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Dianne ****
This is a summary of
Dianne ****
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 17 questions and added 333 comments.

QUESTIONS

COMMENTS

Dianne *****
Phil Taylor if October 2018 is the expiry date of your first year on the multiple entry non immigrant OA visa, and you are planning to exit and return to Thailand just before this date to give you the second year out of this visa, you do not need to show proof of funds for the second year, nor do you need to move 800,000 baht into a Thai bank for that year ie your money can remain in your own country, working for you there
Dianne *****
If it is a non immigrant OA visa as it sounds like it is, you can actially get two years out of this visa by exiting and returning just prior to when your first year would have been up, and again getting stamped in for 12 months. Just be aware that for the second 12 months you will need to buy a single or multiple entry permit if you plan to travel in and out of Thailand in that second year 1,200 baht or 4,000 baht respectively
Dianne *****
And the Multiple entry non immigrant OA applied for in your own country has the advantages of giving you two years out of that visa if you exit to, for example, a neighbouring country and come back in just prior to your first year in Thailand ending. This allows you to leave your funds in your own country working for you for up to two years without having to show proof of income for the second year
Dianne *****
Depending on how much time you have, consider a side trip to the charming riverside town of Nong Khai. If you are arriving in Udon Thani in the afternoon that would be perfect, take a mini bus from the airport to Nong Khai 200 baht, stay at least one night and spend the next day exploring Nong Khai before you cross over the friendship bridge into Laos
Dianne *****
You need to go to the Thai Consulate in Vientianne, not the Thai Embassy. They are not close to each other
Dianne *****
When you factor in the cost of in country extensions, possible flights and accommodation in neighbouring countries, not to mention your time. I think the multiple entry non immigrant OA visa represents better value
Dianne *****
@Suzy *******
has given you the correct infirmation. To apply for a multiple entry non immigrant OA in your home country you use your funds in your own bank in your home country. The requirement of having funds in a Thai bank account only applies if you are applying for a 12 month extension of a non immigrant O visa on the grounds of being over 50 and you are applying within Thailand. Applying in your own country has the advantages of being able to leave your funds in a bank in your own country and take advantage of competitive intetest rates, offset interest on a loan or grow superannuation. Also the Multiple entry non immigrant OA visa will allow you to stay in Thailand for 2 years without applying again for the second year thus allowing you to leave the bulk of your money in a bank in your own country for the second year. Just before your first year in Thailand is up you need to leave for example a neighbouring country and re-enter Thailand where you will be given another years stay without needing to show any proof of income etc
Dianne *****
Green bus from Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai, to Mae Sai 319 baht each way. 15 minute songteow ride from Mae Sai bus station to border;set price of 16 baht. Very organised and easy process. Book seats as close to the front as possible for the most comfortable arm chair like seats. Take something warm to wear or cover yourself with, as the air conditioning is Arctic. Book tickets online and pay by credit card or with cash at any
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within a few hours of booking. Expect it to be an 11-12 hour undertaking from leaving Chiang Mai to returning back in the evening. And yes, four small stamps
Dianne *****
Including an explanation in Thai to show your landlord
Dianne *****
perfecthomes.co.th/tm030-registration-thailand/