How can I maximize my stay in Thailand with an METV and COVID extension?

METV Tourist Visa Visa Extension Immigration COVID Travel Restrictions Entry Requirements Thailand Expat Advice

Apr 5, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question on how to exploit a METV to the fullest:

My METV is valid until June 6, and my COVID extension lasts until May 10, that means that I have to get out before May 10 and get back in before June 6. When I get back in before June 6 I will have 2+1 (extendable) more months I can get out of my METV (I've never been out and in since I've been here), is this correct? In this case it would be advisable to get back in as close as possible to June 6 so to be able to stay until September 6 no problem, correct? I think all of this I understood and makes sense.

Now, in late June - that is after my METV has technically expired on June 6 - I should briefly leave Thailand for a wedding in SE Asia and then get back in: will I ruin my last 3-month-long bit? Shall I just get a new normal Tourist 2+1 visa when I get back in early July, as an alternative? I'm planning to take a break from Thailand in September anyway. 

Thanks for your time! It's my first time with an METV so just trying to see how can I get the most off it!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking to optimize their stay in Thailand using their METV, considering current extensions and upcoming travel plans. They clarify that leaving Thailand before May 10 and re-entering before June 6 would allow for an additional 2+1 month extension. However, they are concerned about re-entering Thailand after their METV expires in late June due to a wedding and whether it would affect their extended stay or if they should apply for a new tourist visa upon return.

Ellie *******

just a small correction. A tourist visa gives you 60days (not two months) including the arrival day IF IO approves your entry. And tourism extension adds 30days, not 1 month. SO as schedule you mentioned, you will be able to stay until 3 Sep if you can enter Thailand.

Just make sure you have three proofs when traveling back to Thailand (20K in cash, accommodation after ASQ, and onward ticket).

3 years ago

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

I'd suggest if you leave, re-enter through Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, or anywhere that's not Bangkok. You're likely to get caught up in the questioning and possible denied entry if you enter through Bangkok because of your Covid extension history.

3 years ago

Leone ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@Robert ******

and

@Brandon ***********

I would be re-entering with the same visa, why would I be grilled? so far only got 1 extension and one 60-days covid bonus. I entered first in late December 2021.

3 years ago

Leone ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

...which is why they don't give extensions anymore.. my extension is until May 11 and I'm planning to leave May 10 or so.. anyway

@Robert ******

re-entry permit I can do at Suvarnabhumi?

3 years ago

Robert *******

@Leone *******

yes, but it takes some extra time.

And Immigration at the airport or not for show as some peolpe imagine. They do have a job prescription and that is to check if people follow the rules and regulations of visa's. If a person get a question it seems to be named grilled if they want to enter Thailand, if they want to enter other countries it is named to protect the interest of the country. But so be it,

3 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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

@Leone *******

everyone entering Bangkok with a Covid extension is getting grilled. Basically a "you said you needed an extension because you couldn't travel but you clearly could since you're back again"

3 years ago

Reply to

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

Robert *******

@Brandon ***********

Let me see, METV is 6 months valid, entered Dec 2021, got 60 days, 30 day extension and 1 extension based on unable to travel.

Not a big history.

3 years ago

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

@Robert ******

I left in October 2021 having only gotten 1 Covid extension that I used because I needed an extra 2 weeks.

I returned March 2022 with a tourist visa and got grilled by 3 immigration officers for over 30 minutes when I arrived.

I wouldn't take any risks with even 1 Covid extension at this point.

3 years ago

Reply to

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

Robert *******

Correct, if you enter before 6 Jun than you get 60 days of stay, if you leave end of Jun you can apply for the re-entry permit and when you return you get the same Admitted until date.

You can extend once with another 30 days.

3 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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