Returning After 90 Days; Journalist Non-Immigrant Visa

[DataGuy]

I'm from the U.S. and I've got a few about returning to Thailand after the 90 days of the tourist visa are expired and also about a one-year non-immigrant visa for a tech writer.

I've read the forums and realize that if I obtain a tourist visa for three entries, I'll have about nine months to stay in Thailand: 60 days X 3 entries + 30 days x 3 (extensions). After those 90 days, I guess I'd have to leave the country.

But if I'd want to return shortly, how long would I have to wait before applying for another tourist visa in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam to return to Thailand? From reading the forums, it seems that if there aren't too many Thai visas/entries in my passport (a red mark?!), I could apply for a second Thai tourist visa the day I arrived in another country, and re-enter Thailand as soon as I received that visa. Or aren't I correct?

Also, in the U.S. I may obtain a Thai visa for three entries. When I apply for my second Thai visa in a Southeast Asian country, is it possible to also receive a visa for three entries? From reading the forums, it seems that a two-entry visa is the maximum, and even hat depends upon the Thai office issuing it.

In addition, I'm a self-employed freelance technology reporter who writes/blogs about the Internet and wireless Internet for publisher sites on the Web. I write mostly about U.S.-related subjects, although I sometimes write about overseas products, services, strategies, etc., and I guess it's a possibility I could write about the Internet in Thailand.

The Thai embassy's U.S. Web site says non-immigrant visas for journalists/reporters require approval from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I assume approval could be extremely difficult to obtain, based on how many countries view journalists with suspicion, if not hatred! Anyone have experience with this type of visa?

Thanks very much for your assistance. The forums are extremely useful.

[Colabamumbai]

You can exit to another country and return immediately, or immediately after receiving a 2x entry tourist visa, which as you know will give you another 90 plus 90 days. Embassies in the region issue double entry not triple entry tourist visas, no problem about that.

You would have more than a year as you suggest with a triple entry 270 days, so start from there.

If you are talking about working legally in Thailand you will need the appropriate visa and documents from the prospective employer to obtain a work permit.

The journalistic route, I will let some one with more experience on that reply.

[DataGuy]

Hi Colabamumbai,

Thanks very much for the information. I guess that with two visas -- my original one for a total of about nine months and a second one for six months (60 days x 2 + 30 days (extensions) x 2 -- I would have plenty of time to decide what I want do to. And I guess some people also are able to obtain a third visa or more.

I have read information about work permits and some information about the requirements from the Thai government for a journalist's visa.

Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it.

[Mario2008]

I think an important factor is if you want to work for a Thai based or foreign based media organisation.

Memebrs of the media must apply for a visa through the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current procedure is outlined on their webiste: http://www.mfa.go.th...eign-Press.html

[DataGuy]

Hi Mario2008,

Thanks very much for the information. I guess dealing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the way to go.