Can I declare my intention to extend my visa exemption on arrival in Thailand, and what are the limitations on re-entering?

Question

So I have been looking online and have a few questions about the following (traveling from the UK):

1. Visa Exemption Extension - so I can fly into Thailand and get the automatic 30 days on the proviso that I have a flight booked to leave Thailand within those 30 days.  Yet I have read about a 30 day visa exemption extension costing 1900 baht.  I am just wondering if it possible to declare the intention to get the visa exemption extension on arrival rather than booking a departing flight and then cancelling/re-booking it?
1. Regarding the visa exemption I have also read there are some restrictions if the destination for departing Thailand is a neighboring country.  Not sure if these are myths but is it possible, for example, to fly from Thailand to Vietnam, stay for 3 days and then return to get another 30 day visa exemption.  I have also read there is a limit to how many times someone can do this within a certain time period, is this true?  
1. The METV criteria I have read seems to mention there needs to be some evidence of income, yet the METV does not give permission to work.  Can someone explain how this works in reality, as I am not sure I am understanding correctly...
1. Also, does a SETV visa allow a return to Thailand if visiting a neighboring country? If not would a 30 day visa exemption be issued on arrival instead?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user inquires about extending a visa exemption upon arrival in Thailand without booking a departing flight. They also seek clarification on traveling to neighboring countries and returning for another exemption, along with METV income requirements and the implications of a SETV visa regarding re-entry. Community members suggest alternatives like obtaining a tourist visa for longer stays and explain that the airline may require proof of onward travel if not on a tourist visa.

Nick ********** · Answer

Ref 3 metv,income is uk based.ie are you going home to return to work..can you afford holiday etc..get a single entry 60 day visa online,you can extend 30 days at local immigration office once arrived..as for onward flights if you have a visa print it show it to airline(they will prob ask to see it).ive never had to show onward with a visa.But if you go on 30day visa exempt the airline will require one usually

Ady ********* · Answer

I have done this before i had return flight booked to go home on the day the extension ran out. But i had to explain this to the airliner upon arrival at my home airport . The airliner can get a fine for that but i got through ok in the end .this was 5 years ago

Ellie ******* · Answer

If you are thinking of a trip to Thailand for more than 30 days (less than 60 days), maybe better to get a Single entry or multiple-entry tourist visa.

With a tourist visa comparing travel on visa-exempt for more than 30 days, possible benefits are:

- less hassle with air carrier at the airport check-in

- you don't have to spend half to one day at the immigration office to apply for a 30 days extension during the first 30 days

- SETV fee at the Thai embassy/consulate is cheaper than the extension fee at the immigration office

Can I declare my intention to extend my visa exemption on arrival in Thailand, and what are the limitations on re-entering?

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