jfeigel

8 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

cant find anything to back what you said about canada. link please.

...I don't know if that is the case with Canada...

cost this Canadian $42 to get into Laos and then +$1 for a Saturday entry...

note...have the correct change if possible and be advised that they will refuse older American money...they would not take a $50 that was a 1990 series (I think) bill...tried passing it off in a Laos bar, Laos hotel, and at the duty free airport store in Vientaine...said it was real bill but just "too old"...

sorry but once again just looking for words of reassurance for a Thai border run rookie!

requiring a border run after a 30 day Visa on entry and 30 day extension...going to attempt this weekend

Pak Chong - Korat : by van...easy

Korat - Vientiane : on overnight bus...think it is necessary to pre-purchase this ticket online as opposed to grabbing one in the bus station?

looks like they don't like Canucks much in Laos...$42 for visa...is it necessary to have US cash for this?...seen comments on both sides of this argument...

will have passport photos in two different sizes for Laos visa

I am not looking to get a 60 day visa from the embassy, (although it might have been the smarter move!...but again maybe not now with the online vias application process), as I'm assuming that it is only open during the week. I am looking for a relaxing couple nights in Vientiane...getting a new 30 day Visa on entry...and then getting a 30 day extension in Korat as I did before...

The big question: am I missing anything...?...any tips or advice?

ps...some day I hope to be a worthwhile contributing forum member, but in the meantime...TIA!

so now I am faced with a border run before Feb. 11th looking for a way to stay longer...I was pretty sure that crossing the border and returning would grant me a new 30 day visa exempt entry...but does it have to be by air to be 30 days? does a crossing by land only warrant a 15 day exemption? Sorry if this is an elementary question but trust me I have been reading, but information always seems to be conflicting.

Tourist Visa Exemption

Anyone have a best scenario for a border run by land starting in Pak Chong? Obviously cheaper to do a land run if it gets you a new 30 but am getting to the point that flying out of BKK just seems simpler. This Thai expat stuff is tough! 

Thanks in advance!

fortunately there was no fine issued...perhaps if my girlfriend was also at the immigration office with me there would have been...

So just an update...made the trek to Korat...bus ride from Pak Chung no problem...from bus station to immigration office requires a taxi as the immigration office is 15km/20min away and not really in the city...

Main office...asking for 30 extension of canadian 30 day entry visa...sent to out building...and that's where things got a little dicey...they required proof of where I was staying...the business card of the apartment nor a paid monthly rental receipt was sufficient...luckily they were able to contact the property manager who provided enough info that the officials completed a "receipt of notification" which basically says they have gotten notification from the place where I will reside for the next 30 days...

I was told that anytime you leave and go province to province you must notify the state of where you are and where you are going to be hanging your hat...in a number of hotels that is apparently done for you...but if you are staying at a bnb, condo, apt....you have to ensure that is being done or it is your responsibility to do so...interesting...can't see that is being done or enforced given the vast numbers of hostelers, hikers etc. but make sure you have that kind of info for sure if you are looking to extend a visa...duh...I know now... ???? 

this forum is awesome! thanks for the help folks...with a little luck I'll be exploring the beautiful country of Thailand for 60 more days as opposed to suffering in the freezing winter of Saskatchewan, Canada!

thanks for the info...!

from Pak Chong I believe the closest immigration office is Korat. Is there any way to get the necessary form(s) ahead of time to speed up the process? What documentation is required with the application for a thirty day extension?

Sorry for such an entry level post but despite the vast amount of internet searching I am no closer to a clear answer for myself. 

I came to Thailand, entering by air via BKK on Dec. 14, 2018 to visit my girlfriend for christmas. She is in Thailand teaching english. I have decided I would like to stay and explore Thailand and leave with her when she has finished her teaching term in mid-March. As a Canadian I entered without a formal visa as it is not required for Canadians, and believe I am here on a 30 visa currently. My passport is stamped as being "admitted until January 12th" even though on the departure card it talks about "if the alien stay longer than 90 days..." . 

From what I've researched I am only good until January 12th regardless of what is on the back of the departure card. If I leave March 13 that would be 90 days. What is required to stay up to 90 days? and what is required to stay more than 90 days?  

I am open to border runs, flying in and out, applying for additional visas, just about anything other than get married to a Thai, as my girlfriend might have an issue... ;) 

Any advice would be appreciated! TIA!