There are plenty of other places people can go and flame/troll/argue, etc. This forum is not one of them.

Leo's advice is right on. However, you don't have to do the 30 day extensions at immigration if you don't want to. You can just pop across a border after 60 days if you are near one. I hate spending half a day at immigration so I prefer to border run.

Just an idea

@Zac****

, get a new passport from a Canadian embassy/consulate in Thailand now and have the visa transferred before you leave to save any worries. You're going to have to get a new passport anyways and you have enough time (I think mine took 2 weeks here in Chiang Mai). Also, getting one here was easier/quicker than getting one in Canada.

I did enter on the date listed at Mae Sot once and they gave me a "hmmmmm...." but let me in.

Picture appears to have been taken from the bridge which is a lot higher than the markets. The Markets are a walk down from the main road so, I suspect the immigration offices are unaffected. Can anypne who went over the past 24 hours report?

If you plan on staying in Thailand for the entire 70 days, then yes, do yourself a favor and get a single entry tourist visa before you come that will allow you to stay for 60 days and then you can extend that at immigration within the country for another 30 days.

However, if you plan to travel around the region (i.e. trip to Cambodia) then, depending on when you want to do those trips, it may not be worth having a visa.

Thanks

@T**

!

I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong), the requirement on a 30 day exempt entry is only 10,000 Baht. And, it can be in a different currency. Seeing as you have a flight to the US 7 days later, I highly doubt you'll have an issue. It would be good to have that flight itinerary printed out for them in the event they ask.

Hey Jam.... the Consulate is in a residential area that isn't convenient to stay near or get to. It's not far but, if you stay out in that area you're going to find food and entertainment options are lacking. Bus is pretty good in Penang but, not good for going/coming from the consulate. You're better off just staying in the more popular area where you can enjoy the food and markets and either pay a service (Jim's is highly recommended) to do the visa run for you or take a taxi. You'll find the price of Jim's service is cheaper than taxi's both ways twice. If you do go to the consulate, make sure you bring Riggit for the visa fee. If you bring Thai Baht they will charge a hefty conversion fee. Good luck!

Even having the TM30 form, you or the landlord may be fined (more likely you) because the form is supposed to be submitted within 24 hours of you taking residence. Best to get the landlord to file the TM30 before you go (he risks a 10,000 baht fine for not doing so). And yeah, it varies depending on which immigration office/officer you go to.