Tourist Visa For More Than 30 Days And New Rules

[natc]

Hi All,

I was planning a visit to Thailand in October 2011, for 6 weeks. My ultimate plan is to opt for a retirement Visa in about a year.

Since my plans, I have heard that to get the 60 day VISA, there are new rules that require evidence of pre-paid plane ticket and pre-paid hotel.

My problem is, although getting evidence of a prepaid plane ticket is not problem, beyond my first week, I have no idea of my agenda. This trip I planned to see parts of the country that I have never seen before, but with no specific schedule or even agenda (with an eye of future retirement locations). At a couple of places, I have friends I can stay with, but I may or may not even go to those places, and if I do, I am not sure when or for how long.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on how I handle the new VISA rules when I don't know where I will be past the first week (so obviously cannot show any evidence of hotel bookings as I don't know the schedule, and may not even be in a hotel)?

Can I come for 6 weeks, and drive over to Laos or Cambodia for a day and get a new VISA Extension, or what? Can I get a VISA Extension in country for beyond 30 days when I may not know where I will be the next day? I have never done the Visa run thing before, and this is strictly a "REAL" tourist trip.

Any serious suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Brian

[Crossy]

Where are you currently located (Canada?)?

Those with local experience should be able to point you at the more friendly consulates who will be sympathetic to your situation.

[natc]

Where are you currently located (Canada?)?

Those with local experience should be able to point you at the more friendly consulates who will be sympathetic to your situation.

Yes, I am in Canada, and when I called the consulate, they seemed more confused than I was.

Brian

[Crossy]

No surprises there then Brian, did they indicate under what circumstances they would issue a TV?

Which consulate did you contact by the way?

[natc]

No surprises there then Brian, did they indicate under what circumstances they would issue a TV?

Which consulate did you contact by the way?

The Consulate in Vancouover.

[sbk]

Why not just get a letter from a friend saying you will be staying at their house when you get there. I doubt they want to track your every move.

Get a double entry tourist visa (if possible) this allows you to get another two months after the first one expires by crossing the border.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

There is a report in the main thread here on the supposed tourist rule changes...and a reply posted from the Honorary Thai Consulate in Portland.... saying they don't know anything about these supposed changes and are not requiring them there...

Read the latest posts in the main thread and perhaps doublecheck with your local consulate... At this point, I wouldn't assume everything being reported is necessarily correct.