extending stay in thailand on 60 day single entry tourist visa - Ajarn Forum

metro65 · 3rd June 2008, 03:42

hi everyone

I'm a U.S. citizen who has been in Thailand since Apr 19th on a 60 day single entry tourist visa (issued by the Thai Consulate Office in Los Angeles, CA). Unfortunately, I had to delay enrolling in my teacher's training program (CELTA) because of some family issues (which have since been resolved). However, my intent right now to enroll in a Bangkok CELTA program which starts up in early/mid July timeframe (and runs thru early/mid Aug).
The problem as I see it is that even with a 30 day extension on my current 60 day tourist visa, it would not cover the dates to the conclusion of the program (i.e. 30 day extension on single entry 60 day tourist class visa would only cover me to July 19th date).
Is there anyway getting around this visa issue by going on a visa run (to Malaysia, Cambodia, etc). Please advise with as much detail as possible. Thanks very much in advance! Cheers.

redhaze · 3rd June 2008, 05:58

Yes, just leave the country and get another 60 day double entry. Someone else may come along and give you details as to the best city to do this run, it changes and I'm not as up to date on it as others here.

rogerman · 3rd June 2008, 06:23

Laos is the place to go for that. You can either go by yourself or use an agent..... Personally i'd use an agent. Quicker and cheaper

martyboy · 3rd June 2008, 16:16

Hi,

I am going to Thailand in December to teach voluntarily for a couple of months. The idea of a visa extension sounds a good idea. After all, who wants to return to the UK in February other than a self-mutilation masochist?
If I remain in Bangkok after my stint, how do I find an agent to renew my visa in Laos and what is the approx. cost?

Best wishes.

Sorry, that last post was addressed to 'rogerman'. Be great to hear from you.

Cream · 3rd June 2008, 16:22

Marty you're in the UK, go to Hull and get a 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O or B visa, it's god for 15 months if you time your runs right.

To find a company to do a visa run with just look in the Bangkok Post.

metro65 · 3rd June 2008, 19:52

Hi again,

Just a few more questions for those who know....

so my single entry 60 day tourist visa was issued on Apr 11 even though I did not arrive in Thailand until Apr 19th date. So it seems , that even if I can obtain a 30 day extension at the immigration office here in Bangkok, it would be valid only thru July 11th and not July 19th (visa validity is for 90 days) - is that right?

Also , if I opt to do a visa run before my (extended) visa expires, can I obtain a re-entry permit (in Bangkok) notwithstanding the fact that my original visa was a single entry one?

Last question, do neighboring countries only issue a new single entry 30 day or 60 day visa ? From what effective date ? I am assuming it would be from the last day of 90 day extension or I am wrong here?.

Thanks to all - I really appreciate it...it's very confusing.

aging one · 3rd June 2008, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyboy

Hi, I am going to Thailand in December to teach voluntarily for a couple of months. The idea of a visa extension sounds a good idea. After all, who wants to return to the UK in February other than a self-mutilation masochist? If I remain in Bangkok after my stint, how do I find an agent to renew my visa in Laos and what is the approx. cost? Best wishes.

'Get the double entry tourist before you leave the UK, then you have more time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by metro65

so my single entry 60 day tourist visa was issued on Apr 11 even though I did not arrive in Thailand until Apr 19th date. So it seems , that even if I can obtain a 30 day extension at the immigration office here in Bangkok, it would be valid only thru July 11th and not July 19th (visa validity is for 90 days) - is that right?

Stay in Thailand is not from date of visa issue, its from date of entry. Dang, look in your passport until you have a stamp that says admitted till...... I sure hope you have not lost your departure card.

rogerman · 3rd June 2008, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by metro65

Last question, do neighboring countries only issue a new single entry 30 day or 60 day visa ? From what effective date ?

No, you can get a multi entry 60 day visa at vientienne

Cream · 3rd June 2008, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by aging one

Get the double entry tourist before you leave the UK, then you have more time.

Don't do that!! Lol, you might aswel just get a non imm from Hull, will save you a lot of trouble in future. Getting a non immigrant visa from Hull is as simple as going in and asking for it.

aging one · 3rd June 2008, 21:39

Do that then, 3 month wacks.

Cream · 3rd June 2008, 21:50

for 15 months though, plus if you can get an O from Hull

aging one · 3rd June 2008, 21:52

extending with a valid foreign visa is so damn much easier. Even years ago.

Cream · 3rd June 2008, 22:14

It was very easy for me to entend my non imm - O, once the school realised that you can get a workpermit on an O lol. 15 months is handy incase things go tits up also

kenkannif · 4th June 2008, 11:13

^ Be careful as in Pattaya (for example) they won't issue a work permit on a Non-imm O if you're not actually married

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerman

No, you can get a multi entry 60 day visa at vientienne

Double you mean? Multiple is generally 'infinite' entries over a year period...pretty sure they don't issue these in Laos mate. Also you need to check the activation dates in regards to this to get the most from it (I would guess it would be three months....so 6 months of cover if you play your cards right).