Where to Extend Visa by 30 Days

[jonnit]

I will be arriving in Thailand from the USA and plan on staying for 120 days beginning the early part of 2014.

If I get a 60 day visa here, where do I go to get the 30 day extension that I read about being available?

I would like to arrive at Suvarnabhumi, stay overnight near there and fly to Ubon the next day.

If it is possible to get a multiple entry at Suwannakhet, it would be easy for me to travel there from where I'll be staying (Amnat), but I would prefer to only make the crossing one time.

I'm open to all suggestions as to the best option for my visa. My wife is a dual USA/Thai and we have been there using the 30 day and the non-immigration "O" several times. What I'm really looking for is the easiest way to stay for 120 days without the medical, background check, etc required for the non-immigration visa.

[ubonjoe]

I suggest you get a single entry non-o based upon marriage. There will be no financials needed to get it. Then you can get a 60 day extension to visit your wife at Amnat immigration.

You cannot get a visa here anywhere.

You could come in and get a 30 day exempt entry then do the 60 day extension and then do a border run to Chong Mek or Mukdahan for a new 30 day entry (new rule for US citizen). But you might not be allowed to board your flight unless you have a ticket out of the country within 30 days.

[khwaibah]

If you need to make a border hop the crossing at Mukdahan would be your closes and if you need another visa

Savannakhet Lao just cross form Mukdahan has a Thai Consulate.

[Maestro]

A single-entry non-O from a Thai consulate in your country followed by a 60-day extension from your local immigration office in Thailand (no proof of finances required) is indeed the best option. All alternatives would be a lot more hassle and considerably more costly.

[ubonjoe]

If you need to make a border hop the crossing at Mukdahan would be your closes and if you need another visa   Savannakhet Lao just cross form Mukdahan has a Thai Consulate. 

Not so sure that Mukdahan would be any closer than Chong Mek. Chong Mek would be easier to do also because it is a walk across verses having to cross the bridge and back again in Mukdahan.

Getting a visa before traveling is the best option.

[khwaibah]

If you need to make a border hop the crossing at Mukdahan would be your closes and if you need another visa Savannakhet Lao just cross form Mukdahan has a Thai Consulate.

Not so sure that Mukdahan would be any closer than Chong Mek. Chong Mek would be easier to do also because it is a walk across verses having to cross the bridge and back again in Mukdahan.

Getting a visa before traveling is the best option.

Getting a visa is the best option. Amnat is 95 km from the crossing at Mukdahan and 167 km from Chong Mek.

[jonnit]

Thanks for you quick responses.

Yes Ubonjoe, I have been to Chong Mek a couple of times, but have never processed through immigration there. When I was there a couple of years ago we had spent the day at Sao Chaling, Tana Rapids, Kaeng Saphue, etc and we already too tired to visit across the border. I'm not really sure how we were allowed to go across in 2005, but we were with friends who knew all the people at the border and I didn't get any kind of stamp in my passport. I don't even remember seeing an immigration office there, but do remember a building with a sign reading "The Tax's Post of Vang Tao". If we do need to go to the border we'll be sure to remember Chong Mek.

We will get the non-o before leaving for sure.

Maestro - I'm not sure where immigration is in Amnat, but assume it's in the general area where my wife went a couple of years ago to renew her id card. I will definitely give them a shot before heading for a border run.

Again, thanks for your help. I feel pretty comfortable to depart now with just a non-o.

[ubonjoe]

It won't be a problem to get the 60 day extension. Your wife will need to go with you and you will need marriage certificate plus copies of her house book and ID card. Plus copies of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamp and TM6 card.

Map for immigration office here: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=214923170432669428134.000465f03d84d91df360b&t=h&z=6

Chong Mek has changed since the last time you were there. It has gotten more formal. Thai's now need a border pass or passport to enter.