hello, im sorry if this has been posted before but i could not see anything related when i had a look. If anyone could help or offer any advice i would be extremely greatful!

I am basically planning a trip, with two other friends, we have bought our tickets and are now on the visa stage of our planning!

I have been looking up types of Visas for Thailand only to find that they start the date they are issued. This is a huge problem for me as i will be in India for two months before i go to Thailand, which means (if i have read this right) a tourist visa (60 days) is out of the question for us because i would apply a month before leaving the uk and then be in India for 2 months, which means it would run out when i get to thailand.

I have read about the visa exemption rule where you can stay for 30 days and extend this, but you must have proof of leaving within 30 days of arriving, and i have a ticket booked to leave two months after arriving in Thailand.

Sorry i hope this isn't too confusing! and i hope someone can help!?

Cheers.

I have been looking up types of Visas for Thailand only to find that they start the date they are issued.

Good news for you. The tourist visa allows a 60 day stay. From the date of issue of the visa you have 90 days to BEGIN to use the visa. When you do BEGIN to use the visa IN Thailand, at that date the 60 days begins. The 60 days does NOT begin on the day you get the visa, to repeat, it begins on the day you start to use the visa. In your case, just make sure you will arrive in Thailand less than 90 days from the date the visa is issued.

http://www.thaivisa.com/272.0.html

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA

The validity of a visa is three months or six months. That means that you must utilize your visa within 90 or 180 days (dependent on number of entries) .

Edited August 27, 200916 yr by Jingthing

ahhh okie, thankyou for clearing that up! all this visa malarky is extremely confusing!

You shouldn't need to apply for your visa more than 2 weeks in advance. That will make your entry here much less than than the 90 day enter before date that will be on the visa. After you enter the country the date on the visa means nothing.

Apply by post to the Thai Consulate in Hull. You will get your passport back within a few days. Very good and quick service. http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/

thanks guys, cheers for the help!