How can I manage my visa situation in Thailand with a tourist visa and extensions?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Immigration Advice Border Runs NON-O Visa Visa Regulations Expat Living in Thailand

Oct 5, 2023

a year ago

David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

For various reasons I could not obtain a 1 year VISA.  I arrive in Thailand on the 16th of Oct on a 60 day tourist visa.  I will not be returning to USA until May 8th 2024.  From my understanding it is easy to get a 30 day extension.   However after that I understand I would be relegated to trips to Cambodia for a 30 day visa each month.... or if I fly to Vientiane Laos for an overnight trip I could receive a fresh 60 day visa with the ability to extend for 30 days again.  Is this accurate?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarity on managing their visa situation in Thailand after arriving on a 60-day tourist visa. They plan to extend their stay, using a 30-day extension, followed by border runs to Cambodia or Laos for new visa stamps. Community members provide advice on extensions, suggest border bouncing for new visas, and discuss the possibility of obtaining a long-term visa. Overall, they emphasize careful planning to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

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David ********

I'm watching but confused. So I can enter on a 60 day visa the b4 expiry get a 30 day extension 1900b. THEN leave Thailand and when ready to come back from say Vietnam etc, get a fresh 60 day visa and get another 30 day extension if need. Wouldn't it be easier getting a 12mth multi entry visa ???

a year ago

Melissa *********

@David *******

the 12 month requires you start with 3 month nonO and then put 800k thb in Thai bank for at least two months and then you apply for 1 year extension of your 3 month nonO but still have to keep the 800k thb in the bank for another 3 months and then can only reduce the balance to 400k thb. If you decide to apply for another 1 year extension, you would have to have the 800k thb back in the bank two months prior to applying etc. I am not an expert though and there are other ways to get the 1 year extension to a 3 month NonO but this is the path I have started last month. However, I did come in on a 6 month tourist visa that allows me to stay 60 days at a time which has helped with the process.

a year ago

David ********

@Melissa ********

Tks I've seen that. I meant a 6mth multi visa.

a year ago

Melissa *********

@David *******

hehe. Best of luck whichever path you choose to pursue.

a year ago

Reply to

Melissa *********

John *******

Most of the options given in comments should get you close to your end date but please beware that entry to Thailand is never a guarantee if it appears as you are trying to stay long term without correct visa in the eyes of the IO on day of entry than don't be surprised if you are questioned they don't need a reason not to like you and deny entry Chokh di

a year ago

Falcon *******

Do not ASSUME that its going to work good. Just an opinion.

a year ago

Bob **********

Correct

a year ago

Taz **********

Suggest extending for 30 days at immigration then after that go to Vientiane and apply for another 60 days

All should be ok

Then after that extend for another 30 at immigration

Then go Vientiane and return to Thailand and receive 30 days visa exempt

That should get you to may

a year ago

David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

a year ago

David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Taz *********

yes.. that is the direction I think I'm heading

a year ago

Taz **********

@David ******

just check out Thai consulate Vientiane online as I believe you have to make a booking / appointment to apply for a visa, which would be best booked before you fly there

Others may be able to give information on the booking period, I think you need to book a few days in advance

a year ago

David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Taz *********

yes... good advice 👍 Thanks

a year ago

Reply to

David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. 😊 I appreciate your comment!!

a year ago

Brandon ************

So if you arrived 16 October and get your 30 day extension, you should be okay until the middle of the month in January.

You can then do a border bounce (DO NOT GO TO POIPET) and get a new 30 day stamp. It might be better if you find an agency that will take you there and make sure you get out and in with no problems. You can apply for a 30 day extension to this visa exempt entry.

If you did it right at the end of your previous stamp, you should be good until around middle of the month March.

You can do one more land border bounce for visa exempt (you are limited to 2 per calendar year) and I would definitely recommend using an agency, and once again staying away from Poipet).

Again you can apply for a 30 day extension and if you did it right at the end of the previous stamp you should now be good until middle of the month May and you are ready to go home.

If you go to the embassy and get a tourist visa, you're still going to have to exit the country and re-enter again since you'll only get 90 days from that visa and you need about 120.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after consecutive short-term visas?

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