US citizen, retired.

Im trying to plan out my year and am thinking of October to January in Bangkok. Even though its tail end of rainy season, its good air season.

I have no extended time in Thailand in 2025 although I have numerous entries and exits, Visa exempt. I havent been in Thailand at all since Dec, 2025 and will not be there until October.

I will enter Thailand from a 3rd Country, probably Uzbekistan or Georgia.

I will be in the USA before I start my travels and can apply for a Visa.

I know I will have to extend the initial 60 days. Right now, as things stand, is it better to get an SETV and extend, or just enter on a waiver and extend, or just do a run into Cambodia, or Laos for a few weeks.?

October is a long way off and the visa exempt may revert to 30 days or it may not.

If you apply for a single entry tourist visa you will be sure of the first 60 days and another 30 with the extension.

It will also be cheaper than doing border runs.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Im trying to plan out my year and am thinking of October to January in Bangkok

Seems you planning a 4 month stay in Thailand.

You will have several months out of Thailand prior to entry in October.

Making visa exempt entry no problem.

Depending on exact dates you might not even need the 30 day extension.

A border run to Laos would be one option.

Since you plan to be located in Bangkok a flight (DMK) to Udon Thani + van to Nong Khai is an option.

Alternative would be mini holiday in Vietnam (Saigon my pick)

Having USA pp you require e-visa to Vietnam. Online quick process $25.

This all assumes visa exempt remains at 60days. If that changes then SETV e-Visa.

10 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

A border run to Laos would be one option.

I wouldnt even do a "run". If I go to Laos or Cambodia I would stay for at least 3 weeks to a month.

36 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I wouldnt even do a "run". If I go to Laos or Cambodia I would stay for at least 3 weeks to a month.

Is that why you stated.....

"..... or just do a run into Cambodia.. "

A "border run" in itself does not imply a bounce (exit turn around and reenter)

I wrote a "mini holiday" as an option.

In any event you you have clear easy options

25 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Is that why you stated.....

"..... or just do a run into Cambodia.. "

A "border run" in itself does not imply a bounce (exit turn around and reenter)

I wrote a "mini holiday" as an option.

In any event you you have clear easy options

Yeah poor choice of words. Bottom line is that you wouldn't anticipate any hassles assuming the truth of my circumstances.

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Bottom line is that you wouldn't anticipate any hassles assuming the truth of my circumstances.

No.

Edit: keep in mind that for flight to Thailand visa exempt that the airline at departure may require proof of onward flight within 60 days.

Also possible same request at Nong Khai land border entry.

5 hours ago, Yagoda said:

I know I will have to extend the initial 60 days. Right now, as things stand, is it better to get an SETV and extend, or just enter on a waiver and extend, or just do a run into Cambodia, or Laos for a few weeks.?

Don't extend the first 60 days. That's one of the things that seems to really set them off. If you go to Thailand, get the extension, and then leave and return without significant time away, it sets off their radar.

Instead, go for 60 days and then leave, and then if you need the extension do it on your 2nd entry.

2 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Don't extend the first 60 days. That's one of the things that seems to really set them off. If you go to Thailand, get the extension, and then leave and return without significant time away, it sets off their radar.

Instead, go for 60 days and then leave, and then if you need the extension do it on your 2nd entry.

Good point, but I really only need 3 months, although your technique may come in helpful if it starts getting smoggy in December.

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No.

Edit: keep in mind that for flight to Thailand visa exempt that the airline at departure may require proof of onward flight within 60 days.

Also possible same request at Nong Khai land border entry.

Funny you should mention that, for some reason, Air Asia did not ask me on my last trip in. Maybe because I was coming in from Cambodia, because I am usually asked in the USA or Schengen on my way to Thailand.

On 1/28/2026 at 2:28 PM, DrJack54 said:

Seems you planning a 4 month stay in Thailand.

You will have several months out of Thailand prior to entry in October.

Making visa exempt entry no problem.

Depending on exact dates you might not even need the 30 day extension.

A border run to Laos would be one option.

Since you plan to be located in Bangkok a flight (DMK) to Udon Thani + van to Nong Khai is an option.

Alternative would be mini holiday in Vietnam (Saigon my pick)

Having USA pp you require e-visa to Vietnam. Online quick process $25.

This all assumes visa exempt remains at 60days. If that changes then SETV e-Visa.

Nong Khai is not a good option for a quick OUT-IN anymore.

11 minutes ago, visarunner said:

Nong Khai is not a good option for a quick OUT-IN anymore.

From the OP earlier in the thread..

"I wouldnt even do a "run". If I go to Laos or Cambodia I would stay for at least 3 weeks to a month"

So the OP is not planning quick stay out of Thailand.