@Tod ********

Thank you very much for your advice and clearing this up for me. Much appreciated. Exactly what I thought I should be doing as I would feel much more content having the multiple entry visa than taking the risks with visa exemptions stamps each visit. Going to Savannakhet isn’t a problem for me at all as my husband lives in Mukdahan so it couldn’t be more convenient. I don’t mind the trip out or the queue at the consulate it if means I’m on the correct visa for my circumstances right now. Plus, I’ll be re-entering Thailand on the same day I get the visa/my passport back from the consulate there. Long term plan is to stay in Mukdahan next May/June so my understanding is that I could do the one year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai spouse after I use my last entry before the visa expires. Thanks again for your help.

@Vladimir *******

that makes sense 🙂 I’m just concerned that immigration would stop me from entering in December and/or May/June because I haven’t been in Thailand for most of the visa validity period. I know with the multiple entry Non-immigrant O visa I can’t stay any longer than 90 days in Thailand each entry which isn’t a problem as I’ll only be there maximum 28 days each trip. But just worried that there might be some rule regarding how long you can actually stay outside of Thailand on a multiple entry visa? Worried it would lead to problems when I would be wanting to enter to stay there more permanently next May/June.

@Vladimir *******

that is exactly what I have been planning to do so that I would be on the correct visa every time I would be entering Thailand for the next 12 months. I am just worried that there would be an issue with me not using it often, as I would only be using the multiple entry visa to enter Thailand from Laos next month, enter at Bangkok in December and enter at Bangkok in May/June. My understanding is that it would be the correct visa for my circumstances but just worried because I’ll be outside Thailand for the majority of the time that the visa will be valid for. If I was sure that wouldn’t be an issue with immigration, then I would prefer to get the non-immigrant O visa when I have the opportunity to go to Savannakhet to get it next month, rather than entering on visa exemptions each time.

@Emma ******

yes that’s what I’m now thinking might be best for my current situation. Thank you for your help!

@Dominic ****

that’s what I’m currently considering might be my best option - thank you

@Emma ******

that’s what I’ll be applying for once I’m settled there next year. For now I’m just trying to figure out what is best way for me while I’m coming and going

@Regis ******

I’m well aware of that and was just looking to see if any one had any advice as I’m trying to make things as straight forward for myself as possible

@Gwion ******

I have all my marriage papers as my spouse is thai. So not randomly trying to get one. I would be applying for the purpose to visit my Thai husband.