I think Yr right, with 2 extensions and a border run, a Tourist visa is definitely the safer way to go this year. Do you live in Vietnam? Are you planning further longer trips to Thailand... maybe work related? The Immigration situation has certainly "tightened up".
Perhaps a Non immigrant AO visa could give you more leeway and peace of mind BUT these do not allow you to work there. I'm going on a 60 day visa exempt this year, but then again, I only go once or twice a year, and I'm not expecting complications... but I'm still taking at least 20,000 Bahts lol
Yes, it's tricky but I did look on the Thai London embassy's Web site and it was 800,000 THB... OR 65,000 THB.
So, when my UK bank gives me written proof of monthly funds exceeding 65,000 and the Thai, embassy in London accepts this along with my non immigrant type O visa application, (plus all other required docs), then all should be well. I believe then, if after the 1st year, I wish to renew this, I then have to demonstrate that I have been depositing a minimum 65,000 THB every month for the previous 12 months to qualify.
would appreciate those of you in the know out there, to say yay or nay to this interpretation and for anyone who has already done something similar to let me know. I'll be grateful.
Make sure immigration stamps Yr passport. During one visit they overlooked/forgot? to stamp mine and when I returned to the airport to go back to the uk, they called me in and started asking all sorts of questions. Luckily my Thai girlfriend was there to verify and translate where necessary. I still had 2 days left on my original allowance so all got sorted in the end
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