visas in thailand

[ljkd13]

Im not too worried about money, as its quite cheep to live there. I plan on getting a job that pays some (internship type job) but living off savings I have brought with me, as well as private english lessons if need be. The issue Im worried about is staying in the country for a year legally and not being deported or thrown in jail.

Should I apply for a 3 month visa while im here in the states before I even go over?

Thanks

Luke

[Markst]

Thx Wolfmisc - I have all these details but am not ready to retire here yet. The issue is how subjective it all is and emotionally draining.
I have bought a condo (a lot more than 800K) and have a small company but still we have issues with my familiy's visas, as well as my own, even tho we are also paying top $$ for an education for my daughter.
As for whether or not to apply for a 90 day visa before you get here I would say that this would be an easier opiton if you can do it for sure as you may well be as unlucky as we have been so far.

[synthia]

Is there a 90 day visa? When I got a tourist visa in 2006, the only one available was 60 days with the possibility, for a fee, of extending it thirty days.

I met some people who were traveling around on their '90-day visa'. When I didn't believe they had one, they got out their passports. I then had to explain that 'validity' refers to the amount of time between the date the visa was issued until they would no longer be allowed to enter the country on this visa and would need to apply for a new one. It did not mean they could stay for 90 days. They also thought they had 90 days to use however they wished, and planned to enter and leave the country several times, even though they had a single-entry visa. Unless a visa specifically says that you can enter multiple times, it is good for one entry only. If you pay for a 60-day visa and leave the country on day 10 for a quick trip over the border, your visa is done.

I don't see any way you can come to Thailand without a job and be assured that you will be able to stay for a year unless you can get someone to sponsor you, which will, for them, be a big hassle. English schools, which should be eager to sponsor people so they will have teachers and can make money, don't do it. So I really doubt that anyone will do it for an internship.

Have you looked at being a volunteer with an NGO?

[somchy]

Originally Posted by ljkd13

Should I apply for a 3 month visa while im here in the states before I even go over?

Thanks

Luke

You Betcha, Red Ryder... Of course... Best to arrive with Visa in hand!

One of the problems with Thai Visas is that the Thai Embassy's are give
some leeway, it seems, in the visas they grant. While, when I applied,
3 month visas were on the books, most Thai Embassy's and/or Consulates,
were no giving them, only 2 months max. Some Embassy's are sticklers
for all the paperwork while others are more lax.

This is the Thai way. While I had a year's visa in my passport the
Immigration Officer at the new airport only granted me a 90 day visa...
meaning I had to leave every 90 days, instead of just reporting to an
Immigration office. Bummer! - But his choice.

And, of course, the recent military government changed things to the
way they wanted. They even changed the rules and made the rules
effective THE FOLLOWING DAY so no one had any warning!

Hopefully the next government will be more visa friendly, but to expect
visa reform to be very high on their list of priorities would not be too
realistic.

Enjoy your visit... do arrive with visa in hand... for 90 days if you can
get it.

Oh, also, most visas can be extended once or twice without leaving
the country... just a visit and a fee at a local immigration office.

But don't wait until the last day to visit immigration... Thai holidays
are springing up all the time and the office may be closed when you
least expect it.

[ljkd13]

Will there be a problem with a one-way plane ticket if I have a 3 month visa in hand?

thanks

[synthia]

I've heard of people being asked about it. I was asked for an itinerary/reservation receipt when I applied for my visa. And that was before all the ruckus and changes.

If they ask at immigration, tell them that you plan to leave through Malaysia or Cambodia or Laos overland. Be prepared to prove you have access to funds. American Express cards work well because there is no spending limit on them. A bank statement or something like that might help.

If you do have problems, or you are worried, the easiest way around it is to buy a full fare, fully refundable ticket from, say, Phuket to Kuala Lumpur a couple of days before you leave, using a credit card. Then once you are in Thailand, just cancel it. If you are lucky with your billing cycle, you will never have to put up any money at all.

Your problem is going to be getting a legal job, not getting into the country.

[garrett 007]

hi there interesting reading the visa run??? i have just got back to the uk and iam flying back to thailand on the 22nd febuary , myself and partner have just leased a guesthouse in udonthani , i was wondering how the visa run to loas was??? iam very new to this and would welcome any info ,,,
can you be refused entry at airport if only been out country for 10 days???

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by bamboogardenguesthouse

hi there interesting reading the visa run??? i have just got back to the uk and iam flying back to thailand on the 22nd febuary , myself and partner have just leased a guesthouse in udonthani , i was wondering how the visa run to loas was??? iam very new to this and would welcome any info ,,,
can you be refused entry at airport if only been out country for 10 days???

Hi

Welcome to the forum

I'm afraid you cant use that user name, please refer to site posting rules

Please notify me of a new name to change it to immediately

Thanks for your cooperation

[garrett 007]

ok sorry will be garrett 007

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by bamboogardenguesthouse

ok sorry will be garrett 007

Thanks for your cooperation, it will change soon