Extension of METV- info fromThai Embassy in MILAN

[lyskamm]

I just called the Thai Embassy in Milan to inquire about the necessary documents for the METV. The paperwork is the same as for the 'old' tourist visa only thing new is a bank statement stating you have €6000 on it.

I was told that the METV can NOT be extended by 30 days (as the old tourist visa). I have read different information in the internet about this topic. Shoiuld I trust the information I got from my Italian consulate? It's an embassy after all !?

Another information I was given:

- there is no such thind as a 'non-immigrant O visa (M with multiple entries).

Is this true ???

looking forward and curious to have your replies. Thanks so much.

[scubascuba3]

I just called the Thai Embassy in Milan to inquire about the necessary documents for the METV. The paperwork is the same as for the 'old' tourist visa only thing new is a bank statement stating you have €6000 on it.

I was told that the METV can NOT be extended by 30 days (as the old tourist visa). I have read different information in the internet about this topic. Shoiuld I trust the information I got from my Italian consulate? It's an embassy after all !?

Another information I was given:

- there is no such thind as a 'non-immigrant O visa (M with multiple entries).

Is this true ???

looking forward and curious to have your replies. Thanks so much.

Sounds like a wrong number?

[johnatong]

Any 60 day entry gained from an METV can be extended for 30 days.

Multiple entry "O" visas are available to those who qualify for the visa. Not all Embassy's/Consulates issue the visa.

[Franz81]

I am not sure about Embassy in rome, but Counsulates in Milan, Venice and Turin do not issue any kind of non immigrant multy entry visa from a couple of years

[ubonjoe]

It is possible to extend the 60 day entry of a METV for 30 days at an immigration office.

You have to decide though is really worth getting the 30 day extension for a fee of 1900 baht verses a new 60 day extension. Some people have found it cost effective to do a border run for a new 60 day entry instead of the 30 day extension.

[NanLaew]

It is possible to extend the 60 day entry of a METV for 30 days at an immigration office.

You have to decide though is really worth getting the 30 day extension for a fee of 1900 baht verses a new 60 day extension. Some people have found it cost effective to do a border run for a new 60 day entry instead of the 30 day extension.

Agreed, the METV does afford some degree of flexibility in this regard but at a cost that only the end-user can evaluate. For example, if one is in the middle of school term, the more expensive in-country extension may be more practical whereas if one is self-employed, border runs are much easier to facilitate.

[scubascuba3]

It is possible to extend the 60 day entry of a METV for 30 days at an immigration office.

You have to decide though is really worth getting the 30 day extension for a fee of 1900 baht verses a new 60 day extension. Some people have found it cost effective to do a border run for a new 60 day entry instead of the 30 day extension.

Agreed, the METV does afford some degree of flexibility in this regard but at a cost that only the end-user can evaluate. For example, if one is in the middle of school term, the more expensive in-country extension may be more practical whereas if one is self-employed, border runs are much easier to facilitate.

In order if cheapness I worked out for a 6 months stay:

1st - 2x SETVs and 2x extensions.

2nd - METV and 2x visa runs.

3rd - METV and 1x visa run and 2x extensions.

Assumption for an SETV is a short trip to a neighboring country was planned anyway.

[TerryLH]

"Agreed, the METV does afford some degree of flexibility in this regard but at a cost that only the end-user can evaluate. For example, if one is in the middle of school term, the more expensive in-country extension may be more practical whereas if one is self-employed, border runs are much easier to facilitate."

Since a METV doesn't allow working here, that shouldn't be an issue.

[NanLaew]

"Agreed, the METV does afford some degree of flexibility in this regard but at a cost that only the end-user can evaluate. For example, if one is in the middle of school term, the more expensive in-country extension may be more practical whereas if one is self-employed, border runs are much easier to facilitate."

Since a METV doesn't allow working here, that shouldn't be an issue.

I assume your comment is based on the premise that all those earnestly seeking ways to maximize a METV are genuinely interested in visiting temples, national parks, islands and beaches. Just like those that recently ran foul of the tightening of back-to-back visas from regional consulates, border runs and visa-exempt entries were similarly bona fide tourists.

[lyskamm]

thanks so much for everyone's input !

Just wondering why the Thai embassy gives incorrect / incomplete information.

Well, in any case we will either try a 30 day extension or just exit before the first 60 days in Thailand are up and spend some days in Laos before reentering in Thailand.

Cheers !!