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Can I get a multiple entry visa after already applying online if my existing visa is delayed?

Visa ApplicationMultiple Entry VisaVisa ExtensionVisa ExemptionVisa Processing DelayImmigration Office in Thailand
Jul 16, 2022
3 years ago
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I applied for my multiple entry visa online from the Guangzhou Embassy, China on June 9, 5100 thb, but to date no reply to my emails and it's still showing as "processing" but my flght is THIS Monay (18 July). I am staying for approx 55 days (school summer vacation). I know I can get a 30-day VOA (or exemption in my case as I'm English) but will I be able to go to Chang Wattana on Tus or Wens to get a multiple entry visa? (I am visiting my Thai wife, I am currently working in China).

Many thanks in advance for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquiring about their experience with a delayed multiple entry visa application is advised on options available upon arrival in Thailand. Despite applying for a visa that may not arrive in time for their flight, it is suggested that they use visa exemption for a 30-day stay and seek a 30-day extension at an immigration office. The user is particularly interested in the possibility of obtaining a multiple entry visa or an extension at Chang Wattana, but is cautioned that multiple entry visas typically cannot be issued within Thailand. Various comments provide guidance on navigating the visa process and alternative options, including border runs and local immigration visits.
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Robert *******
China was one of the first countries who introduced the on line visa application? Did you use this system:
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3 years ago
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Robert *******
I just wonder where that city is 500 Kilometers away from Bangkok without any Immigration Office in the area?

I tried on the map, but I could not find it.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 it's a village near Nakhon Sawam
3 years ago
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Robert *******
@Colin *******
 wow, look what I found:
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3 years ago
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Robert *******
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Bryceton **********
Just a heads up, thailand embassy in china ( atleast beijing) will typically call first for a quick over the phone interview before issuing visa. You may have missed a phone call.

multi entry visa typically takes longer
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bryceton *********
 possibly if they were speaking Chinese or Thai but you would hope they would reschedule or use English as I have an English passport. I've tried emailing several times but no reply
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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Ellie *******
You cannot apply/activate your existing and valid visa that is issued by the embassy/consulate outside country at the local immigration office. If you want to be stamped on that visa, you need to leave Thailand and enter on that visa. That is the only way you can use that visa.

IF your visa would be issued during your flight (before you go through the passport control at the arrival airport, You may be able to try to enter on that visa (even if you don't have the printout, you can try to ask the officer).
3 years ago
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James ********
@Colin *******
 yes... next day as I suggested.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thanks
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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James ********
@Colin *******
 you will be fine.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Why do I feel like I've been scammed of 5100 thb? 😆
3 years ago
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James ********
@Colin *******
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thanks
3 years ago
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James ********
@Colin *******
 I hope you soon will be home in Thailand. Sorry you have had a delayed response to your visa application in China. They are most difficult to deal with ever since COVID arrived.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thanks James, I guess I will just have to do the 30+30
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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James ********
@Colin *******
 you sadly failed to do your homework. Staying only 55 days is a no brainer.

...Arrive into Thailand... Visa exempt on arrival..gets you 30 days stamp.

...stay one night in a hotel..

...ask hotel for screenshot of the TM30 they filed.

...go to Thai immigration office at IT Square in Bangkok on the NEXT day to get the 30 day extension of stay... ...

...then travel to your home

No need to return to Bangkok for the 30 day extension of stay.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I thought zi had to wait until a week before it expires. I will be staying with my wife at our apartment (rented in her name) in BKK before heading to our home outside.
3 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Colin *******
, You can apply for 30 days tourism extension on top of your visa-exempt entry even on the day you arrive, if in Bangkok (if you can make it to the immigration office within operating hours). So anytime you would be able to do.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 oh right, so I can get the 30 extension before the 30 day exempt expires?
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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Kevin ***********
@Colin *******
 Maybe you failed to research all of your options, but a visa that works for many people doesn’t make it a scam
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin **********
 maybe you don't understand a joke and I did research which is why I applied more than a month ago in China
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 so, it's hope my visa is issued on Monday or I will have to do the extension for another 30 days, on my 30 day visa excempt?
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No alternatives?
3 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Colin *******
, another option in case your visa doesn't arrive in time is, to go to border-run to activate your visa within the first 30 days.

What 'border-run' is on the right-bottom.
3 years ago
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Ellie *******
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Brandon ************
Why are you applying and paying for a multiple entry visa if you are just coming for 55 days? It's a waste of money and stress.

When you arrive you'll be stamped in for 30 days and you can get an extension at immigration (Lak Si, not Chaeng Watthana since you will enter visa exempt) for another 30 days. You've now gotten your 55 days.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So many people aren't reading my post. I applied more than a month ago in China and still have not received my e-visa and no response from the embassy. I know I can get a 30 day visa exempt and then a 30 day extension BUT my question was is an an alternative as I won't be staying in BKK and it will be a 2 day trip to go back and get an extension (BKK is the nearest immigration to where I'm staying). So I was hoping to get a
*****
day visa in BKK on my arrival instead. However it seems the only option will be to do the extension.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 because I have a wife in Thailand and it gives me the option and re-entering
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Colin *******
 I guess you'll return to China and get it, then you can enter later on. But for now you're basically out of options.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Thanks
3 years ago
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Colin ********
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 yes but I plan to go to my home village and there is nowhere near to extend other than traviling back to bkk
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Colin *******
 You can apply for extension the day you arrive in Bangkok
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Lloyd ********
Should your visa not arrive in time, a visa exempt entry, 30 days and a 30 day extension will more than suffice for your needs.
3 years ago
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Lloyd ********
I highly doubt that that is your nearest immigration
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
 I intend to travel outside BKK so I don't want to have to return to extend the 30 days so wondered if I could go to Chang Wattana to get a 90 days visa before leaving Bangkok.
3 years ago
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Lloyd ********
@Colin *******
 Travelling is not a problem, you can extend anywhere that your current TM30 is filed.
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
 there is no immigration near my village where our house is.
3 years ago
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Lloyd ********
@Colin *******
 But there is a nearest immigration
3 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
 BKK which is 500km+
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Colin *******
 Every province in Thailand has an immigration office
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Brandon ************
@Colin *******
 Generally you can't do this. What kind of visa were you planning to get? You definitely can't get a multiple entry visa in Thailand.
3 years ago
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Brandon ************
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