@Jim ******

No. The current administration stopped/paused all applications for residency for about 75 countries and Thailand is one of them. Tourist and student visas are not affected - but ALL others are unfortunately.

9

When you check some recent posts, there are several people that were denied boarding to Thailand without an confirmed booking leaving Thailand within 60 days.

This is because the airline is legally responsible to take you back to your origin, if you don't meet the immigration requirements for your legal entry. The airlines are required to check each passenger's eligibility to enter a foreign country. As you expect to enter as a visa exempt tourist for a maximum of 60 days, they are completely in their right to refuse you travel. They don't care, that you plan to get the 30 day extension.

Therefore, it's the easiest to book a cheap ticket out of Thailand within the first 60 days ( even a cheap bus ticket to Laos, or an cheap Air Asia flight to Malaysia) is sufficient. Then you are definitely on the safe side.

@Gregg ******

you can clearly see, that it's a requirement to have proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days - or risk refusal of entry

@Gregg ******

Here is the official rule according to the Thai Embassy in Britain

You'll probably get several different answers. However, it is the law, that you need to show your intention to leave Thailand within the 60 days. Some airlines are very strict about it and they will not let you board.

Could you schedule your Cambodia trip to be within the 60 days - and then change it when you get to Thailand?

You don't need a return ticket to your original departure place, just a proof to leave Thailand within 60 days.

@Mike ********

There is no guarantee really. If you are unlucky, they may not let you enter even with a tourist visa.

You should really do some research and get the appropriate Visa for your long stay. Staying in Thailand for about 6 months/ per year will not be considered as a genuine tourist. If you want to come to Thailand regularly, you definitely need a long term solution.

@Stuart ********

Thank you for the detailed explanation and clarification. 💯

@George ********

NOT a good idea! Any kind of overstay might have serious consequences in the future. Do not risk it!

We don't know your visa history - so it's just a general advice: Do not overstay!

If your stamp history is not too extensive, I would recommend leaving Thailand for a few days and get in touch with the place where you had your ED visa. Let them know that you need the visa to be cancelled, and that you will come next week to pick up the printed confirmation of the cancellation.

Then you could try to get a visa exempt entry into Thailand ( if your passport is eligible) which should give you 60 days.

However, there's is no guarantee that you will be able to enter Thailand again if the IO doesn't see you as a genuine tourist.

Perhaps it would be better for you to look for a company that does a border bounce. They check in advance if you will be able to get back into Thailand.