Dear editors,
My name is Job, 20 years old, and currently studying in Bangkok for half a year. I arrived at the beginning of August and it's really great here! Already made quite a few trips in Thailand in the first weeks. Now I would also like to make trips outside Thailand, but unfortunately I have a single entry visa, valid until October 31. A multiple was not possible for any of the Dutch students at the embassy in The Hague.
Now I was wondering what is the most convenient and economical thing for me to do. If I understand correctly (via Google and stories from others) I can have my single entry visa converted to a multiple entry visa, but then it is only valid for 90 days. In addition, it will not be extended when you return to the country. This is normally the case, but this only applies if you received the multiple entry in your own country. So this is what I think at the moment, but I don't know if it's correct.
Perhaps it would be more convenient for me to get re-entry permits to leave the country for the time being. Such a permit costs around 25 euros and a multiple entry 100 euros. Because I think I will leave the country less than 31 times before October 4, I think it would be best to use the permits every time until the end of October. And to extend my visa by 90 days before the end of October and have it converted into a multiple entry.
This is how I think about it now, but I don't know if this is correct, maybe I'm overlooking something. I also wondered whether these permits are easy to obtain. Otherwise, it might be more convenient to get a multiple entry now, even though the separate permit option is probably cheaper.
Thank you all in advance!
khawp khun khrap
Dear Job,
You don't say which visa you actually have, but since you say you're in Thailand for 6 months to study, I suspect it's a Non-immigrant “ED” Single entry visa. Just let me know if it isn't.
With that “ED” visa you get a stay of 90 days upon entry. Until October 31, 2016 in your case. This 90-day residence period can be extended by 90 days at a time, and this can be repeated for as long as you are studying at that school (maximum of one year).
To extend for 90 days, you will need proof from that school each time. An extension costs 1900 Baht. An extension of one year is also possible, but usually only if you complete a school year at State education institutions. In your case it is only 6 months and they will not give an annual extension. Maybe the duration of your studies, but usually it will be per 90 days.
After the end of that study, you will not receive a further extension, and you will have to leave Thailand before the end date of your last extension. You can then return on Visa Exemption, get a 'Tourist' visa or possibly start a new study. In the latter case you can of course also obtain a new “ED” visa.
A visa, of any kind, with a Single entry cannot be converted to a Multiple entry. Upon entry you have used the visa and you can no longer do anything with it. Normally there will even be a stamp “USED” on your visa. (Is sometimes forgotten by immigration, but even if they forget, the visa is used and no longer usable).
If you want to leave Thailand during your stay, you will indeed have to work with “Re-entries”. Single Re-entry costs 1000 Baht, and a Multiple Re-entry costs 3800 Baht. That way you can leave Thailand without losing your period of stay. Upon arrival, you will always receive the end date of your last obtained period of stay. You can easily request a "Re-entry" at an immigration office, but also at the airport. Border crossings over land are sometimes also possible, but inform yourself well in advance because there are only a few.
Yet this one.
I don't know what studies you are following here or where, but keep in mind that currently the control on the period of stay with an “ED” visa is stricter. Nowadays people check whether you are really here to study, and sometimes they want to see proof of that. For example, your school can be asked to provide proof of how often you attend classes. If you are going to travel outside Thailand a lot and/or are absent for longer, the impression may arise that you are not here to study, and that you only use the “ED” to stay in Thailand for a long time.
I certainly don't want to worry you. Just warn that people have become stricter, and if you regularly follow the lessons, there is nothing wrong. Other than that, you can do whatever you want with it, of course.
Regards,
RonnyLatPhrao
Disclaimer: The advice is based on existing regulations. The editors accept no responsibility if this is deviated from in practice.