Hello all,

Thank you for reading this post.

Ok, I have been in Thailand since October '07, using the tourist visa process. I really like it here (honestly, I'm a new person!), but unfortunately I know one day I'll have to return to the reality of Australia, even if only briefly.

I've done the tourist visa run (to Lao) 2 times now. My 60 day period from the last trip ends in a few weeks, though after I get a 30 day extension at Chiang Mai immigration, the actual visa expires 24th June.

Firstly, the chances of doing the Lao run successfully again, they are simply 50-50? Some Thai friends tell me "yeah, keep doing that, as long as you don't cause trouble, you will be fine", but I know how Thais are very much "yeah, it'll be ok" with everything! (Btw, no disrespect to Thais, it's a wonderful attitude for most non-important things!) So, if I do the Lao run, and get a "no" answer, what then? How can one get back into Thailand?!

Ok, back to original question. If I do return to Australia before (just before) 24th June, is there a time restriction for when I can return to Thailand? I've checked the forum, but could not find anything relevant. I know a bit about re-entry things, but I don't think that's relevant, as I'll probably stay in Australia for at least a few weeks (i.e. post 24th June). Anyway, I'm sure I've heard something about waiting 3 months before one can return to Thailand? Is this correct? If so, only in certain circumstances? I hope to organise a work permit while back in Australia.. money starting to run low, and unfortunaltely need money to live, and if there's a chance I can work AND be happy, then I want to do what I can to make it happen!

Thanks in advance for any insight / advice.

It is difficult to understand about the work permit in Australia. If you are talking about working in Thailand you obtain a work permit in Thailand after you find employment and are provided the paperwork.

If you have not used 30 day visa exempt entry it can be used up to 90 days in a six month period so if you did not obtain a tourist visa you could always return using that for awhile. At present nobody is having a problem obtaining tourist visas in Vientiane (even 2 entry is available for most applicants) so I would say your chance is much higher that 50/50. If they don't want to see you again they will say so if previous experience is any guide.

There is no requirement to remain outside of Thailand for any period of time.

It is difficult to understand about the work permit in Australia. If you are talking about working in Thailand you obtain a work permit in Thailand after you find employment and are provided the paperwork.

If you have not used 30 day visa exempt entry it can be used up to 90 days in a six month period so if you did not obtain a tourist visa you could always return using that for awhile. At present nobody is having a problem obtaining tourist visas in Vientiane (even 2 entry is available for most applicants) so I would say your chance is much higher that 50/50. If they don't want to see you again they will say so if previous experience is any guide.

There is no requirement to remain outside of Thailand for any period of time.

Thank you for the super-quick response.

Work permit - ahh, my apologies, I neglected to mention that the work would be for a 100% Australian based and owned company. You know, the whole "working from home" scenario, where "home" = Thailand.

Tourist visa - during the two visits to Lao, I mentioned 7 months and 4 months respectively on the form for "intended duration of stay" - therefore, come 24th June, I should be saying "1 month". That was the plan - to head back to Australia mid-year - but now I'm thinking of staying for just a little bit longer - maybe one more block of 3 months. So, changing my "intended duration of stay" would be something that might make immigration officials think twice before saying "yes" or "no"?

"If they don't want to see you again they will say so if previous experience is any guide." - you mean, during my last visit to the Thai embassy in Vientiane, they'd be saying that to me? Like a 3-month warning?

Thanks again.

Previous guess as to how long you will stay should not even be noticed - much less questioned. Previously that Consulate was known for putting a stamp in your passport to not come there again if they did not want to issue you another visa - so you had ample warning to go elsewhere.