Visa Question

[beechguy]

Basic issues but I would appreciate help. Thanks much! I will be entering Thailand getting the standard 30 day visa on arrival.

1. I have read that a passport must be valid for at least 30 days for entry into Thailand. My new (renewed) Passport will only be 3 weeks old when I arrive from the US.

Question - Will this be a problem for me on arrival ?

2. I have booked my return flight for 1 month and 7 days after arrival into Thailand (planning to pay the 1,900 baht for an extension)

Once again I have read "aliens entering the Kingdom with no visa must present ticket or travel documents that have been paid already or confirmed to exit the kingdom and must not exceed '30 days' upon the date of entrance to the kingdom."

Question - Should I change my ticket return for a 30 day stay for customs on arrival then re-book with my airline in Thailand for 7 days later or is this no big deal?

For the validity question, I think they mean that the passport should not expire within the 30 days that you are in Thailand. I hope i understand that question correctly.

I wouldn't be concerned about the return date on the ticket, I've never had them ask or look.

I can't say about the extension on "visa exempt entry". If you thought that you may possibly want to stay longer, maybe could consider a tourist visa.

[lopburi3]

The 30 days is expiration date of your passport - not that it has to be 30 days old. Passport is fine.

But you really should obtain a tourist visa as you will not be able to obtain more than a 7 day extension and that is counted from day of application for a non visa entry. Remember day of entry and exit count when you try to add up the days. Airline may refuse to let you board without a return ticket within 30 days if you do not have a visa.

[khunjimk]

Ok thank you 'beachguy' and 'lopuri3' for your assistance.

After living in Thailand on a type B for 2 years in the past I have lost touch after being in the states for a while.

1- clear on the passport

2- no time for the tourist visa as I received my passport so late from the passport office and leave promptly for the land of smiles. They may not check my return date for the 30 day requirement (no visa entry) but just to be safe I will call the airline and change my return to the 30 day requirement. After arrival will change my reservation again and plan a 7 day extension or border crossing. I believe this is correct then...

Cheers, khunjimk