What is a re-entry permit in Thailand and how do I apply for one?

Andy the two visa exempt per year only applies to land entries, not air. So presuming you are flying back from the UK you can get a visa exempt at the airport on return and it doesn't take away from your two land entries per year.

@An**

the reason it is mentioned that it doesn't give you any more time is that for most Westerners on a tourist visa, there is little benefit or point to getting a re-entry permit, as they will get a visa-exempt stamp for free coming back anyway (which can also be extended for 30 days).

You CAN get a re-entry permit on a tourist visa, or extension, but are you sure you actually need one? The main use case for them on tourist visas is for nationals of countries that are NOT eligible for visa-free entry, where their visa is their only means of getting into Thailand and they need to keep it active while visiting Angkor Wat or whatever.

There are some really marginal edge cases where it make make sense even for a Westerner, but make sure there is actually any point. I certainly don't see why you would want a re-entry on your extension, it only really makes sense if you would be leaving and re-entering in the first 30 days... but there can be edge cases where it makes sense, just make sure it actually is something you need to do, rather than just coming back and getting a free 30 day stamp.

Andy Steele you can also get one single reentry permit while on the original 60 days, then once you left Thailand and came back you extend for 30 days, then get another single reentry permit while on the extension. This is actually the situation I am in right now.

@Andy *******

correct (y)

it's a stamp