I have been researching visa options. I have been to Thailand and eventually want to move there.

But I need a Thai fix and want to return in the Spring, this time for a longer period. The first time I entered, I simply produced my passport and plane tickets (I had my return already booked for 2 weeks later) and I was given a 28 day visa. No problem.

But this time I want to stay at least 30 days and maybe more if possible. I have read that tourist visas can be had for a max. of 60 days.

So my questions are:

Does Thailand require tourists to have their return flights already booked and ticketed upon entry?

If NOT....then I can book just a one way trip and then book the return in Thailand, and ask for the 60 day visa?

If SO, and I buy a round trip ticket surrounding (say) a 45 day stay, will I automatically be granted a tourist visa for this period? Or do I have to go through the consulate for a 60 day tourist visa?

Thanks in advance.

Hiya, here's my take on your questions:

AFAIK the "return flight" condition is only for those entering on the visa waiver programme (as you strictly did on your previous trip - it's a special "visa free" entry for tourists wanting to visit for less than 30 days). I have never applied for a Thai tourist visa but I don't think a return flight is a requirement. So yes, I think you can do as you want. I would warn you though that two one-way flights might be very expensive, so maybe look at booking a return trip but on a fare which you can change the return date of for a small fee or even free.

For a 45 day tourist stay you would need to secure a 60 day tourist visa in advance from a Consulate or Embassy.

Please someone correct me if I've given crappy advice
cheers
Steve

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My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

If you qualified for the original free 30 day visa exemption you should qualify for a 60 day tourist visa. You must request the 60 day tourist visa when you are still in your own country or even a different country you may be visiting. You can extend the free 30 days while you are in Thailand for 7 days for 1900 baht. This expat forum has info on visas. Use their search choice.
Thailand Forum
Thai visas, residency and work permits - Thailand Forum

Some tourists take the free 30 days and visit a different country for a while and when they return to Thailand they get another free 30 days if they fly in or 15 days if arrive overland.

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If you are are flying from a long distance and using a major carrier take the time to compare the cost of a round trip ticket versus a one-way flight. Some one -way flights cost about the same as round trip! If your one-way flight and your round trip flights are around the same price why not choose a return date and save money?

Thanks Guys.......I hate to ask questions that have been asked a hundred times already...it was a matter of semantics and I could not understand what was actually meant.

I actually joined this forum in 2010...very helpful for my first trip, during which I had a blast and met some great people.

Soon I'll be back, asking peoples' experiences with more "permanent" things, as I progress toward living in Thailand.