Do I Need To Fly Away Or Visa Run Again ?

[kookainarak]

Hi,

I'm new poster on this forum although I've been reading it sometimes before.

I'm feeling concerned about my options at the moment, I hope someone can give me an experienced answer.

I came to Thailand on last Aug. 20th with a 2 x Entry Tourist Visa that I got from a Thai Royal Consulate in Canada (you should take notice of Canada, Montreal to be specific !) with an expiry date on Nov. 9th. I have also been clearly explained by the officer that processed my request in Montreal and delivered the visas that to be able to use my 2 visas, I need enter Thailand before that date Nov. 9th to begin use my first visa, then I could then ask for 30 days extension, exit Thailand by whatever way, train, car, plane, bus, foot ... spend a few hours / days out of Thailand and come back and use my 2nd visa for another 60+30 days. Clear enough I think ?

I exited to Laos on Nov. 17th, came back to borders on 18th. I had kind of a surprise when the thai officer at the Laos borders look at my passport and visa, then go out to talk with another officer, come back and start to grossely pen all over my visa and stamped USED and yell me "visa invalid, visa expired !" again and again trying to know why ? Then another officer came to me who I could talk to and explained me what is wrong and I explained him back what I've been told and got a 30 days stamp on arrival instead.

Now I'm wondering if, from that 30 days visa exempt stamp on arrival, can I still go for a proper visa run back to Laos and get a new 1 x OR 2 x Entry Tourist Visa for another 1 or 2 60+30 stays or if I absolutely have to leave by plane back to Canada ?

Now I understand that the expiration date (Nov. 9th) was the date I had to come back from Laos to Thai borders for it to be valid, from what the other officer said. Something I noticed in a sticky post up there, isn't a 2 x Entry Tourist Visa supposed to be valid for 6 months instead of 3 months, meaning that my visa expiration date should have been Feb. 9th 2008 ? (I got my visa on Aug. 9th 2007). Would it be a mistake from the officer in Montreal ?

Sorry for the long text, but I believe a detailed message can help you help me better.

Thanks to all

Edited December 10, 2007 by kookainarak

[lopburi3]

1. All entries had to be made prior to the expiration date on your visa. You were told wrong or you misunderstood.

2. Normal seems to be 3 months as yours was. Often they were 6 months in the past; but they are not designed for long term stay but for travel and return and most people do that in weeks rather than months.

3. You can exit and return on any border to receive another 30 day visa exempt stamp or two. Or you can go to a Consulate and obtain a tourist visa (perhaps 2 entry if Vientiane).

[kookainarak]

lopburi3, I should have said thanks to you in my post

That is very fast and clear answer.

For the expiration date, I've been told very clearly that I have to enter Thailand before Nov. 9th for my 2 visas to be valid, and had to exit the Thailand before or on 60+30 days according to the stamps, with NO overstay allowed or my 2nv visa would be screwed, what I didn't do.

Thanks for very quick and concise answer

Edited December 10, 2007 by kookainarak

[lopburi3]

I have to enter Thailand before Nov. 9th for my 2 visas to be valid

Which is true - the second/final entry has to be made before Nov. 9th. As that would have been 90 days if you had arrived on the day of issue you could not overstay having used 60+30 and still be within that time frame.

[kookainarak]

the second/final entry has to be made before Nov. 9th. As that would have been 90 days if you had arrived on the day of issue you could not overstay having used 60+30 and still be within that time frame.

From that point of view, I totally agree with you.

I have to enter Thailand before Nov. 9th for my 2 visas to be valid, and had to exit the Thailand before or on 60+30 days according to the stamps

How about that stamps part then ? For a first timer it can be very confusing.

Just like the example I used to ask the officer there in Canada, I arrive on Sept. 1st and later ask for extension and then need to exit on December 27th, according to the stamp from extension, I've been said no problem at all, my 2nd visa is linked to the stamps, not to Nov. 9th. Confusing ?!

Anyway, I will know for the next times.

Thanks again!