Can I apply for a tourist visa while in Thailand, or do I need to do it from another country?

Question

edit: thank you for all the help everyone! I will extend for another 30 days, then take a trip to another country and apply for a tourist visa from a thai embassy there :)

Hey everyone,
I would love some advice on my visa situation right now:
I’m currently on a visa exemption for 45 days (I entered Thailand on March 29, right before they changed it back to 30 days)

I have two scenarios I’m looking at right now:
1. I extend the visa exemption another 30 days and then when that 30 days is up, I’ll leave the country and re-enter on a tourist visa 
2. I do a border run before my visa exemption expires and I re-enter on a tourist visa

My main question is can you apply for a tourist visa while you are in Thailand? Or would I need to apply from another country?

The answer to that question will pretty much help me decide which route to take because I have some house sitting obligations coming up and need to plan around those

Thanks in advance for any advice and help!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is looking for advice on their visa situation as they are currently on a 45-day visa exemption for Thailand. They are considering two scenarios for extending their stay: applying for a 30-day extension before leaving to re-enter on a tourist visa, or performing a border run before the exemption expires. The key question raised is whether they can apply for a tourist visa while still in Thailand or if they need to do it from a neighboring country. Responses in the comments clarify that a tourist visa must be applied for outside of Thailand, typically at a Thai embassy, and that border runs do not guarantee a tourist visa entry.

Eduard **** · Answer

For tourist visa you have to apply outside Thailand at an Thai embassy or consulate. You need much paperwork and have to stay 2-5 days.

So better extend it now at immigration in Thailand for 1.900 B. Before this extension expires, take an agency (3-5.000 B ) and make border run to get new 30 days stamp (1 day trip). This you can extend again 1 time with 30 days. In total 135 days

Richard ********* · Answer

to apply for a visa will take you at least 2-5 working days outside Thailand, (I depending on where you apply)

I'd do ur 30 day extension ( 1,900) and than go out, get a tv and come back 60 days + 30 day extension>

Alistair ********** · Answer

Depends how long you want to stay in Thailand. I'd probably recommend getting the 30 day extension to begin with. Depending where you live there's also same day border run companies so you can get a new 30 day visa exempt entry (can only get 2 per calendar year via land border)

Mike ******** · Answer

You can leave the country and come back without a Visa. You will get a fresh 30 days stay. I believe you can fly out and back often but I think if you it by land it's limited to twice a year?

John ********** · Answer

You also can not get a tourist visa just by doing a border run. It is necessary to visit a Thai Embassy in another country to apply for a tourist visa.

Ulrik ************* · Answer

A visa is a permit to enter the country, meaning You have apply for visa outside the country. However with money anything is possible so contact a visa agent and tell him about Your situation and he maybe will offer You a solution if You pay for it.

Brandon ************ · Answer

You can neither apply for nor get a tourist visa from within Thailand.

Can I apply for a tourist visa while in Thailand, or do I need to do it from another country?

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