How Does A Multiple Re-entry Permit Work?

[leeshy76]

Hi there folks,

I have a 1 yr extension of stay (recently obtained). I'm due 90 day report for the 1st time next month. I need to return back to the UK in Aug and make a few short trips throughout the year.

I decided to apply for the 1 year extension of stay so i didn't have the hassle of having to go back to my home country (UK) to renew every year, and also so i didn't have to leave every 90 days (just report at that nightmare place Suan Plu every 90 days, which is only slightly better but still an entire day of waiting about). The pro of having a NON IMMIGRANT VISA (from your home country) was the flexibilty to leave the country whenever you like especially in the case of emegency or short notice. The extension doesn't allow for that, so i guess there are pros and cons of both depending on your circumstances.

I understand that i have to apply for a multiple entry permit at Suan Plu. 3800bht

Can someone please give me info on how the multiple entry permit works?

1. Can i get this and exit thailand whenever i want ( even at short notice). I need to have that flexibity and option.

2. It's multiple entry permit, but are you limited to how many trips in and out?

3. I see that at Suan Plu re entry applications are processeed downstairs. I had the the expereince before of being bounced around from one floor to another after hours of waiting and being called, as my address here in Thailand is considered greater Bangkok (Prathumthani) and they now have separated which floors deals with which district.

3 (a). is this also the case for re- entry permits applcations? or are they all processed at the same floor/counter no matter what district you live in BKK?

Thanks

[ubonjoe]

A multiple re-entry permit allows you to leave and re-enter as many times as you want for it's period of validity.

You can just pack your bags and leave. No need to do anything else.

The easy way to get your re-entry permit is to email them the completed TM 8 and then just go there with your photo and passport. Info from immigration website follows.

For a re-entry permit,if you are in Bangkok area and you have an Internet access, you could fill in a TM. 8 form and send it to [email protected]

— You should e-mail the completed form 1 day in advance.

— You have to submit a 2" photo and pay a permit fee at counter 7, the Immigration Bureau (soi suanplu office.)

Link to TM 8 download: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm8.doc

[lopburi3]

1. Yes

2. No limit.

3. Suspect it is divided but not sure - I would point out your location at reception and expect they will send you upstairs.

[Lite Beer]

Every time you return to Thailand write the Permit Number on the Entry Card where it says "Visa Number" and make sure that the Airport Immigration Officer sees it.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Every time you return to Thailand write the Permit Number on the Entry Card where it says "Visa Number" and make sure that the Airport Immigration Officer sees it.

And, as a followup, be sure to check the new stamp as you're walking away from the Immigration officer to be sure that it's all the way to the end of your "permitted to stay" period, not 30 days or some other number.

I forgot to do this a couple years back which necessitated an additional trip down to Suan Plu for the correction, free. Next trip up to Nong Khai the same officer who'd made the mistake was working the out-going booth, noticed the correction, and we had a chat and a laugh over it.

Mac