Back to Back Single Entry Tourist Visas w/ Extension Question

[Kayemelle]

I'm a U.S. Citizen looking to travel Thailand for 6 months. I was looking into the METV, but as 1. I will be traveling from Australia, not the US, so I can't apply for the METV from the US and 2. I don't meet some of the requirements (i.e. proof of employment, I'm traveling off savings).

 

Instead, I'm wondering if it's possible to go in on a 60-day single entry tourist visa, get an extension for another 30 days, then leave the country and apply for another 60 day SETV, then extend it again for another 30 days. I've heard from others that this won't be a problem, but when I called the Thai consulate in L.A. to make sure they said that it won't be possible for me to get back-to-back SETVs like that. I know Thailand is starting to crack down on people staying indefinitely on multiple tourist visas, so I'm afraid this may be a problem (though I don't intend to stay indefinitely and will have a flight booked back to the U.S.).  The only other Thai visas I have in my passport are 2 visa-exempt stays, where I only stayed in Bangkok and Chiang Mai for a few days on visa runs from Myanmar. 

 

I know no one can say for certain and it depends on the IO, but has anyone else had a similar experience recently that can offer some advice on whether or not this will be possible? 

 

Cheers! 

[BritTim]

There will be no problem getting back-to-back tourist visas. You do need to be aware, however, that you cannot do it at every consulate around Thailand (only most). When close to the time to make a visa run, look for the latest advice on this board.