Non-Immigrant O To Tourist Visa In Vientiane

[bottledwater]

Hello,

My Non-Immigrant O well run its 15 month course in early December. I no longer meet the requirements for a Non-O visa. I need a visa(s) to carry me to March 2013. My plan is to head to Vientiane and apply for a double entry 60 day Tourist Visa. I have zero tourist visas in my passport. My plan was to head up there, apply for the tourist visa, pick it up the next day and then return to Thailand.

Today someone told me "oh you can't do that". They said that because I (will have by that time) a recently expired O visa, I will have to stay out of Thailand for a certain amount of time before they will issue a tourist visa. This is news to me.

My questions: 1) Is this true? 2) If so, how long do I need to stay out of Thailand? 3) If so, would another consulate besides Vientiane give a different result. 4) Do I have other options.

Thanks for your help!

[lopburi3]

Not true to question 1.

[ubonjoe]

The info you were given is completely wrong.

You will have no problem getting a tourist visa. You can get a 2 entry tourist visa in Vientiane if you want too.

[bottledwater]

Thank you Lopburi3 and Ubonjoe. It made me sweat a little, I just never know what crazy nonsensical rules are out there.

I have one other Newbie question. Vientiane Has a Thai Embassy AND a consular section located in separate areas. I assume visa services are handled at the Consular Section location? That would make sense but when one assumes . . . . .

Thanks again!

[lopburi3]

Yes visas are issued by the Consulate.

[chris5346]

for what reason did you get the type-o in the first place ?

if it's for being a parent to a thai you can extend your current stay by 60 days by just showing the birth certificate.

i was in that situation and i went to vientiane and changed to a tourist visa no problem - don't tell them you have a child etc on the application form just say your on holiday.

where are you staying in thailand ? i have been to vientiane many times and can send you some information.

[visarunner]

You should have no problem in obtaining a Tourist Visa, apply for either Single Entry or Double Entry.