If you hold a Thailand Elite Visa (AKA, the Thailand Privilege Visa) and are planning to stay in Thailand for over a year, you will need to extend your stay, as you are limited to just one year. But how do you do it?
We’ll walk you through the process of extending your Thai Elite Visa — from gathering the right documents to paying fees — plus tips to help you avoid common missteps that could impact your stay. Following these steps will enable you to remain in Thailand without having to leave to refresh your stay period.
Where to Go for Your Thailand Elite Visa Extension
To extend your Thailand Elite Visa without leaving the country, you should visit the immigration office in your area.
If you’re in Bangkok, head to the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Since July 2024, this location now supports an exclusive lounge for all Thailand Elite Visa holders, offering a more comfortable experience during the extension process. This lounge also offers immigration assistance services where Thailand Privilege agents will help you prepare and submit your extension application, so be sure to visit if extending your stay in Bangkok.
Immigration officers will require you to attend in person to verify your identity, take a photograph, and sign the required forms. This personal appearance is crucial to confirm your presence in Thailand legally and ensures that all requirements for the extension are accurately met.
What Documents You Need to Bring for Your Thai Privilege Visa Extension
To extend your Thailand Elite Visa, you need to meet specific requirements and have the required documents ready. Double-check that all your paperwork is complete and current to avoid any delays or issues during the process. The documents required for a Thailand Elite extension are:
- Your Passport
- Bring your original passport.
- Photocopies of Passport Pages
- Two photocopies of the following pages, each signed:
- Front page with your name, surname, and passport number.
- Page showing your current Thailand Elite Visa.
- Latest entry stamp and any extension stamps from your recent visit.
- Photographs
- Two passport-sized photos (2 inches or 4×6 cm).
- Departure Card TM6 (if you have one)
- Thailand Elite Membership Card
- TM30 Receipt (if you have one)
- Completed TM7 Form
- Available at any immigration office.
- Extension Fee
- 1,900 baht per person, payable to the immigration officer in cash only.
How Much to Pay and When to Pay the Thailand Elite Extension Fee
The visa extension fee is 1,900 THB, payable in cash at the immigration office. It’s recommended to bring the exact amount to avoid delays. Keep in mind that you can apply for your extension up to 30 days before your visa expires, so consider handling this early to avoid any last-minute complications. Failing to pay on time or arriving unprepared could lead to unnecessary delays — or worse, cause you to overstay your visa which incurs a fine and more serious consequences in extreme cases.
How to do the 90-Day Reporting with a Thai Elite Visa
As a Thailand Elite Visa holder, you’re also required to report your residential status to Thai immigration every 90 days. This is not the same as extending your Thai Elite Visa stay. It’s a requirement that nearly every foreigner has to do whatever visa they hold.
As a Thailand Privilege members, you get four ways you can do the 90-day reporting:
- In-Person: Visit your local immigration office with your passport and necessary forms.
- Online: If you have done a 90-day report before, you can do your reporting online through the Thai Immigration website before your deadline. However, this option is notoriously unreliable, and errors in the system are common.
- By Mail: Send your passport forms by mail to immigration at least 15 days before your deadline.
- Visit Thai Privilege Office: You can visit the Thailand Privilege office in Bangkok and hand them all the documents. They will handle the reporting for you.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow Visa Extension Rules?
If you don’t follow the visa extension or 90-day reporting rules, you could face serious consequences. Missing an extension deadline or skipping your 90-day report may result in fines, deportation, or even a re-entry ban in extreme cases.
If you forget the 90-day reporting, you’ll face a fine of 2,000 THB right away, with higher penalties if delays continue. Not extending your visa on time means paying a daily overstay fine of 500 THB, which adds up quickly. If you are caught overstaying, you could be arrested and perhaps banned from entering Thailand again, even if you are a Thailand Elite member.
Non-compliance doesn’t just disrupt your current stay — it can also make getting future visas harder. By staying on top of these requirements, you can avoid fines, protect your residency, and enjoy your time in Thailand without any issues.
Get Professional Visa Agent Services for Your Thai Elite Visa
Extending your Thailand Privilege Visa can be a smooth process if you’re organized and follow the necessary steps. Keeping your documents in order, paying fees on time, and staying on top of your 90-day reporting will help you avoid any issues and maintain the benefits of your Thailand Elite membership.If you need assistance or would like to apply for a Thailand Elite Visa of your own, contact Siam Legal. Our visa team provides reliable support to streamline the process and save you time. Reach out today to make your Thailand Elite Visa application or extension smooth and hassle-free.