Hi,

I have a non-immigrant, one-year visa with no re-entry status. I'll be leaving Thailand for the holidays and have heard I only need to purchase a re-entry stamp for 1000 baht at the Don Muang re-entry permit counter.

Two questions:

1) Is that counter open 24 hours? I have a flight that leaves at 06:00 on Friday the 24th.

2) I missed my 90-day check in date when it last came around. Actually, that was the first time it came around. Per the advice of some Thai staff at the university where I work, I have just ignored it. They say I should take it out of my passport and forget about it. Is this going to haunt me during departure or return? If no, when will/might it come into play?

Sorry. I guess that's three questions.

Thanks for your response,

Colin

If you already have a multiple entry, you don't need a re-entry permit. You can enter as many times you want on that visa.

If you are on extension from immigration:

1. Yes, open 24/7. If you don't find an officer, (he might sleep inside), just ask at the Immigration counter.

2. Forget it for now, but when you return, do a 90-days report within 90 days.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Does that mean I have a clean slate when I return? Or does that mean upon going to immigration I may be hassled?

Thanks again.

What type of visa do you have?

Issued where?

Issued when?

Valid until when?

Entry permit (airport) valid until when?

Well, the original 3-month, Non-Imm B--that is, the sticker--was issued in Penang on May 27th of this year. Then, with work permit and whatever else was required, I was able to get a 9 month extension in Bangkok. It is in blue ink and stamped (as opposed to a sticker). It has some cryptic Thai around it that I can't read because the handwriting is absolutely miserable. And small.

The stamp says: 'Extension of stay permitted up to 28 MAY 2005.'

I haven't bought the re-entry permit yet. I plan on buying in the wee hours of the 24th, from the 24-hour permit booth.

If you're asking about the last time I got an entry stamp, that would be upon crossing back into Thailand from Malaysia. It expired in August but was negated by my visa extension. I haven't left the country since the time I got my 9-month extension.

Thanks again.

You need a re-entry permit, and you will be ok if you enter the Kingdom before 29 MAY 2004.

If you enter on 29 MAY 2004 or later, you are gone and have to start from square one.

Ok, but how does it relate to the 90-day check-ups? I already missed the date. When I return, is it going to flag anything? You suggested to "Forget it for now, but when you return, do a 90-days report within 90 days."

When I re-enter, with my new entry permit that I will buy at DM before I leave, do I have a clean slate with regards to the 90 day, the-alien-must-notify procedure, or am I still best off not bringing up the subject?

Sorry. Thanks.

1. No flag. The Immigration will not hassle you for non-reporting on exit. Just "shut up".

2. No problems when leaving. Guarantee. On arrival the clock starts again and you have to report within 89 days.

Thanks, George. The info is much appreciated.