Staying In Thailand For Several Months

[billyjones]

Hi there,

I'm planning on staying on Phi Phi island for several months.

Once flying in, I'm only allowed 30 days, as I won't be flying in with a visa.

1. Without a visa, I am required to have a ticket out of the country? Correct?

I plan on purchasing a cheap ticket to, say, Laos - so I can acquire a double entry visa there.

2. This gives me an extra 60 days, right?

Towards the end of my 60 day double entry, I then plan to extent in Phuket.

3. I'm able to extend another 30 days doing so?

Finally,

4. Where to from here? If I intend on staying even longer?

I hope I am on the right track here. Any tips, advice etc. will be greatly appreciated - as I am new to all this and don't want to shoot myself in the foot at any stage.

Obviously, I wan't to stay as long as possible, and avoid as many unnecessary "visa runs" as possible.

Cheers

Bill

[lopburi3]

Normally the best course of action is to obtain a visa in your home country as they will often provide more than one entry for those planning longer stays easier than local Consulates.

Immigration is not likely to ask for ticket but airline may if you do not have a visa so a ticket to Vientiane would work.

A two entry tourist visa allows 60+30 exit/return 60+30 but you must make second entry while visa is still valid so first extension might be short a couple of days.

For long stay you should obtain a proper visa for what the purpose is. For work a B visa. For education and ED visa. For retirement and O visa.

[Madivad]

^^^^ with lopburi, but I don't understand why (if you're planning to goto Lao to get a visa anyway), why don't you get one in your own country before coming here? Will make it a lot smoother, especially since your first run is going to be 60-90 days after getting here, and not the 30 you're planning for ATM..

A 60 day DE TV is free at the moment, and going to Lao isn't (depending its about $30-35 for most people for their VOA - plus getting there etc etc)

Edit: But, you're thinking is correct (and spelling)

[billyjones]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

[gotlost]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

Overnight stay is required.

[Madivad]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

fair enough, but its no real stuff around to say you now want a TV, saves a little hassle in a month... But I do understand

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

Apply one day, pick up the next. Just watch out for public holidays. I havent done a TV inLao, just border runs, but this is all very well documented on this site.

Have fun in Phi Phi! The wife and I just got back from a few nights there, quite an enjoyable place. Although I don't know about spending several months there. Too many tourist and tourist prices! (this is from me living in Phuket! lol)

[billyjones]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

fair enough, but its no real stuff around to say you now want a TV, saves a little hassle in a month... But I do understand

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

Apply one day, pick up the next. Just watch out for public holidays. I havent done a TV inLao, just border runs, but this is all very well documented on this site.

Have fun in Phi Phi! The wife and I just got back from a few nights there, quite an enjoyable place. Although I don't know about spending several months there. Too many tourist and tourist prices! (this is from me living in Phuket! lol)

Thanks very much guys! This now makes the situation a bit more clear, and less stressful.

Which airline will I generally get the cheapest flight with? Is it advisable to give myself a few days buffer on the initial 30 days when booking my flights - or leaving on the 30th day is no problem at all?

[lopburi3]

You will be flying from OZ?

[beechguy]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

May be helpful to know where you are located, there are often other Honorary Consulates around so I wouldn't rule out geting a visa.

[billyjones]

I am unable to get a visa, as I initially thought I would be working in Thailand - but the work fell through/wasn't able to get a letter of employment. so I mucked around the consulate a bit.

When i get to Vientiane, how long should the double entry visa take to process? Do I just stay there overnight?

May be helpful to know where you are located, there are often other Honorary Consulates around so I wouldn't rule out geting a visa.

Adelaide. South Australia

What visa should I be going for in my situation?

[Madivad]

I've always found jetstar the cheapest by far. And that's factoring in many variables. But they only fly Sydney --> Phuket or Melbourne --> Bangkok. So... Both Sydney and Melbourne have consulates. So if you have friends there just stop in for a couple of days. When I did Sydney, they wanted a two day turnaround. Wasn't a problem for me so didn't push it.

And flying out on your 30 th day is fine, just remember you have to count the first and last days, they're inclusive. If you're a day late there's no real problem, you'll just be fined 500฿.

Edit: forgot to mention, that's 500฿ every day that you are over. Also, you are after a double entry tourist visa.

[Phatcharanan]

If you're a day late there's no real problem, you'll just be fined 500฿.

1 day overstays are not charged at Swampy. However, if you overstay 2 days then yes, you will have 1000 baht to pay.

Along with a really cool looking 'overstay' stamp in red within your passport.