Better way. Get a multi-entry, Visa. Good for a period of 6 months. Stay 60 days at a time, leave, come back on same Visa.

Okay I need a little help with my VISA plan here. US citizen planning to travel to Thailand for a total stay in Southeast Asia of 5 months. Opting for a Thai multi entry tourist visa. My question is, if I'm planning to leave on the last day of November and return on the last day of April, when should I apply for the Visa? Anybody with recent knowledge of how far out the Thai consulate in Chicago is taking to issue such visas? Thanks in advance for any relevant help.

@Eno **********

who did you use, may I ask?

@Kool ******

It took me less than 4 weeks, recently - as a reveal, expedited service, filled in application online and submitted it at the post office. What was odd was they sent me the new passport almost immediately, but it was 3 months before the old passport and passport ID card was returned to me.

@Kool ******

be aware he's not getting a new passport he's renewing an old passport it does not take 4 months. Ask for expedition and pay for it.

@Kool ******

- May be true for new passports but he's not getting a new passport -he's renewing an old one. Ask for expedited service and pay for it and you'll be fine. If I remember correctly there is a travel date question on a renewal form be sure to fill yours in, maybe even a week or so before your travel.

@Nick ******

because common sense is not always common. 😁🙃