I'm heading to Thailand on May 31st. (US citizen, Northern California, 37 years old). I just received my passport and am not sure whether I'll have time to get a tourist visa before I arrive in Thailand. I'm concerned about the visa getting held up and not receiving my passport back from the LA Consulate in time.

Can I spend 30 days on the visa exemption, then head to Laos (I wanted to go there anyway) and get a tourist visa for Thailand while there? Or do I have to get a tourist visa from a US Consulate to be able to apply for further tourist visas?

Getting the visa after I get to Thailand/Laos would save me the worry about not having my passport back before my trip. Would there be any big downside to this? I can't see any, but I want to make sure I don't create a problem should I choose to stay in Thailand for a while. I'd like the option to.

I've read the sticky posts in this forum, but am still a little concerned. Any insight would be great.

The problem may be with the airline. If you check in without a Visa and without a ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days they can refuse you on the flight.

If you make it to Thailand there will be no problem with staying for 30 days and then applying for a Tourist Visa in Laos.

The problem may be with the airline. If you check in without a Visa and without a ticket leaving Thailand within 30 days they can refuse you on the flight.

If you make it to Thailand there will be no problem with staying for 30 days and then applying for a Tourist Visa in Laos.

I do have a return flight within the 30 day period. I plan on bumping it out, as my airline, United, assured me I can do this without penalty so long as I don't change the connection destination.

I do have a return flight within the 30 day period. I plan on bumping it out, as my airline, United, assured me I can do this without penalty so long as I don't change the connection destination.

Then you're good to go, enjoy your stay