I have been presuming I would just apply for a 2-month Visa and buy a RT from the US to Bangkok. But, I read the various threads on visa-runs, etc. and I don't understand why it is necessary.

Did you first go to Thailand similar to what I' m proposing to do? Then, decided to extend your stay, and had to start doing these visa-runs when necessary? Why not apply for longer-term visas, i.e. 1yr, or a resident card? The qualifications don't seem all that stringent to me.

There is a strong chance I may want to live there, too. I am coming to research the possibility, and to see if a relationship developes with the one who is waiting to greet me.

Cheers,

themuse

1. There is no resident card.

2. One year visas do not allow more than a 90 day stay. You have to make border (visa) runs to obtain a new stay.

3. One year visas are not issued in the immediate area without meeting specific criteria.

4. For your travel a 2 month tourist visa may be all you need - but if you suspect you will want to stay longer you should investigate obtaining a multi entry non immigrant O visa from an honorary Consulate in your country prior to travel.