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
US passport holders can enter Thailand with a visa exemption, receiving a 60-day entry stamp upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. It's important to have proof of onward travel, as airlines may require this before boarding. No advance visa application is needed, making the process relatively straightforward for short-term stays.