@Bjarne ***************

- Russians already in Thailand have done border bounce since Nov 1st but I have been unable to ascertain whether or not they got 90 days or 30. It's an interesting question and I hope Tod keeps his finger on the pulse to let us know the answer.

@Ellie ******

that's what I thought but I don't understand Tod's comment. You only need insurance to cover your tourist entry, then once you are on non-O you can let your insurance expire. Isn't that right?

@Tod ********

this first choice, what are the insurance requirements when changing from tourist to in country non-O retirement?

@Tod ********

@Benjamin *****

you mention Thai consulates in the UK. It would appear that they are now all permanently closed for visas with London embassy online the only option.

@Benjamin *****

I'd send you a link but that is not allowed on TVA ?

Mae Hong Son immigration are doing exactly as you say, giving extensions up to 26 October, because they are interpreting "amnesty" as a postponement of the expiry of your visa until 26 September, which means you are entitled to an extension beyond that as long as you have not already had one. I'm astonished there has not been a stampede of tourists up to Pai. Check in guesthouse, get TM30'd, get extension, job done, back to Chiang Mai or wherever.

@James *******

call MHS Imm ask for Pai number. 2106

And I assume that with an METV you can cross to Tachilek multiple times within the validity of the visa?

Thank you Santeri, a useful answer.

Thinking more about two land crossings per calendar year. Say two in Nov and Dec, then a third in Jan would be a new calendar year, but referring to my original question, it depends how IO defines calendar year?