Hypothetical

I understand this. I wonder if the data is controlled in a common database. I may be thinking wrong, but why would Immigration allow you into Thailand visa exempt if you are applying for a visa in another country. Seems a bit confusing for all parties. I would think when you are allowed in visa exempt any pending visa applications would be canceled. I am not however complaining. This may allow me to apply for e-visa in Laos and then return the following day to Thailand and wait for the approval email. I thought I had to wait in Laos until I actually had the approval email.

I haven't actually applied. I may need to apply Non-O in Suvannakhet in the coming months. I notice on their website, even though you must use the e-visa system for application, you still must go to the embassy to pay application fee. Seems like they may have rushed the start date if they cannot receive online payments. It's only been a week since they are accepting e-visa applications. Would be interesting to hear the experience of anyone having used this service.

Because the person entered visa exempt, there would be no active visa upon entry. I guess that makes sense then that the pending visa application would not be canceled.

This type of process is so typical here. They make the process easy so more people can more easily come here and spend there money. Now maybe they are seeing that control is being lost, so it's time to backtrack by now making things more difficult for visa exempt entries. But of course it's the tourists fault for not applying for proper visa. No loss of face for officials.

@Steven *****

I don't know your age so I don't know if you would qualify for Non-O retirement. Marriage may be your only option to get a Non-O. With the online system they now use, I believe there are no longer one year multiple entry Non-O visa's available. You apply for the first 90 day visa and then extend in Thailand. You may want to speak with a visa agent to see what alternatives you might have. All the best to you and Good Luck!

@Steven *****

The problem these days with short work rotations is you are never in Thailand, or neighboring countries, long enough to get a visa. I had the same problem when I worked offshore. I was very happy when I hit 50. I then could go onto a retirement visa which was much easier to manage than a marriage visa. So many people live in Thailand that work offshore. I do not understand why Immigration cannot cater more to this group.

I'm not sure I understand your post. I've never worked in Thailand, only help my wife with her properties / businesses. I've always worked offshore outside of Thailand. I did not know, as a foreigner we could use free health care and housing in Thailand.

@Steven *****

You should consider carrying an invitation letter from your GF and possibly her family every time you leave for work. If asked upon reentry you can easily provide. Years ago I would always go to KL for my Non-O visa application. I always needed to give them an invitation letter from my Thai wife.

I think you are correct. They are after tourist money so make it relatively easy for tourists. For long term retirees or members of a Thai family, it may become harder and harder. The tax law enforcement comes to mind when thinking about this.