@Graham *****

yes you are correct that that applied strictly to land entries previously. Now however if someone has two 60 days visa exempts in a calendar year with extensions they use it as a rule of thumb as to whether you are a tourist or a resident, it is not a strict rule. Me I prefer to get visas before I travel. This lady for example could easily have got a 6 month multiple entry visa and would then have no worries

She should be OK. If she were to leave at the end of December and return at the beginning of January she will definitely be OK as they measure days per calendar year...

@Kim ********

I don't think anything has changed with the staff at all, but something has definitely changed 'above' them, meaning they have to do extra work and checking to regular on some issues. I have no idea why or how long it will last.

Good luck, hope it works out OK for you. Something odd seems to be happening at Udon Thani immigration specifically currently so it would be interesting to hear if this is nationwide or just Udon. I have found them to be friendly, helpful and effecient but it seems they are under some sort of outside measures at the moment.

@Greg **********

I think this is perhaps an Udon Thani only issue. 12 months ago the same agency were charging 25,000 for the same service.

@Philip ******

yes that was actually the suggestion of the agent. But as I am back in London for family reasons, I thought I may as well do it here

@Ian *********

thanks for answering the question.

@John *********

oh and what is it you are wondering about? I have never over stayed, never lived in Thailand, and never had any problems.

@John *********

yes, previously so. And no doubt in other areas but for some reason in Udon Thani they are making it difficult with a need for in district witnesses and other information, and it then has to be signed off in Khon Kaen. Apparently due to 'previous problems'. The IO said it was difficult now and an agent said the same thing, last year the same agent charged 30,000 now 70,000. I assume this is a local issue, following some sort of investigation.

@Ron *****

you are correct, and I am sure it isn't a problem. I just find it hypocritical for a Bank to tell you to lie about the purpose of a transaction one day and then demand all sorts of paperwork to prove you are telling the truth about a transaction the next