Need To Extend Stay

[mjochim]

I don't usually like to post similar threads on different forums but I'd like to enlist the greater expertise here on Thai Visa as time is running short...

My Non-Imm (O) visa expires on 31 March. I cannot show the cash requirement in the bank for another year extension and I am currently out-of-work. I hope to sign a new employment contract by the beginning of May at the latest.

I also don't have access to much cash at the moment -- I've been budgeting heavily over the past three months trying to make it on a minimal amount of available savings (not so easy, but I'm surviving). Again, that situation will change very soon (once said contract comes through).

A 15-day permission to stay by crossing a land border won't get me enough cover (and I can't afford to make another visa run after that), I thought my best option would be to obtain a single-entry Tourist Visa. From Phuket, the least expensive option is to do this in Penang, particularly since this 60-day visa is available at no cost until 31 March.

I began planning to make this particular visa run, finding out that I could take the second-class bus from Phuket to Hat Yai for 267 baht and then a minivan the remainder of the distance. I was encouraged to find out how inexpensive some of the accomodations are in the Chulia Road/Love Lane area. I felt this was completely doable.

But I think I've hit a snag. I was told elsewhere online that since I'm currently on a Non-Imm (O), the most that Penang would give me would be 15 days. Otherwise, I could just do a quick visa run via air and receive 30 days -- an option that's a bit over my budget right now.

QUESTION ONE:

Is there anybody here on TV who can verify that I won't be able to obtain the single-entry Tourist Visa based on my coming off of a Non-Imm (O)? I've had this particular visa since October 2006; apart from the initial 90-day extension, I was able to secure the one-year extensions since then. That shows a good history of employment -- as these extensions were based on my work permit rather than solely on my supporting a Thai family.

My current thinking is to still go to Penang by bus/minivan but (quickly) purchase a one-way ticket from Penang back home to Phuket. I found one that's comes to 1800 baht after the taxes and fees.

QUESTION TWO:

If, while in Penang, I decide to try my luck at the consulate (if I don't receive a definitive answer from a knowledgable TV member), and they reject the application would I be able to receive 30 days upon flying back to Phuket?

I'm sorry if these questions seem completely newbieish but it has been more than four years since I've had to make a visa run and the more I read the various forum threads the more confused I become. I think the "Latest News" page for the various embassies and consulates is a great idea but was unable to find anything that gave me peace of mind for the situation I'm in.

While I'm at it (too long-winded, I know) -- can anybody advise on the least expensive option for the Hat Yai to Penang portion? Specifically, would I save money by taking a local bus to the Thai side of the border at Sadao and walking across and then finding another public bus from there to Penang? Would it be cheaper to take the bus to Butterworth and then the ferry the last little way, or even the RapidPenang bus across the bridge? And I suppose the return will just be the reverse -- or is it more complicated than that?

Finally, is the railway to the top of Penang Hill back in operation? (I found a news article from last October saying it was being refurbished until January of this year but was it on-schedule?)

Whew! Many questions but when you can't afford mistakes on a very limited budget, I suppose it's better to know all of your options in advance...

Thanks for bearing with the long post. I hope that at least some of these answers can be answered fairly quickly (I'll need to book that one-way air ticket soon if this seems to be the only way to do it!). Thanks in advance for any new viewpoints on how to do this.

Cheers...

[Mario2008]

You can get a 60 day extension of stay based on your marriage without need to show any income. Normal proof of marriage and the presence of your wife will be required. Contact your immigration office to see what they exactly require at that office.

[mjochim]

You can get a 60 day extension of stay based on your marriage without need to show any income. Normal proof of marriage and the presence of your wife will be required. Contact your immigration office to see what they exactly require at that office.

Forgot to mention -- wife's gone now, too.

[Mario2008]

Suspect you wil get a single entry tourist visa in Penang. If you are denied, yes you will get 30 days flying back in without a visa (depending on your nationality)

[mjochim]

Suspect you wil get a single entry tourist visa in Penang. If you are denied, yes you will get 30 days flying back in without a visa (depending on your nationality)

Yes, American nationality should give me no problems with 30-day by air. So, I think I'll go ahead and book the flight from Penang to Phuket. Is there any likelihood I would be denied boarding by not having an onward ticket (out of Thailand) leaving within the 30 days?

[Mario2008]

In Asia and with a budget airline that is not very likely. But there was a recent thread from someone stating that he needed to show a ticket out when flying in from Kuala Lumpur. As said, within Asia that seems to be very rare.

But I trust you will get a tourist visa anyway.