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tedkarma · Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:54 pm Post subject:

For those who don't know - kenkannif IS Thailand's visa guru - so he is the number one go to guy on these issues. Frankly, I'd follow his advice - before I would follow mine (at least on the visa issues!). Shocked

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ Agree totally.

That's why I haven't been replying to these visa-issue posts, fyi.

I didn't want people to think I was being rude or ignoring them;

it's just a matter of letting the best qualified person answer the question,

and kenkannif knows the visa issues better than anybody.

Now when it comes to doing visa-runs over the border,

fire away! I can

with that one!

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Well 9 times out of 10 you'll most likely be okay, BUT it's that 1 time that concerns me. So I try to tell you the easiest and BEST way to do it (for the sake of getting a tourist Visa it's better to be safe than sorry as Murphy's Law operates world wide).

I've heard of the odd person being turned down entry to a flight as they didn't have a return ticket or the correct Visa..so it does happen, albeit rarely....but is it worth the risk?

In regards to Menace2, if you get an el cheapo ticket to say Laos on your credit card you'll be fine, and then you should be able to cash it in on arrival after you've arrived and been through Immigration etc. Also if you're getting a 30 day tourist Visa it means you will have a type of Visa (or do you mean you'll just get a 30 day stamp in on arrival?).

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Thanks Ted and Kent! You guys rock!

Also as Visa runs are a PITA (pain in the arse) it's best to come in on as long a Visa as possible.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ Does this mean you'll come to our little party on Suk 71 if I send a limo? Laughing

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Mate I've literally not been out in Bangers for like years or so....but maybe if I can pluck up the courage Wink

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ I'll take that as a 'yes' kenkannif.

You can even bring your wife.

I'm going to sell tickets to this gala event and get rich!

Now ...

if we could just persuade tedkarma to leave his little island paradise,

and fly up to the Big Mango for the evening ...

and Joe (a.k.a. Volodiya) to buzz down from China

brewsterbudgen · Joined: 29 Apr 2005 Posts: 43 Location: Bangkok

How much are the party tickets - should I start saving? Higher prices for newbies I guess...

menace2society32 · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 92

I meant I will just get a 30 day upon arrival. From reading all of these posts, it seems that I better get a round-trip ticket just to be safe. However I might take the risk with a one-way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Check with the carrier and try to 'feel' them out, or alternatively get a cheapo flight to Laos and then cash it in on arrival.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ Sorry for hijacking this thread with party talk.

I'm a naughty boy but I mean well. Mr. Green

Just to repeat what several others have already said:

It is very unlikely that you'll have any problems @ the airport here in Thailand.

I arrived on a one-way ticket from Moscow, and nobody asked any questions on either end.

Boarding in the UAE is the only unknown variable in this discussion.

And don't lose sleep about having only a 30 day-on-entry visa. It's no big deal.

I'll put you in 'personal contact' with the guy who runs Quick Thai Visa when your first 30 days is up.

This may sound weird, but I actually look forward to visa-runs;

it's a quiet & comfortable 4 hour ride through beautiful countryside,

with a hot Thai lunched served onboard and a 10 minute break half-way through

at a clean rest-area with a well-stocked convenience store.

You can read a book, take a nap, or stare out the window at the buffalo, as I do.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

It's not the problem this end, rather the carrier not letting him board his end Wink

Generally anyway (although it seems to be more of a Brit/US problem).

taz · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

the 30 days stamp is called something diff than a visa. an american doesnt have to apply for it and is given upon arrival. with your circumstances maybe someone knows the answer specifically or you can maybe find some info on the thailand site for their rules on entry here.

if you can apply for a 60 day where you are then maybe it is a good idea but will cost you where as a 30 day stamp doesnt cost anything.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

taz · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

not to repeat myself, but ... this was a big topic when i came over a few years ago. if i was to tell my best friend what to do i would say do the oneway ticket if you want to.

i have yet to hear of anyone not admitted nor have i ever felt that immigration had/has any concerns regarding those with only a oneway ticket. i just entered a couple of months ago with no return and they couldnt have cared less about my ticket, 60 day visa etc.

if we worry about the odd happening then.....what the hell are we doing traveling half way around the world. we should probably just stay home in our safe warm beds.

just my two cents i will throw into the pot.