How to Extend Thailand Visa From India in 2026

Thailand's visa-exemption for Indians was reverted from 60 days back to 30 days on 21 May 2026 (Cabinet decision dated 19 May). The +30 day in-country extension still works at any Thai Immigration Office. Total possible visa-free stay: 60 days (30 + 30 extension). For longer, the paid e-Visa (~INR 3,000) or DTV digital-nomad visa (180 days per entry, multi-entry).

## The basics

- Default exemption: 30 days, free, stamped on arrival (TDAC online mandatory within 72h) - Extension: +30 days, THB 1,900 (~Rs 4,650), at any Thai Immigration Office - Total visa-free: 60 days (30 + 30) - Beyond 60 days: apply for the paid e-Visa or DTV BEFORE flying, border-run cycling is now flagged by immigration

See Thailand visa for the entry rules.

## Where to extend

| Office | Wait Time | Notes | |---|---|---| | Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok | 2-4 hrs | Most efficient; arrive 7 AM | | Phuket Immigration (Phuket Town) | 1-2 hrs | Easy, friendly | | Chiang Mai Promenada | 1-3 hrs | Online appointment helps | | Pattaya Jomtien | 3-5 hrs | Busiest; avoid Mondays | | Koh Samui (Maenam) | 1 hr | Smallest, fastest |

## Documents you need

1. Passport + 1 photocopy of photo page + 1 photocopy of latest entry stamp 2. TM.7 form (filled at office, or download from immigration.go.th) 3. 1 passport-sized photo (4x6 cm, white background, there's a photo booth at every office for THB 200) 4. THB 1,900 cash exact (some offices reject cards) 5. Proof of address, hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or condo lease 6. Sometimes: proof of onward travel (flight ticket out within 30 days of new stamp)

## The actual process

1. Walk in, take a queue number from the "Visa Extension" counter 2. Hand over docs + cash 3. Wait 1-4 hours 4. Get called, sign, get the new 30-day stamp

That's it. No interview, no funds check, no Indian-embassy involvement.

## When to extend

Extend within the last 7 days of your 30-day stamp. Earlier is rejected. The new 30 days starts the day you extend (not when your old stamp ends), so don't extend too early, you lose days.

Example: enter 1 Jun, stamp expires 1 Jul. Extend on 25 Jun → new stamp valid till 25 Jul (not 31 Jul).

## Cost summary

- Extension fee: Rs 4,650 - Photo: Rs 50 - Photocopies: Rs 15 - Grab to immigration office: Rs 200-400 - Total: ~Rs 5,000

## Beyond 60 days

You have two options: 1. Paid e-Visa, apply before flying at the Thai e-Visa portal, ~INR 3,000 single-entry. Gives 60-day stamp on arrival. 2. DTV digital-nomad visa, 180 days per entry, multi-entry, valid 5 years. Fee around Rs 28,000. Apply at Thai consulate before flying.

Warning: in 2026 Thai immigration started flagging Indians on their 3rd back-to-back exemption entry in 12 months. Border-run cycling no longer reliably works, get a proper visa (DTV or paid e-Visa) if you intend to be in Thailand for 3+ months in any 12-month window.

## Scam warnings

- Visa agents at Khao San and Patong charge THB 3,500-5,000 for "extension service", you can do this yourself in 2 hours - Fake immigration officers asking for "express fee" at the office, every legit fee is paid at the cashier counter with a printed receipt - "Border run buses", fine, but check the visa stamp before paying. Some operators don't actually cross properly.

## From your city

Bangalore to Bangkok, Delhi to Bangkok.

Plan a long Thailand trip with our architect.

Source: Thai Immigration Bureau official guidelines (immigration.go.th); personal Chiang Mai extension Mar 2026.