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What are the options for maximizing my stay in Thailand with a ME Tourist Visa?

ME Tourist VisaThailand Visa RulesVisa ExtensionsBorder RunsTraveling in Southeast AsiaImmigration Advice
March 30, 2019
5 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be applying for a ME Tourist Visa next month in my home country. My question is about the timing of exiting/entering Thailand and extensions. My plan is to maximize my time in Thailand, as well as travel to neighboring countries.

I read previous posts, and tried to understand the timing options. Below are 2 scenarios, as examples. Will both of these scenarios work?

What ends the ME TV? Is it 9 months total within Thailand, or 9 months from the date of the first entry?

Let me know if I am missing something obvious.

Thanks in advance for the advice. This group is a valuable resource.


SCENARIO 1

60 days in Thailand

Fly out to Vietnam 2 weeks

60 days in Thailand

Fly out to Cambodia 1 week

60 days in Thailand

Fly out to Malaysia for 1 week

60 days in Thailand + 30 day extension

9 months in Thailand

1 month in other countries

10 months TOTAL

SCENARIO 2

60 Days in Thailand + 30 day extension

Fly out to Vietnam 2 weeks

60 days in Thailand + 30 day extension

Fly out to Cambodia 1 week

60 days in Thailand + 30 day extension

9 months in Thailand

3 weeks in other countries

9 months 3 weeks TOTAL
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user asks about maximizing their stay in Thailand on a ME Tourist Visa and whether specific scenarios for exiting and re-entering Thailand are valid. Scenario 1 proposes spending significant time within Thailand and traveling to neighboring countries, while Scenario 2 incorporates extensions for additional time in Thailand. Community responses clarify that the ME Tourist Visa lasts 6 months from the date of issuance and provides tips on maximizing stay through extensions and border runs.
Jeremy ********
Side note...since you have a US passport (I assume) if you want a follow on 6 month METV you can obtain one in Perth Australia at the Thai consulate
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How about Length of Stay? Should I say 6 months or just go with 60 days?
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Thanks!
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mike *******
 write MULTIPLE
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Actually another minor question, The application states "Number of entries requested ____". Should I put a number or ME, or does it matter?
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glen ********
 I agree. I will say this, the immigration officer checked my last several visits to Thailand and he noticed my multiple trips to Laos. He actually said... "Laos, Laos, Laos.." and then kinda shook his finger, not good. My point is I think it also depends on where you are getting your Tourist Visas from.
5 years ago
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Glen *********
@Jeremy *******
 METV does not give him any more chance of success on entry than someone with SETV... they are both tourist visas... and it will be up to the IO and his/her mood as to how close they pay attention.

I was never questioned on any of the multitude of SETV in the last 3 years... but have now been twice questioned on the METV...
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Glen ********
 Hence why I stated “Should be fine”...never did I say it was an absolute guarantee....
5 years ago
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Glen *********
Jeremy Miller I am on METV and my last 2 trips were questioned... and it was touch and go as to whether they let me in or not... even with proof of income from overseas and all the other proofs.

Just because your friend has had 5 back-to-back successes does not guarantee anyone entry...I know someone who was denied entry on METV in the last month.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 any time
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. Appreciate the advice.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 good luck
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perfect!
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 I know 3 people that have done multiple 6 month METV’s one is on his 5th consecutive one
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 I would interested to know if others have attempted back to back METV.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 then you should be fine...especially with the 6 month METV very few get turned away
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 No they did not.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 did they write anything in your passport?
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes US. Hmmm Interesting. To be honest I am a little concerned since I was questioned previously, just because of repeated entries. I will give this option some thought.
5 years ago
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Mike ********
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Tod *********
One more thing, there is no reason to wait until the last day of your extension (unless you have to) to apply for a new yearly extension because the new year is ADDED to the expiration date of your old extension <- meaning you don't lose any days by going early. :)
5 years ago
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Tod *********
the way that you get 9 months of stay out of that visa is

get the visa close to when you come here

enter thailand get 60 days

when that is running out, border bounce get 60 more days

when that is running out, border bounce get 60 more days

when the VISA is going to expire, border bounce get the last 60 day entry <- taking you to almost 8 months

extend that last entry at the immigration office for 30 days for 1900baht taking you to 9 months of stay,
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Tod ********
5 years ago
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Mike ********
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Tod *********
@Mi**
, the VISA is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued.

It runs down whether you're inside or outside the country.
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ahhh, I see. Very good. Thanks!
5 years ago
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Mike ********
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Tod *********
okay, while I appreciate your endeavor to max out the time you get out of the visa. The ONLY 30 day extension that adds any time to your stay (past the almost 8 months you can get off the visa itself) is the LAST 30 day extension.

As
@Jer***
 said, get the visa as close to when you're comin' here ad you can
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 Got it. Thanks Jeremy.
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
@Mike *******
 yes as well...the expiration date is the expiration date
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Am I losing time in Thailand while I am traveling in other countries?
5 years ago
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Mike ********
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James ********
Do you have a prior history of entering Thailand in recent years? Or is this your first time?
5 years ago
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James ********
@Mike *******
 Good luck
5 years ago
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Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes I have been to Thailand several times. My last time, I did, SE TV, then ED Visa, then SE TV. Upon my return to Thailand from Laos on the last SE TV, I was pulled aside and questioned for 20 minutes at Suvarnabhumi by immigration. I was told specifically, do not go to Laos or any nearby SE Asia countries. Go back to US. Luckily I had my return ticket, which I showed. She ok after I showed her my return ticket to US.
5 years ago
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Mike ********
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Jeremy ********
The day you get your passport back you are losing days on the 6 month METV....so book a ticket soon after receiving your passport back to maximize your stay....once you enter you get 60 days, you can extend this via immigration for 30 days by buying an extension for ฿1,900...at the 90 day mark or 60 day depending on your scenario you have to depart Thailand then come Back in either the same day or later...after that wash and repeat....make sure you leave before the expiration date to obtain an additional 60 days then at that time you have to buy the 30 day extension for ฿1,900 which will give you 9 months in Thailand
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
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