@Tim *******

It saves the step of getting a Non O in Thailand.

If they arrive with a Non O they’d get 90 days on arrival and when that’s winding down can extend for a year if they meet the requirements.

With a visa exempt or tourist visa (both 60 days on arrival) they’d first need to convert to the Non O and then get the year extension - hence the answer of saving a day at immigration. Some offices may take 40 minutes or so. Some way longer.

@Chad **********

They aren’t married.

Just book the flights. You’ll get a 60 day visa exempt stamp on entry.

Almost certainly yes. Depending on your nationality you could potentially use the visa exempt stamp. There isn’t a technical limit on how many times you can use that so you might get away with it. However that’s increasingly unlikely with some people being questioned or even denied on their second attempt.

A multiple entry tourist visa allows unlimited entries for its 6 month validity. Depending on your timeframe that might suit.

Alternatively the DTV is a 5 year visa that allows unlimited entries during its validity. You get a stamp for 180 days o each entry.

Nothing. You’d get a visa exempt entry stamp for free on arrival.

There you go. I just saved you $300.

Never a good plan to overstay. Sure IF you get to the airport the fine would only be 4,000 baht and a red overstay stamp in your passport.

Not generally an issue returning to Thailand with that but other countries may have an issue with that stamp if you apply for a visa for there.

Also if you were to be stopped at a police checkpoint or had an accident whilst on overstay that could open up a whole can of worms for you. Potentially deportation and a ban for re-entering for 5 years. This scenario is unlikely but it could potentially happen.

7k for a bounce might turn out to be money well spent.

This will be office specific. Probably best to go there and ask for the current handout of what’s needed.

This is the requirements for Phuket. It may or may not be the same for your office.

How long will depend entirely on the embassy or consulate you are applying at. Some turn around in 3-5 days. Some 10-15. Others more.

Depends on your son’s nationality as to whether he needs a tourist visa or can enter visa exempt. If the latter then there is no reason for the former. Both give 60 days on entry.

@Evan *******

Absolutely not. Kiwis can come visa exempt and get many visas in country or for the DTV they can go to a nearby country and apply there for a fraction of what NZ charges.

I have no idea why NZ changed their pricing when they switched to the evisa system, but it could be that they don’t want to process any visas and just want to go surfing.

@Evan *******

Each embassy/consulate sets it own price point. Yes it’s supposed to be the sort of equivalent to 10k but because exchange rates fluctuate they may price it slightly different. NZ is just an anomaly. It charges 4-5x more than any other embassy on earth.