My First Visa Run: Extending 14 Days in Bangkok

When I first landed in Bangkok, I was filled with excitement. The city buzzed with life—street vendors shouting out their offers, tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, and neon signs flickering against the night sky. I had arrived with a 14-day tourist visa, eager to explore everything from the Grand Palace to the bustling markets. But as the days slipped by, I realized I needed more time.

I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. I wanted to immerse myself deeper into Thai culture, try more street food, and maybe even pick up a few words in Thai. That’s when I started researching how to extend my stay. I quickly learned that if I wanted to stay longer than 14 days, I’d need to do a visa extension—something I’d heard could be straightforward if done correctly.

And so, I set my plan in motion: I would visit the immigration office at IT Square in Laksi a few days before my visa expired and extend my stay by another 30 days. Little did I know, this simple task would turn into a small adventure, filled with anticipation and a few surprises along the way.

The morning of my visa extension, I woke up early, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I had read online that the immigration office opens at 8:30 am, so I wanted to be there before the doors opened to beat the crowds. I grabbed my passport, a recent photo, and all the documents I thought I’d need—just in case.

The short taxi ride from my apartment to IT Square was smooth, and I arrived around 8:15 am. The parking lot was already filling up, and I could see a few travelers milling around, clutching their documents like me. I took a deep breath, feeling a little nervous but mostly eager to get it done.

I entered the building and headed straight to the immigration office on the third floor, following the signs. The place was bustling; people were sitting in lines, some chatting quietly, others reading or scrolling on their phones. I approached the counter, where an officer greeted me with a friendly nod.

First, I filled out the form I’d downloaded and printed the night before. It was straightforward—name, passport number, visa details, and purpose of visit. I handed it over, along with my passport, and the officer checked my documents. Everything looked fine.

The next step was to get a token. I took a number from the machine and waited my turn. While waiting, I noticed how organized the process was. It reminded me of a well-oiled machine—each step clear, each person busy but efficient.

When my turn came, I handed over my passport and documents. The officer examined my papers, checked my visa entry page, and confirmed that I was eligible for the extension. I paid the 1,900 Baht fee—cash, in this case—and received a receipt.

Then came the part I’d been most curious about: filling out the TM7 form, which I could do at the counter near the entrance. I grabbed one and quickly jotted down the necessary details—my name, passport number, and the reason for extension. It took just a few minutes.

I handed the form back to the officer, who processed it and told me everything was in order. I was told to wait for a few more minutes while they checked my documents and prepared the new visa sticker.

While waiting, I looked around at the other travelers. Some looked as relieved as I felt; others were still a bit anxious. It struck me how universal the process was—everyone here was just trying to make their stay in Thailand a little easier.

Finally, the officer called my name again. I approached the counter, where they took my photo for the new visa sticker, placed it on my passport, and handed it back to me. It took less than 15 minutes total. I was done.

Walking out of the office, I felt a surge of relief. Extending my visa was easier than I’d expected. I had successfully added an extra 30 days to my adventure in Bangkok, giving me more time to explore this incredible city.

Reflecting on the experience, I realized that the key was preparation. Having all my documents ready—passport copy, photo, TM30, embassy letter, and the 1,900 Baht—made everything smooth. The process was straightforward, and the staff was friendly and professional.

As I headed back to my apartment, I thought about how important it is to plan ahead for these things. Sometimes, a small bureaucratic task can feel daunting, but with the right information and a bit of patience, it’s manageable.

If you’re ever in Bangkok and need to extend your 14-day visa, my advice is simple: arrive early, bring all required documents, and don’t rush. The process may seem intimidating at first, but it’s designed to be user-friendly. Just follow the signs, fill out the forms carefully, and you’ll be fine.

And before you know it, you’ll be enjoying another month in this vibrant city, making new memories and experiencing Thai life at your own pace.

Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Bangkok!