Hi All,

As I prepare for my next 4-5 month winter getaway to Thailand (Nov-March), I'm considering my options. As previously discussed by other members and the esteemed DrJack54, there are a few possibilities.

!) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days go to Vietnam and apply for a second Thailand e-visa SETV online. Re-enter Thailand after a stay of 5-10 days in Vietnam -- enough for the new SETV to be sent to you by email. This seems easiest and cheapest but it forces you to go to place that deals in e-visas like Vietnam. I'm not crazy about the prospect of going to Vietnam. Dunno why, just not that interested. So then what?

2) Get an METV in one's home country, and then after 60 days go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks with the expectation that re-entry into Thailand is very likely. Not certain, but relatively stress-free. However, METVs are not as easy to get as in the old days, as you must provide justification to your home country Thai embassy that it is necessary for your travels. If they aren't convinced, you can have your application rejected or maybe given only a SETV with no refund for the difference.

3) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days, go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks (I like Lao and Cambo) , then re-enter Thailand in the expectation of getting a 30-day visa exempt entry. Then extend the VE by 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand. This has the advantage of avoiding the extra hassle of getting the METV but I wonder about the risk of denied entry with the VE entry. For the record, I only spend 4 months of the year in Thailand and have not been there since March 2026.

Would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the viability of these different options.

39 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

Hi All,

As I prepare for my next 4-5 month winter getaway to Thailand (Nov-March), I'm considering my options. As previously discussed by other members and the esteemed DrJack54, there are a few possibilities.

!) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days go to Vietnam and apply for a second Thailand e-visa SETV online. Re-enter Thailand after a stay of 5-10 days in Vietnam -- enough for the new SETV to be sent to you by email. This seems easiest and cheapest but it forces you to go to place that deals in e-visas like Vietnam. I'm not crazy about the prospect of going to Vietnam. Dunno why, just not that interested. So then what?

2) Get an METV in one's home country, and then after 60 days go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks with the expectation that re-entry into Thailand is very likely. Not certain, but relatively stress-free. However, METVs are not as easy to get as in the old days, as you must provide justification to your home country Thai embassy that it is necessary for your travels. If they aren't convinced, you can have your application rejected or maybe given only a SETV with no refund for the difference.

3) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days, go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks (I like Lao and Cambo) , then re-enter Thailand in the expectation of getting a 30-day visa exempt entry. Then extend the VE by 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand. This has the advantage of avoiding the extra hassle of getting the METV but I wonder about the risk of denied entry with the VE entry. For the record, I only spend 4 months of the year in Thailand and have not been there since March 2026.

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Would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the viability of these different options.

Since you are averse to Vietnam, I believe you can also get a TR eVisa in Vientiane, Laos or Cambodia, two countries you suggest that you like.

Option 1 is fine. Every country offers evisa so that's not an issue. And remember each time you enter on a tourist visa the 60 day entry can be extended 30 days at immigration.

Trolling post along with reply removed

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

With the OP's principal argument against options 1 and 2 being cost-related, this snowbird may not be rich.

38 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Option 1 is fine. Every country offers evisa so that's not an issue. And remember each time you enter on a tourist visa the 60 day entry can be extended 30 days at immigration.

My understanding is that there is no e-visa option when in Laos. If you want an SETV for Thailand you have to go to the embassy in Vientiane. But that info may be out of date. I don't know.

I just checked. As of 2025, you can submit the application for Thai e-visa online while in Laos but payment must still be made in person in Vientiane.

Royal Thai Embassy, vientiane, Laos

Applying for a Visa - Royal Thai Embassy, vientiane, Laos

Edited 23 hours ago23 hr by ultramarine

7 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

I just checked. As of 2025, you can submit the application for Thai e-visa online while in Laos but payment must still be made in person in Vientiane.

Correct. But that is not exactly a hardship.

1 minute ago, ultramarine said:

My understanding is that there is no e-visa option when in Laos. If you want an SETV for Thailand you have to go to the embassy in Vientiane. But that info may be out of date. I don't know.

As far as I'm aware, the eVisa application system for non-resident foreigners is supported by Vientiane, albeit with payment in cash at the Embassy. Savanakhet Consulate is limited to Lao citizens and foreigners with legal residence there.

How about visiting Luang Prabang before filing for the Thai eVisa via Vientiane? Use the express train and do some sightseeing?

OP, the way you have outlined three options shows, you have clear understanding of SETV, METV, visa exempt, etc.

Let's work on 5 months to cover bases.

You indicated some concern with being able to reenter with the METV.

That's not the case You won't have an issue with your itinerary.

If the plan is to be an annual thing ongoing then METV is good option IMO especially given you located in pp country.

The SETV eVisa + extension + bounce for ve entry would also work but require two visits to immigration for extensions.

I'm biased to Saigon as find it a ripper joint for mini holiday.

One not mentioned (if you are over 50 was the Non O (retirement) + whatever ootion for two

Personally if I was going to visit Thailand 5 months of every year... I would Obtain Non O and do annual extensions (with or without agent) + reentry permit.

Visit as often and as long as you like.

19 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

As far as I'm aware, the eVisa application system for non-resident foreigners is supported by Vientiane, albeit with payment in cash at the Embassy. Savanakhet Consulate is limited to Lao citizens and foreigners with legal residence there.

Non-resident foreigners can apply in Savannakhet as well, and in that case, must make their payment at the consulate there.

26 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

As far as I'm aware, the eVisa application system for non-resident foreigners is supported by Vientiane, albeit with payment in cash at the Embassy. Savanakhet Consulate is limited to Lao citizens and foreigners with legal residence there.

How about visiting Luang Prabang before filing for the Thai eVisa via Vientiane? Use the express train and do some sightseeing?

Yes, that's possible but not ideal. I've been to Vientiane a few times. I have no interest in going back if I can help it. But it has some practical advantages in this situation.

24 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, the way you have outlined three options shows, you have clear understanding of SETV, METV, visa exempt, etc.

Let's work on 5 months to cover bases.

You indicated some concern with being able to reenter with the METV.

That's not the case You won't have an issue with your itinerary.

If the plan is to be an annual thing ongoing then METV is good option IMO especially given you located in pp country.

The SETV eVisa + extension + bounce for ve entry would also work but require two visits to immigration for extensions.

I'm biased to Saigon as find it a ripper joint for mini holiday.

One not mentioned (if you are over 50 was the Non O (retirement) + whatever ootion for two

Personally if I was going to visit Thailand 5 months of every year... I would Obtain Non O and do annual extensions (with or without agent) + reentry permit.

Visit as often and as long as you like.

I am over 50 but find the Non O a bit daunting. I will cross that bridge soon enough in late 2027 or 2028 as I plan to spend 10-11 months a year in Thailand.

And option 3) was getting an SETV for 60 days, then leaving for about 2 weeks and returning on a VE and then going to local immigration for a 30 day extension. So only one trip to immigration for extensions. Not quite 5 months total in SE Asia, but close enough. How likely am I to run into trouble with this approach and the VE after being out of Thailand for just two weeks?

6 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

I am over 50 but find the Non O a bit daunting. I will cross that bridge soon enough in late 2027 or 2028 as I plan to spend 10-11 months a year in Thailand.

And option 3) was getting an SETV for 60 days, then leaving for about 2 weeks and returning on a VE and then going to local immigration for a 30 day extension. So only one trip to immigration for extensions. Not quite 5 months total in SE Asia, but close enough. How likely am I to run into trouble with this approach and the VE after being out of Thailand for just two weeks?

Probably has the highest chance for success with the lowest effort. If you got the extension on the TR visa before leaving, you would be much more likely to raise eyebrows when you came back. But if you just do the 60 days without an extension, and then leave and come back VE with extension, you shouldn't have any issues.

3 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Probably has the highest chance for success with the lowest effort. If you got the extension on the TR visa before leaving, you would be much more likely to raise eyebrows when you came back. But if you just do the 60 days without an extension, and then leave and come back VE with extension, you shouldn't have any issues.

Thanks. That's my sense of it too but I haven't heard any feedback about back-to-back VE entry lately.

23 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

How likely am I to run into trouble with this approach and the VE after being out of Thailand for just two weeks?

No issue.

Personally I would obtain the 30 day extension to a second tourist visa.

Trolling post removed (again)

7 hours ago, ultramarine said:

Hi All,

As I prepare for my next 4-5 month winter getaway to Thailand (Nov-March), I'm considering my options. As previously discussed by other members and the esteemed DrJack54, there are a few possibilities.

!) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days go to Vietnam and apply for a second Thailand e-visa SETV online. Re-enter Thailand after a stay of 5-10 days in Vietnam -- enough for the new SETV to be sent to you by email. This seems easiest and cheapest but it forces you to go to place that deals in e-visas like Vietnam. I'm not crazy about the prospect of going to Vietnam. Dunno why, just not that interested. So then what?

2) Get an METV in one's home country, and then after 60 days go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks with the expectation that re-entry into Thailand is very likely. Not certain, but relatively stress-free. However, METVs are not as easy to get as in the old days, as you must provide justification to your home country Thai embassy that it is necessary for your travels. If they aren't convinced, you can have your application rejected or maybe given only a SETV with no refund for the difference.

3) Get a SETV in one's home country, then after 60 days, go wherever you like for 1-2 weeks (I like Lao and Cambo) , then re-enter Thailand in the expectation of getting a 30-day visa exempt entry. Then extend the VE by 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand. This has the advantage of avoiding the extra hassle of getting the METV but I wonder about the risk of denied entry with the VE entry. For the record, I only spend 4 months of the year in Thailand and have not been there since March 2026.

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Would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the viability of these different options.

get a tourist visa 60 days
get a 30 day extension 1,900 baht total 90 days
leave to Cambodia, laos, vietnam,... wherever
return, get a 30 day visa EXEMPT total 120 days
Buy a new tourist visa 60 days total 150 days

Ur choice

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No issue.

Personally I would obtain the 30 day extension to a second tourist visa.

Yes, I can see that would be safest option. But least convenient if I am traveling to a place like Luang Prabang or Siem Reap as it would require an extra side trip to Vientiane or Phnom Penh to make payment for the 2nd tourist visa.

10 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

I can see that would be safest option. But least convenient if I am traveling to a place like Luang Prabang

Where you you be located in Thailand

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Where you you be located in Thailand

I'll likely be in Chonburi town.

20 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

Yes, I can see that would be safest option. But least convenient if I am traveling to a place like Luang Prabang or Siem Reap as it would require an extra side trip to Vientiane or Phnom Penh to make payment for the 2nd tourist visa.

If you apply in Cambodia, you don't need to go to Phnom Penh to pay at the embassy in cash. That's only done in Laos.

2 minutes ago, Caldera said:

If you apply in Cambodia, you don't need to go to Phnom Penh to pay at the embassy in cash. That's only done in Laos.

OK. Good to know. Thanks.

I will use a combination of a cambodian retirement visa again and Thai visa free entries. I wish the border would reopen what a nuisance.

37 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I will use a combination of a cambodian retirement visa again and Thai visa free entries.

How is that remotely related to this thread.

13 hours ago, ultramarine said:

If you want an SETV for Thailand you have to go to the embassy in Vientiane.

No.

Unrelated. Do you have Thai bank account in your name only.

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No.

Unrelated. Do you have Thai bank account in your name only.

But you do have to go to the embassy in Vientiane to pay for it according to 2025 guidelines.

I don't have a Thai bank account.

54 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

How is that remotely related to this thread.

its a snow bird strategy. arrive late october, stay 30, over to cambo visa, get a visa come back to thailand for 30 or sixty depending on smog, back to cambodia and so on. no one bothers with me

6 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

its a snow bird strategy. arrive late october, stay 30, over to cambo visa, get a visa come back to thailand for 30 or sixty depending on smog, back to cambodia and so on. no one bothers with me

No one cares what suits you.

The OP is even reluctant to spend minimal time out of Thailand.

Focus on OP in threads.

Your formula is irrelevant

29 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

But you do have to go to the embassy in Vientiane to pay for it according to 2025 guidelines.

I don't have a Thai bank account.

Incorrect re Payment.

In addition yes you have your plan and indicated eventually basically living in Thailand.

IMO better path is to be pro active.

Obtain Non O retirement for entry even if no intention to apply for 12 month extension.

You need the Non O to open bank account.

That should start sooner than later

32 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No one cares what suits you.

The OP is even reluctant to spend minimal time out of Thailand.

Focus on OP in threads.

Your formula is irrelevant

really? Item 3 of the op says he is worried about coming in on exempts. A cambodian age 55 no questions asked visa solves that issue, especially if you take your thai break there. cheaper than an metv too. perfect for snowbirds, who wants to be in Thailand in feb and breathe that gnarly air.

50 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Incorrect re Payment.

In addition yes you have your plan and indicated eventually basically living in Thailand.

IMO better path is to be pro active.

Obtain Non O retirement for entry even if no intention to apply for 12 month extension.

You need the Non O to open bank account.

That should start sooner than later

Thanks for that tip. You make a good point about banking. Is getting a bank account still straightforward with a Non O or would I be better served using an agent given the recent crackdown?

If I don't apply for the Non O 12 month extension, how many months would I get this time around? 90 days first entry and then what -- 30 day extension?