If you've been living in Bangkok for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase "visa run" tossed around at rooftop bars and coworking spaces. But here's the thing. You don't always need to leave the country to extend your stay. Thailand's immigration offices handle visa extensions every single day, and while the process isn't exactly fun, it's completely doable once you know what you're walking into. Let me break down exactly where to go, what to bring, and what the experience actually looks like on the ground.

Which Immigration Office Should You Actually Go To?

The main immigration office for Bangkok is the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, located on Chaeng Watthana Road in the Laksi district. This is the big one. It handles most visa extension types, from tourist visa extensions to retirement visas, work permits, and long stay categories. The nearest MRT station is Laksi on the Pink Line, and from there you can grab a motorcycle taxi for about 20 to 40 baht to reach the complex.

If you live in the Sukhumvit or Silom area, getting to Chaeng Watthana can feel like a small road trip. Budget at least 45 minutes to an hour by taxi from areas like Phrom Phong or Sala Daeng. Some people who rent condos near BTS Mo Chit or MRT Chatuchak Park find the commute a bit more manageable since you're already on the north side of the city.

There's also a smaller immigration office at IT Square near Laksi, which sometimes handles overflow or specific visa categories. And for those in eastern Bangkok, the Suvarnabhumi Airport immigration office deals with certain extensions too. But for a standard 30 day tourist visa extension, Chaeng Watthana is where most people end up.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring?

Let's say you entered Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa and want to extend for another 30 days. This is the most common scenario I see among expats who are apartment hunting or waiting for a work permit to process. Here's exactly what you need in your folder.

Your passport with at least six months of validity remaining. A completed TM.7 application form, which you can download ahead of time or pick up at the office. One passport sized photo taken within the last six months. A photocopy of your passport's data page, your most recent entry stamp, your departure card (TM.6), and your current visa sticker. And 1,900 baht in cash for the extension fee.

Pro tip from someone who learned the hard way: bring a pen, extra photos, and a few extra photocopies of everything. The copy shops near the immigration office charge 5 baht per page, and the lines can be long. I once watched a guy lose his spot because he forgot copies of his departure card. Don't be that guy.

What Does the Day Actually Look Like?

Arrive early. I mean it. The office opens at 8:30 AM, and if you show up by 8:00, you'll already see a line forming outside. On a typical Monday or Tuesday morning, which tend to be the busiest days, you might wait two to four hours total. Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually a bit calmer.

Once inside, you'll take a queue number at the appropriate counter. For tourist visa extensions, look for the signs pointing to Section B or the "Extension of Stay" counters. Staff will review your documents, possibly ask you a few questions about where you're staying, and then stamp your passport with the new date. The whole interaction at the counter takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It's the waiting that eats your morning.

I remember doing my first extension while renting a studio near BTS On Nut for around 12,000 baht per month. I was nervous about bringing proof of accommodation, but they never asked for my lease. That said, having a rental agreement or a hotel booking confirmation on your phone is smart, just in case. If you're still searching for a place, check out this guide to renting a condo in Bangkok so you're settled before your extension runs out.

Common Mistakes That Slow You Down

The biggest mistake people make is showing up on the last possible day. If your visa expires on a Friday and you waltz in that morning, you're adding unnecessary stress. Apply a week or two before your current permission to stay expires. Your new 30 days will still count from the original expiration date, so you don't lose any time by going early.

Another common issue is dressing too casually. Immigration offices in Thailand have a dress code that's loosely enforced but real. Avoid tank tops, very short shorts, and flip flops. Think of it like visiting a government office anywhere, just be presentable. I've seen people turned away at the door for wearing sleeveless shirts.

Also, don't overstay your visa. Even one day of overstay results in a 500 baht per day fine, capped at 20,000 baht, and it gets stamped in your passport. Multiple overstays can lead to entry bans. It's simply not worth the risk when the extension process, while tedious, is straightforward.

Planning Your Stay Around Your Visa Timeline

Your visa situation directly affects your housing decisions. If you're on a tourist visa with a 30 day extension, you're looking at roughly 90 days maximum. That's short term rental territory. Many condo owners near BTS Thong Lo or MRT Phra Ram 9 offer flexible monthly leases ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 baht depending on the building and unit size. Places like the best neighborhoods in Bangkok for renters break this down by area so you can match your budget to your visa timeline.

If you're transitioning to a Non-B visa for work or an ED visa for studying Thai, your housing search shifts toward longer leases with better monthly rates. Landlords in buildings like Life Asoke Hype near MRT Phetchaburi or Ideo Mobi Sukhumvit near BTS On Nut are used to working with expats in exactly this situation.

Whatever your visa type, getting your housing locked down early makes the immigration process smoother and your life in Bangkok a whole lot more enjoyable. If you want help finding a condo that fits your timeline and budget, Superagent at superagent.co matches you with verified listings using AI, so you spend less time scrolling and more time actually living here.