My wife and I are struggling with the current rules and options relating to entry to Thailand.  We are Brits and were formerly in Thailand on annual extensions in respect of our Non-Imm O Retirement & Dependent visas.  But were caught in the UK as covid was breaking in 2020.

We have contacted the Thai Embassy in London for help but they seem overloaded, having just updated the website to suggest that visa processing will now take up to 15 working days.  They are also now only issuing visas online as opposed to the old send the passport in and await its return, etc.  This so-called e-visa process however is not clear and some stipulations seems at odds with what appears elsewhere on their website. 

We had intended to get a Tourist or Non-Imm O visa again and apply in Thailand for annual extensions.  We have now decided to come in for a short stay as tourists and understand we would be granted a 45 days stay (which used to be 30 days).  

We would like to confirm two points to be sure before we travel -  

·        Can we in the initial 45 day period leave Thailand (say, to visit Vietnam for a week or so) and re-enter Thailand to then be given a second 45 day period of stay?  (This would appear to be permissible as per the entry on the London website – “foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme 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.”)

·        Do we need to have health insurance?  (I think the covid-related stipulations have now been dropped – though we have both been fully vaccinated and would carry the relevant proof.  But I’m not sure about the general requirement.  It was never needed previously.)

We intend to fly with Thai direct to Chiang Mai.  It would be good to get back there again – without any unforeseen hiccups. Thanks for any help and advice in advance

Everything you outline is correct.

You can enter visa exempt via air 45 days.

Yes you could fly to Vietnam stay awhile and reenter again visa exempt again for another 45 day stamp. 

Be aware that each entry visa exempt can obtain 30 day extension. 1900baht.

 

Also be aware that you can also do border bounce from CM exit reenter to obtain the visa exempt entry

Yes you can get a 2nd 45 day entry without problem.  No, you don't need any insurance (or vaccination information).  What you need for entry to Vietnam I don't know.

 

You may need an outbound ticket at UK check-in, your Vietnam trip  would be perfect for that, and also on return from Vietnam but presumably you'll have your return ticket to the UK in place.

19 minutes ago, tomdfc said:

(This would appear to be permissible as per the entry on the London website – “foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme 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.”)

There is no limit, this rule written on the embassy website was abolished many years ago.

45 minutes ago, FriendlyFarang said:

There is no limit, this rule written on the embassy website was abolished many years ago.

That is true. However, when using a visa exemption by air, the officials may scrutinise you closely to decide (based purely on their own discretion) whether you are using visa exempt entries as a 'normal' tourist. Trying to get many serial visa exempt entries at airports is not advisable. This should not affect the OP (out of Thailand for years) but care is needed by others who think they can use visa exempt entries to stay long periods as a long stay tourist.

We don't even need to show a vax record?   Have a fun trip OP.