A good friend from USA wants to come to Phuket to get some serious dental work. Following an accident he has major tooth extraction and restoration needed. Thus extraction and bone transplant, with 3-month waiting for the healing, then install titanium implants, wait on those for a month, then make and install the crowns. Altogether about 5 months for the entire course. No problem to get dual-entry visa then extension on that, so that's about 3 months. But can he get a medical extension on the basis of the course of treatments? He would be staying at my house in Phuket during this time.

Please, no advice or suggestions on the treatment itself, have adequate info on such.

Dual entry toruist visa would be good for 2 tmes 60 days, with each entry of 60 days can be extended by 30 days In all good for 180 days.

Phuket is reportedly strict regarding medical extension, due to abuse. Strictly speaking, the extension is for people who can't travel. But if he is with an international hospital they will have liason with immirgaiton and can handle the medical extension for him. But in that case he still needs a tourist visa, as with a visa exempt entry the airline migh not let him board without proof of onward travel within 30 days of arrival.

He can get a dual entry tourist visa and that will give him 180 days if used correctly. On the first entry you get 60 days permission to stay which can be extended for 30 days. On the last day of the extension exit and re-enter Thailand and you will get another 60 + 30. The 30 day extensions are 1900 baht each and the tourist visa is $80. He can get the visa by courrier service. The Honary Consulate in portland is very efficient and friendly. Here's the website: Visa application porcedures, Portland Oregon.doc

If he is still under the care of the dentist at the end he can apply for a medical extension with the correct peperwork from the doctor. Visas are valid for either 3 or 6 months. If he gets the visa just before he comes, 3 months is okay, but the second entry must be made before the "must enter by" date on the visa. I would ask for a visa that is valid for 6 months just to be safe.

Edited January 22, 201313 yr by wayned

A 3 entry tourist visa (easy to get in US) is another option that would give a total of almost 9 months which might be useful if his treatment took longer than planned.

Phuket immigration is currently only issuing extensions based on medical grounds for people who are hospitalized or women over 7 months pregnant. Due to people who are abusing the system.

All medical extensions are judged on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the officer.

In his case it is very unlikely that he will get a extension based on medical grounds.

Best option is to stick with the double entry TR60 visa ( 2 x 60 + 30 days ) and start treatment as soon he arrives in Thailand.

OK, thx guys. Will advise him to go for the 2x double entry at the Portland honorary.