TM7 in Thailand: Extension of Temporary Stay Explained Clearly

TM7 is one of those topics where visa validity, permission to stay, passport stamps, 90-day reporting and address records are easily mashed into one mental soup. It sounds like boring terminology, but boring terminology is often where the expensive mistakes live.

This guide helps separate the concepts and prepare for an extension of stay. It is not legal advice or an official instruction. Requirements depend on stay basis, local office and current rules.

The short answer

TM7 is the form used when applying for an extension of temporary stay in Thailand. It is not a new visa, it does not replace 90-day reporting and it does not automatically fix missing documents or incorrect stay data.

If your permitted stay date is approaching, check whether an extension is available in your situation and what documents are required. Not every entry, visa type or stay basis leads to the same options.

What TM7 is

TM7 relates to an application for extension of temporary stay. Samut Prakan Immigration lists TM7 as the “Extension of Temporary Stay in The Kingdom Application Form”.

In practice, TM7 may appear in tourism, family, education, employment and other stay categories. Each category may have different supporting documents, conditions and local requirements. A single form leading to many procedural realities. Humanity really did build paperwork with branching storylines.

What TM7 is not

TM7 is not TM47. A 90-day report does not extend your stay, and an extension does not automatically remove other reporting duties.

TM7 is not TM30. Address and accommodation confirmation may matter, but they are separate issues.

TM7 is not TM8. If you want to leave Thailand and return after receiving an extension, check whether a re-entry permit is needed.

TM7 is not a guaranteed approval. The office evaluates the case, documents and stay basis.

When TM7 may come up

TM7 may matter when:

• your permitted stay date is approaching,
• you want to remain longer on the same or another basis,
• you have family, education, employment or another stay basis requiring extension,
• the office requires a formal extension application,
• you are preparing documents before an immigration visit.

The key is to check the current permitted stay date. Do not rely only on visa validity. Visa validity, number of entries and permission-to-stay date are different things.

What to check before preparing TM7

Before preparing the application, check:

• current permitted stay date,
• stay basis and visa or latest decision type,
• relevant immigration office,
• document list for the specific category,
• photo and passport-copy requirements,
• address confirmation and TM30 status,
• financial, family, school or employment documents if required,
• fee amount,
• whether e-Extension covers your category.

Do not assume a document list from one office works exactly the same elsewhere. Local practice matters, which is the polite way of saying: check before you travel across town with the wrong folder.

Documents that may be needed

Common preparation items may include:

• passport,
• copies of selected passport pages,
• photo,
• TM7 form,
• proof of current stay,
• address confirmation,
• documents specific to the stay basis,
• financial evidence if required for the category,
• home map or photos if required by family-stay category or local practice.

This list does not replace the official document list. It helps you gather the information that often appears before the form is even useful.

TM7 online and e-Extension

For selected categories, an e-Extension route may be available. Immigration materials describe it as an online service for extension of temporary stay, but supported categories and locations should be checked currently.

Do not assume that because e-Extension exists, every case can be handled online. That would be elegant. Bureaucracy has other hobbies.

Common mistakes

The first mistake is saying “visa extension” when the practical issue is extension of permission to stay. In casual conversation it may pass. In documents, precision is safer.

The second mistake is preparing documents from someone else’s checklist without checking your own category.

The third mistake is ignoring address records. If TM30 or accommodation confirmation is required, messy address data can slow the case.

The fourth mistake is planning travel after an extension without checking TM8.

What to save after filing or after a decision

Save:

• submission date,
• place of submission,
• receipt or acknowledgement,
• case number if available,
• decision date,
• new permitted stay date,
• conditions or passport notes,
• documents used for the application,
• whether TM8 is needed before departure.

How Thaiva helps

Thaiva does not file TM7 and does not guarantee a decision. It can help keep dates, addresses, documents, confirmations and reminders in one place.

This matters when TM7 connects with address history, entries, family stay or planned travel. Organization does not solve everything, but at least it stops your own data from becoming the enemy combatant.

FAQ

Is TM7 a visa extension?

More precisely, TM7 is used for an application to extend temporary stay. Visa validity and permission to stay are different concepts.

Can TM7 be filed online?

An e-Extension route may be available for selected categories. Do not assume every case qualifies online.

How much does TM7 cost?

Immigration materials commonly show 1,900 baht for an application for extension of temporary stay. Check the current fee before filing.

Is TM30 needed for TM7?

It may be needed as address evidence. This depends on case type and local office practice.

Can I leave Thailand and return after an extension?

Before travelling, check TM8. A re-entry permit may be needed to preserve the current stay permission.

Sources and freshness

Useful sources:

• Immigration Bureau
• Samut Prakan Immigration: TM7 and TM8 forms
• Samut Prakan Immigration: immigration fees
• Phitsanulok Immigration: e-Extension

Freshness: this guide was updated on 2026-07-04. Before filing, check the current document list, fee and local-office practice.