Time limits for applying for an extension of a Non-imm O?

[climb512]

I have a question that I haven't found a clear answer to by browsing the forums.

I have been in Thailand for about 10 years, the last three were on a Non-Imm O based on marriage. I have always gotten 1 year visas and have never dealt with visa extensions. On my last trip to KL I was shocked to discover that they would not give me the multiple entry visa, so I ended up with a 3-month Non-Imm O visa that I will need to extend.

My question is, when exactly is the earliest date (if any) or the latest that I have to I apply for the extension? And do I keep my passport while they are considering the extension (I plan to travel in Thailand quite a bit and will need it)?

My understanding is that it takes them 30 days (approx?) to do their thing at immigration, and I have also heard that I can't apply until my visa is nearly finished...I do not know if either of these things is true, but if they are both so then I will have a problem.

I entered Thailand on June 18th. I will leave for the US in early September before my visa expires, planning to return October. I will be traveling constantly in the states and would prefer not to get yet another Thai visa while there. I will plan to go down and get this extension at Chiang Mai Immigration immediately if it is allowed.

If anyone with experience can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

[wayned]

You can apply 30 days prior to the end of your current permission to stay. Some offices allow 45 days, so it's best to check wiyth them directly.. You keep your passport during the "under consideration" period and can travel freely within Thailand. If you want to exit Thailand you will have to purchase a reentry permit but must return to immigration on the date stamped to pick up the remainder of your extension,. Once you have the extension you need to purchase a reentry permit if you want to travel overseas. A single entry is 1000 baht and a multiple, 3800 baht.

[climb512]

Thank you very much for the detailed and clear response.

In my case, if I wait until 30 days before my visa expires then I will not be able to return to get any paperwork from immigration as i will be in the US at that time. I will go to Chiang Mai immigration and see if they will accept the extension request 45 days early, as this would allow me to get everything settled before I leave for the US.

If I learn anything of value I'll post it back here. Thanks again.

[ubonjoe]

If you need extra time before applying for your extension you could get a 60 day extension to visit your wife. You could apply for this on the date that you only have 30 days left and get a re-entry permit for the 90 days total you would have.

[TerryLH]

Or the OP could go to Savannakhet and get another multiple entry O Visa.

Yes, I know he asked about an extension, but it sounds like he did that because he thinks he can't get another multiple entry visa.

[climb512]

Update:

I went to Chiang Mai Immigration today and asked them my options, and at first they told me I had to wait until 30 days before my visa expired to apply. Then I explained how I will not be in Thailand on the date that I'd need to receive the completed extension and they said "Oh, that's a problem", then added "Ok, so you come back 45 days before your visa expires". So my understanding now is that I can go back on August 3rd (45 days before my visa expires), apply, and then get the paperwork back around Sept 3rd, a week before I leave for the US.

I will know on August 3rd if this is correct

[climb512]

@TerryLH: Yes, that will be my Plan B. Thanks!