Want to do less than 5 months in Thailand a year.

55 day stay around June and July

80 day around Nov to Feb area

USA Passport.

I wonder if it will still be one extension max with the 30 day cutback? Otherwise I can probably do 2 SETVs.

Are you 50+ yet? A non-O would be an easy way to get the time you want on both trips without every having to even think about immigration.

If not, then I would go for 2 single entry tourist visas. While you could enter visa exempt the first time and get the extension, why would you? Getting the e-visa is much faster and easier. Takes 10 minutes from the comfort of your home, and only costs like $40 (unless you're from New Zealand). It's much better than potentially spending an entire day at the immigration office, and you'll end up paying more after the 1900 baht fee and the travel to and from the office.

Though if you use the SETV for the 2nd trip, you won't have any choice but getting the extension from immigration. You can always book an appointment if the office you are using is one that is onboard the appointment system. Should streamline things a bit.

2 hours ago, tjraveler said:

I wonder if it will still be one extension max with the 30 day cutback? Otherwise I can probably do 2 SETVs.

If your first trip is June of this year then visa exempt fine as change back to 30 days won't be implemented at that time.

In general your question is a no brainer. 2 SETV eVisa

Note for the 80 day stay you need attend immigration for 30 day extension.

Which immigration office would you be using

It will probably be Bangkok, possibly samut prakan (sp?) if I stay really easy on the green line (which I probably won't).

1 hour ago, tjraveler said:

It will probably be Bangkok, possibly samut prakan (sp?) if I stay really easy on the green line (which I probably won't).

I asked about immigration because if you are in Bangkok you would apply Samut Prakan if located there however if located elsewhere in Bangkok you would apply at CW for extension to setv entry.

IT mall LakSi if you enter visa exempt.