edwardandtubs

How much did it cost?

A visa is definitely highly recommended but even with a visa exempt, it's very unlikely they would refuse entry after 5 months out. They never gave me any indication they were considering denying entry, even before I belatedly showed them my SETV. They just wanted me to fill in the form, show them the documents and explain my holiday plans. But you don't want the stress and inconvenience of waiting for an hour in the naughty boys' corner so it's better to have the visa and documents.

You should have no problem with an METV at Suvarnabumi airport. I was in a similar position to you back in September. I tried to enter visa exempt and was taken to a waiting area and asked to fill in a form and speak to the senior IO. Then I checked my emails and my SETV evisa had arrived. Key point: a senior IO told me, "You're always welcome to Thailand" but from now on you should have a visa, accommodation booking, return ticket and 20,000 baht. I think you'll be allowed straight in with an METV but it's better to prepare those documents just in case.

I notice from my appointment email that they've changed the queuing system. You used to be able to turn up any time between 9 and 12 but now you're given a queue number and a time window. So as I'm between numbers 1 and 25, I should be there for the first window (9.00 to 9.30 am). This would explain why there weren't many people around when you showed up at opening time. Does anyone know if they are strict about these time windows? Will I lose my appointment if I turn up after 9.30?

Sorry to hear of these losses. I follow reports from the front line and it sounds tough. I truly respect your courage.

You've misrepresented what I wrote. I said Thailand is a corrupt country which is widely regarded to be the case. See for example the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International. That's not the same as saying "everything in Thailand is corrupt". What have I misunderstood exactly. Why am I commenting? Well, I'm replying to your replies. If you stop replying, I'll have nothing to reply to. This is the way a discussion forum works. I'm not "derailing" the thread, I'm just replying to you. If you don't want me to do that, why on earth do you keep replying to me?

When have I attacked anyone? I agree, it's a personal choice but to make that choice you need to consider all the facts. What's your problem with that?

None of your posts have been of any assistance to me at all. There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with people as long as it's polite. Your replies to me are so constant and impolite that you are just stalking me so I am politely asking you to stop. I didn't reply to any of your post for a long time but it's become impossible to ignore you. Please respect my wishes and stop stalking me.

You seem to have taken my posts way too personally. There's nothing wrong with my hygiene standards and I'm sure yours are fine. I'm just making the point that early morning visa runs are not for everyone, especially not in Pattaya which is known mainly for its nighlife.

Yes, this has been the case for a long time. You used to be able to pay a 300 baht bribe to Cambodian officials for same-day re-entry but then there were reports last year of guys paying I recall 2,700 baht at the Thai side of the border for an agent to take their passport and do everything on the Cambodian side. It would be interesting to hear if there have been recent experiences of independent visa runs without paying for that "service".

You really think other people need your wisdom? It seems your whole life revolves around this sub-forum. You reply to most of my posts within a few minutes. You really need to get out more or if you really have nothing better to do with your life, at least learn to disagree in a polite manner.

Great to hear about the immaculate hygiene standards and propensity for early morning starts among Pattaya residents these days.

Maybe but these vans are in fact paying bribes to immigration officials. Do you really think they would let them run this service without taking their cut?

Why are you constantly stalking me with comments like this? It seems most of my posts on this forum get a reply like this from you. If you don't like my posts, fine ignore them. I don't value your opinion at all and if you don't value mine, is it not better if we just ignore each other?

And why do you think it is "expedited"? You think the agent and the immigration officials who let you jump the queue (or in your words asked others "to step aside") are just good mates or something? Clearly the agent is bribing the immigration officials.

To each his own. Sharing a small van with 7 other people (6 customers + the driver and agent?) doesn't sound very comfortable to me, especially not at 5 am when no one has had time to empty their bowels and shower.

Any people feel happy encouraging corruption in this way?

I don't know why people don't just rent a car and go there themselves. It works out cheaper than 3,700, you set your own hours and it's a lot more comfortable.

If you're feeling chartitable I'm sure you can find a better cause to donate that $50.

It's basically a protection racket where Youtube "protect" you from obnoxious, intrusive advertising if you pay them. As others have said, why not just use uBlock Origin?

The embassy website says: "Travel itinerary to and from Thailand and accommodation e.g. plane/train/bus ticket, hotel booking, letter from whom you will be staying with and a signed copy of his/her ID" but what is acceptable in terms of accommodation? I read an earlier report that a booking confirmation of a few days in a hotel was accepted. Anyone had any problems with this?

No evidence for that.

Exactly so it's impossible to get a printout even if you want one. The report is still there on the system for the IO to see though.

I've already said Laksi do (read the OP) but show me one report of anyone being turned away at CW for a tourist visa extension. You seem to be conflating different issues.

Nobody asked to see a TM30. As nobody has ever reported being turned away for not bringing a TM30 printout while extending a tourist visa at Chaengwatta, it's safe to say it is not required. Please don't spread false information.