What it means
TM8 is the Re-Entry Permit application form used at Thai immigration offices. When a foreigner holding an extension of stay — not a valid visa entry, but an extension stamped by immigration — intends to travel internationally, they must file Form TM8 with a passport-size photograph and pay the applicable fee to receive a re-entry permit endorsement in their passport before departure. Single re-entry permits cost ฿1,000 and authorise one international departure and return. Multiple re-entry permits cost ฿3,800 and cover all international departures during the extension period without limit. TM8 can be filed at Jomtien Immigration during standard hours, at the international departure halls of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, and at departure counters at some regional airports including U-Tapao.
Why it matters in Pattaya
TM8 is arguably the most practically important immigration form for Pattaya expats after TM7 (extension application) and TM47 (90-day report). Given that Pattaya's expat population travels internationally with above-average frequency — visa runs, home country visits, regional travel for banking or business, medical tourism in Singapore, and family visits — the re-entry permit is a routine part of annual immigration management. The most efficient Jomtien practice is to obtain both the TM7 extension and TM8 re-entry permit at the same appointment visit: bring the photograph and ฿3,800 for the multiple re-entry permit alongside your extension documents. Jomtien counters issue both at the same service window. Many expats who skip TM8 at the extension appointment later discover they need to make a separate Jomtien trip — avoidable with simple forward planning.
When you need it
- Any international departure from Thailand while holding an extension of stay — Non-O retirement, Marriage Non-O, Non-B employment, Education ED, or DTV extension.
- Best practice: file TM8 on the same day as your annual extension renewal at Jomtien to combine both services in one visit and avoid a separate trip.
- Choose multiple re-entry (฿3,800) if there is any possibility of international travel more than once during your extension period — it covers all departures for the full remaining extension term.
- Emergency international travel — airport immigration counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang can issue TM8 at the departure terminal, but allow a minimum extra 60 minutes beyond standard check-in time for this process.
- Road travel across land borders — TM8 re-entry permit requirement applies equally to land border crossings, not only air travel.
Common mistakes
- Departing Thailand on an extension of stay without any re-entry permit. The extension is immediately cancelled at the exit stamp. You re-enter on tourist/visa-exempt status, losing all remaining extension time and requiring a new full extension application. This mistake is easily preventable and costs expats substantial time and money annually in Pattaya.
- Choosing single re-entry and then needing a second international trip. Three single permits (3 × ฿1,000) approaches the cost of one multiple (฿3,800). When in doubt, choose multiple — the saving on singles is not worth the risk.
- Confusing TM8 with DTV multiple-entry. DTV holders are on a multiple-entry visa — each DTV entry is a fresh 180-day period from the visa itself. TM8 is irrelevant for DTV entries. It applies only to extension-of-stay holders on Non-O, Non-B, and ED status.
- Forgetting a passport photograph. TM8 requires a 4×6cm passport photo. Jomtien Immigration has a photo booth near the entrance, but queuing for photos wastes time. Bring photos ready-prepared.
Full context: Re-entry permit · Jomtien Immigration guide · Extension.
Related terms
Re-entry permit · Extension · TM30 · Overstay
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