Tourist visa extensions query & Plane ticket ?

[intel4004]

I realise I'm probably with this one as it may very well have been answered before but there are some particulars I'd like to get clear in my head as this is all new to me.

Visa:

I am going to Thailand at the end of May for a period of 4 months, maximum 5. I know I will need to get a 60 day tourist visa from the Thai embassy in London to start off with.

I will be travelling on an Irish passport from the UK (where I currently live) I am single, in my 40s and am simply going to be staying with acquaintances in Chiang Mai.

Now I know I can get a 2 month visa from here (London) which when I am in Thailand I can extend to a 3rd month. I have only just heard of multiple entry visas etc. I presume I should be getting one of these?

How do I squeeze another month or 2 out of my stay? Is it simply a case of doing a border run which I presume would get me another 2 months (plus that 1 month extension if I need it)?

About the Plane ticket:
Will they need to see my plane ticket as I was hoping to buy a ticket with a fixed return date 4/5 months after my arrival date or am I better off getting a ticket with a flexible return? This bit confuses me as it seems some people are being asked to provide evidence of a return flight within the visa grant period, before the visa can be granted. This would mean booking a different return flight to fall within the deadline of each new visa!!

Any advice would be appreciated

[ubonjoe]

You should apply for a 2 entry tourist visa (there are no multiple entry tourist visas). Each entry will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. A 2 entry would work for your trip. You could either extend the first entry or make a trip out of the country to use the 2nd entry and extend if if you needed the extra days.

You can get your visa in person at the embassy by post or in person. You can also get it from one of the consulates listed here in person http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

You can get a ticket with a fixed departure date. You will not need to show the ticket to get your visa or the extensions.

[intel4004]

You should apply for a 2 entry tourist visa (there are no multiple entry tourist visas). Each entry will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. A 2 entry would work for your trip. You could either extend the first entry or make a trip out of the country to use the 2nd entry and extend if if you needed the extra days.

You can get your visa in person at the embassy by post or in person. You can also get it from one of the consulates listed here in person http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

You can get a ticket with a fixed departure date. You will not need to show the ticket to get your visa or the extensions.

Okay thanks for your answer. I got worried when I read some people having to show departure cards but then again their circumstances may have been different.

[ubonjoe]

When you enter Thailand you fill out a TM6 arrival/departure card. They keep the arrival part of the card when you enter the country, stamp the entry date on the departure side of the card and staple it in your passport. The departure card will just have your personal information on it with the departure date/flight left blank. You do have to put it's number on the extension application form and attach a copy of it to the application.

[intel4004]

Thanks again ubonjoe just a few more questions...

When you enter Thailand you fill out a TM6 arrival/departure card. They keep the arrival part of the card when you enter the country, stamp the entry date on the departure side of the card and staple it in your passport. The departure card will just have your personal information on it with the departure date/flight left blank. You do have to put it's number on the extension application form and attach a copy of it to the application.

Okay so the TM6 is needed to support the 30 day extension application.

What is this number you mention below in reference to, is this the flight number or TM6 number?

You do have to put it's number on the extension application form and attach a copy of it to the application.

I presume not but I will ask anyway. Do I also need the original TM6 for the border run (Chiang Mai to Mae Sai) on re-entry to Thailand when I will hopefully get another 2 month visa or do I get another departure card?

[ubonjoe]

It is just a document that is kept when you leave the country. You get a new one every time you enter.

The number is used as the primary number they enter to find your most recent entry on their computer system.

[intel4004]

It is just a document that is kept when you leave the country. You get a new one every time you enter.

The number is used as the primary number they enter to find your most recent entry on their computer system.

Brilliant many thanks for you help on this

[IMA_FARANG]

You should apply for a 2 entry tourist visa (there are no multiple entry tourist visas). Each entry will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. A 2 entry would work for your trip. You could either extend the first entry or make a trip out of the country to use the 2nd entry and extend if if you needed the extra days.

You can get your visa in person at the embassy by post or in person. You can also get it from one of the consulates listed here in person http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

You can get a ticket with a fixed departure date. You will not need to show the ticket to get your visa or the extensions.

Okay thanks for your answer. I got worried when I read some people having to show departure cards but then again their circumstances may have been different.

----------------------

People that are eligible and do enter Thailand without a visa (a free 30 day visa exempt entry) often are often asked to show proof of an outward ticket

But if you have a valid single (or in your case possibly a double entry tourist visa) they are not asked for an exit ticket, simply because they have the visa.

It's not having the visa that often brings the request to show your sincerity by proving an outward ticket.

[intel4004]

You should apply for a 2 entry tourist visa (there are no multiple entry tourist visas). Each entry will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. A 2 entry would work for your trip. You could either extend the first entry or make a trip out of the country to use the 2nd entry and extend if if you needed the extra days.

You can get your visa in person at the embassy by post or in person. You can also get it from one of the consulates listed here in person http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

You can get a ticket with a fixed departure date. You will not need to show the ticket to get your visa or the extensions.

Okay thanks for your answer. I got worried when I read some people having to show departure cards but then again their circumstances may have been different.

----------------------

People that are eligible and do enter Thailand without a visa (a free 30 day visa exempt entry) often are often asked to show proof of an outward ticket

But if you have a valid single (or in your case possibly a double entry tourist visa) they are not asked for an exit ticket, simply because they have the visa.

It's not having the visa that often brings the request to show your sincerity by proving an outward ticket.

Someone elsewhere was saying, regarding the visa exempt entries, that its not a legal requirement but the airline enforce it at departure. As they apparently have a responsibility to fly you back out if immigration don't let you in and they've allowed you to fly in without having checked you have a return ticket.

[Mario2008]

Actually it is a legal requirement at many countries that an airline checks that a passenger has the correct paperwork to enter the country of their destination. Under Thai law failure to do so will not only result in the airline having to transports the passenger back to point of origin but also result in a hefty fine for the airline. That is the norm in many western countries.