Can I simply make flight reservations to leave USA, without doing anything else, receive a 60 day visa upon arrival and then apply for an additional 30 days near the end of my 60 days there. Or do I still have to send all the paperwork to the Thai Consulate in California in order to be issued a visa. I have been told we can now receive a 60 day visa upon arrival. Confused.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, as a US passport holder, you can enter Thailand with a flight reservation and receive a 60-day visa exemption upon arrival. You do not need to send paperwork to the Thai Consulate beforehand. Additionally, you can extend your stay for an extra 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand. However, be mindful that airlines may require proof of onward travel within the first 60 days, so it’s advisable to confirm with your airline prior to departure.