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Should I apply for a SETV at the Thai embassy in Cambodia or return to Thailand for a visa exempt entry?

SETVThai EmbassyCambodiaVisa ApplicationVisa Exempt EntryUK PassportTourist VisaVisa RegulationsExpat Advice
Nov 28, 2018
6 years ago
Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Asking for some advise re SETV application via the Thai embassy in PP, Cambodia.

I am a UK passport holder. One previous SETV obtained via London plus 30 day extension. I obtained my current SETV in KL and this expires 10th December.

I am travelling to Cambodia on 7th December starting in Siem Reap and had planned to travel through the country for a couple of weeks and then applying for a further SETV in PP before flying back to Thailand but I am getting concerned about reports that this embassy is not user friendly.

My two questions relating to this are:

1. Do I need to use an agent if I proceed to apply via PP?

2. Would it a better idea to not apply in Cambodia and come back to Thailand on a visa exempt and apply for a further extension?

I have not used the visa exempt route previously and not done any land crossings. I am a genuine tourist not attempting anything underhand, just looking for advice.

I hope I have explained everything properly!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the author's situation regarding their upcoming application for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They have already obtained a SETV previously and are concerned about the embassy's reputation for being unfriendly. The post presents two main questions: whether using an agent is necessary for the application and if it would be better to enter Thailand on a visa exempt entry instead. Comments from the community provide various experiences, advice on documentation needed, and the possibility of rejection at the embassy, particularly for UK passport holders who already have a SETV. The consensus leans towards applying for a visa exempt entry instead, due to recent difficulties reported by others obtaining a third SETV.
Jeff ******
So, here's my latest update. I am now in PP. I contacted a few agencies here and one (Cina) is no longer doing the visa service because they say the embassy sometimes wants answers to questions from the applicant that they cannot provide. Lucky Lucky Moto still does the service ($45 with 4 day turnaround) as does another agency near my guest house (Worldwide Travel & Exchange, same price). Having said that, I decided the best bet was to just go to the embassy myself and apply, which I did this morning. I had all my paperwork in order and received a queue number. Short line and wait (I arrived about 9:00) and the woman working there asked why I have spent so much time in Thailand. She told me she didn't think the consular office would approve my visa and that I would just be wasting my $40 application fee so I should do a visa exempt entry instead. So, that is what I will end up doing.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
@Jeff *****
 She simply said, yes because she knows how the consular officer is thinking. How do those people spend so many months abroad without working and making any income. But she does not say that. But this is just a guess of myself.
6 years ago
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Jeff ******
@Robert ******
 I have a pretty extensive history going back multiple years. No overstays or any other rule violations, but yes I have come and gone often. The staff member I dealt with didn't seem concerned with my finances or that I might be working illegally. She simply said that the consular officer was unlikely to approve the visa.
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas yes, I did. I have family in Thailand (my father married and moved here 3 years ago) so I initially came over to see them and spent the first SETV plus extension with them then decided I wanted to travel and see all of Thailand. I am fortunate enough that I am in a financial position whereby I can prove I do not have to work and have more than adequate means to fund my travels.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
So about 5 months in Thailand, travel to KL and PP and asking for another 2 maybe 3 months. Did you explain how you support yourself to pay for all this?
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 I had pretty much the same feedback as per my update. I had two SETV’s, one issued in London with one extension and one issued in KL no extension.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
And how many Visa Exempts, Tourist Visa, Extensions etc, with other words how longs did you spent time in Thailand?
6 years ago
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Richard ***********
@Jeff *****
 Yup. Pretty much what I have tried saying for last 2 months.
6 years ago
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Richard ***********
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
*update* I am in Cambodia and after meeting 4 fellow travellers rejected for second/third SETV’s on UK passports meeting all requirements, I visited 3 ‘agents’ in Siem Reap who have all advised me that they are aware that if on a UK passport and have one SETV, it was worth a try but that they have been notified that this is all the PP embassy will allow and will decline applications for third SETV even if meeting all requirements and providing all documentation. Nobody knows why but this is what is being said. They have advised me NOT to attempt another SETV and do a visa exempt on arrival. Thought I’d update everyone on this thread. Thank you
6 years ago
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Jeff ******
Here's an update that may be of interest. I just arrived in Siem Reap and was hoping to use an agent to get a tourist visa but am finding it very difficult to find an agency that will do it. I am getting mixed information. A couple agencies that I talked to (including one recommended in an older post) said that things have changed recently and agents are not allowed to do it any longer. My guest house made a call to whoever they work with and said something about needing a work permit (that was all kind of confusing and undoubtedly wrong but the same end result). I finally found one that said they will do it, but they didn't inspire confidence and, with the office closures on the 5th and 10th I wouldn't get it back until next Thursday. I will try to find an agent in PP next week and see if they say the same or not.
6 years ago
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Richard ***********
@Jeff *****
 let me know mate. My wife had a few TV from there but September onwards they got a new boss and all changed now. We had flight out , money in bank , our appt and they said don't bother unless you want a stamped with out prejudice stamped on the Visa.
6 years ago
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Jeff ******
@Richard **********
 We'll see what I find when I get to PP. One Siem Reap agency I visited that was recommended in another post in this group told me that no agencies are allowed because the staff may have questions for you (perhaps related to it becoming a more strict process?) so you have to go yourself. I had also read that the cost was less than the price of a tuk tuk in PP (plus no need to wait on lines) so an agent would be preferable in that case but time will tell. I will report back when I know more.
6 years ago
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Richard ***********
@Jeff *****
 They dont like people turning up individually and the extra cost is less than the price of a tuk tuk to get there normally. O and B's are ok but 60 day tourist is hard now.
6 years ago
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Jeff ******
@Robert ******
 I am in Siem Reap not PP. Since I plan to be here a while I thought using an agent while I am out and about touring would be ideal. Since that seems to not be an option now I will try when I get to PP.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
Walking and asking around. Why not just walk into the Thai Embassy and apply for the Tourist Visa?
6 years ago
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Robert *******
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Bob **********
If you coming back and only need 60 days then I would suggest you get the 30 day stamp and extend that for 30 days if you need 90 then SETV my hotel in PP always took care of my friends
6 years ago
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Ellie *******
as long as you meet all requirements, there wouldn't be problem and every consulate/embassy would be "user friendly" (still it depends on what you mean with "use friendly")...
6 years ago
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Richard ***********
@Melanie ******
 Everyone does use agents but you can do yourself.
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 thank you for your kind wishes, prompt response and putting my mind at ease! I didn’t understand why people would need to use an agent but you have cleared that up for me. 🙏
6 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Mel****
, My wild guess is some people doesn't have all docs required or just want to skip some items (ex: don't want to buy outbound ticket by themselves -> can ask to agent to cover, etc, etc)...

This wonderful group well maintained by great moderator/admins is supposed to help people do by themselves like you.

Wish you good luck and wonderful trip around Cambodia and SEA.
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ellie Takei thank you. I have all the requirements but have been becoming confused with some people telling me to use an agent rather than doing it myself so I thought I’d ask for the considered advice of people with more experience than I have in these matters.
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
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Robert *******
You need: Copy passport, recent picture, bank statement of minimum USD 1000 and travel tickets in out of Thailand. Price of the SETV is USD 40 (only accept USD) It takes 3 working days to get the visa.
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6 years ago
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Brtte *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 thank you
6 years ago
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Brtte *********
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