Thailand Visa Extension (2026): Step-by-Step Guide + Common Mistakes (TM.7)

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Extending your stay in Thailand is usually straightforward, but people lose time (and sometimes get rejected) for one reason: they treat it like a casual errand instead of a document-and-timing process.

This guide explains the extension process at a practical level—what to prepare, when to go, what to expect, and which mistakes cause delays. It’s general information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules through official sources because policies and office practices can change.

First: Identify Your “Permitted Stay” Date (Don’t Guess)

Before you do anything, open your passport and check the stamp that shows your permitted stay until date. Your extension strategy depends on that date—not on what your friend said, not on what a blog post from last year says.

If you are in Thailand long-stay, also keep an eye on “admin hygiene” items like address reporting and 90-day reporting systems, which are managed by Thailand Immigration.

Thailand Immigration Bureau (official): https://www.immigration.go.th/

What Type of Extension Are You Doing?

Extensions are not one-size-fits-all. In practice, what most tourists and short-stay visitors are looking for is a short extension (often referenced as an additional 30 days) depending on their entry type and the immigration officer’s rules for that category.

Some official embassy/consulate pages explicitly mention that a tourist stay may be extended for up to 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand (eligibility depends on your status).

The Core Form: TM.7 (Application for Extension of Temporary Stay)

Most extensions use the TM.7 application form. Instead of downloading random copies from unofficial sites, use an official Thai Immigration office site that publishes forms.

Example official form download page (includes TM.7):
Samut Prakan Immigration – Download Forms (TM.7)

Step-by-Step: How the Extension Process Usually Works

Step 1) Go early (and go before your permitted stay expires). People get into trouble by waiting until the last day. If you get a document request or your office is unusually busy, you can lose your buffer.

Step 2) Prepare your “base pack.” Most extension cases require a basic set of documents. The exact list depends on your status and the immigration office, but these are common requirements:

  • Passport (original) + copy of bio page and relevant stamps
  • TM.7 form (completed and signed)
  • Passport photo(s) (requirements vary by office)
  • Proof of current address in Thailand (what they accept can vary)

Step 3) Submit at the correct immigration office. Thailand Immigration has multiple branches; some offices handle specific case types or local districts. When in doubt, check the Immigration Bureau site first.

Thailand Immigration Bureau (official): https://www.immigration.go.th/

Step 4) Pay the government fee and receive your new stamp. Fees can be updated; the commonly referenced fee for a short tourist-style extension is 1,900 THB, but you should confirm at your immigration office or via official guidance if posted.

Step 5) Save proof. Keep a photo or scan of your new stamp and receipts in a “Thailand admin” folder. If you travel, change addresses, or need future reporting, documentation discipline saves you time.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays (Or a “Come Back Later” Response)

  • Last-day rush: going on the final day leaves no buffer for document requests or system downtime.
  • Wrong office / wrong district: some branches will send you elsewhere.
  • Incomplete copies: missing key stamp pages, entry stamp pages, or the page that shows your permitted stay date.
  • Weak address evidence: address proof formats differ by office; bring more than one option if possible (lease/booking + a supporting document).
  • Ignoring TM30 / address reporting responsibilities: in many cases the property owner/landlord reports your stay, but if your records are messy it can add friction later (especially with long stays).

Risk Note: Don’t Build a Long-Term Plan on Extensions Alone

If your real goal is to live in Thailand for months or years, repeated extensions are not a strategy—your best move is to pick a visa pathway that fits your profile (DTV/LTR/SMART/Retirement). Extensions should support your timeline, not define your life plan.

Official Links to Bookmark (Source of Truth)

Internal Links (Recommended for You)

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