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A Volunteer's Visa Conundrum

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Hi,

myself and three friends are currently working in different schools in the North East of Thailand as English Teaching Assistants, because of this we all have Non-Immigrant Single Entry visas that run until the end of our contracts (on the 7th of September).

Being close to the borders of Laos and Cambodia we have plans to visit both neighbouring countries at least once each of a weekend. We have looked into the Visa situation, and getting hold of one re-entry for one trip seems fairly simple (We are going to Bangkok this weekend so can visit the Visa office) but the problem we have is with attaining another for a later trip to Cambodia.

Someone please help us out, and say that we don't have to buy two separate Re-entry visas for Thailand!

We plan to go to Laos on the 24th and Cambodia on the 31st of August!

Thanks, Robbie

If you only plan to go to Cambodia twice the cheapest option would be to secure a single re entry permit from your nearest immigration office on two occasions at a total cost of 2000Bht.

Immigration offices are closed at the weekend.

You can buy a multiple re-entry permit for 3800 baht.

Some questions already answered, you can buy your re-entry permit at any immigration office, whether in the town you live or the town with an immigration office at or near to the border where you will be crossing.

Unless you plan on going by air, in which case you can get them at the airport, you will need to obtain the re-entry permit from your local immigration office.

If not on extension of stay, immigration In BKK might do it.

Get one re-entry permit for your first trip.

For the second trip, leaving here on the 31st, a re-entry permit will only allow you to stay until 7 Sept. A return without it would give you 15 days.

Are you leaving the country on the 7th?

You can buy a multiple re-entry permit for 3800 baht.

That will last you for a whole year---(or the length of your current visa if less then that)

Actually it is the length of your current permitted to stay.

You can buy a multiple re-entry permit for 3800 baht.

That will last you for a whole year---(or the length of your current visa if less then that)

Actually the length of your permission to stay.

Get one re-entry permit for your first trip.

For the second trip, leaving here on the 31st, a re-entry permit will only allow you to stay until 7 Sept. A return without it would give you 15 days.

Are you leaving the country on the 7th?

As the OP is working his work permit would be void if entering on a visa exempt stamp.

"As the OP is working his work permit would be void if entering on a visa exempt stamp."

Once he returns from the second trip his visa and WP will expire within a couple of days. Less than a week.

He didn't indicate that he would be trying to extend either one to be able to continue working.

  • Author

Wow, thanks for all the help.

I do plan to stay until the 15th, I didn't realise that my non immigrant visa completely runs out on the last day of my contract (which I would be extending).

So looks like I'll buy a re-entry permit for the earlier trip and then not worrying about visa's for the later one.

So say for example I'm coming back in from Cambodia or Laos on the 1st of september, will I be given a free visa that will last until I leave on the 15th? I know technically I will no longer be able to work, but I leave the school on the 5th anyway, and would have already received my last paycheque (it's a stipend of next to nothing so still technically a volunteer).

Does anyone know how much we ought be paying on the Laotian and Cambodian sides for our short stays? I know they try and charge you through the teeth.

Thanks again, Robbie

The date that is important is your permitted to stay until date stamp. You have to leave by mid night on that date.

A border crossing entry will give you 15 days that includes that day.

Are you asking about visa on arrival costs?

Laos varies according to country you are from but normally is 1500 baht or $35. Never had problems in Laos with being over charged.

Base price for Cambodia visa is 1000 baht but you can be charged extra for some odd things (rip off mostly). Lots of people at the border trying to get something out of you.

Edited by ubonjoe

I do plan to stay until the 15th, I didn't realise that my non immigrant visa completely runs out on the last day of my contract (which I would be extending).

If you are planning to extend your volunteer non-O visa, use re-entry permits at both exits.

Your will have to apply for a new work permit and a new non-O visa if you enter on a 15 day visa exempt stamp.

OP is leaving the country on the 15th of September after completing contract. No work permit or visa issue.

Several flames removed.

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