Non-Immigrant Visa for Thailand
Subject to certain conditions a Non-Immigrant Visa is available to every foreign national who wishes to stay in Thailand for a much longer visit. Apart from the single and multiple entry visas, there are a number of other options available to you as well. Should you be over the age of 50 and wish to retire here one day, you could apply for a
Non-Immigrant Retirement Visa
or a
Non-Immigrant Business Visa
if you have found employment or want to run a business in Thailand. Or perhaps a
Non-Immigrant Marriage Visa
because you married a Thai national and need to get your house in order.
Single Entry Non-Immigrant VisaPersonally I do not see the point of you obtaining a Single Entry Visa as the benefits are not that great apart from allowing you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days with a further 30 day extension. This extension may be granted at any local immigration office in Thailand for a fee of 1,900 baht.Because a single entry visa has limitations, only apply for it if you want to stay put in Thailand for 90 days and don't need additional entries. A further visit after this period will require you to obtain a new visa outside Thailand.
Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant VisaAlthough it will be required of you to report to the Immigration Office with a completed TM47 form every ninety days, a Multiple Entry Visa makes much more sense as it is valid for twelve months from date of issue allowing you a stay of up to 90 days at a time. In fact all classes of non-immigrant visas require the holder to report to a local immigration office every ninety days.If you so wish, you may use your multiple entry visa several times during the validity of the 12 month period, but remember that the visa commences from the date it is issued and not from the date on which you enter the Kingdom. The first 90 days will be stamped into your passport from the day of your arrival. If you leave the country during the twelve month period, upon your return you will immediately receive a further 90 day stamp in your passport. If you be uncertain as to the requirements for your particular visa, I advised you to speak to the Thai Immigration Service. It pays to be sure because an honest mistake will mean you are guilty and subject to harsh punishments.
A Word of WarningUnder no circumstance whatsoever must you allow any unaccredited official or agent to renew your Non-Immigrant Visa on your behalf. Although certain unscrupulous individuals will offer you such a service, it is illegal and will only get you into trouble later. Moreover both the agent undertaking the service and you the foreign beneficiary will be committing an offense. Keep in mind that it is important you renew your visa in person at the proper authorities.If you fail to follow correct procedures, you could be arrested and charged with illegal entry into Thailand. Not only will this result in you being deported but you will also be blacklisted, meaning that you will be unable to return to the Kingdom in the future. We cannot have that happening now can we.
Take a break in Cambodia or MalaysiaWhy not take this opportunity to visit Cambodia or Malaysia for a few days. Both countries are fairly close to Thailand and a short stay entry visa for Cambodia can easily be obtained while you are in Thailand. I once booked a three day Cambodian tour in Pattaya via a travel agent who arranged for a mini-bus taxi driver to take our party to the border. The Cambodian visa was waiting for us when we arrived at the border. At customs on the other side, you'll receive a single entry stamp valid for thirty days. Cost of the visa was 1,200 baht. From the border you travel to Siem Reap where you will get to see the world's largest religious temple structure known as Angkor Wat.Should you prefer to fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, you will be issued with a visa upon arrival at a cost of $20 which is valid for one month. You will be required to pay an additional $20 when you leave the country. I did this trip the following year. Flying time from Bangkok to Phnom Phen is just one hour. Cambodia is an absolutely fascinating place and well worth the visit. So take a break and see the spectacular sites and sounds of Cambodia or Malaysia.
Angkor Wat at Siem Reap Cambodia
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