As a U.S. citizen, can I enter Thailand on visa exemption 30 day and use my 'O' Visa later?

[roslee]

Hello! A bit of a weird question, sorry!

I will be teaching as a volunteer in Thailand but I want to do some traveling first with a friend whom I will meet in Thailand. I have my 'O' Visa from the Oregon Thai consulate but I don't want to use it yet. Is it okay if I don't use it for about 3 weeks and ask for a VISA exemption 30 day instead at BKK airport?

I will enter Thailand and travel to Isaan with my friend. Then we will go to Cambodia and Vietnam together. My hope is that I can get a visa exemption 30 day (first time getting one so this will not be a problem, but do I have to show proof of flight ticket out?) to meet my friend in Thailand and then leave Thailand with them. Travel around Cambodia and Vietnam for a bit and then return to Thailand but this time use my NON-O visa.

Is this feasible? Will this get me in trouble? If this is impossible to do in this manner, I will most likely meet my friend outside of Thailand. But please, I really want to drop my things off in Thailand where my home base is located and meet my friend in Thailand first.

Please advise!

[ubonjoe]

It will be entirely up to the immigration officer when you arrive whether they would allow the visa exempt entry or insist on using the visa. You can leave the space on your arrival card for the visa number blank and see what the officer will do.

If you have to use the non-o visa for entry you could get a single re-entry permit (1000 baht) to keep the remainder of the 90 day entry from it valid when your return from your trip.

[roslee]

It will be entirely up to the immigration officer when you arrive whether they would allow the visa exempt entry or insist on using the visa. You can leave the space on your arrival card for the visa number blank and see what the officer will do.

If you have to use the non-o visa for entry you could get a single re-entry permit (1000 baht) to keep the remainder of the 90 day entry from it valid when your return from your trip.

Could you please tell me how to get the single re entry permit for 1,000 baht? That sounds awesome.

Long may you reign Mr. Ubon Joe

[Eclipse]

Get it from your local immigration office or at the airport when leaving.

(Assuming you are travelling by air)

[ubonjoe]

As said you apply for it at a immigration office or at a major airport (no problem at both airports in Bangkok) on departure from the country.

You complete a TM8 form with a 4 X 6 cm photo attached. You will need copies of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamp and TM 6 departure card.