Educational Information Only
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Penalty for Overstaying Visa in Thailand
Complete guide to overstay fines, bans, and consequences for foreigners who exceed their permitted stay in Thailand.
Overview
Overstaying a visa in Thailand is one of the most common immigration violations. The penalty system is tiered based on duration and whether the overstayer surrenders voluntarily or is apprehended by authorities. Fines accrue at THB 500 per day with a maximum cap of THB 20,000. Re-entry bans range from none (under 90 days voluntary) to 10 years (over 5 years).
Penalties Table
| Offence | Statute | Fine Range | Prison Range | Foreigner Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overstay (any duration) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), Section 81 | THB 500/day (max THB 20,000) | Up to 2 years | Voluntary surrender reduces ban period |
| Overstay under 90 days (voluntary) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 500/day (max THB 20,000) | No imprisonment | No re-entry ban if voluntary departure |
| Overstay 90 days – 1 year (voluntary) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 20,000 (max) | No imprisonment | 1-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay 1–3 years (voluntary) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 20,000 (max) | No imprisonment | 3-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay 3–5 years (voluntary) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 20,000 (max) | No imprisonment | 5-year re-entry ban |
| Overstay over 5 years (voluntary) | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 20,000 (max) | No imprisonment | 10-year re-entry ban |
| Arrested while overstaying | Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) | THB 20,000 (max) | Up to 2 years | Ban period DOUBLES compared to voluntary surrender |
Important Notes
Fines must be paid in cash at the immigration checkpoint upon departure.
Overstay periods are calculated from the day after your permitted stay expires.
Being arrested while overstaying doubles the re-entry ban period.
Children under 15 are exempt from overstay penalties.
There is no statute of limitations on overstay — it is recorded permanently.
Some long-term overstayers may face criminal prosecution and deportation.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Penalties shown are statutory provisions and actual sentences may vary based on case circumstances and judicial discretion. Always consult a qualified Thai lawyer for specific legal advice.
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