Re-entry permit or visa-free entry?

[tchk]

I am on an METV, my last stamp says admitted until April 11 and my flight home is on April 10. Before this, I am planning a trip to Vietnam out of Suvarnabhumi. My first thought was getting a re-entry permit before leaving, but couldn't  I save the expense and just leave on March 19 and re-enter March 23 on a visa waiver? Hotel booking, ticket out of Thailand, 20 kB ready, of course. Thanks for advice.

[Briggsy]

What date is your METV valid until? It says on the visa sticker.

[tchk]

You mean ENTER BEFORE?

14 MAR 2018

[BritTim]

3 hours ago, tchk said:

You mean ENTER BEFORE?

14 MAR 2018

If you have spent extended periods (say, over 6 months) in Thailand in the last couple of years, or have several previous visa exempt entries, then play it safe and get the re-entry permit at the airport on departure. It is a pretty easy process costing 1,000 baht. If you are a casual tourist who spends a month or so in Thailand every now and again, just come in visa exempt.