Working 28 days and 28 days off in Thailand.

[sateeb07]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

They would have no basis under section 12 to deny you entry if you have financial proof and proof you are working outside the country.

I would not worry about it. In my opinion you are not living here since you are staying less than 30 days.

That's exactly what i thought. My rotations mean i do not overstay and it works out perfectly.

[sunnyjim5]

Any suggestions on agents that can process the retirement visa application for me? Prices etc?

The process is very simple.

Stay away from "agents" !

If you are unsure about the process just ask here

[Kerryd]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

[sunnyjim5]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

Where did you get this "Non-O(A) visa" and why did you need a re-entry permit for a multiple -entry visa ?

Methinks you are confused !

[Kerryd]

Any suggestions on agents that can process the retirement visa application for me? Prices etc?

I had an agent do it for me a couple of times (the first couple of times) as it was more convenient. However, it is FAR cheaper and almost as easy to just do it yourself (the agent my friend suggested charged 25,000 and took 2 full days to get my passport back).

This is my experience from the last one I did: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826464-extending-oa-multiple-entry-visa-an-extra-year/?p=9451466

[TEFLKrabi]

I do a similar job and last year my passport was flagged for regular visits on a visa exemption stamp. According to the law it's ok and each time I've had a polite chat at immigration and been waved through but it became worrying when they warned me. If you're polite and have an onward ticket it should be ok. PM me if you need any advice.

[Kerryd]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

Where did you get this "Non-O(A) visa" and why did you need a re-entry permit for a multiple -entry visa ?

Methinks you are confused !

Methinks I'm not the one who is confused.

I have a Non-O(A) Retirement Visa which I have extended (many times).

That does not allow you to leave/re-enter the country. If you do so you will void the Non-O(A) and have to reapply for a new one from scratch.

However, you could (if need be) purchase a single re-entry permit, if you are only expecting to make a single trip out and back again. If you are like me though and make frequent trips out and back every year, then you need the multi-re-entry permit.

[sunnyjim5]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

Where did you get this "Non-O(A) visa" and why did you need a re-entry permit for a multiple -entry visa ?

Methinks you are confused !

Methinks I'm not the one who is confused.

I have a Non-O(A) Retirement Visa which I have extended (many times).

That does not allow you to leave/re-enter the country. If you do so you will void the Non-O(A) and have to reapply for a new one from scratch.

However, you could (if need be) purchase a single re-entry permit, if you are only expecting to make a single trip out and back again. If you are like me though and make frequent trips out and back every year, then you need the multi-re-entry permit.

Please post a SCAN of this extended O/A visa which needs a re-entry permit.

Many thanks

[jacksam]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

Where did you get this "Non-O(A) visa" and why did you need a re-entry permit for a multiple -entry visa ?

Methinks you are confused !

Methinks I'm not the one who is confused.

I have a Non-O(A) Retirement Visa which I have extended (many times).

That does not allow you to leave/re-enter the country. If you do so you will void the Non-O(A) and have to reapply for a new one from scratch.

However, you could (if need be) purchase a single re-entry permit, if you are only expecting to make a single trip out and back again. If you are like me though and make frequent trips out and back every year, then you need the multi-re-entry permit.

No your the one confused. You ceased to have a visa a long time ago as according to you you have extended many times. You have not extended a visa oa or otherwise. You are in Los on permission of stay which you renew every 12 months. That's why you need a reentry permit.

[bkkcanuck8]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

Ok i thought it was a 30 day tourist visa, thanks for clarification. I will start carrying the 20 thousand baht with me from now on. I have a Thai bank account too, would it be wise to carry or just the cash?

If you have a Thai bank with ATM card, why not draw out 20k on arrival and then you have the cash plus you have an ATM slip to show your accessible Thai funds...then once through immigration, go to a bank in the airport and deposit the money back in to your account.

In the main airport when walking from the plane to immigration I see many currency conversions but the first ATM that I can find is on the other side of immigration. If the ATM is on the arrival deck side before immigration -- I could not find one.

[elviajero]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

My last comment was based on the fact that IO's seem to be pushing people, that are over using tourist visa exempt entry, to get a visa for the purpose of the visit. The crazy thing is that if you get a tourist visa they will leave you alone even though you would still be someone living in Thailand and working overseas. The SETV isn't going to be a practical solution and the METV doesn't give value in your situation.

IMO your best long term solution would be an extension of stay based on retirement (over 50) as that is for the purpose of someone living here, and they could have absolutely no complaint about you coming and going.

[sateeb07]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

My last comment was based on the fact that IO's seem to be pushing people, that are over using tourist visa exempt entry, to get a visa for the purpose of the visit. The crazy thing is that if you get a tourist visa they will leave you alone even though you would still be someone living in Thailand and working overseas. The SETV isn't going to be a practical solution and the METV doesn't give value in your situation.

IMO your best long term solution would be an extension of stay based on retirement (over 50) as that is for the purpose of someone living here, and they could have absolutely no complaint about you coming and going.

Thank you. To apply for this visa i have to put 800k in a Thai bank for 3 months? So i cannot possibly get the visa for 3 months right? Then i apply, get the visa and i can come and go when i want for a 12 month period? Then i apply for a year extension every year?

[sunnyjim5]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

My last comment was based on the fact that IO's seem to be pushing people, that are over using tourist visa exempt entry, to get a visa for the purpose of the visit. The crazy thing is that if you get a tourist visa they will leave you alone even though you would still be someone living in Thailand and working overseas. The SETV isn't going to be a practical solution and the METV doesn't give value in your situation.

IMO your best long term solution would be an extension of stay based on retirement (over 50) as that is for the purpose of someone living here, and they could have absolutely no complaint about you coming and going.

Thank you. To apply for this visa i have to put 800k in a Thai bank for 3 months? So i cannot possibly get the visa for 3 months right? Then i apply, get the visa and i can come and go when i want for a 12 month period? Then i apply for a year extension every year?

You can also apply with evidence, certified by your Embassy, of having an income of at least 65k Bht/month. No need for a 3 month wait if this option is chosen.

[ubonjoe]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

My last comment was based on the fact that IO's seem to be pushing people, that are over using tourist visa exempt entry, to get a visa for the purpose of the visit. The crazy thing is that if you get a tourist visa they will leave you alone even though you would still be someone living in Thailand and working overseas. The SETV isn't going to be a practical solution and the METV doesn't give value in your situation.

IMO your best long term solution would be an extension of stay based on retirement (over 50) as that is for the purpose of someone living here, and they could have absolutely no complaint about you coming and going.

Thank you. To apply for this visa i have to put 800k in a Thai bank for 3 months? So i cannot possibly get the visa for 3 months right? Then i apply, get the visa and i can come and go when i want for a 12 month period? Then i apply for a year extension every year?

For the first extension the money only has to be in the bank for 60 days. Go back and read my previous post where I detailed what you can do.

I am certain you can get a income letter from the UK embassy to prove the 65k baht income. Others have gotten them with income earned from working outside the country. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-obtain-a-pensionincome-letter-for-thai-immigration

[elviajero]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

My last comment was based on the fact that IO's seem to be pushing people, that are over using tourist visa exempt entry, to get a visa for the purpose of the visit. The crazy thing is that if you get a tourist visa they will leave you alone even though you would still be someone living in Thailand and working overseas. The SETV isn't going to be a practical solution and the METV doesn't give value in your situation.

IMO your best long term solution would be an extension of stay based on retirement (over 50) as that is for the purpose of someone living here, and they could have absolutely no complaint about you coming and going.

Thank you. To apply for this visa i have to put 800k in a Thai bank for 3 months? So i cannot possibly get the visa for 3 months right? Then i apply, get the visa and i can come and go when i want for a 12 month period? Then i apply for a year extension every year?

• When you apply for the initial single entry non immigrant 'O' visa based on retirement (over 50) you only need the money in your bank on the day you apply.
• You will need to do some juggling with dates.
• When you enter with the non 'O' you will be given 90 days. You can't apply for the 1 year extension of stay until the last 30 (45 at some offices) days of the 90. If you need to leave during that 90 days you will need a single entry re-entry permit (1,000 baht from the airport) so that when you re-enter the remainder of your 90 day stay is intact.
• When you apply for the 1 year extension you need to show 800K in your bank for at least 60 days prior to the application date OR a certified (by your embassy) income or 65K pm OR a combination of the two. You could use the income from your day job.
• When you get the extension you should also apply for a multiple entry re-entry permit (3,800 baht). The re-entry permit will allow you to come and go as often as you like during the year.
• Towards the end of each year you re apply for the extension and have to resubmit your financial information. Second and subsequent applications require the 800K to be in the bank for 3 months.

The alternative to this is to get a non 'O-A' visa from the Thai embassy in your home country. This is a multiple entry visa for the over 50's that will allow you to come and go for 1 year. An entry near the end of the year gives a new 1 year stay that can be kept alive with a re-entry permit. Thereby giving you nearly 2 years before needing a new visa or applying for a 1 year extension of stay.

[sunnyjim5]

Detail concerning the income letter from the British Embassy in the link

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/505204/Pension_07_03_16.pdf

[sateeb07]

Thanks guys, i really appreciate all the info and help.

[gandalf12]

I also work in the oil industry and have had the same problem. Real pain it is

[ThaiWai]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

Ok i thought it was a 30 day tourist visa, thanks for clarification. I will start carrying the 20 thousand baht with me from now on. I have a Thai bank account too, would it be wise to carry or just the cash?

If you have a Thai bank with ATM card, why not draw out 20k on arrival and then you have the cash plus you have an ATM slip to show your accessible Thai funds...then once through immigration, go to a bank in the airport and deposit the money back in to your account.

Is there an ATM between the plane and the IO desk? Might be, can't remember seeing one but I was not looking either.

[sateeb07]

I really don't think there is an ATM on that side of immigration. In the baggage hall for sure because you can buy tourist sim cards while waiting for your bags. It would not be a problem to keep 20k and another currency equivalent at all times to prove you can afford your stay for 30 days though.

[Suradit69]

I spent 10 years working in Afghanistan. For the first few years I just used the 30 day stamps (my rotations were a little longer though, usually 3-4 months "in" and 4-5 weeks "out"). Occasionally I'd end up with 1 or 2 days of overstay, never had a problem (just lost a few minutes once in awhile while paying the fine). I was flying in/out of Bangkok.

Once I hit the big 50 though I applied for the Non-O(A) visa. I had an apartment and dropped 800k into a fixed term deposit account. Easy-peasy. No worries about overstay or "too many" entries in my passport (don't forget the multi-re-entry permit) !

Once a year I renew the fixed term deposit and once a year I apply for a new extension. The last one took a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes (over 2 days) and about 6,000 baht. Well worth it. Remember the 800k has to be in the account for 3 months prior to applying for an extension. One you have the extension you could take it out (and forgo the small amount of interest) if you need the cash, or just leave it there until such time as you decide to do something else/live somewhere else.

Where did you get this "Non-O(A) visa" and why did you need a re-entry permit for a multiple -entry visa ?

Methinks you are confused !

Methinks I'm not the one who is confused.

I have a Non-O(A) Retirement Visa which I have extended (many times).

That does not allow you to leave/re-enter the country. If you do so you will void the Non-O(A) and have to reapply for a new one from scratch.

However, you could (if need be) purchase a single re-entry permit, if you are only expecting to make a single trip out and back again. If you are like me though and make frequent trips out and back every year, then you need the multi-re-entry permit.

You can't extend a visa. You've been staying here on an extension of stay. You no longer have a visa. When you're here on an extension of stay you can travel in and out of the country as often as you like as long as you have a re-entry permit (since you do not have a visa) and you need to be in country when it comes time to apply for another annual extension of stay.

[Suradit69]

Turned 50 and you can get non imm based on retirement?

The OP is working off shore, so how can he apply for a non-o based on retirement?

I thought retirement meant that you no longer are working.

The visa which eventually permits someone to apply for an extension of stay based on retirement is available to those who qualify for it. Whether or not you're still working is irrelevant, although generally those here on a retirement extension do not work in Thailand.

"Retirement" is just a convenient term to use since the majority of people who are here on an extension of stay based on retirement have stopped working. Many people call the O-A visa a retirement visa, but that too is just a convenience. The actual reference to it on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is "Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay)"

Some people even come into Thailand using a tourist visa, but they't not really tourists.

[Maestro]

You can't extend a visa. You've been staying here on an extension of stay. You no longer have a visa. When you're here on an extension of stay you can travel in and out of the country as often as you like as long as you have a re-entry permit (since you do not have a visa) and you need to be in country when it comes time to apply for another annual extension of stay.

You are right, of course. The validity period of a visa cannot be extended. I wish somebody would coax the Immigration Bureau into changing "Visa Extension" to the correct term "Extension of Stay" on their website: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=service. The same goes for the sign "Visa Extension" some immigration offices have at the desks where applications for extension of stay are accepted.

This change to the use of the correct terminology should start at the top and until this happens we, the readers of the Thaivisa forum, should not berate the members who use the technically incorrect jargon used by immigration.

[callaway]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

Ok i thought it was a 30 day tourist visa, thanks for clarification. I will start carrying the 20 thousand baht with me from now on. I have a Thai bank account too, would it be wise to carry or just the cash?

If you have a Thai bank with ATM card, why not draw out 20k on arrival and then you have the cash plus you have an ATM slip to show your accessible Thai funds...then once through immigration, go to a bank in the airport and deposit the money back in to your account.

Simply because there are no atm airside of immigration. Love these so called experts. We bring in between 300 to 500000 a month to thailand so maybe a little special leeway is ok. Could always go spend elsewhere I guess. But I think we are the sort thailand wants. Come and spend a heap of cash.

[cat handler]

Next time take a payslip with you, I did the same when I was FIFO doing 2 weeks off 2 weeks on but never got hassled in BKK. A payslip will prove you can support yourself and that your working somewhere else.

[sateeb07]

Next time take a payslip with you, I did the same when I was FIFO doing 2 weeks off 2 weeks on but never got hassled in BKK. A payslip will prove you can support yourself and that your working somewhere else.

Yeah i can do that and bring my contract to show i work elsewhere...thanks for your advice..

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post.

[jacksam]

Next time take a payslip with you, I did the same when I was FIFO doing 2 weeks off 2 weeks on but never got hassled in BKK. A payslip will prove you can support yourself and that your working somewhere else.

Again I don't see why oil/gas or offshore workers under 50 should get a different deal than others. They don't care if your working outside Thailand. What they want is proof you can support yourself. There are plenty of people under 50 that have solid sources of income. A simple one would be rental income etc. So everyone in that category can use stamps ongoing? I don't think so. Yes given they cannot be quick turn a rounds.

[jonw8uk]

Next time take a payslip with you, I did the same when I was FIFO doing 2 weeks off 2 weeks on but never got hassled in BKK. A payslip will prove you can support yourself and that your working somewhere else.

Again I don't see why oil/gas or offshore workers under 50 should get a different deal than others. They don't care if your working outside Thailand. What they want is proof you can support yourself. There are plenty of people under 50 that have solid sources of income. A simple one would be rental income etc. So everyone in that category can use stamps ongoing? I don't think so. Yes given they cannot be quick turn a rounds.

I agree, no special treatment needed - i work in oil and gas - but if you show a payslip and/or a work contract for somewhere other than Thailand, then this kinda proves you aren't working for 30k thb as a english teacher (or whatever) in thailand right?!?

Their big issue is illegal workers, of which there are plenty, but amongst the Oil and Gas people, I'm pretty sure there are none

So yes, I believe if you could show a good income, along with (approx) 6 months in, and 6 out, you'd have no problem using visa exempts

[jacksam]

Next time take a payslip with you, I did the same when I was FIFO doing 2 weeks off 2 weeks on but never got hassled in BKK. A payslip will prove you can support yourself and that your working somewhere else.

Again I don't see why oil/gas or offshore workers under 50 should get a different deal than others. They don't care if your working outside Thailand. What they want is proof you can support yourself. There are plenty of people under 50 that have solid sources of income. A simple one would be rental income etc. So everyone in that category can use stamps ongoing? I don't think so. Yes given they cannot be quick turn a rounds.

I agree, no special treatment needed - i work in oil and gas - but if you show a payslip and/or a work contract for somewhere other than Thailand, then this kinda proves you aren't working for 30k thb as a english teacher (or whatever) in thailand right?!?

Their big issue is illegal workers, of which there are plenty, but amongst the Oil and Gas people, I'm pretty sure there are none

So yes, I believe if you could show a good income, along with (approx) 6 months in, and 6 out, you'd have no problem using visa exempts

Good points. It just seems to me that in threads obtaining stamps (more than 6) is a big no no for your average tourist. No mention of time between them. 6 that's it. This seems to be the advice of the experts. Then the same experts (some) will say its all OK for offshore workers.