IgboChief

You are pretty much missing the point I think: The Visa Sticker says "valid until" 19-February and am leaving on 17th. Which makes it reasonable to apply for Extension before the 17th. They still denied me that, pointing out that the visa based on my arrival is ending on 28th April only (but without the implied ME Permit). So they implicitly extend the ME Visa, but not the ME permission and force me to do an extra ME permission.

I am just 48 years old and travel every 2-3 weeks or so. However, the next phone call can change everything. So ME Permit is mandatory. And yes, I was referring to the change regarding Laos/Savannaketh where the Visa was issued next day.

Greetings. As least for me, the Visa Situation has become a lot worse: I am holding a Non-O from Savannaketh "valid until" 19-Feb-2025 and I entered Thailand on 28-Jan-2025 and got a stamp until 28-April-2025. Today, at the Immigration I was told that I can't do an Extension yet because "too early". All I could get was a Multiple Re-Entry permit (after spending half day at the Amphur for a a Khor Ror 22 and another 1 hour at the bank for a bank statement). Then I am expected to come back in April, applying for extension, would be put under 8 weeks consideration -- for which one I have to do another Multi RE Permit. Then, when finally getting the stamp I will have to do another Multi RE Permit. So effectively, I will have to pay for 3 ME R-Permits and have to come to the local Immigration 3 times and I am losing 3 passport pages for all those stamps. This is very frustrating honestly compared to the ease and simplicity of getting the Visa at Savannaketh before. Anyone in a similar situation? How do you guys deal with the change in Visa policy?

Again, I am in the same situation: driving license expired 3 years ago and I did not have time or nerve to renew. Got stopped for speeding a few times around Chiang Mai, "slapped" with a massive 500 THB fine each time -- paid 1000 THB with a big grin just because I can and drove off. It's one of the things you can easily ignore here. Their license is worth nothing.

So true and a totally underrated comment. Cheers!

Yepp, everyone knows me at the office, they now my name and when my daughter was born and when my daughter left to Europe. I know when they got their kids and their houses. Still, every single year they want to see my neighbor to confirm we are married and they pretend they have never seen me before for the period of the visa application. Its hilarious.

You can make a separate Multi Re-Entry permit and travel during this "under consideration period", that's not the problem. The real problem is that you must be back around the week when your "under consideration" ends. I am working on projects with volatile schedules and this is a really unfortunate requirement for me.

Looks like right now, I will do "Extension of Stay" again -- which is a pain. I won't have much time this year for chartering new teritory, but next year I may opt for LTR/Digital Nomad. (I travel in/out very frequently.)

Same for me in Udon, that's why I always went the Savannaketh route. I have been able to shorten this period to 48 hours once, when it was necessary. 10k THB consultancy fee.

Greetings! I have been a long time Non-O ME Savannaketh enjoyer simply because I got my visa there within 2 days and no neighbors or house visits needed. Although I reckon that this won't work anymore in February 2025? What are my options now? I have the seasoned funds and all papers but I can't afford the usual 6 weeks "under consideration" period and also bringing wife and neighbors to immigration is an inconvenience. (I travel very frequently and my schedule is volatile.) Since I hold residence permit and companies in other countries, would "Digital Nomad" be a stable option (with the same reliability as a Non-O ME)? Thank you upfront for kind advise and guidance, cheers!

Kudos and compliments to the captain who stabilized the plane and landed it safely! Kudos and compliments to the crew, who took injuries and still had to manage the cabin and the guests! Having Platinum status on One World, I say: you are all (my) heroes!

Well, once you go black you never come back! And especially when you get older, you will need/want something "stronger". Try it and you will understand...

All 3 items depend on your Changwat and Immigration office. I know well, what Udon Thani requires. I am happy for you, if yours is more supportive than mine. But I am also happy that the Savankhet options exists.

The money really does not matter. Extension money needs to be seasoned and you need a "Banking Letter", at Savankhet only an Electronic statement of an current account. Extension needs Wife and neighbor to be present, at Savanakhet only signed copies of Tabien Ban and ID card. Extension puts you 6-8 weeks under consideration, at Savanakeht you get everything ready next day. Extension gets you 365 days, at Savanakhet you get 365 + 90 days when timing it well and you don't need 90 reports and rubbish when you leave the country often (as I do). Extension is quiet unfriendly and nerve wrecking, Savanakhet staff was always neutral/fast/nice. Extension can insist in visiting your house. At Savanakhet you visit their house! (Just kidding.) So for frequent travelers its the much easier option and I am happy it exists.

In my case they accepted an electronic BKK Bank Current account statement, 5 days old and showing the funds for less than 1 month. (I had a seasoned fix deposit too with banking letter, but they had no interest in that.)