Tourist Visa Question

[thaidiver]

Hi

I'm a US citizen returning to Thailand for a long holiday. I've recently received a 60-day tourist visa that has to be used before March 24th. Upon arrival at Swampy Int'l airport I want immigration to only issue me the 30-day visa exempt stamp and not use my tourist visa. Reason being is that I plan on leaving the country for a side trip within 30 days. And upon my return from the sidetrip to Thailand I want to use my 60-day tourist visa. Has anyone run into problems at the airport with immigration trying to do this? Or is there any procedure or protocol for doing this? I guess what the gist of it is " will immigration force me into using the tourist visa since it is afixed to my passport" or make a big deal about me trying to get a 30-day stamp instead. Is there a rule for this?

Any help appreciated, Thanx

Edited January 8, 2009 by thaidiver

[sniffdog]

This will depend on the officer on duty.

But I will say that visa exempt stamps are invented for those without a visa. You have one, so I would say probably they require you to use your visa.

[beechguy]

You can read this to see if it will help. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Utilize-Tour...sa-t233634.html

[Lite Beer]

Most reports say that this is possible.

Don't put your Visa number on your arrival card and ask the Officer if you can save the Visa.