@Marcus *********

No, you're still working without a work permit. But again. The risk is tiny, unless someone tells immigration

@Martin *********

that isn't what "you're screwed" means. Have a nice day.

@Marcus *********

yes, technically that's against the law. But law enforcement here isn't exactly.. organized or efficient.

So as long as your neighbors don't snitch, the risk is minimal.

@Martin *********

she can buy a new ticket at the check-in desk in 2 minutes. No one is screwed.

You cannot do any work in Thailand without a work permit and the correct visa.

Volunteering is working, according to the Thai government.

Even building a deck in your own yard is considered working here.

@Nelly ********

what Ron said.

But, some airlines don't let you board if you don't have a flight out within 60 days.

That's easily fixed by buying what's called an onward ticket, which is a real ticket that you "rent" for around $10 to show embassies or airlines, that then gets cancelled after a few days.

Google onward ticket, and scroll down to one of the unsponsored links and buy one there. Make sure to check how long it's valid, so you get one that's valid on the day you're flying.

You have a US passport, you don't need a visa for a 90 day stay.

You write a letter explaining why you need a 5 year tourist visa.

A border run is not an extension. They are separate things. Extensions are done at immigration offices in the country and they require you to show every piece of document you did when applying for the visa, but with new dates.

You don't need to show anything when entering Thailand, as of now, and you get 180 days easier this way.

No, you need to make a new address report if you spend 24 hours in any other place.

But all immigration offices have different rules about if you have to report your address again immediately, or if it can wait until you need to do something at immigration, so check what people in your local city groups say.