Apologise in advance for posting a question which has probably been asked umpteen thousand times, but I've done a couple of hours research and am not much further in my understanding than when I started.  So I am looking to enter Thailand in March 2016.  I had planned on staying 4 months.  I stayed a few months boxing (alright, I drank whiskey and lounged around bars all day!) 12 years ago, mainly in Phuket.  I remember doing the VISA run a couple of times as I simply entered from Hong Kong (Japan being the point of origin) and was given the 30 day tourist Visa.  I remember the runs being a major hassle.  I also understand they are now clamping down on them. 

 

Here's my question.  I plan to get a Single Entry Tourist Visa from the Thai Consulate in Hull.  It appears to a only allow me to stay for 60 days (I don't need to leave Thailand during that time).  I would settle to stay for 90 days (maybe easier on the finances as a whole).  What is the 30 day extension which costs 1900 Baht all about?  Does it form part of the SETV at all, or am I mixed up.  Would it just be simpler to stay for 60 days?  It appears to be a catch 22 in that if I were to arrive with a 60 day visa, with intentions to extend 30 days, I wouldn't be able to show immigration on my arrival that I had exit travel (ie my return flight) within the 60 days (as clearly I would arrange the return after 90 days).  Or would I be wise booking a flight for a couple of days for Toyko or Hong Kong for instance for a few days and re-entering after 60 days.  Reading that back, I'm not making much sense.  Would really appreciate some advice. 

 

Thanks in advance,

Scott

On arrival you will get a stay of 60 days with a Tourist Visa.

During the last week of your stay you pop along to Immigration and apply for a 30 day extension.

Fee is 1,900 baht and is never refused.

No need to have a flight booked.

Edited August 31, 20169 yr by Lite Beer

If you have a valid visa you don't need a return or onward ticket for entry or when checking in for your flight.

You apply for an extension of your 60 day entry from the visa at an immigration office.

The SETV and 30 day extension will give you nearly 3 months. At the end of that you can do a border hop (not all borders) and get 30 days (assuming British passport) on re-entry under the visa exempt scheme. That entry can also be extended by 30 days if required.

Really appreciate the response guys. Cleared that right up. Three months it is. 

6 minutes ago, ScottMcUK said:

Really appreciate the response guys. Cleared that right up. Three months it is. 

 

Yes, it's hardly worth additional international travel and all the hassle that comes with it just to stay an extra 30 days.

 

I know lots of people who would stay for 4 months or more on their winter trips but there's no visa that allows this without additional international travel so 90 days is the limit for a lot of people.

 

My own mother won't come for more than the 60 days she gets on the visa - she's old fashioned like that and takes no risks, ever.