Hi! I was researching a lot and still didn't find the definite answer to my question. I hope you can help.

I am planning to come to Chiang Mai for 6 months. During these months I would like to travel 4-5 times to different countries for 5-10 days. I've checked with Thai consulate here at home (EU) and they said they can give me 6 months visa with maximum 5 entries.

Will I be able to stay in Thailand for 6 months and travel outside the country for a few times? As far as I understood I will have to do 1 visa run (It will be one of my trips to some country for a few days by air) and to do two 30 days extensions after each 2 months.

But what exactly happens when I go out of the country and come back again in one week or so when my visa is still valid? I read about buying re-entry (single or multiple) from the immigration office to avoid visa expiration...Do I have to do it? Does visa get expired as soon as I leave the country? Thank you very much.

Yes, you will need to get one or more re-entry permit.

Or. depending on the dates, you can get a new tourist visa in the country you're visiting. That could actually be cheaper than doing extensions and re-entry permits.

You can also make some entry as visa exempt.

Yes, you will need to get one or more re-entry permit.

Or. depending on the dates, you can get a new tourist visa in the country you're visiting. That could actually be cheaper than doing extensions and re-entry permits.

You can also make some entry as visa exempt.

Thank you! What about a return ticket back to my country in 6 month? Do I have to have it when crossing the boarder for the first time? I was planning to buy a return ticket after staying in Thailand for about 3-4 months, since I still don't know from which place I am going to go back to Europe.

You don't need a return ticket when having a visa.