Requesting visa exempt instead of using tourist visa

[Minko]

I would like obtain a Tourist visa, then enter Thailand for about 4 days on visa exempt, exit for a week then return for about 33 days using the tourist visa.  

Surely this is relatively common but I cant find out if its ok to just ask Immigration not to use the TV on my first entry?  

 

I am aware there is a METV however the cost is not worth it for this instance I would rather stay longer outside Thailand if they cant stamp me as visa exempt on first entry.  

 

[ubonjoe]

It entirely depends upon the immigration officer when you enter the country. Some would allow you to use a visa exempt entry while others would insist on using the visa. 

If you had to use your visa you could get a single re-entry permit for a fee of 1000 baht that would keep the remainder of your 60 day entry valid when you enter the country. You can apply for the re-entry permit at an immigration office or on departure from the country at some airports (either one in Bangkok) and border crossings.

[sandmonster]

I think you will find they will use up your Tourist Visa first. I encountered such a situation years ago and the officer insisted thats how its done. You may have better luck, but don't bank on it...

[LivinLOS]

I have done this (requesting not to use the visa) once or twice and thought it was standard practice.. I was even told by a western consulate to do so.. It was only reading on here that this was an issue that alerted me to it going wrong. 

[stat]

Next time maybe use a 2nd (legal) passport from your homecountry

[biggles45]

I had this issue a few months ago. I had a visa from themaphilippine embassy in Manila but,was going to Australia for 10 days 2 weeks into it. I didn't write the visa number on the arrivals card and I explained my situation to the IO, suggesting that the Thai embassy had said  he could give me the 30 days now. He smiled and said, I saw no visa stamping me in fpr 30 days.