No panic; I'm just giving you a heads-up about a possible added complication. I've lived in Thailand for almost a decade, but it won't be until next year when I'm able to retire. I've done the low-paying teaching jobs, ED Visa, Tourist Visas, never more than two border crossings in a calendar year via visa-exempt stamp, almost on my third passport, current one is almost full (I know, it's in the system, but I do think a fresh one might make things easier), and I have felt a long delay a few times before as if I did something wrong. I figured I would have to explain that this is my last one for 2025, don't worry, I'll get a visa next time. 60+30 is all I needed, and the online system isn't as easy as in years past.....I knew I was taking a risk. I had 20k in my wallet, bank copies, addresses, phone numbers, and, I hate to say this, but I'm white, fit, no tats, etc.....hopefully not too triggering. Passport is blue, some people wear red hats.
When I left Thailand, nothing. That was a good sign, I thought. Coming back, pretty empty, the guy says to turn around and talk to an officer. No worries. I go back, figure it out (really only one office facing a separate check-in area), and wait for him to finish with another foreigner. We only spoke in Thai. I said this is normal, I'll go back, get many offers from schools, come back and get a Non-O and blah, blah, blah....He asked if I have a gf, if I'm working, what am I doing, and we joked for a bit. He stamped me for 60 days. Took less than three minutes.
I do think it's worth a post because two "should" be fine and I was slightly surprised two meant meeting. I hope it was just me, full passport, safety check, and I'm the super rare case. Of course I have no idea how often this happens. I still am very curious what happens if you get rejected. Do you have to repurchase a Laos Visa? probably. I planned to then fly to Udon, or maybe talk to the Big Boss and see if I can stay in Laos until xxxx date ,and then I'm OK.
I'm in a province where you can get a Non-O without leaving Thailand (school/agency pays more) and that should give me until next April.
Never fun, good luck all.
