His fake name is from a really good character on TV though!

This problem is fixable with a good agent.

If you're in Bangkok the top bodybuilding gym is Muscle Factory.

@Stephan **********

thanks, I do hope you're right and my extension will still be valid if the DTV doesn't work out.

However, I don't follow your logic on embassy vs immigration: the original non-imm-O visa, to which the extensions apply, was issued at immigration in CW, that appears to be pretty standard. Lots of visas are issued in-country, so by definition not issued by an embassy or consulate.

Anyway thanks again for replying, I suppose I will find out soon enough. I'm DTV-eligible but all the paperwork is online-only, so hoping for the best.

@Stephan **********

thanks, I have a multiple re-entry permit and regularly come and go.

My question is whether the current visa+extension is automatically cancelled when applying for the DTV in Lao, or if one has to do something to cancel it first.

And if it's automatic, is that before or after you get the DTV? If you do *not* get the DTV, is your previous visa cancelled anyway?

Sure, but even if some Thais look down on me for my white skin, and even if those same Thais look down on my partner for her darker skin, I find that *most* Thais I run into treat me with respect and kindness. I've heard it's much worse in Japan, Korea, China... SEA being very mixed, race-wise, probably has a lot to do with it.

@Michael *******

whoa, that might be worth the cost of the extra ticket! :-)

@William *******

you're very welcome. Not to be morbid -- I too hope to slip the mortal coil in Thailand, many many years from now -- but if that's your plan you should make arrangements at your local temple in advance, and make sure the people where you are staying know about it. Won't cost you too much and you can avoid being a burden. Too many restless ghosts about as it is.

And back to the visa, lots of people will tell you to do it yourself, and that's a totally valid option. If you qualify and are well organized then it really is cheap and quick. But if you're disorganized, or moslty-qualified, or just strongly dislike dealing with immigration, then keep in mind that many people use agents, it's quite normal here, and we consider it good value for money. Others disagree about the value proposition, and they do without agents, and that's fine -- you should choose the route that makes you happy.

@Stuart ********

thanks, that's what I was hoping for. I've been out and back in since (on the same extension of stay) and it was fine. Just slightly worried that the embassy in Neighbor Country would hear about it when checking my application.

@Greg **********

this is correct, and if you use a (good) agent you will get 15 months the first time you do it -- which you can also do yourself, if your timing is very good and your paperwork karma too and you don't mind going to Immigration twice. Subsequent renewals are for 12 months each.