CharlieTailored

54 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Welcome to the forums!

 

I do not think getting a new passport makes much difference. That aside, much depends on the individual immigration official. Usually, returning to the US, and coming back with an METV would have a good look to it, I think. It would just about guarantee no problems on entry if you were back home for a couple of months, as it suggests continuing ties to the US and not someone who has moved permanently to Thailand. However, I doubt you want to do that, and any METV is going to be sufficient most of the time since it is a long time since you were here as a tourist. I am assuming you are still young. If so, some immigration officials might decide to be suspicious if you just get single entry tourist visas in the region.

 

I think you are right to canvass and consider different opinions. Good luck!

Hi Tim,

Thanks so much for the advice. If returning home for a couple months will almost guarantee the METV, I would be willing to do that. Yes I'm 30.

Just to clarify, you are saying that being here as a university student should not count against me in the assessment of whether or not to let me in as a tourist?

Also, if I did obtain the METV, does it guarantee I'll be able to extend it every 60 days, or will it be a scare each time?

Lastly, how long would you recommend the stay back home in America to assure the METV, 1 month, 2 months, or more?

Hi everyone, new to the forum and was hoping to get advice on my best course of action.

To better understand my situation, I am an American and have been in Thailand for the last 7 years. The first 6 months, in 2010, was with a Non-immigrant visa teaching English. Next 6 months was tourist visas and border runs. The next year I signed up for Thai classes and had the 1 year ED visa. Then in 2012, and for the last 5 years, I ended up pursuing a proper master's degree at Kasetsart University. I have just graduated and the visa will expire next month.

What I would ideally like to do is somehow stay in Thailand for at least another 6 months, until around the end of the year. I am able to fly back to America for a bit if it is required, however I do have a condo lease here with some equipment and belongings, so getting refused entry would kind of suck, but I guess not the end of the world.  

Also to note, my entire history of visas has accrued in the same passport, which is pretty full now, so not sure if it would be beneficial to get a new passport at the embassy before applying for the next visa, and thus possibly make it look more like I am a first time traveler.

What are everyone’s thoughts?