Thailand visa extension guide for Indian passport holders. Indians now get 60 days visa-free (since Feb 2026), extendable by 30 days for THB 1,900 at immigration. Covers process, documents, TM.7 form, immigration offices in Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket, overstay fines, and visa run restrictions. Updated March 2026.
Thailand doubled the visa-free stay for Indians to 60 days in February 2026 — and that 60 days is extendable by another 30 days at any immigration office for THB 1,900. That’s 90 days total without applying for a visa before your trip.
But the extension isn’t automatic. You need to visit an immigration office in person, bring the right documents, and apply before your permitted stay expires. Here’s the exact process.
The New Rules: 60 + 30 Days for Indians
As of 13 February 2026, the Royal Thai Government doubled the visa-free stay for Indian passport holders:
| Parameter | Old Rule | New Rule (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial visa-free stay | 30 days | 60 days |
| Extension available | 30 days | 30 days |
| Maximum total stay | 60 days | 90 days |
| Extension fee | THB 1,900 | THB 1,900 |
| Visa on Arrival fee | THB 2,000 | Waived |
This is a significant change. Previously, Indians needed to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at THB 2,000 for 15 days. Now you walk in visa-free for 60 days.
(Source: Royal Thai Embassy, confirmed by Thailand’s Public Relations Bureau, February 2026)
Step-by-Step: How to Extend Your Thailand Stay
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before heading to immigration, prepare:
- Passport — with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Passport-size photo — 4x6 cm, white background (photo shops near immigration offices charge THB 100-200)
- Photocopies — passport bio page + latest Thailand entry stamp page
- TM.7 form — the extension application form (available free at immigration offices, or download beforehand)
- TM.30 form — proof of accommodation. Hotels file this automatically. If staying at an Airbnb or with friends, the landlord/host must file it at the immigration office or online
Step 2: Visit an Immigration Office
You must apply in person — there’s no online extension for tourist stays. Major offices:
| City | Office Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Chaeng Watthana, Government Complex | Largest office, longest queues |
| Bangkok | IT Square Laksi (satellite office) | Faster than Chaeng Watthana |
| Chiang Mai | Promenada Mall, 3rd Floor | Popular with long-stay tourists |
| Phuket | Phuket Town, Phuket Rd | Serves all Phuket/Krabi visitors |
| Pattaya | Soi 5, Jomtien | Convenient for Eastern Seaboard |
| Koh Samui | Immigration Office, Nathon | Island visitors |
Pro tip: Arrive before 8:00 AM. Offices open at 8:30 and close at 16:30 (Mon-Fri, excluding Thai holidays). Tourist-heavy offices like Bangkok and Chiang Mai get packed by 9:00.
Step 3: Submit and Pay
At the office:
- Take a queue number at the extension counter
- Submit your documents and TM.7 form
- The officer reviews your papers (may ask about your travel plans)
- Pay THB 1,900 in cash — cards are not accepted
- Wait for your passport — most approvals are same-day
- Check your new stamp: it should show a date 30 days from today (not 30 days from your original expiry)
Total time: 1-3 hours depending on the office and day. Avoid Mondays and days after Thai holidays.
The TM.7 Form: What to Fill
The TM.7 (Application for Extension of Temporary Stay) has fields for:
- Personal details (name, nationality, passport number)
- Current address in Thailand
- Reason for extension (select “Tourism”)
- Requested extension period (30 days)
- Signature and date
It’s a single-page form. If you make a mistake, ask for a new one — don’t cross out and rewrite.
What About the TM.30?
The TM.30 is a notification of residence that your accommodation provider must file with immigration within 24 hours of your check-in. Hotels do this automatically. But if you’re staying at:
- Airbnb/serviced apartment — ask the host to file it, or you may need to file it yourself at the immigration office
- Friend’s house — your friend (as the landlord/homeowner) must file the TM.30
Without a TM.30, immigration can refuse your extension or fine you THB 800-2,000.
Overstay: Don’t Risk It
Thailand’s overstay penalties are steep:
| Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Voluntary surrender | THB 500/day (max THB 20,000) |
| Caught by police | Detention + deportation + re-entry ban |
| Overstay < 90 days | 1-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay 90 days - 1 year | 3-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay 1-3 years | 5-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay 3+ years | 10-year re-entry ban |
Even a single day of overstay gets recorded. If you’re cutting it close, extend first — THB 1,900 is far cheaper than the consequences.
Visa Runs: The Crackdown
Previously, many foreigners would do “visa runs” — exit Thailand to a neighbouring country (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia) and re-enter for a fresh stamp. Thailand has cracked down on this practice.
New rule for Indians: Immigration officers can refuse entry to Indian nationals making a third consecutive visa-free arrival within a rolling 180-day window. If you’re planning to stay long-term, a proper tourist visa or other visa category is the safer route.
Cost Breakdown: Thailand Extension for Indians
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension fee | THB 1,900 (~₹4,500) |
| Passport photos (if needed) | THB 100-200 (~₹250-500) |
| Photocopies (if needed) | THB 10-20 (~₹25-50) |
| Total | ~₹4,750-5,050 |
Compare this to the old Visa on Arrival fee of THB 2,000 that Indians had to pay just to enter — the new visa-free arrangement saves money and hassle.
Can You Extend a Thailand e-Visa or Visa on Arrival?
e-Visa holders (60-day Tourist Visa): Yes. If you entered Thailand on a pre-approved e-Visa, you can extend for 30 days at immigration using the same process and THB 1,900 fee. Your total stay becomes 90 days.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) holders: The VOA for Indians allowed 15 days. Since February 2026, Indians no longer need VOA — you get 60 days visa-free automatically. If you entered before the policy change on a VOA, you can still extend for 30 days.
60-day visa exemption: This is what most Indians now use. You enter visa-free for 60 days, then extend by 30 days for a total of 90 days. Thailand has confirmed this 60-day visa-free policy continues into 2026.
Can You Do a “Bus Run” Instead of Extending?
Some travelers exit Thailand by bus to Malaysia, Cambodia, or Laos and re-enter for a fresh 60-day stamp instead of paying the THB 1,900 extension fee. While this technically works, Thailand is cracking down — immigration can refuse your third consecutive visa-free entry within 180 days. The extension is the safer route if you plan to stay long-term.
Planning Your Thailand Trip?
Check the complete Thailand visa guide for entry requirements, documents, and booking options. Use the Document Checklist tool to ensure you have everything before you fly. Assess your application strength with the Visa Readiness Score. For the latest Thailand policy updates, see our news section.
Last verified: March 2026 by Times of Visa Editorial Team. Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Thai Immigration Bureau.
