Does it matter where I go to obtain a tourist visa after my exempt entry in Thailand?

Tourist Visa Visa Rules Exempt Entry Visa Extensions Chiang Mai Thailand Immigration Land Border Crossing

August 6, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I want to leave CM and get a tourist visa and come back asap. Currently on exempt entry with one extension.

 Does it matter where I go? For example, it seems flights to and from Viet Nam are cheaper and more direct than going to Vientiane.

736

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The main concern in obtaining a tourist visa after being on exempt entry in Thailand is the history of your entries and extensions. Your previous visa use, especially if you entered through a land border, is significant. Additionally, if you've had multiple tourist visas issued in the last year, that could impact your eligibility for a new visa. Where you decide to go for the visa application may affect your situation, but it's essential to consider your visa history more than the location.

Robert *******

As mentioned it depends on your history of being inside Thailand. And to be the bad person again, your Facebook Profile is not really helping if you pretend to be a tourist in Thailand.

5 years ago

James ********

@Mark *********

and we wish you success. I close commenting.

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

Thank you!

5 years ago

Robert *******

12 Aug immigration is closed but border is open. Take a look at a Chang Mai page for details, book the green bus to the border. Go out, come back with new 30 days and than extend again at Immigration with 30 days more.

5 years ago

Robert *******

Thai Embassies and Consulates can deny the application and the airports in Thailand do deny people for entry. It also happens at border check points but we have almost no reports of that on this page, other than some numbers from Immigration press releases. The time to live inside Thailand using the Visa Exempt Entry, Tourist Visa or the ed visa all with Extensions of Stay is coming to an end as they are all Employment prohibited. We do not know on which moment the denied will be there, but it will hit one day. If you want to stay long time, it is time to get the correct visa.

5 years ago

James ********

Mark Winstein might be a good idea. Thai Immigration does ask and read Fb too. And monitor social media websites.

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Interesting point. I understand your meaning. Would an exempt land entry be better if this is an issue?

5 years ago

Reply to

Mark **********

James ********

Your history of entries/extensions is probably most important.

You are currently on visa exempt entry with extension. Did you use land border crossing to enter visa exempt?

Have you entered Thailand on visa exempt before in this year using land border entry?

You are seeking a Tourist Visa.

.. Where did you get your last visa?

...How many Tourist Visas issued in past 12 months?

...As an American now living in Chiang Mai...are you age 50+.

If so, I strongly suggest you return to the US and obtain the O-A Visa...it will give you up to two years stay legally in Thailand.

5 years ago

James ********

Mark Winstein but if you do decide to stay longer in Thailand, the O-A visa is the way to go 😉. Only obtained from ones home country...for you its USA.

5 years ago

James ********

@Mark *********

Good Luck to you. Vientiane, with online appointment, should be good for you. If you want to visit Vietnam, HoChiMinh City is easy and welcoming Thai Consulate Staff. Hanoi too.

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Only one entry so far this year, via Air, via exempt entry

No land entry ever, last time in Thailand was 2015 for by air for about a month. Got visa for that in US.

No tourist visas in past 12 months.

I'm not traying to live here. I just want to stay another month or two to ride my bike. I've also been getting treated for a foot condition here, and that's working very well so I want to keep doing that as much as needed.

5 years ago

Reply to

Mark **********

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.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Should I return to Thailand via Chiang Mai, Suvarnabhumi, or a land crossing after multiple tourist visa entries?

22 comments