Visa question: can I change a 30 day VOA (exemption visa) to a long term tourist visa after arrival?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus from the community suggests that you cannot convert a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) or a visa-exempt entry into a long-term tourist visa while in Thailand. The standard procedure for those on visa exemption allows for 30 days of stay, with a possible 30-day extension at an immigration office. There are suggestions around utilizing certain agents for help with visas, but this approach carries risks, and it's noted that the current immigration climate may not support such activities. For those needing to stay longer, alternatives may include obtaining the relevant visa from a Thai embassy instead.
Hannah ******************
more information please I need my visa sorted out asap ... I'm in Bangkok but going to Hua Hin on the 2nd December ... cell ... ++447946426301 ... Mr Kevin Monaghan I'm from Scotland
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01 ... Mr Kevin Monaghan I'm from Scotland
Peter *********
Yes
Mani ******
Yes you can
Bob ********
I origially went to Thailand 24 yrs. ago on a visa exempt basis and obtained a Non 0 Imm Visa (retirement/ext) from there.
the agents aren't even issuing visas right now because there's been a shuffle of senior staff at every immigration office so everything illicit has been put on hold.
of course Ive heard of many people that have used agents mostly for not having the required funds,the visa is legal how you get it is not IF your caught out you have a BIG problem,
Ian *********
Because IF you get caught without the required funds in the Thai bank (yes the chances are slim) you will be deemed to have no visa and face the consequences ie blacklisted,which has happened to few people I know someone personally who got caught after six years useing an agent,àt his age he will now never see his family again,if anyone wants to take that chance that's fine
what would the problem be exactly? Yes, of course i want to 'take the chance'. Why would any smart money person tie up 800k for no apparent reason. 800k at 5% pays you 40k baht annually. That's more than covers 14k visa and leaves 26k for your bar tab. Not exactly rocket science
Ian *********
Agree TILL something goes wrong,which it doesn't very often But do you really want to take that chance unless you don't have the funds
bro you get an agent that works regularly with the staff at a particular location. The agent knows these people, knows what to expect and knows how to grease the skids. The agents already knows the costs of "everything" You don't get surprises in the end. Everyone goes away happy.
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Chris ***********
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Kool *******
You can not get any kind of tourist visa inside Thailand.
Alain ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Our situation is the following
I'm on a EU passport, no visa or pass yet, flying to BKK on Dec 12.
Wife cambodian passport, EU residence card, wants to remain 6 months in Thailand to deliver a baby in June.
Both with flexible tickets , with an official return date Dec 31 that can be modified.
I think we can get 30days + 30d extension fairly easily.
I intend to fly back and forth a couple of times but my wife won't, as we rented a house and her relatives will stay with her until June. Not sure we have the time to get a "real" visa before departure in 2 weeks time
Not in country…however, the Covid extension has turned into a long term extension for many many many people, so after you buy your first 30 day extension at your local immigration office pray to the Covid deities that the 60 day Covid extension goes on forever…good luck buy lots of Red Fanta to appease the gods…
the elite visa is basically a glorified tourist visa. Based on the length of the process, one could certainly obtain one s long as they get an extension.
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Stéfan ********
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Garrett ***********
No
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Garrett ***********
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