Hello, I do apologize for this long post.

 

Just arrived in LOA today after only 1 Visa-Exemption and a extension.

 

Problem is, coming over the border - Thai immigration took me to one side and stated how long I'm in Loa for - I replied 2 days but I'm hoping to go back tomorrow. Then he mentioned that I need to go to the Embassy and apply for a Evisa / that's the new policy.

What's the Evisa, what does it involved ?

My wife is in Nong Khai now, expecting me back in Thailand in the morning.

I even bought an onward ticket for the Visa-Exemption, I've only got 10K in bhat / funds but got a bank statement to cover the other 10.

In the past, we used a travel agent to cross the border (2023) - sailed through immigration - even though I overstayed and we came back on the same day / never stayed overnight.

I've just been on the phone to my wife, unfortunately she doesn't have contact number for the travel agent now.

Does anyone know any local agents ??????

Regarding extensions, I've already had 30 days but could I had another EX for my wife / family for 60 days on top.

60 + 30 + 60.

Any advice, would you risk going to the border tomorrow? 

I'll be getting a Retirement Visa next, don't want to go through this again 😂 😂 

Thank you in advance 👍 

38 minutes ago, salamandingo said:

Then he mentioned that I need to go to the Embassy and apply for a Evisa / that's the new policy.

That is just a shake down however not much you can do about it. However you seem to have created poor situation. 

You have thai wife and also mention Non O retirement as an option. What was the issue to avoid simple options

 

Just my opinion.. Suggest you try reenter Thailand and point out intention to obtain Non O marriage or retirement

 

You have fall back options. 

Seems poor planning from outset. 

Where are you based in Thailand? 

12 hours ago, salamandingo said:

Problem is, coming over the border - Thai immigration took me to one side and stated how long I'm in Loa for - I replied 2 days but I'm hoping to go back tomorrow. Then he mentioned that I need to go to the Embassy and apply for a Evisa / that's the new policy.

The last reports I have seen indicate that staying out for 2 nights is sufficient to re-enter Visa-Exempt by land from Laos - but, this can change at any time.  I assume you are re-entering Thailand by land?  I would NOT try flying in, given your stay-history - unless you buy immigration's "safe entry" service (~4500 Baht) from their agent-partner.

 

Usually, "border runs" are organized in Thailand - where they take you to the border and back, including paying-off Immigration to follow the actual law (denying entry for "coming/staying too much" is illegal).  But, you may be able to contact an agent handling border-runs, and get their assistance simply for re-entry.

 

If they do not let you enter Thailand after 2 days, you can just walk back into Laos, then apply for the visa.  OTOH, since you are already there, maybe easier to just apply now, then enter without worry.  I would still use a land-border, even with a TR-Visa.