I am still working in USA for 1 more year before retiring to Thailand. I have been coming to Thailand every 90-120 days for the past 7 years and staying 2-3 wks per visit.

 

I have always just gotten the 30 day stamp at the airports and never had any problems.

 

This last trip the USA airline ticket counter did ask me if I had spent more then X amount of days in Thailand in last 6 months which I had not. I never had them ask me this before.

 

I have seen a lot of post about people having issues here and there.

 

Is it safe to just get a 60 day Tourist Visa in the USA before I come next trip? It sounds like you can come as often as you like if you get the tourist visa (TR) in USA at Thai embassy before coming to Thailand with no hassles.

 

I only stay 2-3 wks max each trip as I am still working in USA.

 

One more year and I will start transferring funds from USA to my Thai kasikorn account to have proof of 800K baht for retirement. This sounds like the least amount of hassle.

 

Thanks in advance for you comments...

 

Sorry...but I did search a lot for an answer before posting LOL....8-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 20169 yr by mobil1nsx
typo

If you get a Tourist Visa in the US before you travel you won't have any hassle with the airline or immigration. It's a better option than relying on multiple visa exempt entries.

 

You could think about getting a non 'O-A' visa nearer to your move. It can facilitate the eventual 1 year extension of stay, and can delay the need to deal with immigration for up to two years.

It seems the airline ticketing staff was remembering a rule that was in use for a short time about 8 years ago (90 days in any 6 month period on visa exempt entries). No such rule exists now, or has for nearly a decade. Since you have a return air ticket, and your history of entries makes it clear you are a bona fide tourist, there is frankly no reason for you to change what you have been doing. That said, getting a tourist visa would not hurt.

Thanks much for the info!  I wasn't sure if I get a tourist visa in USA before coming if I can come to Thailand as many times as I want per year as long as I don't stay more than 59 days, which is more then I can stay due to work anyway. Thanks again

Disregard what airline said. Have a return ticket within the 30 days visa exempt entry to Thailand and some funds with you. Your clearly a tourist. If/when you are questioned by immigration then next time you visit perhaps obtain a setv.