Visa Run & Extension ?

[ryguy]

This is a Comment & a Question. First off before the Visa Rules changed in October 2006. I was Living in Phuket for 2 years and went every month (with NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER) To Ranong 25 times in a row!!! Yes, I said 25 times in row for 2 years and 1 month. (They changed the Law because of me?) ....Maybe?)

Now since the rule change I next went to Penang and got a 2 month Tourist visa from the Thai Consulate (Stayed one night in a Hotel) and then moved in January 2007 to Chiang Mai where when that Visa expired I then extended for one Month at Chiang Mai Immigration.

So I am getting to my question. I then went to Laos and got another Tourist Visa (60 Days at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane) stayed in a hotel for only 2 days & then I returned to Chiang Mai and last month extended that for another 30 days. So I am planning on going up to Mai Sai (As I specifically asked at Chiang Mai Immigration if I was going to be able to go to Mae Sai and get a 30 day visa and then another and then a third & then it would be back to Laos and the Thai Consulate & HE SAID "YES"!

So my question is after reading all of these posts and responses from others am I wrong to say that anyone can and will still be able to come to Thailand and stay forever by going 3 times to Mae Sai and then going to Laos and the Thai Consulate in Vientiane and repeating it endlessly?

I do realize that the 25 times in a row Visa Run days are over, however the only thing now I see that is different is that it is just a little bit more trouble by having to go to Vientiane every 6 months!

Looking forward to comments and answers

[geoffphuket]

No regulations yet regarding the number of tourist visas you can buy and enter on.

[lopburi3]

As has been reported here there is no crystal ball with a guarantee available. At this time such a plan will not work without extra time outside country as the rule is 90 days in a six month period (not the 180 days many people think). There has not been any direct refusal (other than perhaps for cause) of tourist visa issue but there have been reports that Penang may be about to do so as they seem to have a "you may not get again" type stamp available now.