Visa Runs For 6 Consecutive Months Possible?

[tmanran]

Scenario:

Bob lands in Thailand the first time in his life for a 2007 New Years Day party on January 1, 2007. He leaves the very same day.

Bob liked Thailand so much that he wants to go back and stay as long as possible.

Couldn't bob theoretically fly back on April 2, and stay till September 30 – if he does a visa run every 30 days? Hence giving him virtually 6 months of continuous stay in Thailand.

After all, that would be 90 days in a two cycle 6 month period.

Jan 2007 - 1 New Years Party / 6 month clock start - he leaves Thailand after a few hours

Feb 2007 - 2

Mar 2007 - 3

Apr 2007 - 4 Bob returns to Thailand in April 2

May 2007 - 5

Jun 2007 - 6

-------------------------

Jul 2007 - 1

Aug 2007 - 2

Sep 2007 - 3 Bob leaves September 30

Oct 2007 - 4

Nov 2007 - 5

Dec 2007 - 6

Something tells me this wouldn't work at the Myanmar border. Ideas anyone? Thanks!

[Totster]

Bob should get a tourist visa (double entry) for his visit between April and September, which would give him 2 x 60 days, one of which could be extended by 30days to give him enough time.

Totster

[mr_hippo]

It will not work at any border,

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2490

"Foreigners who enter the Kingdom under the Tourist Visa Exemption category may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." The wording says 'any 6 month period' so no matter how you calculate, I doubt if you will be given a 4th Tourist Visa Exemption stamp.

[tmanran]

But see this is where we get back to the interpretation problem again.

See, if your intepretation is correct, than why did they bother to put the phrase "from the date of first entry".

They should have just put:

"Foreigners who enter the Kingdom under the Tourist Visa Exemption category may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days."

See your interpretation is not completely sound becuase the clock DOES reset.

I just think that any particular immigration office I go to is going to see all my stamps and is not going to want to listen to my presentation that I did indeed abide by the letter of the law. It's the spirit of the law that is more important in Thailand in this case - that being that they just don't want foreigners sticking around too long.

[tropo]

But see this is where we get back to the interpretation problem again.

See, if your intepretation is correct, than why did they bother to put the phrase "from the date of first entry".

They should have just put:

"Foreigners who enter the Kingdom under the Tourist Visa Exemption category may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days."

See your interpretation is not completely sound becuase the clock DOES reset.

I just think that any particular immigration office I go to is going to see all my stamps and is not going to want to listen to my presentation that I did indeed abide by the letter of the law. It's the spirit of the law that is more important in Thailand in this case - that being that they just don't want foreigners sticking around too long.

According to the 6 month block period theory that some immigration officers seem to be enforcing, your scenario could very well be feasible.

[tmanran]

Hi Totster

Yes i think i will get this tourist visa double entry.

I live in LA now can you recommend a good website company to which i can send my visa?

Also, I was in Thailand for 50 days (arriving in bangkok ) February 1.

Do you think this will effect my tourist visa "double entry status"? Should I wait for the 6 month clock to end before even going back to thailand - that would be on August 1.

[Totster]

Hi Totster

Yes i think i will get this tourist visa double entry.

I live in LA now can you recommend a good website company to which i can send my visa?

Also, I was in Thailand for 50 days (arriving in bangkok ) February 1.

Do you think this will effect my tourist visa "double entry status"? Should I wait for the 6 month clock to end before even going back to thailand - that would be on August 1.

There is a Thai Consulate in LA

http://www.thai-la.net/

http://www.thai-la.net/visa/visa-tourist-us.htm

If you get a tourist visa the amount of entries you have previously had with a visa exemption are irrelevant.

totster

[tmanran]

Oh wow thanks Totster. You are a wise man.

"Bob should get a tourist visa (double entry) for his visit between April and September, which would give him 2 x 60 days, one of which could be extended by 30days to give him enough time."

It seems in this quote you are saying that someone could potentially stay in Thailand for 5 months.

I notice the Thai applciation on the visa page you provided (H:\Tony 3\Travelling Resources and Vacations\Project Thialand\Visa\Los Angeles Thai Visa) says:

"Number of Entries..........."

Should I write the number "2" here. Is that how i get the "double entry status" you refer to?

Do i still have to do the visa run?

Thanks sorry to bother you.

[mr_hippo]

But see this is where we get back to the interpretation problem again.

See, if your intepretation is correct, than why did they bother to put the phrase "from the date of first entry".

They should have just put:

"Foreigners who enter the Kingdom under the Tourist Visa Exemption category may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days."

See your interpretation is not completely sound becuase the clock DOES reset.

I just think that any particular immigration office I go to is going to see all my stamps and is not going to want to listen to my presentation that I did indeed abide by the letter of the law. It's the spirit of the law that is more important in Thailand in this case - that being that they just don't want foreigners sticking around too long.

If you interpretation is correct, please put your money where your mouth is and prove it. Come here for 30 days, then leave for 90 and then try your four in a row method.

[Totster]

Oh wow thanks Totster. You are a wise man.

"Bob should get a tourist visa (double entry) for his visit between April and September, which would give him 2 x 60 days, one of which could be extended by 30days to give him enough time."

It seems in this quote you are saying that someone could potentially stay in Thailand for 5 months.

I notice the Thai applciation on the visa page you provided (H:\Tony 3\Travelling Resources and Vacations\Project Thialand\Visa\Los Angeles Thai Visa) says:

"Number of Entries..........."

Should I write the number "2" here. Is that how i get the "double entry status" you refer to?

Do i still have to do the visa run?

Thanks sorry to bother you.

The "double entry" refers to 2 entries.

You would use one entry on your arrival to Thailand and would be able to remain in Thailand for up to 60 days, you would then have to cross the border and re-enter Thailand using your second entry and remain in Thailand for the next 60 days.

It is possible to extend the 60 days for a further 30 days by visiting immigration.

totster

[tmanran]

Thanks totster you're a good soul.

I assume that, when you say I can reset after two months with my tourist visa, simply going with the visa run kids to Mynamar will be sufficient right?

So I guess at the Mynamar border they are going to know I have a 2 monther, and hence, will extend it to another 2 monther (as opposed to a 30 dayer). ya?

I wonder if i should order a new clean passport before I go, so they dont' see my previous visa run...

[Totster]

Thanks totster you're a good soul.

I assume that, when you say I can reset after two months with my tourist visa, simply going with the visa run kids to Mynamar will be sufficient right?

So I guess at the Mynamar border they are going to know I have a 2 monther, and hence, will extend it to another 2 monther (as opposed to a 30 dayer). ya?

I wonder if i should order a new clean passport before I go, so they dont' see my previous visa run...

You will have a tourist visa stamped/stuck in your passport and the immigration officer will grant you entry for the correct amount of time based on this.

There is no need to get a new passport, as you have the visa in your passport any previous "visa run" history won't matter.

totster

[tmanran]

Totster,

Ah thanks mate. May you live a thousand years and then some. I'm planning on spending 4 months around the Surat Thani area.

A lot of these websites talk about filling out some form and going to the "Offices of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, located in Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road" when I want to extend my next two months on my tourist visa.

Should I perhaps refile for my next two months at this Bangkok location? Or is making the Mynamar Visa Run just as good. It seems i dont physically have to touch Mynamar in this case. It seems I just need to go to the appropriate office. Maybe even better for me if i don't physically leave Thailand - i wouldnt want to get stuck in Mynamar

[tmanran]

http://www.thaivisa.com/298.0.html

Plus the thatvisa website says:

"Applying for an extension of a tourist visa

Duration of first permit :

Upon entering the country, as warranted by a tourist visa, permission will be granted for 60 days.

Duration of extension :

Normally, if the applicant wants to continue touring the country, an extension may be granted for not more than 30 days"

Hmmmm tricky tricky

[jeebusjones]

Here is exactly what to do:

Apply for a double entry tourist visa from the Consulate in LA.

When you arrive in Thailand, you'll be given 60 days on your tourist visa. When that 60 days is about to expire, go to any immigration office in Thailand. Suan Plu is the most well-known in Bangkok. Pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay for another 30 days.

When that 30 days has expired, you will need to leave Thailand. A simple border crossing into Myanmar or Cambodia or any other neighbouring country will do. Just cross the border and come back. Immigration will then give you another 60 days when you enter Thailand, the second entry on your double entry tourist visa.

When that 60 days has nearly expired, go to the immigration office again (like Suan Plu), pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay by another 30 days.

So with a double entry tourist visa, 2 X 1,900 baht fees and one border crossing, you can stay for 180 days in Thailand.

Edited June 7, 2007 by jeebusjones

[Totster]

When your first 60 days have expired (assuming you have not extended) you will physically have to leave Thailand and re-enter to get the next 60 days, this cannot be done at Immigration.

totster

[tijnebijn]

Why everybody is talking about doubles,if you stay in your home country anyway why not take a triple entry,makes you not having to extend anything.After the first 2 months just exit and reenter.

The OP doesn't have to worry about something.First you are a tourist,with a tourist visa,perfect.

You are not doing any visarun(3o days),you have a proper visa,you will see that they will let you pass very quickly at any border.By the way MYanmar is perfectly save,nothing wrong at the border,I know I go there regularly.To the OP,just try to get the visa with the most entries......

[tmanran]

jeebusjones,

Thanks jeebusjones. That is infinitely helpful.

My problem now is everyone keeps talking about this elusive "double entry" tourist visa. The "double entry" visa is all over the internet. Problem is I can't find a Thai document that distinguishes a Double entry tourist vis from a regular tourist visa.

http://www.thai-la.net/visa/visa-tourist-us.htm - Like here is the office in LA but there is nothing there about requesting this "double entry" status.

Does the distinction exist? or, i'm probably missing something as usual

[jeebusjones]

My problem now is everyone keeps talking about this elusive "double entry" tourist visa. The "double entry" visa is all over the internet. Problem is I can't find a Thai document that distinguishes a Double entry tourist vis from a regular tourist visa.

Does the distinction exist? or, i'm probably missing something as usual

There is no real difference, they are all tourist visas. It will be the same application form, but as you pointed out before you just write 2 for the number of entries.

Also, there should be a section asking for how long you intend to stay. You might put 4 months or so, just so it's clear you need a double entry and not a single entry.

When you go to the consulate to apply, ask them when you hand in the application just to be sure. If you plan to mail the application, it would be worth calling the consulate and asking them.

[Totster]

jeebusjones,

Thanks jeebusjones. That is infinitely helpful.

My problem now is everyone keeps talking about this elusive "double entry" tourist visa. The "double entry" visa is all over the internet. Problem is I can't find a Thai document that distinguishes a Double entry tourist vis from a regular tourist visa.

http://www.thai-la.net/visa/visa-tourist-us.htm - Like here is the office in LA but there is nothing there about requesting this "double entry" status.

Does the distinction exist? or, i'm probably missing something as usual

The difference is the amount of entries into Thailand you can have on that visa.

You can have -

• One entry (single)
  
• Two Entries (double)
  
• Three Entries (triple)
  
• Four Entries (quadrouple)
  

The entries must be used within six months of the date of issue.

Why everybody is talking about doubles,if you stay in your home country anyway why not take a triple entry,makes you not having to extend anything.After the first 2 months just exit and reenter.

Getting a double entry and extending once saves having to do a second border run.

totster

[tmanran]

Totster,

Wow is there really such thing as a Quadrople entry visa? I mean someone could theoretically stay in Thailand for 8 months on a tourist visa only?

[tmanran]

Here is exactly what to do:

Apply for a double entry tourist visa from the Consulate in LA.

When you arrive in Thailand, you'll be given 60 days on your tourist visa. When that 60 days is about to expire, go to any immigration office in Thailand. Suan Plu is the most well-known in Bangkok. Pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay for another 30 days.

When that 30 days has expired, you will need to leave Thailand. A simple border crossing into Myanmar or Cambodia or any other neighbouring country will do. Just cross the border and come back. Immigration will then give you another 60 days when you enter Thailand, the second entry on your double entry tourist visa.

When that 60 days has nearly expired, go to the immigration office again (like Suan Plu), pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay by another 30 days.

So with a double entry tourist visa, 2 X 1,900 baht fees and one border crossing, you can stay for 180 days in Thailand.

Thanks jeebusjones for helping me.

If my goal is to stay in Thailand 4 months and no more and no less. Could i just apply for a double entry tourist visa in the USA, and then after 60 days, do the Mynamar Visa run? Hence giving me another 60 days.

That should be the best way to stay just 4 months right?

[jeebusjones]

If my goal is to stay in Thailand 4 months and no more and no less. Could i just apply for a double entry tourist visa in the USA, and then after 60 days, do the Mynamar Visa run? Hence giving me another 60 days.

That should be the best way to stay just 4 months right?

That's correct. But it would actually give you 119 days, which may be slightly less than four months. I think the day of your border run would count as two days.

[Totster]

Totster,

Wow is there really such thing as a Quadrople entry visa? I mean someone could theoretically stay in Thailand for 8 months on a tourist visa only?

Not really.. remember the visa is only valid for 3 months or 6 months (singe / double + AFAIK), some consulates just quote 3 month validity, but the MFA website quotes 3 month or 6 month..

So if you get a Quadrouple entry tourist visa, then you have to make all four entries within 6 months.

totster

[tmanran]

Hi guys

I just talked to the LA consulate.

I told them I would get a 60 tourist visa, go to Mynamar, then come back for 60 days.

They said quote, "should be ok"

Since my goal is to stay in Thailand 4 months this looks like the way to go - with only 1 visa run in the middle.

If anyone has any more suggestions i'm all ears as usual.

Thanks for everyone's patience.

[MyPenRye]

Why everybody is talking about doubles,if you stay in your home country anyway why not take a triple entry,makes you not having to extend anything.After the first 2 months just exit and reenter.

The OP doesn't have to worry about something.First you are a tourist,with a tourist visa,perfect.

You are not doing any visarun(3o days),you have a proper visa,you will see that they will let you pass very quickly at any border.By the way MYanmar is perfectly save,nothing wrong at the border,I know I go there regularly.To the OP,just try to get the visa with the most entries......

Incidentally, for 6 months (I know the OP wants 4 months, BTW), triple entry makes more sense financially (although not by much) ... here in Canada one entry is $40 (about 1200 bahts), so 3 entry visa (3600 B.) + 2 visa runs (about 1500 B. max by bus) = 5100 B. The other way is 2 entries (2400 B.) + 2 extensions (1900 X 2) = 6200 B. (I prefer visiting Thailand than paying for an extension twice: Mai Sai and Mae Hong Son via Pai > not sure if you can get out and re-enter and Mae Hong Son)

Note: Chiang Mai to Mai sai runs and 1st class bus +2 tuk-tuks (would be less if you can get a ride)

[HOOD Robin]

Here is exactly what to do:

Apply for a double entry tourist visa from the Consulate in LA.

When you arrive in Thailand, you'll be given 60 days on your tourist visa. When that 60 days is about to expire, go to any immigration office in Thailand. Suan Plu is the most well-known in Bangkok. Pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay for another 30 days.

When that 30 days has expired, you will need to leave Thailand. A simple border crossing into Myanmar or Cambodia or any other neighbouring country will do. Just cross the border and come back. Immigration will then give you another 60 days when you enter Thailand, the second entry on your double entry tourist visa.

When that 60 days has nearly expired, go to the immigration office again (like Suan Plu), pay 1,900 baht and they will extend your stay by another 30 days.

So with a double entry tourist visa, 2 X 1,900 baht fees and one border crossing, you can stay for 180 days in Thailand.

Hi everybody,

This last case sounds nice (180 days...)

But i'm wondering what Sunbelt has to say about this ?

" Hey guys, can we have your opinion about this please ? "

Thanks in advance !

[HOOD Robin]

Why everybody is talking about doubles,if you stay in your home country anyway why not take a triple entry,makes you not having to extend anything.After the first 2 months just exit and reenter.

The OP doesn't have to worry about something.First you are a tourist,with a tourist visa,perfect.

You are not doing any visarun(3o days),you have a proper visa,you will see that they will let you pass very quickly at any border.By the way MYanmar is perfectly save,nothing wrong at the border,I know I go there regularly.To the OP,just try to get the visa with the most entries......

Incidentally, for 6 months (I know the OP wants 4 months, BTW), triple entry makes more sense financially (although not by much) ... here in Canada one entry is $40 (about 1200 bahts), so 3 entry visa (3600 B.) + 2 visa runs (about 1500 B. max by bus) = 5100 B. The other way is 2 entries (2400 B.) + 2 extensions (1900 X 2) = 6200 B. (I prefer visiting Thailand than paying for an extension twice: Mai Sai and Mae Hong Son via Pai > not sure if you can get out and re-enter and Mae Hong Son)

Note: Chiang Mai to Mai sai runs and 1st class bus +2 tuk-tuks (would be less if you can get a ride)

Hi MyPenRye,

Concerning your last proposition ( 2 entries + 2 extentions...) : If my calculation is well, that means a total of 180 days, correct ?

Is it then possible to go abroad to a Thai consulate and immediately apply again for such a Visa as your "180 days period" will be over ?

Of course i'm also all ears for other people's suggestions !

And where is easiest place to apply for it ? Penang, KL, Singapore,.... ?

Thanks for your efforts guys !

[nucag]

why do all u dudes keep crapping on about going to crappy places like myanmar for a visa run , when you can fly down to singapore or somewhere equally civilised have a few days shopping and then fly back and get visa restamped at airport .

[Fred Sanford]

pretty simple really, people want to do the visa run as cheaply and quickly as possible