Answered4 years ago

What are the best options for a US citizen currently on a TR visa who needs to extend their stay in Thailand until November 1?

TR Visa Visa Extension Thai Immigration Visa Denials Border Run OA Visa

Jason **********

asked Aug 25, 2022

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Thanks as always for the help

I am a US citizen currently in Thailand on a TR visa 30 day extension. Before the TR visa I was on an extension of stay based on an OA. The TR is a temporary solution until I return to the USA on Nov 1 and apply for an new OA.

So I need to cross the border by Sept 26 and buy another TR visa to cover the time to Nov 1. I was going to travel from Chiang Mai to  Savannakhet for the new TR but having read about tourist visa denials I am concerned about applying at that crossing with my visa profile. 

I would welcome any advice. If Savannakhet is problematic for me, what are my best alternatives from Chiang Mai? Kind thanks.

Answer summary

A US citizen currently on a TR visa in Thailand is seeking advice on extending their stay until November 1. They are considering a border run to Savannakhet but are concerned about past reports of tourist visa denials. Community members suggest that Savannakhet is one of the least problematic consulates and recommend a simple border run to neighboring Laos, specifically the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border, where they can bounce back into Thailand for a new 30-day visa exempt entry. The conversation highlights various strategies for ensuring an extended stay without complications.

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Jason **********

Thanks all. I understand the entry requirements but was aware of earlier reports of tourist visa denials at this consulate…before borders reopened. Much appreciated.

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Jason *********

you're using ancient news, Savannakhet is fine,

and I'm not talking about the entry requirements I'm talking about the requirements to APPLY for the tourist visa at the thai consulate in Savannakhet

4 years ago

Tod *********

Savannakhet is the least problematic Thai consulate nearby to deal with, they don't care about previous stamps, you meet the requirements and you get the visa issued. They are a walk up consulate meaning you don't need an appointment and they have 2 working day processing. Turn in your application/passport/money one day before 11 pick up the passport with the new visa in it the next afternoon

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4 years ago

Tod *********

From Chaing Mai your closest border <- just to bounce out and back at is the Chiang Khong / Huay Xai border with Lao. You can bounce out and back there to get a 30 day visa exempt entry. Then you could extend that one time for 30 more days for 1900baht at your immigration office

4 years ago

Jason **********

@Tod ********

So no need to apply for a TR and can do this the same day. Correct?

4 years ago

Jason **********

Super. Issue resolved, worries alleviated.

4 years ago

Jason **********

Yes, understood. Sounds like the best solution for filling the gap to November 1.

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Jason *********

if that's all the time you need a border bounce and a 30 day extension is the way to go 🙂

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Jason *********

you can't apply for a tourist visa at the border, all you can do is bounce out and back and get a FREE 30 day entry stamp.

To get a tourist visa you GO to a thai consulate in another country and apply for one 🙂

4 years ago

James ********

Look at the entry requirements for the country that you will be doing this border run.

4 years ago

James ********

Just do a simple land border run to ENTER a neighbor SE Asia country (🚫 NOT Myanmar) and reenter Thailand. You will be stamped in for their days (45 days from October 1) and eligible for one ADDED 30 day extension of stay for 1900 Thai baht at local Thai immigration office.

4 years ago

Jason **********

@James *******

thanks but need to leave Thailand by Sept 26. But 30 days visa exempt + 30 days will do the job I think.

4 years ago

James ********

@Jason *********

yep 👍 .. it solves your need to stay a bit longer.

4 years ago