If you have a Non Immigrant O Visa (multiple entry), then you’ll need to leave Thailand every 90 days. Unless of course you've done the 1-year extension, with the money in the bank, etc., which allows you to stay.
The rule is every 90 days, from the date stamped in your passport by immigration when you enter the country.
In addition to the entry date stamped in your passport, the stamp also shows the date you need to leave by. So there's no excuse for not knowing/
Note that you can leave the country on the required exit date, but it's advisable to arrange to leave a day or two before, just in case you fall sick or miss a coach or flight.
The good news is: if you have a Non Immigrant O Visa based on marriage, or family in Thailand, you can extend this 3-months (90 days) to 5 months.
In other words, you can get an extra 60-days without having to leave the country.
The cost of this extension is 1,900 Baht.
This is approximately what you’d pay to a visa run company if you were to do a one day border run, but a hell of a lot cheaper than booking a flight and taking a short holiday somewhere.
To get this extension, you’ll need to take a number of documents with you to the immigration office.
Like all immigration-based processes in Thailand, the goal posts occasionally shift in terms of what's required, but having done this fairly recently in Bangkok – based on marriage – I can confirm what is required in the list below.
Non Immigrant O Extension – Documents Required
It's important to note that your wife will need to accompany you to do this extension.
- Passport (original).
- Photocopy of passport.
- Photocopy of visa and arrival card (these should be in your passport).
- House certificate / copy of lease agreement at the condo you stay in. (Take the original if you have it). If this is your condo lease agreement, it must have your signature and the owner's signature on it. A piece of paper that states your address, the deposit you paid, and the amount you pay each month is not enough. It must be a proper tenancy agreement.
- A signed copy of the home owner's ID card – if not your wife.
- Wife’s Tabien Baan (copy is fine). This is the house document for the home where she is officially registered.
- Wife's ID card (original to be shown, but also have a copy with you). If security tries to take this from your wife at the entrance in exchange for a visitor card, be sure to tell them you need it to show the immigration officer. We ran into this issue once and had to retrieve it.
- Marriage Certificate (original and copy). Make sure you take the original!
Please note: I wasn’t asked to show it this time, but previously I was asked for a copy of my daughter’s passport and birth certificate, so if you have a child, take those too.
Please note: If you are extending based on having a child and not marriage, you will need your child and the child's mother to accompany you, and the following documents:
- Child's passport.
- Child's birth certificate.
- Wife's ID card.
- Tabien Baan (copy should be fine). Do your best to get hold of the original, or you might be refused.
Where to Extend Your Non-Immigrant O Visa in Bangkok
If you’re based in Bangkok, you’ll need to go to the government complex at Chaeng Wattana (building B) to do your Non-Immigrant O Visa extension.
This is located about 1 km to the rear of building A, the place where Thais get their passports and foreigns apply for marriage affirmations.
You need entrance number 1.
Walk in and go straight ahead.
You'll see two customer service ladies sitting at a desk on your left-hand side.
As you walk straight, you'll be faced by a huge open floor space in front of you, which is quite a spectacle.
Instead of walking out into the big space, as the wall on your right ends, bear to the right and walk straight (see the image below with the big red arrow)
Soon you'll come face to face with the immigration section.
You'll be looking in through the side window.Walk round to the right and you'll see the door.
Go up to the counter inside and explain that you are there to extend your Non Immigrant O visa for 60 days.
They will give a form. Fill it in quickly and then proceed inside to get yourself a ticket and take a seat.
If you can get away with it, once you have your form, walk through into the second room and get a ticket, then sit down and fill out your form.
This way you will join the queue as quickly as possible and bypass those people still filling in their forms.
Chaeng Wattana Immigration Address
Here's the address in English. Your taxi driver will know where to go if you tell him Chaeng Wattana Immigration. You can always show him the address in Thai using the Google map below.
Remember, though, it's building B you need.
The Government Complex, B Building , Floor 2 (South Zone)
Chaengwattana Road (Soi 7)
Laksi , Bangkok 10210.
If you want to take the BTS or MRT, you can take the BTS to Mo Chit Station and from there a taxi, or take the MRT to Chatuchak Station and from there a taxi to Chaeng Wattana Immigration.
What Not to Do – My 6 Top Tips
1. Don't Be Late – Get There as Early as You Can
The staff break for lunch for an hour at 12pm, which means if you don't have a place in the queue by then you could risk not getting this done in one day.
Do yourself a favor and get to bed early the night before. Get up early and get in there early.
You could be done by 10.30am and have the rest of the day free.
2. Don't Get Angry or Be Rude to Staff
It can be a frustrating experience at times, but keep your cool. Thai officials demand respect, it's what the job is all about – levels.
They will exercise their authority at any sign of rudeness. Be courteous, bite your tongue, and if you're refused an extension of stay don't make a scene.
3. Don't Expect Any Favors
Everything is done by the book. If you are missing a document, you will 9 times out of 10 come away empty handed.
4. Speak Clearly and Use Simple English
Speak clearly using basic English the officer is likely to understand. It will really help if you can speak Thai, but if you can't, your wife will be there to step in and help.
5. Don't Go Dressed for the Beach
I know this a tad superficial, and I've nothing against relaxed clothing, but don't turn up in flip flops and a Chang Beer vest.
Put on some jeans and a casual top and make yourself presentable. You will be far better received and more likely to get help should your application have a problem.
6. Sign all Your Photocopies
Lastly, don't forget to sign all your photocopies. You wife needs to sign hers too. Signing photocopies is a bit of a national hobby here – you'll get used to it!
A Final Word On Your Extension
You will get a 60-day stamp from the day you extend. This means that you will need to leave the country after 60 days to then return and reactivate a further 90 days on your visa.
You can only do this extension once during the 1-year validity period of your visa.
I've had comments from others saying they have been able to do it more than once, but the last time I tried I was refused.
By all means try, as some immigration offices may allow this. However, work on the assumption that you can only do this once.
My final tip is to not leave your extension until the last minute. Things can go wrong.
Consider the many public holidays Thailand has when immigration offices are closed. Factor in potential whether issues during rainy season. Consider that you may be refused due to not having a particular document, or an over-zealous official.
Get it done in a advance of your stamp expiration date.
Got a question? Leave it below.
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Last Updated on
Mike Hogarth says
Dec 07, 2016 at 4:46 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 08, 2016 at 4:09 am
Mark Levin says
Dec 09, 2016 at 8:43 am
Mike Hogarth says
Dec 29, 2016 at 5:05 am
Julie Boyle says
Nov 29, 2016 at 8:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 30, 2016 at 3:26 pm
David McNeil says
Nov 21, 2016 at 5:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 22, 2016 at 12:08 pm
peter says
I have been doing the 90 days runs.
Strangely the departure card stamps says I can stay until dec 20, 2016, but I would think my visa expires dec. 11, 2016 (since it was issued dec. 11, 2015). No?
since
I would like to stay. What are my options?
Can I ask for an extension (how long)? How?
When do I need to get out?Can I enter dec. 9? My visa will have expired. This seems unlikely.
I read this:
" Multiple entry: 1 year (you must enter Thailand on your final visit before expiry of the visa from the date of issue) "
My visa details:
Date of issue: dec 11, 2016
enter before: 10 dec. 2016
Last stamp: can stay until 20 dec.2016
Nov 02, 2016 at 3:47 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 02, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Oceanic says
Nov 01, 2016 at 10:41 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 01, 2016 at 11:43 am
Laurent says
I've been through all the comments, but still not sure about what to do with my visa.
So, I have a visa NON "O" (thai wife). This visa will end on the 30 october 2016. I do not have work-permit, neither the 400k to do a one year extension.
I did my last 90 days report at the Chaengwattana office the 11 october. I had a single re-entry permit that I used in January.
I'm a bit confuse with the different possibilities: extend to 60 days at Chaengwattana for 1,900THB, re-enter before the year duration ends to get another 90 days, or do both,...
Is there any way to do a one year extension of my visa without having a 40k income or 400k on my bank account? Seems like yes but it's not clear to me.
My main concern is to not 'loose' my visa NON "O" visa.
It's already happened with my first visa. Nobody told me I needed to ask for a re-entry permit, I went in France to visit my family and when I came back got the 30 days stamp at Suvarnabhumi. Luckily I still had 400k to do one again, but not anymore.
What do you recommend me to do?
Once again I've been through all the comments, and I apologise as the answer probably has already been given many times.
I usually don't like to bother people, but I really don't want to mess with my visa and this is new for me.
By the way, this blog is so far the one with the best informations I've found. Bravo!
Oct 18, 2016 at 5:50 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 18, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Laurent says
Can you tell me how come some get Non O with multi entry and others no?
I'm sorry but there are things I don't understand. I read on the comment:
"If you have a 1 year Non O, and you re-enter before the year duration ends, they give you another 90 days. So, yes, effectively it is a 15-months visa." Can I do that? Maybe by applying for a re-entry permit, leaving the country then come back?
Also I read (still in the comments): "To get a new Non O Visa you will need to leave the country and get it from an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand, like Laos for exemple." but you think it's not possible?
I'm so lost.
Also I read somewhere else that it's possible to get a Non-Immigrant “O” Visa for Marriage in Penang without the financial requirements needed in Thailand. Do you know about that?
Anyway I'd like to thank you for your help. I'm just learning, and you and some others people on this page seems like to have a lot of experience.
Thank you so much,
Laurent
Oct 19, 2016 at 11:07 am
Alex says
If it's a single entry, you can apply for a 60 days extension based on having a Thai Wife.
If it's a multiple entry, you can do a border run before the end of the visa and they will stamp you 3 months again that you can extend by 60 days based on having a Thai Wife.
Oct 19, 2016 at 11:37 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 19, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Laurent says
So my current visa is the one year extension of my mariage visa. I haven't been granted any re-entry permit: "To keep your stay permit re-entry permit must be made before leaving Thailand", stamped on the passport (does people's get mariage visa with multiple entries?).
I had to show I've more than 400k in my bank book since more than 2 months and I paid a 1.900THB process fee. I did it at the Chaengwattana immigration one year ago. Since then I left the country only once, in January, I did a single re-entry permit at Suvarnabhumi. I'm not even sure my visa have a single entry.. As I had to ask and pay for a single re-entry permit.
Oct 19, 2016 at 1:27 pm
Alex says
On the visa you got last year, you can read "NO of entry". If they write "S", it is a Single entry ("S" for Single). So you entered Thailand only one time with it. And they should have stamped it as "used". Check if they stamped "used" on the visa.
What are your "date of issue" and "enter before" dates on your visa?
You can extend ANY kind of stay in Thailand (even Tourist) by 60 days if you are married to a Thai. Just ask confirmation to the immigration office and they will tell you that.
Peoples can get a "marriage" visa with Multiple entries. It's 5,000 bahts. The visa is valid for one year. And some embassy will not ask for any financial requirements to deliver this visa.
Oct 19, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Laurent says
That’s why I’m trying to find a solution.
I heard too about these multi-entry one year mariage visa for 5,000 baths without financial requirements. Do you have more informations about that? I heard about Savannaket. If I go there should I ask first for a re-entry permit?
Oct 19, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Alex says
Yes for Savannakhet.
You don't need a re-entry permit since you will ask for a new visa.
If you are French (like me), there is another solution. You don't need to leave Thailand.
But I'd prefer not do discuss it in public.
Oct 19, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Laurent says
I'm also French, how can we talk? email,...?
Oct 19, 2016 at 6:57 pm
Laurent says
Oct 21, 2016 at 7:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
With the single entry Non O visa, you enter the country and get 90 days, you then report with your financial requirements to get the extension for a year. You can also get a re-entry permit to leave and come back in, as you have done already.
Oct 19, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Ham says
So what are my options to stay indefinitely?
800K in bank for 2 months?
800k income from Australia per year?
Can I stay there for 10 years at least
My company in Australia will pay me B800k per yer to consult remotely
Do I have to leave every 90 days?
Oct 13, 2016 at 4:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 13, 2016 at 8:21 pm
Max says
Oct 04, 2016 at 4:24 am
Papa H says
Have also been informed ( by liverpool consulate)a tourist visa can now be extended in Thailand if married or changed to an o is this correct ?
Sep 18, 2016 at 7:13 pm
Alex says
You can also convert a Tourist visa or a Visa Exemption Stamp into an o visa from Bangkok Immigration office (fee is 2,000 bahts).
Sep 18, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 20, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Papa H says
They told me to come on a tourist 2 months, extend 30 days, then pop across border turn round for 30 more then change to an o visa for 12 months. They also said to note that that o visa could be extended but now only by 30 days & with good reason.
so total of , let me work it out ugh !!!
17 months for £240 so might just aswell off got 2 o'visas back to back ?
But it does theoretically save me 3 trips to Laos for 48 hours at 3- 4 k thb a time so in the end worth it & less hassle.
That is the way for now !!
Until they change again
Don't we just Love the bureaucracy in Asia.
Ps If you are going to Laos to do visa run around 8th Oct reply to me & as I live Nong Khai might even buy you a beer.
Sep 20, 2016 at 11:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 21, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 21, 2016 at 3:13 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 21, 2016 at 3:52 pm
Gary Cartwright says
The other issue I have is a lack of pages in my passport. To my horror I found I have only 1 full page and 3 half pages left and with the full page sticker going in to Laos and the full page sticker coming out with a new visa may stop me from getting a new one. If I am just going in and out again for the 90 days will 1 full page and 3 halves be enough? Or do you think it is possible to ask them at the Laos border to stamp only and not put a sticker? If I can get the 9 days then that will allow me the 4 weeks I need to get a new UK passport. Any advice on this scenario would be greatly appreciated
Sep 21, 2016 at 4:42 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 21, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Papa H says
Most friendly helpfull Immigration set up in Thailand.
They tell you how it really is & are very helpfull .
Providing of course we are patient , calm & very polite.
Lets face it we know where the fees go so it is in their interests to try where possible to sort you out with your visa or extension in thier office rather than sending us to Laos & giving them money.
Also Nong Khai is a good place for a stop over & right at the border.
I liked it so much 4 years ago I stayed & this time when I come back 10 days & counting I ain't leaving at all.
Sep 21, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Thanks
Sep 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Also would they be asking for all the documents such as tabien ban, ID card or is this simply a stamp in and out?
If I do have to go in to Laos from Nong Khai what town in Laos would I enter?
Thanks this is proving really helpful
Sep 22, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Papa H says
You will have to go over border
$30 visa for laos, you enter Vientiene but do not need to stay . You can just turn around & come straight back if you want 30 days.
Or proceed to Thai embassy & get your new visa. Remeber you must leave Thailand for 48 hours it is a legal requirment.
I would if I were you come to Nong Khai & the day before you want to do visa call in Either Brendan & Noys bar or Eddies bar.
You will get correct info from there.
Note this is a border town so we KNOW the latest regs.
Also nobody will ask why you have come up here , you on a tourist trip OK !!
I back on 3rd in Nong Khai get in touch then if you want. Either bar knows me Carl.
Sep 22, 2016 at 2:50 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 22, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Papa H says
The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit.
Basic Documents requires by all types of Non-Immigrant Visa.
Visa application form completely filled out
Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
Two (2) recent 2 x 2 inches photographs (taken within the past 6 months)
Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational
Control Division, Department of Employment, Tel +662-245-2745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584
Fax: +662-6176576, 245-2593) *(Please see below)
Note: The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the rights to request for other additional documents, depending on the type of Non-Immigrant Visa
Non-Immigrant Type O
Birth Certificate (applicant's child)
Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents (if married to Thai national)
a copy of marriage certificate,a copy of Thai passport/a copy of Thai ID of spouse and (3 months bank statement showing monthly income of more than £1,400 anuually.)
An official recommendation letter from organization perform voluntary job in Thailand (for volunteer job)
Pension statement if the applicant is a pension earner.
Non-Immigrant Type O- A Long Stay
Proof of income with a minimum of £1,400.00 per month or £16,500 anuually
Medical Record
Criminal Record check
Sep 22, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Papa H says
Fake statements or Police checks wont do these days.
So easy for them to check on internet.
Thailand may be behind the west in many areas but they are far less stupid than we think.
Best to play by the rules , even if they do change daily UGH !!
Sep 22, 2016 at 3:50 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 23, 2016 at 10:28 am
Bob says
Two choices:
1) Leave the country. Fly anywhere you like and fly back in. Might be worth staying a night. You'll get a 90 day extension.
2) Go to your local immigration in Thailand and present the documents listed in TheThailandLife's article and extend your entry for 60 days. If you immigration is requiring more or fussy. Might be better to just leave TH and come back.
You can stay up to 15 months by leaving and coming back in just before your expiration date. If you do leave the country and come back in you don't have to present any documents anywhere.
Sep 23, 2016 at 10:48 am
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 23, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Alex says
No 'sticker' (visa) when you go to Kuala Lumpur.
You'll just get a visa-free stamp. No more than half a page.
And you can fly cheap with Air Asia.
Sep 23, 2016 at 1:52 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Sep 23, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Alex says
Sep 23, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Gary Cartwright says
Not been there for 15 years, do you know much about the place?
Sep 23, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Peter moles says
Oct 03, 2016 at 3:31 pm
Bill says
I want to do this, but I don't have a house certificate/rental agreement. My wife owns the house we live in, so what do I need instead of the house certificate/rental agreement?
Thanks!
Sep 16, 2016 at 6:04 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 16, 2016 at 11:05 pm