Staying more than 30 days in Thailand.

I'm going backpacking in SE Asia and would like to spend about 2 months in Thailand. Lonely Planet says you can jsut leave and re-enter to get another 30 free days, but the Thai embassy says you cannot re-enter like this for 6 months after you leave.

Does anyone know what the real situation is?

Is it easier to just buy a Visa in advance?

Many thanks for advice! Reply to this

There was a major change in the visa regulations that went into effect in October. If I remember correctly you may extend your 30 days up to two times, but then you have to leave the country for six months. I recommend you check with the Thai embassy in your country for more information. Here is an excerpt from what is written by the U.S. Embassy in Laos, which is the change that affects all tourists from visa exempt countries.

"The Thai Immigration Bureau recently announced a change in Visa Regulations that is scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2006. This change will affect citizens of 39 countries, including American citizens, who are exempt from obtaining a Thai visa prior to entering Thailand. Effective October 1, 2006, American citizens who enter Thailand without a visa will be allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days per visit as before. However, the total duration of stay in Thailand for American citizens who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90 days in any six-month period, counting from the date of first entry. American citizens who wish to remain in Thailand for longer than 90 days during any six-month period will be required to obtain a valid Thai visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate that is authorized to issue visas. The U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens who wish to obtain a Thai visa to contact the Thai Immigration Bureau for exact visa requirements and regulations. Persons who do not comply with the new visa regulations risk being denied reentry to Thailand at the border."

From: http://vientiane.usembassy.gov/pb_thaivisa_rules.html Reply to this