[Thailand Elite Long Stay Visa Membership Privileges]

I am going to do it as well next July when the O marriage expires ...heading to Laos while is painless from a paperwork point is a however a waste of time at most to describe it politely and that is not a Lux experience

Granted there are some that like to do that trip and take the 2/3 days to get it done for another year

At 50k annual ...it may be worth the time to change this now


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[How many times can you enter with a 30 exemption ?]

For this year, I have entered on the 30 day visa exemption rule on multiple times.

I count 20 such stamps on my passport. On 16th one onwards, I was pulled aside for an interview, once I had to show my funds, the others were filling up a form and some general questions.

On stamp #20 , I was told by the Immigration Chief in CM airport that I had to get the right visa and she did it very politely and I told her I would ...so off I went to Laos to get a multiple entry O as I was always in / out for a few days and off to work for another meeting. 

Now she stamps me in with a smile with my multiple entry O. So I would say even though at Stamp No 6 they flag you on the computer screen, it is still a matter of who is stamping at the counters and how much they want to apply the rule. 

P/S - I have never entered through a land border for 2016 on all these visa exempt stamps ; all was done through mainly CM airport and a few at Bangkok. 

 

[Where Can Thai People Go Without Visa?]

Taiwan just announce a 30 day free visa for Thais.....another new place to bring your partners to.

[Savannakhet Survival Guide]

Mate....those 2 markets have fruits mainly from China and these are heavily laced fruits.

I am recommending based on price quality but understand there may be those after price points only and these are 2 different tangents altogether.

[Savannakhet Survival Guide]

Many have posted very useful information on the visa application process and since I just returned from a trip, I thought it would be good to write something of what to do while you wait out for your visa.

If you fly in through Bangkok on Laos airlines like myself, you have 4 day / 3 nights wait for your visa due to arrival timings / departure timings. If you came in a bus through the land bridge , depending on the timing you came in, you could be in and out in 2 days 1 night if you get all your timings right to the point of submitting before 11am on Day 1 and leaving on Day 2 after collecting at 2pm.

The place has its advantages, no questions asked approach, easy to follow step by step for the visas and the place is in general very friendly.

Transport

From the airport , there is limited taxis, bargaining a one way trip from the airport to the city hotel is between 180 - 250 baht depending on how hard you bargain or get the guy for a round trip. There is very little taxis in the airport compared to the bridge where the tuks tuks are waiting so your options are limited. I got mine at 150 baht speaking in Thai and showing him I had only 150 baht in my pocket.

For your travels there , you can either rent a motorbike at about 300 baht a day which is expensive or a tuk tuk for half day at about 400 baht where ehe will take you around for sites and wait for you. For regular rides within town, pay nothing more than 40 baht per trip so have lots of 20s with you and if you have a companion, get the driver to agree on the price before leaving as some would collect from every passenger. I had a tuk tuk who insisted in collecting 100 baht per passenger for foreigners and took my 40 as I spoke Thai and I was shocked as the price should be for the ride and not per passenger but he was obviously lucky as the foreigners paid.

My suggestion is to get a good tuk tuk driver and make him yours for the next few days. I paid very little 40 baht internally and most of the time he was on time and happy to have frequent trips

Hotels

Hotels options here are very limited in the city and Thai consulate and the Avalon Residence seems like a decent choice for the price paid. The rooms are basic tiled and toilets have good working showers and the bed relatively comfortable and aircon works. So for 600-800baht a night you wont expect much and you wont get much. The army of cleaners are good and the reception speaks good English and can book cars, tuk tuks etc

The breakfast sets are like Vietnam hotels and it is probably not filling for most. Fresh fruits is not available much there and there is no supermarket in town. I packed half of my hand carry luggage with fruits from Thailand and it was the best decision as I supplement my daily meals with fruits from Thailand.

In the city centre where the night walking street is , there is limited options and guesthouses although most look poor on the outside and badly maintained.

Meals

In the middle of the city, the daily night market has stalls like your regular Thai markets, filled with cheap sushi, waffles and stir fried dishes. There is no shops available there in the night market and people gather there to eat.

I ate at 3 restaurants and was a regular there and would recommend them.

1) Macchiato Cafe - This is the best cafe in the entire city. It's like being transported into Thonglor Bangkok and for a few hours with then free wifi, you can really enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the cafe, nicely decorated very chic chic and you can people watch here as all the hi-so / visa applicants are all here through the day. the food is priced at Bangkok pricing but for the peace / quiet, the good coffees and tea and thai food. It's worth it. I ate here for all 3 days for at least one meal and the food - Vietnamese Pho / Mcwings with fries / Fried Rice were all good with the drinks. Ambience 100% and price is not much if you are used to city living. walking distance from the Thai consulate after you have finished your submission at 9ish and you can spend the day there catching up on mails and working

2) White House - I stumbled on this place for dinner on the way back one night and the food here is surprising good. It's another hi-so place with Laotians dressed up for their meals and i was there in my shorts and shirt and welcomed . Food was great ...I had the steaks and it was really good done correctly at medium well and the ambience and service was great. Had like 6 servers to one meal and it was amusing watching them teach the interns how to serve etc. I spent about 30 USD for the meal there for a giant steak, additional fries, soup and a great watermelon shake that was huge even by Thai standards.

3) Daosavvah - This is a nice french restaurant right next to the night market and mostly empty on the nights I was there. I had great scallops and the bread done French style with the soup was great quality and again for those that like to eat well, this is another good option. I spent about 20 USD for the 3 course meal including ice cream

4) Retro Cafe - First meal and it was slow and the service slow. This place livens up after 9pm where they have live music and more locals hanging out to chill out.

Linh Cafe & Pilgrim Inn was closed at the time of the visit ...owners probably taking a break for the low season...and the reviews say they are good

Things to do

1) Massages - At the main savant road, you can find 2 massage places near to the 7 mart. Not 7-11 but 7 Mart :- ) at that location right ope is one and just about 10metres down another on the same side of the road. These 2 massages places charges about 200baht for foot / body and its a great way to while the afternoon away.

2) Savan Vegas Casino - About 200 baht ride from town / 20 mins is the casino...good cheap buffet , they have a Thai Muay thai boxing ring and the slots and tables can keep you busy. Lots of Chinese guests there to gamble and have an overpriced bar. Always get one way transport as at the desk if you have bought chips, you can get the free shuttle back into town and save the 200 baht for the return journey back.

3) There is a national park for those who love nature

4) Stroll around the city and look for old phones ! Amazing they still sell lots of old Nokia stuff and it's interesting to see them.

5) Detox...the phone signals are weak unless yo are right at the riverbank....so for a few days...your phones wont work if you don't buy a local sim card and you can enjoy the silence ....

6) Head to the Chinese association during the day and if you speak Mandarin...it's amazing the free conversations you can get and the local gossip on what's available for sale...

Enjoy the visa run...for a few days of the year...it's worth the days spent in this sleepy town for the annual visa.

[Thailand Elite Long Stay Visa Membership Privileges]

Let's just all agree that the visa situation here is one of the most complex to retire in / stay long term and be friends :-)

We all have our ways of trying to stay here...TE Visa / O Visa / Retirement Visa / Visa waiver...all painful but we love Thailand ...Jai Yen Yen :-)

so let's stay happy here in this piece of paradise. I can see myself buying this soon once my work situation stops. I value my time and quietness ...not for everyone but yes i will pay for that piece of mind.

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

So after Stamp No 21, the immigration supervisor at the bangkok airport asked me the same questions but this time told me as she stamped me in, you have to get a correct visa next time as you come to Thailand too many times...she wrote a note in my passport as well under the stamp to the same wording.

Strange theory but I went to Laos to sort out this week a 1 year multi entry...havent seen any other ASEAN countries that seem to hate people coming into the country to spend money...I'm in and out Manila / China for meetings monthly and every month they stamp me in and out with a smile.

[Keep getting taken aside at immigration]

Mate this happens to me...i never had an issue with flying in / out with my passport using the visa waiver method.

This year after 21 in/out for this year, the immigration told me it's time to get the correct visa as this is not the right thing...so I am in Laos this week and sorted it out with a one year multi entry visa and all set.

It's a nuisance and I always carry cash / flights since I am in for a few days and then out again for work.

[Proof of income for extension of stay based on marriage - non-retiree, non-dependent]

Head to Laos Savannakhet.

No income proof needed and I am actually right here today at the embassy , they don't ask and don't check as confirmed by many who have done it here before, it's straight forward and no dramas and you get the 1 year multiple entry or single entry O visa. Apply by 11am , get it the next day by 2pm.

Direct flights from Bangkok on Laos airlines (1 hr and half) . I applied based on marriage reasons and like you I work abroad, not retired in my 40s, and have no assets here tied for 400k in a bank as my money flow is fluid and well supported overseas rather than in Thailand.

[Marriage O Visa in Laos]

All submitted and done, pick up tomorrow at 2pm.

No hassles and original marriage certificate was looked at for 5 seconds. Interesting fact for Singaporean passport holders, guy at counter stamped Gratis on my ticket collection slip and told me for ASEAN holder no need to pay the 5000 baht for multi entry visa. It's free.

Small perk and saved some travel money I guess.

For thing to do ....there is nothing as mentioned by the other posters.

- Macchiato Cafe is close to the Thai Embassy (2 mins on tuk tuk , 7 mins by walking)is the only decent cafe in town if you crave aircon, big tables and Thonglor environment. Prices are not cheap but food quality is good. I had Vietnamese Pho, Ice Tea, Water, Mac Wings and they were all great tasty and well worth the price for the peace and free wifi. Great place to while away a few hours.

[Marriage O Visa in Laos]

Thanks Ubonjoe

Heading in with my Singapore passport by flight Lao Airlines so no visa needed. I will tell them so ;-) I want the multi entry ...thanks mates !

[Marriage O Visa in Laos]

Make sure that you go to Savanakhet.

Bank book is not needed.

Where it says number of entries put Multiple.

Did I have the old form then as mine does not have that option. Could someone post the link ? Thanks.

[Marriage O Visa in Laos]

Morning Team

heading to Laos tomorrow as I have been flagged by immigration for using the tourist waiver too many times this year (21 times) so I am heading to Laos by flight to get the marriage O visa

I'm bringing

- Original Marriage Cert plus copy signed by both

- Wife ID Card Copy (Front & Back) signed

- Tabien Wife Signed

- My Passport Copy Signed

- Visa Immigration Form

- 5000 baht for the multi entry O

- 2 photos

- Bank Book with Balance in there

Is this the complete list ? I noticed in the form downloaded there is no option to indicate multi entry, do we just tell them at application and pay the correct fees ?

Thanks !

[Thailand Elite Long Stay Visa Membership Privileges]

Looking at these perks....this is a card marketed at a group that likes the hassle free entry, if you live within the Bangkok area the perks that come along with the transfers etc. Looking at the price, it has been priced well to ensure the group that heads into this is not going to make a fairy unicorn out of the program by being overcrowded or those road bus visa warriors that enjoy comparing baht for value and being proud of how they have survived it.

I am not being critical or condescending....anyone that enjoys comparing saving some money over a hard bargain in a taxi ride queue / tolls and all / route versus appearing at the airport and having a limo waiting is not understanding the program. I have flown 72 times this year already and there are those who does not understand what clearing an expedited immigration line means and also paying for lounge access if you don't have the cards for them.

This card is not for everyone. I don't have one yet as my APECBT card works well for me now, Chiangmai is home so I wont use any of the perks and my trips around the world globally gives me more benefits on my FF cards...as such I can live with a little craziness at the airport in CM.

Once these perks end with my job / business , then yes TE card is one of my consideration as I do like a hassle free entry and skip all the formalities where possible.

[Worry-Free Non-O-Visa Savannakhet]

Just returned from my trip to Savannakhet and can confirm everything is still working as the OP stated. I also submitted a photocopy of my Lao visa and entry stamp as mentioned in the above post by shadowmaster1971. I stayed at the Avalon Residence which is a decent place to stay and near the consulate.

G'day John34

I am heading this weekend to get the multi entry marriage done. I have also booked the Avalon.

Anything close by to do ? Is the Avalon decent as it seems to be the only hotel with consistent ratings it is good.

I get in Sunday late evening on a flight, submit on Monday and collect Tuesday afternoon which means I can fly out Wednesday morning ...so will be stuck there for 3 nights....checked the guides and seems like there is nothing much around

Appreciate any advise. Thanks !

[Marriage O visa question]

Thanks mate !

[Marriage O visa question]

I am heading to Laos to get the multi entry O marriage visa as I have been stopped at Bangkok Immigration on my 21st stamp (30 days waiver) for this year and was told to get the right visa

As I travel at least 4-6 times out of Thailand a month on short trips...I am assuming this one year visa means I can make as many trips as I want and every time i am back I will get 90 days right ?

The things we do for love !!!

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

Visa waiver report #20

Came back after a 4 day business trip to China , through Chiangmai airport

Got stopped at immigration , asked to filled up the same passenger form and was stamped in for another 30 days with no further questions asked

Leaving Monday for Manila and be back for stamp # 21

[3 days overstay - what to do?]

Ask your Friend to leave right away and pau the fine

Police month's focus seems to be on overstayers

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

So I just came back again this evening after having left for 3 days to Indonesia ...as I posted earlier this year I have used the exempt tourist visa for 14 times this year before i was flagged by immigration at Chiang Mai Airport for stamp no 14 & 15

No 14 I was asked about money and stamped in and no 15 I was asked if I have a gf here and was stamped in both at Chiangmai airport where my family lives

Today was no 16 and I came through Bangkok on transit ...computer screen must have flashed again as the officer looked at me intently through his glasses and asked his colleagues something in Thai which I understood to be why his name flash ..,his colleague replied "come too many times" and ask him to press F2

He asked me " you have money " ...I told him "yes and I like to eat som tum" I have always answered in English and neatly dressed at airports and polite

He laughed and stamped me in ...I'm enjoying Italian food in Chiangmai now

Leaving in 4 days for China and I will report stamp no 17

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

I agree ...I was on visa exempt no 14 when I was stopped at the airport

When I explained and said I had the 20k baht I was stamped in without showing the cash

On stamp 15 I was stopped again and again I showed the cash this time and was asked , I explained I love holidays in Thailand and Chiangmai and she asked if I had a gf ...I said yes and she asked me if she was Thai and j did yes and she stamped me in

I am about to leave in a few days and will be back after a week and that will be stamp no 16 this year and I will update

[Marriage O Visa]

Just got the marriage certificate and been using visa exempt on my passport so far for in/ outs as I travel very often for work out of Chiangmaj

As I posted earlier in another thread after visa exempt entry 14/15 , seems I have been flagged by the immigration at the airport in Chiangmai and been asked more questions and form filing

Thinking of getting the multi entry marriage visa and was told I only needed the application form, 40k income proof (does a company letter suffice ? ) and marriage certificate

Is the process complicated and should I use an agent ?

I would like a multi entry visa and understand its 5000 baht ?

Thanks for the advice

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

Hello. I am indonesian and currently has gf in bangkok. This year i went to bangkok on april 10th 2016 then back on may 5th 2016. Then went back again on may 10th and back on may 20th and then went back again may 30th and just got back june 10th yesterday. I am planning go there again on june 29th until july 7th 2016. Will be a problem for me at the immigration using visa exemption. Because last three times all did with visa exemption and officer not questioning at all just stamp let me in. Thank you

It is hard to predict what a individual immigration officer will do. By the guidelines issued by immigration you should not have a problem.

To be sure don't have a problem to prepared to show a ticket out of the country and at least the equivalent of 10k baht to show if asked for it.

Agree with that .. !

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

I got flagged last week when I entered Chiangmai but it was visa exempt tourist stamp no 14 for this year

I have an overseas job, travel in / out . Got sent to the senior officer in the office and she asked me to apply for METV next time and I told her okay will do that but I have no job in Thailand and I showed her the money I had on me about 100k baht and told her I just enjoy being in Thailand when I am not working

She asked me have gf in Thailand ? I said yes ...strange question she asked me is it Chinese ...I said no she is from Chiangmai ...she laughed stamped me in and asked me to look for her next time I come back in if I have problems in the airport

I assume that means I am fine so far to continue ...I have a registered marriage in Thailand but have been lazy so far in getting the OA marriage visa as I travel so much for work it didn't deem worth the hassle

I have to be out again next week and back after one week lets see if they will deny me entry

Umm maybe I missed something. Stamp #14 for the year. Your saying this was your first "questioning" with 14 on the score card.

Many have not been so lucky. What's your secret? Or did I miss something. I often do!

Frankly none ...

I have just been going in /out of Chiangmai for 14 times this year since Jan ...most trips in Chiangmai last about 4-8 days and then I am out for a week to 10 days max and was only stopped late last month at stamp no 14.

I filled up a form stating my purpose of visit and was stamped in and only at stamp no 15 was I interviewed by this senor woman Officer and again stamped in on 27 May for 30 days

Most of my entry stamps are at Chiangmai international airport ( I believe I have 2 in Bangkok airport and 1 in Phuket airport) as my family lives in Chiangmai

[Too many visa waiver entries?]

I got flagged last week when I entered Chiangmai but it was visa exempt tourist stamp no 14 for this year

I have an overseas job, travel in / out . Got sent to the senior officer in the office and she asked me to apply for METV next time and I told her okay will do that but I have no job in Thailand and I showed her the money I had on me about 100k baht and told her I just enjoy being in Thailand when I am not working

She asked me have gf in Thailand ? I said yes ...strange question she asked me is it Chinese ...I said no she is from Chiangmai ...she laughed stamped me in and asked me to look for her next time I come back in if I have problems in the airport

I assume that means I am fine so far to continue ...I have a registered marriage in Thailand but have been lazy so far in getting the OA marriage visa as I travel so much for work it didn't deem worth the hassle

I have to be out again next week and back after one week lets see if they will deny me entry