Non-Im 'O' Or Tourist?

[KruJoe]

I'm British and live with my Thai wife in the UK. We are planning a trip of about 72 days back to Thailand this winter. One entry.

Should I apply for a 28.00GBP three month tourist visa giving me 60days, then visit Chiang Mai immigration to extend to get the full 90?

If so, how much does the 30 day extension cost?

I have been advised by immigration on previous, similar trip that it was cheaper to pay the fine on exit for a few days over (that was about 3-4 days over the first 60). How much is the daily fine now? And is it still a simple, hassle-free way to go? (leaving Thailand at CNX.)

OR...

Should I go for the 45.00GBP 90 day non-immigrant 'O' on the basis of marriage? I have the documents here. Will there be any more complications or costs from taking this route?

Which is the best for me please?

Many thanks.

Joe

[wayned]

The extension fee is 1900 baht and the overstay is 500 baht per day to a maximum of 20000 baht. I'll let you figure it out.

[tombkk]

Tourist visa: GBP 28 (plus extention). Non-O: GBP 45. Difference: GBP 17.

Unless this Is a serious budget concern, the non-O does not require you to show up at immigration and is therefore more convenient.

[wayned]

Correct me if I'm wrong,which I' am quite often, but the extension will cost 1900 baht which is approximately 38 GBP. So the tourist route would cost 66GBP (28+38), or 21 GBP more and have the hassle of going to immigration to extend it. It's only about a1000 baht but you can sit and have a couple of beers rather than waiting at immigration.

Tourist visa: GBP 28 (plus extention). Non-O: GBP 45. Difference: GBP 17.

Unless this Is a serious budget concern, the non-O does not require you to show up at immigration and is therefore more convenient.

[CharlieH]

The Non O is better, no visiting immigration and less hassle, if the difference in cost is an issue then maybe you shouldnt even be travelling.

[KruJoe]

Thank you Wayne and others, from what you say, the 'O' is cheaper anyway because I'll be there 72 days. Not that cost is a huge factor, I want as little hassle as possible, but I've not done the 'O' before. And I don't know where I'll be about the 60day point, maybe on an island or something, or out in the sticks, so I'd prefer to sort it all out now, then I can forget about it.

So I'll try for that one. I'll try to call the consulate in the morning just to check I've got it all in order.

Many thanks again!