Thailand Extensions & Re‑Entry Permits (TM7 / TM8)

Last updated: 22 Feb 2026.

There are two Thailand immigration tasks travelers constantly confuse:

1) Extension of stay (TM7) — you are asking to stay longer without leaving Thailand.
2) Re‑entry permit (TM8) — you are leaving Thailand but want to keep your existing permission/extension valid.

This guide explains both clearly, including typical fees, the usual document packs, and how to avoid losing your stay permission by mistake.

Quick summary

Typical fees (common references)

• Extension of stay (TM7): 1,900 THB per application
• Re‑entry permit (TM8): 1,000 THB (single) / 3,800 THB (multiple)

Fees can change and some immigration offices list additional endorsements, so treat local immigration guidance as the final check.

Part 1 — Extension of stay (TM7)

What it does

An extension lets you stay beyond your current permitted date without leaving Thailand.

Common examples

• Tourist extension (where eligible)
• Extending a non‑immigrant permission (education, retirement, marriage, business, etc.)
• Extending a DTV entry stamp (where allowed)

Typical document pack (varies by category)

• Passport (original)
• Copies of biodata page + latest entry stamp + current permission stamp
• TM7 form (completed)
• 4×6 cm photo
• Proof of address in Thailand (hotel booking / lease / TM30 receipt)
• Supporting documents depending on category (school letters, bank proof, employer letters, etc.)
• Fee in cash

Practical tips

• Go early in the day.
• Bring extra copies. Many offices don’t print.
• If you’re unsure which category you qualify for, ask before you queue.

Part 2 — Re‑entry permit (TM8)

What it does

If you have a visa/extension that would normally be cancelled when you leave Thailand, a re‑entry permit helps you leave and return without losing that permission.

Who needs it?

Often:

• Students on ED
• People on retirement extensions
• Holders of many non‑immigrant extensions

Some visa setups are multiple‑entry already, but travelers often still need re‑entry permits depending on their current permission stamps. When in doubt, confirm at immigration before you travel.

Single vs multiple re‑entry

• Single: one outbound trip + return
• Multiple: leave and re‑enter multiple times during your remaining permission period

Typical document pack

• TM8 form
• Passport
• Photo
• Copies of key passport pages
• Fees

Common mistakes (avoid these)

• Leaving Thailand thinking “my visa is multiple entry” when your permission isn’t protected
• Applying too late and missing office cut‑offs
• Confusing extension (TM7) with reporting (TM47)

Related pages

• Overstay fines + bans
• 90‑Day Reporting
• Immigration forms (TM series)

Official references (start here)

• Immigration fees list (includes extension + re‑entry permit fees): https://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/immigration-fees/
• Example re‑entry permit guidance + fees (immigration office notes): https://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/samut-prakan-immigration/