Another newbie, another visa question...

I'm planning on spending 6-9 months in SEA. Ideally, I want to rent an apartment in Bangkok as a base and explore both Thailand and neighboring countries.

I know that I can apply for a 3-entry tourist visa and that I can get a multiple re-entry permit when I'm there. What I'm hoping someone can clarify for me, is how long the re-entry permit is good for. Assuming I get a multiple-entry one, would this then apply to all three visa entries? Or would I have to apply for a new re-entry permit for each 60-90 day stay?

Since I'm hoping to travel around quite a bit, I'm wondering what the most cost-effective and easy way of managing the visa situation would be. (I know I could do a visa (free) run every 30 days, but I'd rather have to do that if it can be avoided).

Thanks!

A re-entry permit would only be valid for the 60 or 30 day stay a tourist visa allows and would add no time. You would be better served getting a three entry tourist visa prior to travel and then getting visa exempt entry, or tourist visa if a longer stay required, from countries you visit.

Thanks.

To be clear, I know that a re-entry permit doesn't give you additional time. I was hoping I could avoid using up 3 entries, within the space of a month or two; that wouldn't be worth the cost of getting a visa. But if a re-entry permit only covers one visa entry, that would end up being horrendously expensive. Better to then apply for another visa, if necessary (or enter on a visa exemption) then if I understand you correctly?

It depends on how you plan your travel but if doing ad hoc might be best to just pay for single entry to start and use 15/30 day visa exempt or obtain a new visa if planning a longer stay after you get here.