I have been living in the far north of Chiang Mai province for a few years now on extensions based on marriage to a Thai but now I am here on a visa exempt. I will apply for a new visa based on marriage to a Thai next month after I have the required funds in my bank account. In the meantime, I need an extension because my visa exempt will expire next week, before I have the funds in my account for the new visa application.
Will immigration balk if I apply for a 30 day, so-called "tourism" extension? If not, what should I put as the reason for staying on the TM.7 application? A quick look through my passport makes it obvious I am not here as a tourist.
I ask because my wife is 6-months pregnant and prefers not to make the trip to the city this time - she would need to be present if I was applying 60 day extension based on visiting Thai family.
I guess another option would be a border bounce via Chiang Khong/Huay Xai. Are they currently requiring an overnight stay (or longer?) in Laos?