i'm in thailand now, no visa (visa exempt), US passport, been here 70 days or so, i'm currently on a 30 day extension. my return ticket to the US is Mar 17th.

i'd like to go to the US soon then come back here after only 3-4 days in the US. i don't want to wait around 15 days or so to get a tourist visa.

i know there is a general "rule" about back to back thailand entries to discourage border runs to neighbouring countries in SE Asia but what about returning to my home country? Also, i'm married to a Thai, and i can show i have a return ticket to the US on Mar 17th

do you think they would let me in if i came back without a visa after only 3-4 days gone?

thanks

10 minutes ago, steve2112 said:

i'd like to go to the US soon then come back here after only 3-4 days in the US. i don't want to wait around 15 days or so to get a tourist visa.

What's the reason to return to the USA (soon)

Is it really 15 days for a SETV

12 minutes ago, steve2112 said:

Also, i'm married to a Thai, and i can show i have a return ticket to the US on Mar 17th

Assume that you are aware of 60 day extension to wisit wife?

Being married to Thai national you had better options for stay in Thailand than what you outlined

i guess the answer to my question will be "depends on the immigration officer i happen to get at the arrival desk"

but i just worked out a plan which i think will work. i take a cheap one way to singapore, united has a super cheap non stop return to SFO right now, i get back to SIN, then i fly to Laos (i don't want to wait around in singapore), take a holiday in Laos with my wife who is up there near the border anyhow, get a tourist visa in Laos (3-4 days) and come back to thailand.

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

What's the reason to return to the USA (soon)

Is it really 15 days for a SETV

Assume that you are aware of 60 day extension to wisit wife?

Being married to Thai national you had better options for stay in Thailand than what you outlined

i have some business i need to take care of in the US, this isn't simply about extending my visa.

1 minute ago, steve2112 said:

i have some business i need to take care of in the US, this isn't simply about extending my visa.

For a stay outside of Thailand for few days it would make zero difference if that was to USA or nearby country.

Fact is you entered visa exempt and obtained a 30 day extension then want duck out (few days) and return visa exempt.

You might sail through immigration (maybe)

I would be inclined to use "safe entry service"

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364034-has-anyone-used-friendly-thai-visa%E2%80%99s-airport-safe-entry-service-only-real-experiences-plz/

19 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For a stay outside of Thailand for few days it would make zero difference if that was to USA or nearby country.

Fact is you entered visa exempt and obtained a 30 day extension then want duck out (few days) and return visa exempt.

You might sail through immigration (maybe)

I would be inclined to use "safe entry service"

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364034-has-anyone-used-friendly-thai-visa%E2%80%99s-airport-safe-entry-service-only-real-experiences-plz/

very interesting, i had no idea, i just called one and it sounds very possible

35 minutes ago, steve2112 said:

very interesting, i had no idea, i just called one and it sounds very possible

@ThaiVisaCentre also has this, service.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

@ThaiVisaCentre also has this, service.

Yes, and it also can be requested here:
https://agents.co.th/tdac-apply/thailand-airport-fast-track/

I confirm, use a safe entry service. You can DM me for any information, I used those services enough times.

Good luck. I recently spent 90 days in Thailand using visa exempt and a 30 day extension. I then exited for 30 expecting no issues on return but I was pulled aside and questioned quite intensively. They asked to see my outbound ticket, my finances and explained in no uncertain terms that they are enforcing the new immigration policy and if I am in country for 90 days then I can't return for at least 90 days. In your case, 70 days. Luckily for me my Thai wife was able to explain that we had returned to attend her nephew's wedding in February and had not yet decided on a flight date out. I am sure that without her input I would have not been allowed entry. To answer your question I believe you will be challenged on reentry and face a high possibility of being turned back. I was one of about 20 passengers they had pulled aside.

I was also told 150 days in a calender year was all you are allowed using visa exempt.

BE WARNED!!!

1 hour ago, wmorris61 said:

Good luck. I recently spent 90 days in Thailand using visa exempt and a 30 day extension. I then exited for 30 expecting no issues on return but I was pulled aside and questioned quite intensively. They asked to see my outbound ticket, my finances and explained in no uncertain terms that they are enforcing the new immigration policy and if I am in country for 90 days then I can't return for at least 90 days. In your case, 70 days. Luckily for me my Thai wife was able to explain that we had returned to attend her nephew's wedding in February and had not yet decided on a flight date out. I am sure that without her input I would have not been allowed entry. To answer your question I believe you will be challenged on reentry and face a high possibility of being turned back. I was one of about 20 passengers they had pulled aside.

I was also told 150 days in a calender year was all you are allowed using visa exempt.

BE WARNED!!!

But did you show an exit ticket out within 60 days of when you arrived second time? I think that was your problem. Also if officer said 150 days in a calendar year this year is only 30 days in. I just bought a REAL ticket out within 60 days of my next arrival back for $45 to Singapore. I now see at both exiting the USA back on Nov 30 with Cathay and also exiting Thailand a couple days ago on Emirates that the agent wants to see a real ticket out and they want to see a PDF off your phone and at both my exits they took the phone from me and typed in sentences NOT JUST LOOKED. I really don't agree with advice on the throw away tickets for $17 ish anymore!! I'm glad I have real tickets out this visit. You didn't mention how many days " in" you had in 2025. Maybe THAT was your problem.

I would also repeat Good Luck.

From New Zealand last September, I made enquiries with 3 different Thai Language Schools in Chiang Mai who advertised the ability to change to an ED Visa in Thailand if arriving Visa exempt.

Checking the Immigration websites confirmed as much.

I arrived in Thailand at the very end of October Visa Exempt.

Visited the schools in person to review them and their curriculum, I received yet further confirmations that the change to an ED Visa would be straightforward.

I registered with my chosen institute and paid over the fees to set the plan in motion.

There was going to be around a 45 day wait to get the Ministry of Education approval letter.

In the meantime, I have taken on a yearly lease on a condominium that suited my location for the school and close members of my in-law Thai family.

Just prior to getting the approval letter it was required that I get a 30 day extension to meet the validity time-frame for submission of the TM.87 application. Straightforward but time consuming.

A week later the approval letter arrived, and complete with a mountain of paperwork (duplicated), I went to lodge the application.

Chiang Mai Immigration wouldn't accept it for processing, instead they had me call up the school, Informed them that all applicants over 55 years of age need to apply for an ED Visa from outside of Thailand and sent me on my way.

I then booked to travel out to Hanoi - Vietnam for two weeks to ensure I didn't find myself in a position of overstay.

The school didn't want to go through the process again, and were initially reluctant to provide a full refund but acquiesced.

I am currently in Hanoi and have had my METV - E Thai visa application paid, processed and then finally cancelled without explanation

I had provided documentation showing vast funds available, proof of accommodation, a return ticket to Auckland in May etc.

I am due to return to Chiang Mai on 6 February, again on a Visa Exemption , but to what scenario is unpredictable.

My Sister-in-law is being provided a copy of all the latest documentation and will be going to Chiang Mai Immigration on Monday to ascertain what the @**%**@ is going on.

Thailand bureaucracy has gotten more dysfunctional over the decades even as it strives to progress.

27 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

But did you show an exit ticket out within 60 days of when you arrived second time? I think that was your problem. Also if officer said 150 days in a calendar year this year is only 30 days in. I just bought a REAL ticket out within 60 days of my next arrival back for $45 to Singapore. I now see at both exiting the USA back on Nov 30 with Cathay and also exiting Thailand a couple days ago on Emirates that the agent wants to see a real ticket out and they want to see a PDF off your phone and at both my exits they took the phone from me and typed in sentences NOT JUST LOOKED. I really don't agree with advice on the throw away tickets for $17 ish anymore!! I'm glad I have real tickets out this visit. You didn't mention how many days " in" you had in 2025. Maybe THAT was your problem.

The immigration officer took my phone that I offered her and "typed in sentences NOT JUST LOOKED" at my throwaway booking on Emirates that was made a few hours before my departure for Bangkok on a one-way ticket. She handed back my phone and asked me if this was the date I'd be leaving, and typed something in after I confirmed it was. Since I have the Emirates app, the booking showed up there, and I used that rather than the emailed confirmation from the "disposable" ticket shop.

The bookings are REAL, same as the previous one on Bangkok Airways. This was issued by the same online ticket shop and similarly appeared in my Bangkok Airways app after I added the confirmation number.

Since then, I have use safe entry with no issues.

20 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

I would also repeat Good Luck.

From New Zealand last September, I made enquiries with 3 different Thai Language Schools in Chiang Mai who advertised the ability to change to an ED Visa in Thailand if arriving Visa exempt.

Checking the Immigration websites confirmed as much.

I arrived in Thailand at the very end of October Visa Exempt.

Visited the schools in person to review them and their curriculum, I received yet further confirmations that the change to an ED Visa would be straightforward.

I registered with my chosen institute and paid over the fees to set the plan in motion.

There was going to be around a 45 day wait to get the Ministry of Education approval letter.

In the meantime, I have taken on a yearly lease on a condominium that suited my location for the school and close members of my in-law Thai family.

Just prior to getting the approval letter it was required that I get a 30 day extension to meet the validity time-frame for submission of the TM.87 application. Straightforward but time consuming.

A week later the approval letter arrived, and complete with a mountain of paperwork (duplicated), I went to lodge the application.

Chiang Mai Immigration wouldn't accept it for processing, instead they had me call up the school, Informed them that all applicants over 55 years of age need to apply for an ED Visa from outside of Thailand and sent me on my way.

I then booked to travel out to Hanoi - Vietnam for two weeks to ensure I didn't find myself in a position of overstay.

The school didn't want to go through the process again, and were initially reluctant to provide a full refund but acquiesced.

I am currently in Hanoi and have had my METV - E Thai visa application paid, processed and then finally cancelled without explanation

I had provided documentation showing vast funds available, proof of accommodation, a return ticket to Auckland in May etc.

I am due to return to Chiang Mai on 6 February, again on a Visa Exemption , but to what scenario is unpredictable.

My Sister-in-law is being provided a copy of all the latest documentation and will be going to Chiang Mai Immigration on Monday to ascertain what the @**%**@ is going on.

Thailand bureaucracy has gotten more dysfunctional over the decades even as it strives to progress.

Do you have any history of previous TR or METV visas issued from regional embassies or consulates? I recall reading that they closed that method of obtaining serial long-stays during a previous purge on border runners. Maybe that's why Hanoi cancelled it before it could be used?

6 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

The immigration officer took my phone that I offered her and "typed in sentences NOT JUST LOOKED" at my throwaway booking on Emirates that was made a few hours before my departure for Bangkok on a one-way ticket. She handed back my phone and asked me if this was the date I'd be leaving, and typed something in after I confirmed it was. Since I have the Emirates app, the booking showed up there, and I used that rather than the emailed confirmation from the "disposable" ticket shop.

The bookings are REAL, same as the previous one on Bangkok Airways. This was issued by the same online ticket shop and similarly appeared in my Bangkok Airways app after I added the confirmation number.

Since then, I have use safe entry with no issues.

Not following you. You had a real booking I have real booking. Is there a point I missed?

1 minute ago, alex8912 said:

Not following you. You had a real booking I have real booking. Is there a point I missed?

Sorry for any confusion.

You mentioned REAL ticket out, suggesting these disposable bookings aren't real? In this age of e-tickets, there's no difference between the unpaid holding booking that is live in the airline's system and your bought and paid for booking that is similarly live in the airline's booking system. The only difference is your paid one will work at check-in, whereas the unpaid one will disappear depending on the airline's booking policy, ie paid within xx days.

AFAIK, only one immigration chief at Phuket has suggested they'll be looking for paid flight bookings. So far, there's been no reports of anyone having issues on arrival at HKT on a throwaway outward ticket.

If he, or the rest if them start doing that, then yes having a receipt of payment, be it PDF or otherwise, may be handy.

19 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Do you have any history of previous TR or METV visas issued from regional embassies or consulates? I recall reading that they closed that method of obtaining serial long-stays during a previous purge on border runners. Maybe that's why Hanoi cancelled it before it could be used?

No, all visits have been Visa exempt entries for 3 to 4 weeks usually over the Xmas / New Year periods and almost always a year apart for the last two decades. Annual leave from work didn't allow for multi trips in a year.

10 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Sorry for any confusion.

You mentioned REAL ticket out, suggesting these disposable bookings aren't real? In this age of e-tickets, there's no difference between the unpaid holding booking that is live in the airline's system and your bought and paid for booking that is similarly live in the airline's booking system. The only difference is your paid one will work at check-in, whereas the unpaid one will disappear depending on the airline's booking policy, ie paid within xx days.

AFAIK, only one immigration chief at Phuket has suggested they'll be looking for paid flight bookings. So far, there's been no reports of anyone having issues on arrival at HKT on a throwaway outward ticket.

If he, or the rest if them start doing that, then yes having a receipt of payment, be it PDF or otherwise, may be handy.

Thanks. I got it now.

44 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

No, all visits have been Visa exempt entries for 3 to 4 weeks usually over the Xmas / New Year periods and almost always a year apart for the last two decades. Annual leave from work didn't allow for multi trips in a year.

I guess the "final" review at the Hanoi consulate saw the visa exempt entry plus extension and arbitrarily decided against issuing the visa? Strange decision.

More proof of left hand versus right hand where the MFA that issues visa seem to be unaware that RTP Immigration prefers visitors to have a visa so they don't have to faff with visa-exempt extension milkers.

Not sure if Hanoi is more difficult than HCMC for visas as those threads have all gone quiet over the past few years.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Do you have any history of previous TR or METV visas issued from regional embassies or consulates? I recall reading that they closed that method of obtaining serial long-stays during a previous purge on border runners. Maybe that's why Hanoi cancelled it before it could be used?

History from stamps in last 3 passports.

1. 29/3/2007 - 24/4/2007 

2. 25/12/2008 - 12/1/2009 

3. 28/1/2010 - 14/2/2010 

4. 8/3/2015 - 21/3/2015 

5. 19/12/2015 - 12/1/2016 

6. 18/2/2017 -5/3/2017 

7. 18/12/2022 - 7/1/2023 & 12/1/2023 - 14/1/2023 (5 night side trip to Da Nang) 

8. 14/12/2024 - 12/1/2025 

9. 27/12/2025 - 22/1/2026 (Present Trip)

1 hour ago, Paul Catton said:

Chiang Mai Immigration wouldn't accept it for processing, instead they had me call up the school, Informed them that all applicants over 55 years of age need to apply for an ED Visa from outside of Thailand and sent me on my way.

They were probably wondering why anyone aged 50+ years would bother with a Non ED visa instead of going the Non O retirement visa route. And decided that they don't want to do the extra work required.

Just now, NanLaew said:

I guess the "final" review at the Hanoi consulate saw the visa exempt entry plus extension and arbitrarily decided against issuing the visa? Strange decision.

More proof of left hand versus right hand where the MFA that issues visa seem to be unaware that RTP Immigration prefers visitors to have a visa so they don't have to faff with visa-exempt extension milkers.

Not sure if Hanoi is more difficult than HCMC for visas as those threads have all gone quiet over the past few years.

Following email sent to the Royal Thai Embaasy in Hanoi

Dear Sir / Madam,

I have just been informed by an automated email that you have cancelled my Visa Application lodged with the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi.

Details as listed below.https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=4e44e2387b&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r4619335079257637340&th=19c0010ddb011c23&view=fimg&fur=ip&permmsgid=msg-a:r4619335079257637340&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_NnsqgRQsvUS4U6XPKkQUt6a7bifowOhJGHszBtPiAwTJqOzYBxYxihvbJyJYmtOpHEpI4CpqUrVAuQZFTllN1bLj5RDSNTdoPRc0PPHFgnZszERdUr42doRE&disp=emb&realattid=ii_mkv12uhb0&zw

Please advise me of the reason for this cancellation, as it has a major impact regarding all the planning undertaken for my trip.

It further jeopardises any and all travel to the Kingdom in the future, not only for myself, but especially for my wife (being a Thai citizen) and future visitation with her immediate and extended notable family

I am hoping this is just an administrative error due to some type of miscommunication.

I am readily available to present myself to the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi (until the 6th of February) to clarify any concerns that may have been held.

Attached are further proof of substantial funds being my own Kiwisaver Investment & a further Term Deposit account.

I await your advice and guidance in this matter.

Yours Sincerely

Paul Catton

Not really expecting a response, so will front up to the consular office on Monday, while family go to Chiang Mai Immigration Office.

I have advised Opal (currently at home in NZ) to cancel any thoughts of our spending further free time visiting Thailand, The hub of dysfunction.

3 minutes ago, Caldera said:

They were probably wondering why anyone aged 50+ years would bother with a Non ED visa instead of going the Non O retirement visa route. And decided that they don't want to do the extra work required.

The work is already done for them by the schools preparation of the required documents, basically its a case of reviewing the paperwork (10 minutes at most) and using a rubber stamp. Not exactly calculating rocket trajectory.

31 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

The work is already done for them by the schools preparation of the required documents, basically its a case of reviewing the paperwork (10 minutes at most) and using a rubber stamp. Not exactly calculating rocket trajectory.

You have had a bad run.

ED Visa has bad reputation due to huge abuse in the past.

This would have been the first for you however on the back of Visa exempt entry.

The METV would also look iffy on the back of visa exempt entry.

You have been stiff.

For others: I'm not sure if pointing out you have a Thai wife is good idea.

Basically means that you have other options

1 hour ago, Paul Catton said:

8. 14/12/2024 - 12/1/2025 

9. 27/12/2025 - 22/1/2026 (Present Trip)

With that recent history you shouldn't have an issue with another visa exempt entry.

Especially as you didn't obtain the 30 day extension.

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You have had a bad run.

ED Visa has bad reputation due to huge abuse in the past.

This would have been the first for you however on the back of Visa exempt entry.

The METV would also look iffy on the back of visa exempt entry.

You have been stiff.

For others: I'm not sure if pointing out you have a Thai wife is good idea.

Basically means that you have other options

With that recent history you shouldn't have an issue with another visa exempt entry.

Especially as you didn't obtain the 30 day extension.

Sorry Drjack54,

Put you on a bit of a crook steer with the entry date for the present trip

Should have read arrival 27/10/25 as per the detail in my post earlier which gives the context to current events.

Required to utilize the 30 day extension while waiting the 45 days for the approval letter from the Ministry of Education.

I am fully aware of all the options available (marriage, retirement, Elite etc.), however the most suitable at the time for my circumstances (being the ED visa in country) was put into motion.

It only started to unravel when the clampdown came into effect beginning November, literally days after my arrival.

Bad run indeed. And yes, I feel like I have been stiffed, but many other destinations are available to me as a heeled snowbird.

55 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

Should have read arrival 27/10/25 as per the detail in my post earlier which gives the context to current events.

Yeah got it...

So in reality ve exempt + 30 day extension then after exit apply for a METV E-Visa = No...

57 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

It only started to unravel when the clampdown came into effect beginning November, literally days after my arrival

Yes here is thread outlining the "clampdown" November.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1378770-new-rules-issued-for-visa-extensions-and-visa-exempt-entries/#findComment-20219196

After point 8 in post from ThaiVisaCentre this is stated...

"If your pattern looks like this:

• 60 days in Thailand on exemption, and a possible 30 day extension.

• Quick trip to a neighboring country for 2 or 3 days

• Back for another 60 days

• Repeat again

then you are exactly the type of traveler that the memo is targeting."

10 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Yeah got it...

So in reality ve exempt + 30 day extension then after exit apply for a METV E-Visa = No...

Yes here is thread outlining the "clampdown" November.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1378770-new-rules-issued-for-visa-extensions-and-visa-exempt-entries/#findComment-20219196

After point 8 in post from ThaiVisaCentre this is stated...

"If your pattern looks like this:

• 60 days in Thailand on exemption, and a possible 30 day extension.

• Quick trip to a neighboring country for 2 or 3 days

• Back for another 60 days

• Repeat again

then you are exactly the type of traveler that the memo is targeting."

Not by choice, only bad luck and the refusal of Chiang Mai Immigration to process the Ed Visa because I'm over 55.

This took (all) the schools by surprise. Word apparently does get passed around

I was to be a genuine student, having set a flexible budget of 350,000 - 400,000 for the full year.

Opal came over at Xmas / New Year from NZ for her annual work shutdown 26 day holiday which was planned before my arrival here.

Her arrival was a couple of days after the refusal which set a great tone for her holiday.

Latest AI overview

There is no maximum age limit for obtaining a Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa in Thailand. Generally, applicants must be at least 15-18 years old for language schools, though younger students are accepted for specific academic programs. While older adults (60+) can apply, they may face closer scrutiny to ensure they are genuinely studying rather than just seeking long-term residence. 

Key details regarding ED visa age and restrictions:

• Minimum Age: Usually 15-18 years old.

• Maximum Age: No upper limit.

• Requirements: Must be enrolled in a MOE (Ministry of Education) recognized institution.

• Scrutiny: Immigration increasingly monitors attendance and requires proof of passing tests for renewals, especially for long-term Thai language students.

• Alternatives: For those over 50, a Retirement visa is generally more suitable, while those looking for flexibility without attending school might look at the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). 

So, Yes, again I feel stiffed and sideswiped.

Had this been Statute Law as opposed to informal rules being shuffled and shifting goalposts, then there should have been no problem.

Now is the wait and see game in my Hanoi hotel suite, (3* out in the suburbs) until l return to Chiang Mai on the 6th of February.

Just maybe the family do still have influence in the Province and are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

7 hours ago, Paul Catton said:

I am fully aware of all the options available (marriage, retirement, Elite etc.), however the most suitable at the time for my circumstances (being the ED visa in country) was put into motion.

Nobody in their right mind who has those other options would choose a Non-ED visa, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly the problem - your immigration office probably doesn't get it either.

An education visa is worse in just about every conceivable way. Nothing stops someone on any other longterm visa from studying inThailand, so an education visa is pretty much perceived as a last resort for someone who doesn't have any other options.

3 minutes ago, Caldera said:

An education visa is worse in just about every conceivable way. Nothing stops someone on any other longterm visa from studying inThailand, so an education visa is pretty much perceived as a last resort for someone who doesn't have any other options

Spot on.

I didn't want to be harsh on OP however has chosen poor options including METV.

Married to a Thai and opts for worst options.

6 hours ago

6 hours ago, Caldera said:

An education visa is worse in just about every conceivable way. Nothing stops someone on any other longterm visa from studying inThailand, so an education visa is pretty much perceived as a last resort for someone who doesn't have any other options

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Spot on.

I didn't want to be harsh on OP however has chosen poor options including METV.

Married to a Thai and opts for worst options.

Hindsight is a greater power that none of us possess.

Back in August 2025 I decided I would like to take a year out from work and get structured "schooling" of the Thai Language.

Also, having only ever spent time holidaying in Thailand for never longer than a month, it would give me better insight regarding being a resident, day to day.

There have been many changes over the past four decades since I first started to travel to Thailand, and as I'm nearing retirement thought this would be an opportunity to pretrial compatibility for future long term stays.

Royal Thai Embassy of New Zealand may issue the following types of visas:

Non-Immigrant Visa
For the purposes of business, s-tudy, conference, seminar, film production, journalism, volunteer work or accompanying a Thai spouse

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes:
  - Non-immigrant O (Spouse/Family) - To stay with a family member who is residing in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Volunteer) - To do volunteer work with state enterprises or social welfare organizations in Thailand
  - Non-immigrant O (Retirement) - Retirement / pension earners  

- Non-immigrant ED - To pursue full-time education, internship or other educational programmes in Thailand.

As Opal was remaining in New Zealand and not accompanying me ruled out the "spouse/family".

For the "Retirement / pension earners", there were too many unknown factors at the time for consideration.

Also ruled out were the LTR & DTV also being impractical.

As the language schools vetted online all assured that a change from Visa exemption to Non-immigrant ED would be possible, that then at the time became the far easiest solution.

Which brings us back to today.

Whether I get entry back on the 6th or not is now, immaterial.

Thailand is more than well tarnished from my perspective, 6 hours to get a simple extension that in reality should take no longer than getting "processed in" at the Airport, Cannabis aroma wafting into ones condominium with juristic persons unable to act even though there are a zillion signs indicating fine enforcement etc...

Hanoi is like a breath of fresh air, figuratively speaking.