60 day multiple entry tourist visa

[sawatdee2k3]

I just received 3, 60 day multiple tourist visas from the Thailand embassy in DC, USA (actually I pick them up on Friday, 2 day processing).  3 is the max they could give me because they apparently only have a 6 month validity, but they asked no questions and the whole process took about 30 seconds.  

My question is, what do I do when I get to Thailand at the 60 day point for the expiry of the first tourist visa?  Do I have to cross the border or can I just check in at the local Immigration bureau in Chiang Mai where I'll be staying?

Thanks for any help!

Also - as a sidenote about the so-called 30 day border pass "abusers".  I personally know several people who do this on a regular basis and I think that the majority of the people who do this just don't know how to go about applying for the correct visas, OR they do know and they're intimidated by the whole process?  Just a thought....

[the scouser]

When your 60 days is about to expire you can go down the local immigration office and pay 1900(?) baht for a 30 day extension. At the end of the extension you then do a border run and return on the second entry of the visa, getting another 60 days which is again extendable in country by 30 days. Repeat this process for your third entry. Total time in Thailand = c. 270 days.

Alternatively you can do your border run after 60 days thereby not paying for the extension. Total time in Thailand = c.180 days. It just depends exactly how long you want to stay, although, obviously, your third entry will have to be utilised before the expiry date on the visa.

Scouse.

[sawatdee2k3]

Excellent, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.  Thanks for the info!  

I'll definitely do the 30 day extensions, a day trip to Mae Sai can easily cost you 50$ in fuel/food, and hotel if you stay the night.  Might as well save the time and pay the 50$ to the Thai govt.

Thanks again...

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You were right Scouse...the visa extension fee is 1900 baht now.

[wilson steer]

To me the 1900 baht extension fee does not make any sense. If you are on a 30 day they only extend it for ten days, so it is the same price to do a visa run to the border for 30 days.

Even if you are on a 60 day visa, it makes more sense to do a border run because the cost of the 60 day (multiple visas) from your home country is cheaper than 1900 baht. Unless you want a three month holiday I suppose that is one 60 day visa in the home country plus one 1900 baht extension.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

...or 2 entries of a Tourist Visa, cross a border and come back in ...that's 2 X 60 days....easier and a better deal.

[sawatdee2k3]

It's 25$US per entry for the 60 day tourist visa.  So for 3 - 60 day's I paid 75$.  Combining with the 1900B for 3 - 30 day extensions it'll be ~225$+ for 9 months worth of semi-hassle free living in paradise.  Not much to ask for in my opinion.  

I still can't believe how painless it was, I still have to go back to pick it up but I was literally out of there in 30 seconds.  Of course I had the app. filled out and passport pics w/ me to speed it along.

Is it possible that Thailand actually wants tourists there?  From my *one* experience it certainly seems that way.  However, from reading all the other posts it seems to be the opposite if you're already IN Thailand?  Is it that much more difficult to get visas while in country (or from bordering country's)?

I was at the actual Thai embassy in DC though, not a consulate which may have helped.  I also made an effort to wear pressed business attire which I normally wear anyway, but had read on here that your attire is very important (seems odd for a country where 1/4 of the population lives in huts, but what're you gonna do).

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Take a look at the girls and boys working in department stores, hotels etc., their housing is 'iffy' but they are nevertheless neatly attired and scrupulously clean.

[lopburi3]

Is it possible that Thailand actually wants tourists there?  From my *one* experience it certainly seems that way.  However, from reading all the other posts it seems to be the opposite if you're already IN Thailand?  Is it that much more difficult to get visas while in country (or from bordering country's)?

A visa is almost always obtained outside the country.  Extensions of stay are what are normal within Thailand.  It is not hard to obtain a visa in bordering countries if you have a valid reason and can supply the documentation IMHO.  Some do have problems; but that is true of a few in any group.

The Dr. is right about dress.  Your house may not have paint, but you do have clean clothes and body.

[sawatdee2k3]

You're definitely right about the dress of the normal Thai.  My remark was off-handed and obviously not thought out. Thanks for point that out.

It sounds like Thailand truly does want foreigners to visit and even stay for a long time and enjoy their country.  Like any country however, they just don't want the "undesirables".  But that begs the question of what IS an "undesirable"?

Is Thailand asking for too much from foreigners in terms of character or financial status?  It would seem that most foreigners that are coming to Thailand, would have *some* financial means at their disposal.  Even the retirees on govt SS would be able to live more comfortably in Thailand than in a Western country.  Thailand doesn't seem to be asking for much.  

What am I missing?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The bona fide retiree has money in case of need, illness, unforeseen circumstances etc., whereas many of the de facto residents exist on a hand to mouth existence, and have zilch for that rainy day. There's no SS here at all. That is really the issue. Enjoy your stay here.          

[DaveYo]

Sawatdee2k3,  just curious on something.   Are you planning to stay long term since you asked the question of what your missing or of what Thailand is doing about the character or financial aspects.  Dr. PP is right on what he said.  So I was just wondering if you are going to plan to stay longer than what your visas are as given.

:blues:

[sawatdee2k3]

I didn't ask what Thailand is doing about the character or financial aspects of foreigners.  I was asking if Thailand wanted too much out of foreigners in terms of character or financial aspects.  I wasn't making any statements regarding either the former or the latter as far as foreigners currently residing in Thailand.  I have alot of respect for anyone that can pack up and move half-way around the world, not many people have the cajones to do that.

As far as how long I'll be staying, it's will be for 6-9 months max, for tourism/business opportunities.  I can't stay longer than that and am coming to assist friends with a business venture and chalking it up as a much needed vacation.

::

[DaveYo]

Oh that is great  -  Vacation  -  .   I envy you.   Enjoy your vacation my friend.  Oh just a tiny bit of advice, don't go for any agency to do a visa or stamp run for you.  It is illegal to do so.  The other is be careful of your money while in Thailand.   Most of the girls will look at you like your the ATM machine.  Hehehehehehehe.  Other than that have a super good time.  Lots to see and to have fun.

As to your question.  To some extent Thailand is asking for a certain quota in regards to financial status if one stays for long term even to the retirees.  Recently they have ante it up and for some it is causing hardship and for others it is border line to meet the requirements, and for others not a problem.  It depends on your own personal financial means etc.

To move to Thailand is definitely a very big move and a major change for anyone.  I myself is now undergoing such and trust me it is a lot of work especially when one has to do it all alone while your wife is over there waiting for you.  I mean just moving from one USA State to another is hard but not that bad.  You can pretty much put your things in cardboard boxes and the rest wrap it up good and then go to your new place.  

To move to Thailand is 20 times harder.  You have to not only put your things into a cardboard box, but you got to also make wooden crates to protect your stuff, and also seal the inner part of such crate from getting wet while it undergoes an ocean voyage.  Then you got to obtain a shipping company, put such into a container, and be in Thailand for sure when it arrives there like 40 days later.  Then you got to deal with the customs at that point and to have a work permit to allow it inside their country duty free and hassle free.  

If you don't have permit you have to worry whether or not they will allow you to bring in your stuff and if they do you have to pay a hefty tax.  One person that I know who did, paid 60,000 baht on just only 4,000 usa dollars as declared value!, and lucked out getting his stuff inside.  Many are not that lucky.  Another one paid well over 200,000 baht a few months back.  He declared his stuff at around 15,000 usa dollars.  By the way both of these had work permits pending.  

From what I was told many get refused in getting their personal stuff.  That is when the headache begins as to where to put your things at once it is there.  I do know it has to leave the country within a certain time frame as given from the customs.

So moving there is half the problem.  Getting your stuff there inside past customs is the other half unless you want to spend all over again buying new stuff.  If you do get it inside, then one has to dig a bit deeper in their pockets to pay the penalty tax and meet the other requirements.  Up to the individual.

:blues:

[sawatdee2k3]

Thanks for the info, good luck with the move.

I picked up my visa today with no problems, I'm glad I'm only visiting and not moving there and having to deal with all the headaches you're describing!

Good luck in the future.....

[Down South]

Glad to here you recived your visa ok. Some people come here with good long visas and decide to stay longer then that, and next thing they know it has been a year or two since they have been home. its a great place to live and work if you can . that's how come many people on 30 day visas. and not much money left. I wish them luck  Have a good time over here Try not to fall in love ( to fast anyway ).

[elliss]

APPARENTLY ??? the 60 day multi entry has a 6 mounth validity ,

i would appreciate any info, on the actual duration on this type of visa .

OP , did the thai consulate require you flight in /out of thailand, schedules ?

thank you. :jap:

[lopburi3]

There is no such visa in normal 'multi' entry sense. Tourist visa is sold as single 'S' or specific number of entries up to 4 (but most places not more than 3) so you do not have unlimited entry for a set period of time as you do with a one year non immigrant multi 'M' entry. Also the time of validity from issue can be 3 or 6 months depending on Consulate policy.

[Crossy]

Thread dates from 2003, information more than somewhat out of date so closed.