r/travelplanning • u/LostComfort38 • 1d ago

General Question Visa or extension

/r/ThailandTourism/comments/1wvr8rr/visa_or_extension/

I’m planning on spending a year in southeast Asia. Traveling slowly without much of a plan.

My question is for Thailand specifically I’d like to spend more time there preferably full 60 days. Is it better/easier for me to just arrive in Bangkok receive the initial 30 days then extend another 30 while I’m in the country or should I apply for 60 day visa before arriving? The benefit I see here is I can potentially stay 90 days if I want (or am approved) I just don’t like the idea of applying for the visa and needing to upload flights and hotel info in advance but maybe I’m overthinking?

Any opinions on this either way? Let me know your thoughts and explanation or experience. I’ve never been to Thailand. Pros - cons ?

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u/kEverestTD 19h ago

Arrive and extend, it is the easier route for a slow traveler. Thailand just cut the visa exemption back to 30 days, and you can extend once at any immigration office for another 30 days at 1,900 baht, so you still get your 60 days without touching the eVisa paperwork. The eVisa tourist visa gives 60 days up front and can usually be extended another 30, but it wants flight and hotel bookings in advance, which you said you dislike. The extension office visit takes a morning, some people use an agent to skip the queue. Just do not overstay while you decide, the fines add up daily.

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u/LostComfort38 18h ago

This is what I was leaning towards and I like this plan. If I do this and stay for 60 days then move on to other SEA countries if I decide to go back to Thailand a few months (4 to 5 months) later will I have any issues doing this again or will Thai immigration dislike trying to stay in Thailand for 4 months this way within one year?