Ask question

Can US citizens on a 30-day stamp in Thailand extend their stay and apply for a tourist visa later?

Visas Visa Extension Tourist Visa Thai Immigration Work Permit Non-Immigrant B Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa

Jan 22, 2019

6 years ago

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! we are US citizens currently in Thailand on free 30 day stamp. We want to stay as long as we can since we will be taking certification classes in February (does not qualify for ED visa) and want to stay and hopefully find a job here. We have trip to Vietnam scheduled for the end of our 30 days but that falls during the  new year holiday, so consulate is closed. Do think we could just do another 30 day stamp and then at the end of that go somewhere else and apply for a tourist visa?

1,618

views

0

likes

66

all likes

43

replies

0

images

7

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A group of US citizens currently in Thailand on a free 30-day visa stamp are inquiring about extending their stay while they take certification classes and job hunting. They explore options such as obtaining another 30-day stamp after their trip to Vietnam and applying for a tourist visa subsequently. The discussion highlights the feasibility of making multiple visa exempt entries, legal employment requirements, the potential impact of multiple entries on future visa applications, and the appropriate visa pathways for working in Thailand.

Robert *******

Thanks, How long do you like to stay in Thailand? What are your ages? Do you have University degree to become a Teacher in English lessons in Thailand? Do you need to work to provide an income for long stays in Thailand? just a few questions to start with.

Like

Reply

Benjamin ******

@Salli ***************

a teacher assistant does quality for a work permit, HOWEVER, you legally can not teach as a teacher assistant.

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

just saw that requirement recently, he is working on it.

Like

Reply

James ********

you are right!

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

really up to the school...if they want...usually they know how to make it work. Key is that you are not a Teacher. That has specific requirements. Speaking of that...Does your husband have a recent Police Report from your last residence in USA. Now is required of all Teachers.

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

i am not one to break rules, i cant work i won't!

Like

Reply

Robert *******

Please explain what happens if caught, than at least she can make up her own mind of working illegal?

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

not worth it! it is a freelance thing so i just wont do any while here

Like

Reply

Robert *******

@Salli ***************

You work in Thailand, does not matter if this work is just typing letters on a key board. You are psychically in Thailand, use Thai internet etc to do your job. Therefor you need a Work Permit and Non Immigrant B visa. Don't let you get fooled by many who tell you, it is okay it is no problem, unless they explain you the punishment of working illegal and on incorrect visa. Than you can make a choice for yourself if you think it is worth it.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

no problem if not living in Thailand...otherwise. Shhhhh...Mum is the word

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

would a teaching assistant qualify for a work visa or would i still go for the non Imm O visa once my hubby gets a job?

Like

Reply

Robert *******

Once your husband has the work permit and the non Immigrant B visa, you can apply for the non Immigrant O visa depending on your husband who works in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

eek! even if we arent living here and it is not for local company? looks like i will be taking a hiatus from work for awhile! (was extremely part time, wont miss much)

Like

Reply

Robert *******

If not enough time, you can as mentioned above visit the Thai Consulate for the Single Entry Tourist Visa for another 60 days and extend this with 30 days if needed.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

look at Teachers in Thailand Facebook forum.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

As you have now the Visa Exempt Entry and already a trip planned, just come back for a new Visa Exempt Entry, before this ends extend these 30 days at a local Immigration Office. That way you got 60 days to find a job for your husband

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

do not mention you are working online. Not legal. No work permit available. Explore getting a teachers assistant position ...possibly at same school your husband.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

For yourself and yes I know I'm going to get lots of people upset, working remote is not allowed in Thailand, unless you get the Work Permit and Non Immigrant B visa.

Like

Reply

Terary **********

@Salli ***************

Jobs are easy to find, along with visa assistance. I mean real easy.. Many people without qualifications become teachers.

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

he is looking!

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yup, know that :)

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

your husband probably can get a teachers job now. No certification really needed...TEFL etc.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

@Salli ***************

Thanks, that means your husband has to find a job and apply with documents of his employer for the Work Permit and the Non Immigrant B visa.

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

my husband is a licensed teacher, cert is just to increase chance of job offers, for me i don't have a degree (did major in Education and worked in special ed, but no degree. I do currently work remotely for a US company, but would like a job here if possible.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Salli ****************

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

i guess my main concern is will having two exempt 30 day stamps make it harder to get a tourist visa?

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Joseph Michael Pedro III still looking at the options to find the best place

Like

Reply

Terary **********

I avoid the 30 day exempt for emergency. There is a limit of 2 per year if by land (get the reference?). The issue with 'by air' exempt is that if denied, you can get stuck in an airport and force to fly back to home country or country of origin.

Like

Reply

Danny *****

Salli Jennings-Swift Don't think so, but the thoughts of any individual visa officer are unknown (not different from any other country in the world)...

Like

Reply

Reply to

Danny *****

Reply

Terary **********

Welcome to Thailand.. Visas can be confusing at first - but you're in the right place.. ( Dear administrators I refrained from giving advice as I am sure there will be great advice to follow).

Like

Reply

Robert *******

I love the phrase: We want to stay as long as we can. This could be depending on so many factors and all of you start giving advice about a visa exempt entry and tourist visa and than others start with Immigration got crankier with these visa if you like to stay as long as you can.

Like

Reply

Danny *****

I'll just back out then. Thanks for the tip.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

Does not matter, some try to give advice and the next one says it is no good. Find out what the OP really want and start giving advice. Don't just assume the easy way out.

Like

Reply

Danny *****

Truth or not Rob?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Danny *****

Reply

Benjamin ******

You can get two 30 day visa exampt by land. Also, a single entry tourist visa is good for 2 months. You can get them in laos. When they think you are living here on a tourist visa, they will either stop you from entering Thailand, or stop giving you visas. Also remembered, do not work on the tourist visa and to get the proper visa as soon as possible.

Like

Reply

James ********

Extend your current stay at Thai Immigration for 30 days. Then go to Udon Thani...take van or bus to Nong Khai...cross to Vientiane...apply for 60 day Tourist Visa...return by way of Nong Khai, Udon Thani...extend for added 30 days at Thai Immigration. Good luck.

Like

Reply

Evert ******

@Salli ***************

yes no problem!

Like

Reply

Danny *****

@Salli ***************

Yes, but immigration tends to get crankier the more of those stamps that you have...

Like

Reply

Danny *****

Oops. OK the first suggestion still applies. Probably cheaper in the long term.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Salli ***************

yes

Like

Reply

Salli ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

we already have a trip booked at the end of our current 30 days. so couldnt i just do another 30 stamp when we fly back?

Like

Reply

James ********

they are already in Thailand on exempt entry 30 days

Like

Reply

Danny *****

Fly to Brisbane and get a METV. Or get one in the US before leaving?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Danny *****

Reply

Danny *****

Probably, once or twice. But don't work here without a work permit. It really is not very difficult to get legal if you are not skint. Do it.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Danny *****

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

How can I obtain a tourist visa while already in Thailand after entering on a visa exempt stamp?

6 comments

5 months ago

What is the correct visa path for a US passport holder and family planning to stay in Thailand long-term?

62 comments

9 months ago

Is it possible for US citizens to live in Thailand and Vietnam by using tourist visas without tying up funds in a Thai bank?

60 comments

9 months ago

Should I take the 30-day stamp and extend it or apply for a tourist visa for my trip to Thailand?

12 comments

9 months ago

Are there any tourist visa extension options in Thailand for a US passport holder beyond the initial 30 days?

16 comments

a year ago

What visa options do I have as a US citizen planning to stay in Thailand for 6-8 months?

11 comments

a year ago

What is the best way to stay in Thailand for 3 more months after my education visa ends?

10 comments

a year ago

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day tourist stamp and extend my stay through border runs or flights?

7 comments

2 years ago

What are the best options for extending my stay in Thailand beyond 75 days?

13 comments

2 years ago

How can I extend my stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expires?

21 comments

2 years ago

Is it possible to get an additional 30 days on my visa and apply for a student visa in Thailand to eventually qualify for a retirement visa?

4 comments

3 years ago

What options do I have to extend my stay in Thailand while job hunting on a visa exempt entry?

6 comments

3 years ago

Can I extend a visa exempt entry in Thailand and switch to a Tourist or Student visa later?

9 comments

3 years ago

Can I extend my tourist visa in Thailand and what are my visa options upon returning from the US?

3 comments

3 years ago

What are the best options for a US citizen in Thailand to extend their stay beyond a Visa Exemption?

32 comments

4 years ago

What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expires?

4 comments

5 years ago

How can a US citizen extend their stay in Thailand beyond a METV and should they apply for an ED Visa?

16 comments

5 years ago

What short-term visa options are available for a USA passport holder after frequent travels in and out of Thailand?

21 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?

11 comments

6 years ago

What are the options for extending my visa as a USA citizen living in Phuket, Thailand without a retirement visa?

9 comments

6 years ago

What options do I have for extending my stay in Thailand after my 60-day stay without a visa?

0 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a visa extension in Thailand after my multiple entry tourist visa has expired?

3 comments

6 years ago

What are the visa options for a US citizen staying in Thailand until October 3 after a short trip to Malaysia?

7 comments

6 years ago

What visa options are available for a US citizen traveling from Myanmar to Bangkok to seek teaching employment?

8 comments

7 years ago

How can a US citizen stay in Thailand for 2-4 months after using a 30-day visa on arrival?

8 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.