American going to Bali, then back to Thailand - Alternatives to Visa on Arrival?

[beachvbguy]

I'm from the US, currently staying in Thailand on a 30 day Visa on arrival stamp. I am going to Bali when it expires. I want to get a longer term visa, but I also want to travel during March and Summer 2016. As I understand it, I can't get a Multiple Entry 6 month tourist visa in a foreign country (i.e., I have to get it in the US).

Are there any other visas (like the old 60 day, for example), that I might be able to get in Bali?

[ubonjoe]

You got a 30 day visa exempt entry not a visa on arrival. A visa on arrival is only for 15 days after paying 1000 baht for it and only is done for those from certain countries.

You could apply for a single entry tourist visa at the honorary Thai consulate in Bali. Address and phone number is on their twitter page. https://twitter.com/RTCatDPS

You can apply for a 30 day extension of a visa exempt entry at an immigration office for a fee of 1900 baht. Unless you plan on staying longer than 60 days at at time you could probably do you stays here and trips by just getting visa exempt entries.

How long is you total intended stay here?

[IMA_FARANG]

Are there any other visas (like the old 60 day, for example), that I might be able to get in Bali?

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As far as I know the old Single Entry Tourist Visa (60 day entry and 30 day extension at immigration in Thailand) should still be available in Bali

But as ubonjoe correctly says, it would be wise to try to check with the consulate in Bali before you go if there are any changes lately.

[beachvbguy]

Thanks to both. My plan is to stay permanently, more or less. A couple of details I omitted. I am currently 60 (turn 61 in March). I have the capital to qualify for a retirement visa, but until I'm 62 (March 2017) and Social Security kicks in, I lack the income requirement, So, I'm looking for the optimum visa solution until then. I plan to travel in March and again in June/July, so an Education Visa is kind of iffy, as far as I know.

The Thai Embassy in Denpassar doesn't seem to have a website.. I only see stuff about them on some of the travel sites. If I could get the old 60 day, that would surely work until I leave for India in March, Then I can see what I can arrange in Mumbai for my return.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

[ubonjoe]

You don't have much more than a year before you can get an extension based upon retirement.

Getting single entry tourist visas mixed with visa exempt entries and 30 day extension of them will get you the year.

If you plan on traveling the ED visa and extension would not be the best for you. You can study Thai with tourist visas and exempt entries there are lots of schools that offer classes that could fit you schedule.

You should try to try to get visa in Bali and if not you could get a visa exempt entry and extend it for 30 days.

No website for Bali, They can be hard to contact. They will want you to show financial proof of $700 to get a visa and ticket out of the country within 90 days. They will accept a bank statement prove the $700.

[beachvbguy]

Thanks... I assume I can bring my Bank of Ayudhya passbook, I have about $8,000 USD in there.. I will also have some cash. Sadly, my US banks all do paperless, but maybe I can print something in BKK before I leave.

Thanks again.