5ilver

I think people just need to understand that it's pretty much unfeasible for any country (that's not a hermit territory) to apply such a limited restriction on visa-exempt entries (via air). As an example, say if I am a resident in a neighbouring country to Thailand and I love to take weekend trips to Phuket or Bangkok whenever I have a chance for a short getaway, to party/shop/dine. Based on this supposed limit of 2 visa-exempts a year, does this mean henceforth no one would be able to take short trips to Thailand more than twice a year? That's ridiculous and even by Thai standards would be an absolute self-own to their economic ambitions tourism-wise. So the only logical explanation of the RTE London text is that it is a typo/mis-interpretation by the website manager of local consular staff.

Intriguing to hear the part at the 10 minute mark of the podcast when the MFA guy opined that it is acceptable (to him I guess!) for someone to enter Thailand on consecutive visa-exempts (as long as you do not re-enter on the same day, but instead the next day). But he then qualifies that statement with "of course similar to other countries, it is always at the discretion of the immmigration officer"

Thanks for sharing this @sallecc, I was interested in applying from KL as well but looks like that option is out. Until a few days ago, the only consulate in Malaysia that had published application details on the DTV was Kota Bahru, so this is interesting to see. One thing that caught my eye here is that the KL requires showing proof of prolonged residence in Thailand (so someone needs to have a rental in place prior to applying? reminds me of the hoohah during the STV days), which I haven't seen anyone being asked of elsewhere at this stage.

You're a legend not just in your own mind mate, thanks for sharing this. Looks like this was posted on Chinese Instagram with that Xiaohongshu watermark at the bottom right. Do share more deets when you get them. I just enquired about the DTV with the consulate in Singapore, and seems like they're only processing foreigners holding long-term passes there at the moment.

Yes I probably imagined so. For me, as you said, I had thought that the additional 500 baht service fee for the regular service option could have been worth it, just for the peace of mind ahead of a trip to the immigration office. That being said, just to update, I had written a complaint to VFS regarding my experience and lo and behold, I received a response stating that contrary to what they advertise, a customer's only service choice is the "super urgent' (5000 baht) i.e. next-day service option. Once selected, appointment slots will magically appear to a customer. So this means that their 'regular' 7 days (500 baht) and 'express' 3 days (1500 baht) service options are pretty much, nothing more than a sham. Why am I even surprised.

Just wanted to ask if anyone here has successfully used VFS' online service for extension purposes recently? Whilst it seems legitimate and endorsed by the authorities considering there is a HUGE "Apply for Electronic Extension of Visa" banner on the Immigration Bureau's website, that directs visitors towards VFS' website.... I just tried giving it a go (for a simple 30 day extension on visa-exempt entry) and after uploading all documents, the final step lands at a page to "Book an Appointment" which lo and behold, there are no appointment slots all the way through February 2024. This surely can't be right?

Yes actually I do remember reading the article featuring that interview. Frankly, this is all really a case of income tax structures not able to catch up/align with all these new ways of "work." As a theoretical example, say if one has built a small SAAS business which pretty much runs by itself and this small internet business owner spends some time in Thailand (say 3-5 months in a year over say 2-3 trips?), largely hanging out at beach resorts and bars but he does sometimes have to reply some customer emails over his phone, take a few Zoom calls with his tech support team, there and abouts. Is he/she working really? Or just enjoying a fancy beach vacation whilst just having to fulfil a little work obligation online sometimes?

Great report, thanks for sharing @BillyBobzTeeth. This is really informative. Just wondering, the "fees" are only applicable for folks doing a same-day visa run and are paid before being stamped out of Thailand correct? Reason I'm asking is I'm currently in Malaysia and am planning to take a coach to spend a few days in Hatyai end of year before heading to some other beach town for NYE. I've not been in Thailand for the past 2 months (although had an extensive stay there before thanks to the COVID extensions). I've also never done a border crossing this calendar year. Don't think I should prepare myself to pay that "fee" right?

Thanks for the informative report @sadmoneysnow re: the police checks on the bus, I did read recent news reports that immigration and the police are tasked to "extra scrutinize" foreign arrivals (and also foreign residents) these few days to ensure security for APEC so it could be related to that.

I remember pre-pandemic, there was also an auto-gate lane which they opened for holders of Singaporean and Hong Kong passports. Wonder if anyone passing through recently has seen that reinstated?

You'll be fine re-entering by air if your current stay is only just 2 months or so. Best of luck on your trip!

You didn't mention how long you have been staying in Thailand to-date and what visa (if any) you were on previously prior to your extension. If you're doing a visa run via air after a long-stay in Thailand, and trying to return on visa-exempt - you should definitely prepare proof of an onward ticket as well as sufficient proof of funds (i.e. cash on hand) on re-entry at airport immigration. It's very likely you will get some questions. A less risky option for you would be to carry out your visa run via land (since you're heading to Laos which is next door). Especially when you're only planning to stay outside of Thailand for just a day.

@Adam219 With regards to the 180 day rule like Schengen, I also don't think there's formally such a rule in Thailand. That being said, on several Thai embassy websites around the world, do note there is such a liner regarding visa-exempt stays "foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." Were your COVID extensions done against an original visa-exempt entry? Based on the other threads, I would say the "safest" way to re-enter in your case would probably be via one of the land borders (note you only can do 2 max of those per calendar year). May work for you since you're already in a neighbouring country (i.e. Cambodia/Vietnam). Anyway, do update your re-entry experience here in due time when you have the chance. All the best!

It would be helpful info if anyone who has taken a covid extension previously, and has successfully done a border run - can kindly share their experience here. Would love to understand if anyone has faced issues on re-entry,