Need Visa Information/help.

[dalrint]

So, I'm already in thailand on a 30 day tourist visa and I'm looking to stick around for longer than that, basically. I've been researching boarder runs and all that but I saw that if I go out of the country, and over to Burma or Laos I might be able to apply for a 60-day double entry visa at the Thai consulate there. I have a degree in english, so I'm planning to try and get a job teaching it at one of the schools in Chiang Mai (where I am currently located.)

But I have some questions. Where would the best place to go to apply for this visa be? I mean, which country? And once you apply, if you qualify or if they decide to give it to you, how long does it take to get it? I mean, should I plan to be out of the country for a few days, or would it take a day? I was thinking going to Vientiane in Laos, but Burma might be closer...I'm honestly not sure what my best options would be...

Oh, I'm 26 and I'm a citizen of the US, if that matters...

[roskruge]

Thai consulate in Penang, Malaysia (probably the same in Vientiane. Laos. don't try Phnom Phen. Cambodia) are giving 60 day single entry Tourist visa, but you are allowed 3 x 30 day none visa entries before you need to go their. 60 Day Tourist visa can be extended by 30 days in BKK

[Mario2008]

60 day tourist visa's can be extended with 30 days at any immigration office, so Chiang Mai will also do.

Remember that with a tourist visa you are not allowed to work. Just find a job, and than organize the proper visa and a workpermit with the help of your employer.

[Lite Beer]

Vientenne Laos would appear to be the only place to get a double entry tourist visa. Each entry can be extended for 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand.

Apply at Vientienne Thai Embassy in the morning and collect your passport next afternoon. Forget Burma for anything but 30 day stamps.

Plenty of information on Vientianne here.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=158561

[roskruge]

Crossing the border to Myanmar/Burma to renew 30 day Thai none visa entry is simple process. I have used Mae Sai and/or Mae Sot Many times to cross to Burma. You will have to pay 500 Baht to Burma immigration for 1 day (same day) Myanmar/Burma visa. Last time I crossed they did not need any paper work of photo, just Thai Baht cash and Passport. Passport was stamped in and out. You can walk around local town if you want, but you must leave Burma before border closes. If you are returning to Thailand same day they will keep Passport at immigration office till you leave, they will give you at ticket to walk around town. I think max 3 Km. I have always found them to be polite and helpful. Across the border from Mae Sai (at Tachileik) their is a Casino where I got a free meal.

[dalrint]

Another question. I was looking at the visa request form (So I can print it out and fill it out in advance) and there doesn't seem to be a spot to ask for a double entry tourist visa, just a tourist visa itself.

I saw somewhere that someone said that you put X2 next to tourist visa when you check it, at the top of the form...is that right? Or is there another form I need? Sorry, just kind of worried about all this.

[lopburi3]

There is only one form - you indicate the number of entries you want if more than one.

[dalrint]

I guess what I mean is, when I am looking at the form I don't see a Place for number of entries. I saw that people wrote X2 next to 'tourist visa' and I'm wondering if that is the proper thing to do?

Also, if I don't really have a 'proposed length of stay' because I don't know how long I am staying (as long as I can, really) what's a good thing to put?