Thomas originally orders chairs for 3 dozen guests, 12 x 3 = 36 guests
Thomas finds out that 1/3 of the guests want to bring a guest of their own, 1/3 of 36 = <<1/3*36=12>>12
The 12 guests bring a guest of their own each, 36 guests + 12 guests = <<36+12=48>>48
Thomas finds out that 20 of the guests can't make it, 48 guests - 5 guests = 43
Thomas wants to order an extra 12 chairs, 43 + 12 = <<43+12=55>>55
Thomas will need 55 chairs for the party.
#### 55