How can I maximize my stay in Thailand using an METV?

METV Visa Extension Border Run Visa Exempt Thailand Immigration Expat Advice Visa Costs

Feb 7, 2018

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just wondering what members thoughts are on how best to use an METV for maximum stay in the kingdom:

scenario A. 

2 extended entries, 2 border runs. 

(doing the last run just before expiry of METV and extending that last entry).

cost: (fees only, assuming other country visa cost 1500) 

approx 8,700baht

scenario B.

3 straightout land entries from 3 border runs,

the last just before expiry of METV.

extend the last entry same as above.

cost:

approx 6400baht.

THEN, after having got (nearly) 9 months stay from this METV

could i not cross a land border (before my last extension is up) and come back in on visa exempt?

This would give a further 30 days, that can then be extended another 30 days.

Allowing nearly 11 months all up.

Is this possible or have i overlooked something?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses strategies for maximizing the duration of stay in Thailand using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). Two scenarios are proposed: Scenario A involves 2 extended entries with 2 border runs costing approximately 8,700 baht, while Scenario B consists of 3 land entries through border runs costing around 6,400 baht. The poster seeks advice on whether it is feasible to add an additional 30 days after the METV expires by re-entering on a visa-exempt entry, effectively allowing for nearly 11 months of stay. Comments provide insights on the practicality of each scenario and confirm that the proposed duration extensions are possible.

James ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for taking the time to comment Ivan.

What you said makes me more confident in my plan.

I will be spending time near Surin, actually 30 mins drive from chum chom border, so can do the entry hops from there, but i dont think they do visas, will have to research more.

So the last trip will be at Suvannakhet i guess.

thanks for your help and all the other posters as well

7 years ago

Ivan ************

If you happen to be right near a border I think doing border runs can make sense all right. Getting stamped out and back in is usually quite a bit faster than processing a visa extension, it's just that the latter you can do anywhere, in the middle of the country etc. If you were 30 minutes from a border and 10 minutes to the nearest immigration office, I think I'd pick the border.

7 years ago

Reply to

Ivan ************

Whether B makes sense really depends on whether you are going to be staying right next to a land border. Unless you are immediately beside one, I'd pay the extra to extend wherever I was and avoid the trip, personally.

As to the "11 months" yes, you can do that, and you can do it again, making 13 months, and if you time that right so a new calendar year intervenes you can do it two more times making 17 months and after that you can go to Vientiane for a SETV and after that... but I think anything beyond the initial 9 and you're not on the METV any more so it's hardly relevant. You can get 9 out of a METV, yes, and then when it is done, there are other things you can do that have no connection to your previous holding of a METV.

7 years ago

Thomas ********************

Both scenarios seem fine.

7 years ago

Lance *******

7 years ago

James ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

what is your reasoning may i ask?

i guess you get slightly better value for time spent, by not having to pay for extensions?

For sure you would get better value if you live close to a border,

or if you have to go upcountry anyway and stay near a border it would be convenient.

7 years ago

Reply to

James ***********

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