Hi friends! I'm in doubt about how to proceed with visas in my next trip to Thai/SEA.
I'm traveling to BKK with a friend of mine. Our plan is to go to Chiang Mai, then cross to Lao, and travel for a month through Lao and Cambodia. Then, about a 3 weeks later, we'll return to BKK and have 3-4 beach days in the islands. All OK until then. But...
Then, my friend will fly back to our home country, but I want to stay in Thailand. My plan is to stay and travel in Thai for 2-3 months.
So, what is the best plan with visas?
I've a Spain passport, so I get a 30 days visa exemption on arrival. We'll arrive by plane the first time, not decided yet the second time (maybe plane from Siem Reap, maybe bus)
Should I arrive at BKK with a visa exemption, and then apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa when in Phnom Pehn? Could it be a problem with that visa if my passport has an entry with visa exempt just some weeks ago?
Of maybe can I apply for an anticipated SE Visa in my home country? A SE Visa starts when is issued, or can you apply for a specific date -as you can do with a Vietnam visa?
If I must apply for the SE Visa just when I'm going to enter Thailand, what is the best city/consulate to do it in Lao or Cambodia?
What do you think is the best plan to do that?
BTW, it's my second visit to Thailand, with the same passport, that visit was 4 years ago and I stayed for just 3 weeks, so I think there will be no problem at all with it.
Thank you so much in advance!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning a trip to Thailand and neighboring countries and seeks advice on the best visa strategy for extending their stay in Thailand after their travels. They will enter Thailand initially with a 30-day visa exemption and are considering applying for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) in Cambodia or Laos, or possibly from their home country. They are also concerned about re-entry regulations and the validity of the SETV in relation to prior visa exemptions.
