Can I enter Thailand on visa exempt status while holding a single entry tourist visa and use the tourist visa later?

Assuming you are not visiting other countries for just a few minutes or hours, apply in the last to visit country at a Thai Embassy for the Single Entry Tourist Visa and safe all the hassle.

So get to Thailand without visa and get 30 days Visa Exempt.

Fly to other countries, apply there for the visa and on return get 60 days based on the visa.

this gets asked a LOT so I will let this post on and then close the commenting..

As a rule IF you have an eVisa <- that you got online at the thai consulate before you wing your way here, you will get stamped in on it when you show up (even if you don't show them the PDF print out) as it's in the system you hold a visa.

It comes down to the officer you're standing in front of when you stamp in to the country as far as IF you can get them to allow you in on a visa exempt entry and use the tourist visa for another entry later..

All you can do is ask, but be prepared to be told "cannot" 😛

if they say no you can't and have to use the tourist visa, then come in it, get a re-entry permit for 1000baht THEN exit and re-enter the country to get the remaining days left on the 60 day stamp.