the last few days of your visa validity and come back same day if you want. They don't even cost a whole lot and you can get one done with a company. No big deal. Don't overstay even one day...it's not worth the risks involved even though the chances of getting caught are generally slim.

Why not look at it as an opportunity? Depending on where you plan to stay, maybe have 2-3 days in Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia etc. Book early enough and the flights can be very good value.

Maybe a nice hotel close to the Myanmar border and a quick boat trip, but get to see the west coast of Thailand too?

Be very careful with minibus border runs though. I'll never get on one again.

Edited August 8, 201312 yr by delh

Just do the overstay,pay at the airport,

You try for dual tourist visas that you use back to back - they cost 1,000 baht each, though not all Thai consulates will issue two - Vientiane does. Activate the first, and as it nears the end, do a border run at your convenience - which isn't much more trouble than going to Chaeng Wattana immigration. It works out cheaper and no less convenient than any other options, and gives you plenty of leeway with timing.

Border run would be my proposal.

I would definitely do the 7-day extension before I'd do a border run; not too expensive, and much more convenient. Looks like that's my best option. Thanks all.

Edited August 9, 201312 yr by leosmith

If you will be staying longer than 90 days, don't forget to stop by an Immigration office before then to report it. Reporting even one day late (after 90 days) will result in a 2,000 baht fine. Doing a visa extension is the best bet, but be sure to complete the "Report 90 Days" form before you've been here 90 days. Just extending your visa isn't enough.

Edited August 9, 201312 yr by Kabayo66

Thanks Kabayo66. Will do.

If you will be staying longer than 90 days, don't forget to stop by an Immigration office before then to report it. Reporting even one day late (after 90 days) will result in a 2,000 baht fine. Doing a visa extension is the best bet, but be sure to complete the "Report 90 Days" form before you've been here 90 days. Just extending your visa isn't enough.

Nonsense. The extension will be the first and as such serves as the first 90 day report. Besides that, 90 day reporting is not considered when on overstay.

Ok, so here I am getting near the 90 day mark. Because of the way they count their days, I'll need 4 extra days. Extending an extra week will cost me 1900 Baht, or 2500 if I pay an agency to do it. If I just pay for overstay at the airport, will it cost 4 X 500 = 2000? Or are there additional penalties? Any other advantages/disadvantages I should know about?

Edited January 17, 201412 yr by leosmith

Ok, so here I am getting near the 90 day mark. Because of the way they count their days, I'll need 4 extra days. Extending an extra week will cost me 1900 Baht, or 2500 if I pay an agency to do it. If I just pay for overstay at the airport, will it cost 4 X 500 = 2000? Or are there additional penalties? Any other advantages/disadvantages I should know about?

The seven days will cost you 1900 baht and you can do it yourself!

If you overstay 4 days and pay the fine when you leave it will be 2000 baht (500 baht/day x 4). BUT, if you get caught while you are on overstay, even on the bus to the airport, you could end up in jail and be deported.

Go to immigration and get the 7 days!

The 7 day extension application would be the safest way. You don't need an agent to do it.

An overstay always has the risk of getting caught with it before leaving.