Hello, I am a Belgian national currently in Thailand on a 45 day visa exemption. My visa is ending next week and I would like to stay longer. What are my options? Do I need to leave and re-enter the country or can I pay for an exemption at an immigration office? I would prefer the latter, saves a bunch of hassle.
Secondly, I would like to have an idea what is the max amount of time I could stay in Thailand. I am a digital nomad, working online. Any pointers would be appreciated, along with what exactly I would need to do.
Many thanks in advance! Jean
TLDR : Answer Summary
A Belgian national currently in Thailand on a 45-day visa exemption seeks advice on extending their stay. It is possible to extend the visa exemption by applying for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office for a fee of 1,900 baht. After one extension, a border bounce is necessary to receive a new visa exemption, which can be done twice a year. For longer stays, it is recommended to obtain a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) before entering Thailand, as it allows for up to nine months of stay. However, working remotely on a visa exemption or tourist visa is generally not allowed without a proper work visa.