Three SETVs from Vientiane. Should I go to Savannakhet for #4

[CaptainKiiNiaw]

I've done three back to back SETVs from Vientiane followed by a visa exempt entry that expires soon.  I realize that I'm reaching the limit for Vientiane, so I've been contemplating using Savannakhet.  I have heard Savannakhet requires proof of funds and an onward ticket which wouldn't be a problem.

 

I actually only need a month in Thailand this time as I plan to travel to my home country to visit friends and family, but I already have six recent visa exemptions, so I figured I should probably get a visa.

 

Any thoughts on the best option?  SETV in Vientiane or Savannakhet? Try for another visa exemption?

[JackThompson]

You will probably get the "this person travels to Thailand frequently on TR Visas" warning-stamp if you go back to Vientiane.  It's not a problem if you plan to get a new passport before applying for another TR visa to Thailand. 

 

Savanahket should issue you one if you don't have a warning-stamp yet, and if you meet all of that consulate's requirements - proof of where you will stay, proof of flight out, and proof of 20K Baht+ in the bank (bank-statement or bank-book).  They want all of that, unlike Vientiane.

 

If you don't have 2 land-border Visa Exempts this calendar-year, you could probably get one without a problem at most entry-points - especially those into Laos - but be sure to have 10K Baht in cash or travelers-checks, just in case they ask to see it.  The Ban Laem or Ban Packard crossings to/from Cambodia would also be good choices for that.

Edited May 27, 2017 by JackThompson

[CaptainKiiNiaw]

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

...

Thanks for the detailed reply.  What is the required documentation for proof of address in Thailand? I've always only used a street address in Vientiane.  Will I need a lease statement or something else from my landlord?  In regards to the bank statement, I don't have anything official from my US bank account.  Would a print out from online banking be sufficient?

 

I don't think I have any visa exempt land entries in the last calendar year (only one visa exempt entry at DMK).  Maybe a visa exempt entry is my best bet in this case.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, CaptainKiiNiaw said:

Thanks for the detailed reply.  What is the required documentation for proof of address in Thailand? I've always only used a street address in Vientiane.  Will I need a lease statement or something else from my landlord?  In regards to the bank statement, I don't have anything official from my US bank account.  Would a print out from online banking be sufficient?

 

I don't think I have any visa exempt land entries in the last calendar year (only one visa exempt entry at DMK).  Maybe a visa exempt entry is my best bet in this case.

I use my rental contract and a letter from my condo's juristic person for address.  I use a Thai bank-book for financials, though I have heard a bank-statement printout is accepted. 

But, if you have 10K Baht + proof of your flight out in a month, I would be surprised if you had trouble with your first Visa-Exempt at a land-border this year at a Laos crossing.  If you did, you could always go back to Laos, cancel your exit-stamp, and get a TR Visa at the Thai Consulate.

[ubonjoe]

10 hours ago, CaptainKiiNiaw said:

I've done three back to back SETVs from Vientiane followed by a visa exempt entry that expires soon.

Have you gotten a 30 day extension of your visa exempt entry at immigration.

[CaptainKiiNiaw]

4 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Have you gotten a 30 day extension of your visa exempt entry at immigration.

Yep,  forgot to mention that

 

10 hours ago, JackThompson said:

But, if you have 10K Baht + proof of your flight out in a month, I would be surprised if you had trouble with your first Visa-Exempt at a land-border this year at a Laos crossing.  If you did, you could always go back to Laos, cancel your exit-stamp, and get a TR Visa at the Thai Consulate.

I didn't know you could cancel an exit stamp.  Do you just get on the 15 baht bus back to Laos and ask Laos immigration to cancel the exit? 

 

I imagine I should stay in Laos for a least one night, right?

[JackThompson]

3 hours ago, CaptainKiiNiaw said:

I didn't know you could cancel an exit stamp.  Do you just get on the 15 baht bus back to Laos and ask Laos immigration to cancel the exit? 

Yes.  I would explain you need to go to the Thai Consulate for a visa before returning to Thailand. You can bet they have heard it before, and have a process.

 

Quote

I imagine I should stay in Laos for a least one night, right?

That might improve your odds of not having an issue coming back in.   I had no problems getting an exempt with 2 nights in Laos, my prev-entry being a TR Visa.

Maybe someone has 1st hand experience with doing a "same-day-return" for a visa-exempt at the Friendship Bridge crossings recently and can provide insight on that?

Edited May 28, 2017 by JackThompson

[Essecola]

Surprising that Vientiane consulate didn't put the warning stamp after the third SETV. Getting tourist visas is getting hectic now.

[jethro69]

6 minutes ago, Essecola said:

Surprising that Vientiane consulate didn't put the warning stamp after the third SETV. Getting tourist visas is getting hectic now.

Yep, I got already one on my second SETV last year.