Greenwich Boy

As I understood it you can't get a re-entry on the 60 day tourist visa but I may have read it a different way. This means that the I/O officer at the border may read it the same way I did and you can't argue with them if they say no, even if you paid for a re-entry prior to leaving. Many nationalities are visa exempt for 30 days on arrival, you may have to time your trips around that, but if you do make sure you have a copy of flight itinerary so they can see you're going back home and have the requisite amount of money in cash, I think 20,000. There has been a lot of changes in the last 12 months, in addition to quite a bit of officers disobeying directives from Bangkok and misunderstandings like a blanket ban on people leaving the country to do a border run at Mae Sai for a time, even those with current and valid non immigrant visa's were caught up in it. If you're crossing by land you're more likely to have local interpretations of regulations

Because these visas are so new, err on the side of caution and have the paperwork we always should have had but never bothered to actually carry on hand.

I'd advise that you also post in the Visa forum as they are far more exert than us and they get reports of what is being allowed and what isn't at various entry points, you'll get a definitive answer on if you can indeed do this, but still, be prepared to be prepared.

Definitely a case of suck it and see. Will try for a re entry permit - if not will work it around 30 day entries (UK Citizen) Will report back on success or lack of it in January.

All paperwork will be to hand, have done enough trips to Mai Sai in the past not to take anything for granted.

Originally posted in Visa Forum, only posted locally as I was not sure which office dealt with re entry permits but as often happens the thread digresses - all helpful input though

Sorry clumsy fingers. My stay in Thailand is less than 60 days, I just wish to do one or two short trips to neighbouring countries exiting by land. I do not wish to extend my total stay. Hence the use of a re entry permit (or multiple re entry permit depending on my final plans) I only mentioned double and triple entry visas as this is how I have accomplished trips like this in the past. I try to avoid too many visa exempt entries if possible.

Stoneboy you have explained the mechanics nicely.

All I have to do now is actually get one from CM Immigration in January

Stoneyboy

Not sure if I understand your reply. So are you saying yes, it is true Greenwich Boy can not get a re-entry permit on a single entry tourist visa? Or are you saying that if he arrives 1 Jan and gets a stay until 28 Feb, he can get re-entry permits and travel in and out of country as many times as he wants until 28 Feb despite his original visa being single-entry?

Example I entered Thailand on a single entry tourist visa on the 26th of November the permission to stay stamp is 60 days from that day meaning I can stay until 25th of January.

If I want to leave and return in that 60 day period I obtain a single re entry permit,so if I leave on 1st of December having been here only a few days and return on the 20th December I can still stay only until the 25th of January that's it.

All those days between the 1st of December and the 20th whilst out of the Kingdom are lost,I have only until the 25th of January that's what a re entry permit does.

It doesn't extend the visa life,that is used as soon as you enter that's of course if it's only a single entry one.

Stoneyboy

Not sure if I understand your reply. So are you saying yes, it is true Greenwich Boy can not get a re-entry permit on a single entry tourist visa? Or are you saying that if he arrives 1 Jan and gets a stay until 28 Feb, he can get re-entry permits and travel in and out of country as many times as he wants until 28 Feb despite his original visa being single-entry?

Example I entered Thailand on a single entry tourist visa on the 26th of November the permission to stay stamp is 60 days from that day meaning I can stay until 25th of January.

If I want to leave and return in that 60 day period I obtain a single re entry permit,so if I leave on 1st of December having been here only a few days and return on the 20th December I can still stay only until the 25th of January that's it.

All those days between the 1st of December and the 20th whilst out of the Kingdom are lost,I have only until the 25th of January that's what a re entry permit does.

It doesn't extend the visa life,that is used as soon as you enter that's of course if it's only a single entry one.

You can get them at Promenada, or also at the airport (but only on your way out, after checking in and passing security).

I worded my question poorly, I meant was it the old immigration office by the airport.

I will be leaving Thailand by land so need the re entry permit beforehand - Promenada it is then and thanks

Due to the sad demise of double and triple entry tourist visas I will be applying for a single entry from home and hoping to get a re entry permit in Chiang Mai.

Have managed to avoid immigration for the last couple of years so could someone please confirm that re entry permits are issued at the Prom and not at the Airport.

It used to be the same queue as tourist visa extensions - still the same?

Going rate for a songtaew or tuk tuk from Maya?

Many Thanks

if you got a setv, giving you a 60 day permission to stay stamp, you could get a multi entry re-entry permit (3800baht) that would cover you for all in and outs, and not have to worry about on visa exempt entry rules. a single entry re-entry permit (1000 baht) may do, with maybe a second if required. save a few baht but more trips to local immigration

Thought I had all bases covered but had not even considered a re entry permit. That way I won't be at the whim of an immigration officer who is having a bad day.

Thanks a lot.

You could do it with visa exempt entries and 30 day extensions of them. The crossings to Laos are not as strict for doing them as some other crossings.

But I assume you are aware you may need a ticket out of the country within 30 days to board your flight from the UK.

Even if you could get the METV it would not be worth the trouble and cost to get one unless you are going to be back to use it before it expires.

Thanks Ubonjoe

My flight out of Thailand is more than 30 days after I arrive so I presume a SETV is the way to go - getting to the Thai Embassy in London is no problem.

Much easier than getting extensions in Chiang Mai anyway!

To play completely safe should I delay re entering Thailand from Laos (on which will now be a visa exempt entry) until there are less than 30 days to go until I fly out and have the plane ticket with me?

All seems fine just concerned about being considered a 'border runner'

Thanks again for excellent advice.

Am back in Thailand for six weeks from early January. Normally obtain triple entry TV and do a couple of side trips to other countries.

5k will be in the bank but not for six months so assuming I only get a SETV.

Have a road trip planned which will involve crossing by land into Laos a couple of times but possibly only for a day.

Purely from a visa point of view will this be possible with a combination of extensions and visa exempt entries?

Last time I was here there was a bit of a crackdown on visa exempt entries by land.

UK Citizen and will be applying in London

E visa will give you 28 days.

had not seen that - thanks

Will be back in Chiang Mai later in the year and fancy a few days in Yangon.

I saw the announcement of the new consulate but can't seem to find an address - anyone been there and how easy is it to get a tourist visa? (I am English)

Last time I was in town I am sure Myanmar Golden Airlines were flying direct from CNX but I just get gobbledegook from their website when trying to check prices.

Looks like Bangkok Airways also fly direct now so that is not a problem.

Any other tips on Yangon (Rangoon or whatever) all appreciated.

Thanks

The "cow soi" at Maya is average at best. Much better and cheaper "cow soi" to be found just up Huay Gaow and across the street. Look for the 7/11, turn left at that corner, and walk straight ahead maybe 50 meters. 30 baht for "cow soi" with chicken and 40 baht for beef. Far, far superior to the Maya experience in every way.

Edit: I believe this is open for lunch only, maybe 11 AM to 2 PM but I am not sure.

If it is a Khao Soi vote here is mine. Cross Nimmen to Maya and carry on the Superhighway for about 200 yards. Just after the road that leads to Greenhill Place is my favourite Khao Soi 'shack'. Lunchtime only.

Plenty of cheap evening eats just after this, recommend the duck from the Chinese stall.

Must say I have not been in town for a few months (back January!!) so could all be demolished by now.

I watch nearly all sports for free on vipboxsports.me - subject to weather and signal strength of course

So the alternative if a trip to mae sai , a day trip for around 1100bt for the same 30 days.

So is the extension a once only allowance, whereas mae sai you can go every month if you wish.?

Might be pointing out the obvious but Mae Sai as an alternative to CM Immigration for 30 days only works on a single entry Tourist Visa or the last one of a Visa with more than one entry (can't say multi entry it will upset Mario)

If you are on a double entry and go to Mae Sai after the first 60 days you will get a further 60 days but will trigger the second entry - so losing the possible extra 30 days - think I am right on this.

If you are not pushed for time a night in Chiang Rai at the B2 breaks the journey nicely. Room, travel and a couple of beers wont set you back much more than the 1900B at immigration.

If you are from a G7 country then civilisation really is doomed - it must be dark for 6 months of the year!

I tried to find out about this late last year without luck.

There is a border crossing at Aronathai but I think it is still for locals only at the moment.

I know the thread you are talking about but due to my abysmal computer skills can't seem to copy it.

If you google 'Aronathai' you will get the link to the Thai Visa thread.

I believe the moderator Poor Sucker lives up that way as well.

If you have any joy please let us know!

Depending on your definition of intellectual but the Chiang Mai Bridge Club (and chess) are normally around 3 or 4 times a week at The Pub on Huay Kaew. Usual TV and booze.

Ex Pat and definitely over 40.

No doubt someone will be along to tell you how bad the traffic is from the city but should only be 20B in a songtaew.

I think you need to check this out a bit more before travelling.

I was in Tachilek yesterday and I think the '14 day pass' you get is only valid for the surrounding areas.

Am not absolutely sure and other advice given here may be correct but I think you need a visa.

As a suggestion play safe and post this question in the Myanmar section of this forum - clever people there.

I know this sort of subject gets covered regularly but things change, places improve, get worse etc so thought I would pass on my recent experiences of places recommended on this Forum and by other people.

Teeth cleaning at Grace Dental. I know that other dental clinics are also highly recommended (and cheaper) but went here as it is local. I am a fully paid up member of the Boys are Babies at Dentists Club and have not been inside one for 20 years so knew this was not going to be fun.

Dentist (or whatever you want to call her) was very patient with me - I was there well over an hour.

Paid 2,000 Baht which is the top end of their sliding scale which I fully expected.

Very professional all round experience.

Went in to Vision Centre today (the one between UN Irish and the moat) to get contact lenses and ask about getting a proper eye test as I need new lenses as the existing ones are scratched.

Ended up getting seen straight away. Optician suggested that with my prescription (-9.0 or so) and my age (bleedin cheek!) I may struggle to read small print but if I was prepared to compromise a little bit on my 'long vision' I could get away with not needing two pairs of glasses.

I tried both and the 'compromise' one was perfect so professional advice rather than sell a second pair.

To top it off I asked if lenses could be fitted into my existing frames - no problems - come back in a hour all done. Frames cleaned, straightened out 3,500 Baht.

Could not recommend more highly.

So carry on recommending you long stayers - we do appreciate it.

Personally I dont trust any of these VIP shuttle type buses. Whenever I go to Mae Sai I either drive up there with the missus or take the Green Bus from Terminal 2. I watched lots of these VIP mini coaches on the way up and dang.... your life is in their hands literally. Dangerous to the max, have seen the results of their driving too. Just too risky for my liking.

Have ridden a CRF250 up there...nice trip but arse went to sleep due to dam_n hard seat. Not sure if Id take a scooter up there but as mention in this post, people do.

Im not sure about the O Visa and multiple entries. When I got a multiple entry visa from Vientainne it simply stated at the area marked "No. of entry" : '2'

Hopefully someone can answer this for you, I do know that when you fill in the white slip when coming back into Thailand, that you must quote your visa number. Failure to do so will give you just the normal exempt visa allowance (Which is only 14 days when walking across to Myanmar for visa run).

Good luck

CMKiwi

Agree with your advice as far as the Green Bus but you are a little out of date re visa exempt crossings at Mae Sai.

Since 1st November members of the G7 Countries get 30 days.

Not trying to be picky but might as well get the correct info out there.

just got my monthly bill and am paying 8 Baht for leccy and 25 for water in a condo.

I have a fan running pretty much all the time, a laptop and a fridge as well as lights.

monthly bill is 800 - 900 Baht for electricity and less than 100B for water.

these figures are pretty much the same throughout the year except when forced to use the aircon - then it can get very expensive!

Does anyone have any experience of getting a stamp here. I was under the impression that it is still locals only but it is much more convenient than Mae Sai if travelling from the Chiang Mai area.

To clarify, UK citizen just need an additional 30 (now) days from a land border before heading home but as there are three of us in the car do not want to be responsible for getting there to be told 'no can do'

thanks

just received this from Singapore Airlines

revised baggage allowance from 15th November

economy 30 kg

business 40 kg

first 50 kg

apologies if this is not 'new' news

The Sunday hikes referred to by Eyecatcher are good. Pretty diverse group - age, nationalities etc.

I tend to only do the easy ones and they will still get you puffing.

The details for this Sundays walk and meeting point is normally posted the previous Thursday - so today if it not already there.

Eyecatcher - am planning on Doi Suthep next Wednesday. Will start earlier than you, reckon you will pass me half way up the 'steep bit' If I am lying down and breathing heavily I am not knackered - just enjoying the scenery!

When the dust settles it would be nice to have a list of crossings where it can be confirmed that people have actually received 30 days as reality and rule changes do not always go hand in hand.

I too would like to know the process for a visa run. We have a Multi-Entry Non-Immigrant Visa Cat '0' (Visiting Thailand as a Retired Person aged 50 and over). This is not a retirement visa as many expats we've spoken to presume it to be. We have to leave the country every 90 days and we know that we can do this by land rather than air. We plan to make a bit of a trip of it and book a couple of nights in a hotel in Chiang Rai, travel there by Green bus and arrange a driver to take us to Mae Sai the following day. A couple of questions:

About how much should we expect to pay for the car and driver from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai?

I understand that the stamp costs 500 baht. Do we have to provide photos?

Anything else we should be aware of?

The only thing that was stamped when we entered Thailand was our entry date on our departure card. What should we expect to be stamped on this first visa run?

Many thanks.

Book your seats on the bus at least a couple of days in advance if possible. If you are on the bus that continues to Mae Sai then you have the option of seat types.

Rows 1 through to 4 are VIP class with 1A being a single seat and 1B and 1C are together.

After that is First Class - I paid 234B each way to Mae Sai last week in First Class - a bit less for Chiang Rai maybe?

On previous trips the bus has stopped twice in Chiang Rai, firstly at the new station outside of town and then at the old station in town. Last week it only stopped at the new station but transport from either is not a problem.

If you want a driver and get no answers on transport from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai suggest you post in the Chiang Rai forum.

The must see in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun - The White Temple.

Across the border in Tachilek is a bit of an experience for the first time!

I am on a different visa to you so do not wish to give incorrect information out - sure somebody will help