Girlfriend and I fell in love with Thailand but are lost on how to extend our stay

[brizzo384]

My girlfriend and I only planned on spending a month in Thailand (less than the thirty days). So we did NOT get a visa (just the normal 30 day tourist visa when you enter). The good news is that we love it here, and want to stay much longer. The bad news is that our 30 days is up in a couple of weeks. Is there anything we can do to extend our stay now that we are actually in the country? I have been researching and I believe that since we are actually in Thailand there is nothing we can do short of flying out and flying back in. Even then we'd only be granted a one time 30 day visa. Once this is used a second time we would not be able to stay again.So max we could do is stay another 30 days.

Is this all correct? Does anyone have any ideas on what we can do to extend? What a cheap place to fly to would be? We are currently in Ao Nang only a few minutes out from Krabi Airport but if it's cheaper to go out of elsewhere we can. We are bummed about not getting to stay longer if we can't figure something out.

Thanks for the help! It's tough getting information out here even from the embassy.

Edit:

*I should note that I realize our planning was a little poor on this. We are aware that we could have been better prepared for the trip.

Edited December 3, 2013 by brizzo384

[Sceptict11]

You need to leave and obtain a tourist visa in a nearby country.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Maestro
Deleted off-topic part of post

[richard_smith237]

Op: Where are you from? recent changes in the regulations give 'some' nationalities (i.e. UK and a few others) 30 days upon re-entry at a land border, so there is no need to fly out, you can simply border run and get another 30 days. (Lonely Planet or Rough Guide would not be this update !!).

Some guys make repeated border runs without issue - the enforcement of regulations and their interpretation vary. Some guys will know more than I on this matter, but I think its possible for you to make more than 1 border run and be ok (please double check).

Other Options could include flying to KL or Penang and obtaining a Tourist Visa.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Maestro
Deleted part of post which was reply to deleted part of another post.

[Guest]

Falling in love with Thailand is easy, and for good reason...so most of us here certainly undersatnd...since we have been here along time.

The question is, how old are you two, and what is your country of origin?

These two things can make a very big difference.

[montreal40]

Hi,

since my girlfriend and I are in the exact same position as OP I will join in the discussion. We are both Canadian. I'm 20 and she's 19. We will be in Chiang Mai next week.

[Sceptict11]

Hi,

since my girlfriend and I are in the exact same position as OP I will join in the discussion. We are both Canadian. I'm 20 and she's 19. We will be in Chiang Mai next week.

You must leave and get a tourist visa from Vientiane or cross a border for a further thirty day visa exempt entry.

[flyingdoc]

Why not do a couple of border runs, and see whether you are still as enamoured with the LOS, then decide?

[smileydude]

You have the option of doing a visa border runs (to one of our neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia).

The arrangement usually goes like this: You call them up (many ads for visa runs in the Bangkok Post) and they tell you fees run anywhere from Baht 2500-3000 last I heard. They arrange a pick up place. When you pay them depends on the agreement. They pick you up at a god-forsaken hour with usually a minivan but sometimes small buses. Many of your fellow travelers will be asian looking people who are not thai and are working here illegally and some westerners who look very relaxed as they've done it dozens of times. Try not to look too newbish and go with the I've done it before demeanor.

You sit in the car for several hours until you reach the border checkpoint where you relinquish your passports to shady looking people who have a pre-arranged agreement with border officers. After that they will ask you to proceed to a waiting area across the border usually a casino of some sorts in case you get the itch and decide to drop a few bucks their way which is by no means mandatory. Try to avoid wandering and stick together with your group. After 2 hours or so they give you back your passports and you head up back on the bus. If you leave at 5am you can usually get back by 5pm.

Good luck, stay safe and I hope you get your stay extended.

[brizzo384]

I should mention that I am from the US, and was reading that if we come in by land we only get a 15 day extension? We were considering flying to KL Malaysia out of Krabi (only $140 round trip) and seeing what Malaysia has to offer. The only thing that scared me was when one guy told us we'd only be able to do it once (if we fly out and come back in we wouldn't be allowed to revisit again without an actual visa) but it seems like this might not be the case.

I sincerely appreciate the help here! Like I said we didn't anticipate wanting to stay for so much longer but this place is amazing. I am 26 and she is 24. Thinking a border run is the way to go. Once again appreciate the help! Hopefully any other travelers stuck in the same situation could find this information useful.

Only thing I'm still trying to verify is the multiple border runs. If anyone can verify that you can make multiple that would be great, as we intend on going to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia as well so if we would be allowed back in Thailand that would be fantastic.

Edited December 3, 2013 by brizzo384

[davejones]

I don't know whether you can do this from within the country, but you can learn Thai and apply for an EDucational Visa. I think these last a year. You only need to attend classes for a few hours a week. Perhaps someone else can give further details about how to apply for one.

[FiftyTwo]

Hi,

since my girlfriend and I are in the exact same position as OP I will join in the discussion. We are both Canadian. I'm 20 and she's 19. We will be in Chiang Mai next week.

That's easy, as you are from a G7 country, get the bus from CM to Mae Sai (200bht bus, 650bht VIP van), cross the boarder into Burma and back (500bht each), gets you another 30 days each. Stop a couple of nights in Mae Sai and Chang Rai, as you come back (or go out), lots of stuff to see and do in both towns.

@Brizzo

Same for you, USA is G7 so 30 days for land boarder crossings.

As many as you like if you spend a week in the other countries, limit of 3 at any one boarder with no time out of Thailand.

Edited December 3, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[Colabamumbai]

Living in and visiting a country are two different things and you have 2 different loves. One may wane faster than the other. At your age and having spent time here in the 70's, I would suggest as has been, a tourist visa, from a neighbouring Thai Consulate. A single entry giving you 60 days for 1,000 Baht, extendable in Thailand for 30 days for 1,900 giving you 3 months. A double entry would cost 2,000B and allow you two entries of 60 days each extendable again for 30 days.

Your other option would be to enroll and attend a Thai Language school and get an Ed. Visa, for six months or longer.

You could look for work teaching English. From a fellow Canadian living my life here and working at 63.

[Sceptict11]

I should mention that I am from the US, and was reading that if we come in by land we only get a 15 day extension? We were considering flying to KL Malaysia out of Krabi (only $140 round trip) and seeing what Malaysia has to offer. The only thing that scared me was when one guy told us we'd only be able to do it once (if we fly out and come back in we wouldn't be allowed to revisit again without an actual visa) but it seems like this might not be the case.

I sincerely appreciate the help here! Like I said we didn't anticipate wanting to stay for so much longer but this place is amazing. I am 26 and she is 24. Thinking a border run is the way to go. Once again appreciate the help! Hopefully any other travelers stuck in the same situation could find this information useful.

Only thing I'm still trying to verify is the multiple border runs. If anyone can verify that you can make multiple that would be great, as we intend on going to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia as well so if we would be allowed back in Thailand that would be fantastic.

Seems you have been taking advise from the "bar stool expert"!

Decide on how long you are wishing to stay and members will give you good advice !

Exiting and returning as as you suggest is no problem

[Sceptict11]

not 100% on this, but i believe you can get a 60 day visa in KL for about $60 (double entry as stated above) . it only takes two days and will save you a trip in a month and if you still feel like being here at the end of that you just need to take a bus around the boarder and no need for the shady van stated above alt=tongue.png width=20 height=20>

No double entry tourist visas from KL !

[pacovl46]

The best option you have is to do a visa run to Vientiane or Savanakhet in Laos. Savanakhet is opposite from the Thai city Mukdahan. I'm not sure which Thai city is closer to Chiang Mai, Nong Khai or Mukdahan. Google maps will tell you, though. You can get a double entry tourist visa which will give you 2x 60 days, which means you'll have to do a visa run after 60 days. The visas for Laos as well as Cambodia are substantially cheaper, if you pay for them with US dollars. I think it's 20 dollars as opposed to 1000 baht.

Edited December 3, 2013 by pacovl46

[Maestro]

Removed some off-topic stuff and flames and the replies to them.

[NoshowJones]

Op: Where are you from? recent changes in the regulations give 'some' nationalities (i.e. UK and a few others) 30 days upon re-entry at a land border, so there is no need to fly out, you can simply border run and get another 30 days. (Lonely Planet or Rough Guide would not be this update !!).

Some guys make repeated border runs without issue - the enforcement of regulations and their interpretation vary. Some guys will know more than I on this matter, but I think its possible for you to make more than 1 border run and be ok (please double check).

Other Options could include flying to KL or Penang and obtaining a Tourist Visa.

Yes, your right, the OP needs to check any Immigration at the border he wants to go to just to make sure he will get the 30 days. Remember, this is Thailand, and Immigration can, and do sometimes make up their own rules.

[Colabamumbai]

Not really my business to ask but you may be asked how you intend to fund your 60 or 2 x 60 days visas, what is your source of income?

Your living expenses will vary on where you live, the two of you are going to need a minimum of $ 1,500.00 dollars a month, rent and food and necessities and always the unexpected in Thailand. $2,000 gives you some leeway if you are a drinker.The reality is that you need $3,000. a month or more for 2 of you to do something here, tour around, stay here and there, travel expenses, visa expenses, even a land border crossing to Laos, Lao visa $42. U.S. Dollars, for Canadians or 1,800 Baht if you pay in Baht, although you won't pay for the 30 day border entry coming back into Thailand.

Foreign imported food products are priced comparitively to Canada. Australian/New Zealand old Cheddar Cheese $6.00 a package. Bacon 120 - 150 Baht, don't know what you pay in Canada 5 or 6 dollars now I imagine, it has been a long time and I am out of touch.

[brizzo384]

Not really my business to ask but you may be asked how you intend to fund your 60 or 2 x 60 days visas, what is your source of income?

Your living expenses will vary on where you live, the two of you are going to need a minimum of $ 1,500.00 dollars a month, rent and food and necessities and always the unexpected in Thailand. $2,000 gives you some leeway if you are a drinker.The reality is that you need $3,000. a month or more for 2 of you to do something here, tour around, stay here and there, travel expenses, visa expenses, even a land border crossing to Laos, Lao visa $42. U.S. Dollars, for Canadians or 1,800 Baht if you pay in Baht, although you won't pay for the 30 day border entry coming back into Thailand.

Foreign imported food products are priced comparitively to Canada. Australian/New Zealand old Cheddar Cheese $6.00 a package. Bacon 120 - 150 Baht, don't know what you pay in Canada 5 or 6 dollars now I imagine, it has been a long time and I am out of touch.

No worries. I am a huge saver and made a pretty good living at my job. They allowed me to take a leave of absence for as long as I wanted. I also recently made money in the six figure range on a stock that I played. I'm not exactly wealthy by any means, and I'm just a young dude. She just finished her masters and her grandparents have left her a hefty sum of inheritance. But we've budgeted around $15,000 each for the whole trip. We are going to try and go until that runs out.

I know we could have planned better, but at the end of the day we're here now and trying to get the situation resolved. Still a little confused on the 15 vs 30 day via land. I believe for US citizens it's only 15 days, so flying to Malaysia and getting the 60 day might be our best bet at this point.

[FiftyTwo]

I know we could have planned better, but at the end of the day we're here now and trying to get the situation resolved. Still a little confused on the 15 vs 30 day via land. I believe for US citizens it's only 15 days, so flying to Malaysia and getting the 60 day might be our best bet at this point.

From the 1st November 2013 all G7 (U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan) country passport holders get 30 days at land boarder crossings.

Edited December 3, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[davejones]

Not really my business to ask but you may be asked how you intend to fund your 60 or 2 x 60 days visas, what is your source of income?

Your living expenses will vary on where you live, the two of you are going to need a minimum of $ 1,500.00 dollars a month, rent and food and necessities and always the unexpected in Thailand. $2,000 gives you some leeway if you are a drinker.The reality is that you need $3,000. a month or more for 2 of you to do something here, tour around, stay here and there, travel expenses, visa expenses, even a land border crossing to Laos, Lao visa $42. U.S. Dollars, for Canadians or 1,800 Baht if you pay in Baht, although you won't pay for the 30 day border entry coming back into Thailand.

Foreign imported food products are priced comparitively to Canada. Australian/New Zealand old Cheddar Cheese $6.00 a package. Bacon 120 - 150 Baht, don't know what you pay in Canada 5 or 6 dollars now I imagine, it has been a long time and I am out of touch.

LOL. You can stay here for much less than that. I live with my gf in a very nice condo in Bangkok, and our usual expenses are under $2,000 a month. In Chiang Mai it's even cheaper to live. Whether they need $3,000 or not depends on what tey want to do and what standard of living the aspire to. Some could do it on $1,000, while other may need $10,000. Don't know how you come up with the idea that they NEED $3,000. They don't. It would be nice but not necessary at all.

[Sceptict11]

Not really my business to ask but you may be asked how you intend to fund your 60 or 2 x 60 days visas, what is your source of income?

Your living expenses will vary on where you live, the two of you are going to need a minimum of $ 1,500.00 dollars a month, rent and food and necessities and always the unexpected in Thailand. $2,000 gives you some leeway if you are a drinker.The reality is that you need $3,000. a month or more for 2 of you to do something here, tour around, stay here and there, travel expenses, visa expenses, even a land border crossing to Laos, Lao visa $42. U.S. Dollars, for Canadians or 1,800 Baht if you pay in Baht, although you won't pay for the 30 day border entry coming back into Thailand.

Foreign imported food products are priced comparitively to Canada. Australian/New Zealand old Cheddar Cheese $6.00 a package. Bacon 120 - 150 Baht, don't know what you pay in Canada 5 or 6 dollars now I imagine, it has been a long time and I am out of touch.

No worries. I am a huge saver and made a pretty good living at my job. They allowed me to take a leave of absence for as long as I wanted. I also recently made money in the six figure range on a stock that I played. I'm not exactly wealthy by any means, and I'm just a young dude. She just finished her masters and her grandparents have left her a hefty sum of inheritance. But we've budgeted around $15,000 each for the whole trip. We are going to try and go until that runs out.

I know we could have planned better, but at the end of the day we're here now and trying to get the situation resolved. Still a little confused on the 15 vs 30 day via land. I believe for US citizens it's only 15 days, so flying to Malaysia and getting the 60 day might be our best bet at this point.

Last time I looked the USA was a G7 country

. G7 countries citizens now receive a 3o day visa exempt entries to Thailand

[stuartd1]

But a single entry tourist visa will give you 60 days plus a thirty day extension. Penang would be an good holiday option.

Not sure how practical an education visa might be if you're planning on moving around.

[JLCrab]

Re: Post #19 Even though this is an anonymous forum, as you travel around SE Asia you should try to be circumspect about your finances. Other that that notion, happy trails from a fellow Yank.

[sirchai]

If I'm in Chiang Mai, I'd go to Vientiane, the so called upper northeast. Another possibility is Mae Sai and then to Myanmar.

Mukdahan ( the place opposite in Laos is Sawannakhet, reachable over the friendship bridge) is in the east of Isaan, too far from Chiang Mai.-Enjoy your stay.-

Edited December 3, 2013 by Maestro
deleted quote or removed post

[ubonjoe]

From Chiang Mai Vientiane would be the best choice. Nok Air has flights from CM to Udon Thani. From the airport in Udon it is short trip by van to bridge in Nong Kai.

[DavidBonnie]

I suggest a flight to Phnom Penh and a proper visa from the embassy in your passport for 60 days. If you want to stay longer get a education visa for studying Thai.

[ubonjoe]

I suggest a flight to Phnom Penh and a proper visa from the embassy in your passport for 60 days. If you want to stay longer get a education visa for studying Thai.

In PP it takes 4 days to get a visa. All other locations is next day service.

[Maestro]

Removed a post with advertisement. There is no need to link to external blogs; all information about getting a tourist visa is right in this forum.

[ubonjoe]

Post containing incorrect and misleading info removed.