re-entering Thailand on a multiple-entry O-A visa?

Post by **huahindolly** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:10 pm

I arrived in Thailand on 2 December on a multiple entry O-A retirement visa. Next month, I plan to leave Thailand for a week. Do I need to buy a re-entry permit??

I will go to the Immigration Office and ask this same question, but since they seem to be inconsistent in their application of rules, I'm seeking several opinions. The immigration clerk at the airport told me I don't need a re-entry permit, but I want to make ABSOLUTELY sure.

And, when I do go to the Immigration Office, I make sure to dress nicely and have a pleasant attitude. It's beyond me why anybody would do otherwise!

HHD

Post by **Nereus** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:29 pm

A bit confusing this one--multiple entry retirement?
Lomu, where are you?
Have a look here, as it does say you need a re-entry permit.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493

Post by **lomuamart** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:35 pm

Do check with Imm, but multi-entry should be what it says - you can exit and re-enter as many times as you wish, during the validity of the visa, without losing it. After all, you've paid the extra for this flexibility.
On the OA visa, I believe you should be stamped in for another year (from date of entry). So, if you wanted to, you could also exit just before the visa expires and get that extra year on coming back in. The multi-entry OA therefore works for two years, if used correctly.
I've never had one, but I'm sure that's how they work.

Post by **Nereus** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:17 pm

lomuamart wrote:Do check with Imm, but multi-entry should be what it says - you can exit and re-enter as many times as you wish, during the validity of the visa, without losing it. After all, you've paid the extra for this flexibility.
On the OA visa, I believe you should be stamped in for another year (from date of entry). So, if you wanted to, you could also exit just before the visa expires and get that extra year on coming back in. The multi-entry OA therefore works for two years, if used correctly.
I've never had one, but I'm sure that's how they work.

Have to dis-agree with you on this one Lomu. I think that you will find that the date stamped upon re-entry will still be the expiry date of the original visa---multiple entry or re-entry. That is one year after the date of the first entry on that visa.

It also says clearly that you require a re-entry permit, but as you rightly point out, they have paid for a multiple entry.

5. Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa â€œO-Aâ€

Post by **lomuamart** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:43 pm

You could well be right, Nereus, but I'm pretty sure that on a multi-entry OA, the OP will get another year from the date of re-entry - every time, until the visa expires.
It works the same way as a multi-entry Non O visa (and I've had a few of those). The only difference is the length of the "permitted to stay" stamp you get. So, I would get 90 days each time I re-enter ( as long as the visa's still valid), the OP will get a year.
I see your link to the official site, but that'll be for a single entry OA. The OP has already paid for the multi-entry.
To the OP - as Nereus and I have been discussing, it's obviously vital that you check with Imm here, but I would be surprised if they gave different information from what you've already had at BKK airport. And please do report back on how it goes.

Post by **huahindolly** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:58 pm

Thanks for the research and the commentary. Indeed, it looks like I DO need to get a re-entry permit. But now the question is, do I have to PAY for it? After all, I paid 5,000 THB for the multiple entry version.

I'll report back next week, after I visit the HH Immigration folks. And, I'll report back in February on how long my visa is stamped for...

HHD

Post by **lomuamart** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:26 pm

Good luck to you, HHD. You'll have to go with what Imm here say, but if they tell you you need to pay another 1,900/2,000 Baht for a re-entry permit, I reckon you're being ripped off. You've already got it built into the multi-entry visa.
If you're on a single entry OA, Non Imm O, or Tourist visa, then sure you need the re-entry permit.
If I were you, I'd also check with Imm at your point of departure about the rules as well. Include the scenario where you exit say 2 days before your visa expires - will you get another year? I'm sure you will.
I'll leave it there because I'm not 100% about this and will await your report back.

Post by **wazzer** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:16 pm

can anyone give me info on getting the train to ranong, or even if you can, any info and i would be very grateful,

Post by **Wanderlust** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:24 pm

wazzer,
I'm sorry to tell you that the train doesn't go there as there are no tracks that run over to that coast. The nearest you can get is Chumphon, and you would then need to take some form of road transport - bus, minibus or taxi, or drive yourself.

Post by **wazzer** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:48 pm

wonderlust ,thanks for reply, wazzer

Post by **niggle** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:37 pm

I would be interested how this pans out. I have single entry retirement so I know I have to get a new re entry when I leave the country but I was planning on getting multple enyry on renewal as I understood that you didnt have to get a re entry each time. Please keep us all informed

Post by **nevets** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:10 pm

I am the same as niggle, i allways have a single , last year i saw the multi was bht 3,500 where did the bht5,000 come from.

Post by **lomuamart** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:17 pm

niggle wrote:I would be interested how this pans out. I have single entry retirement so I know I have to get a new re entry when I leave the country but I was planning on getting multple enyry on renewal as I understood that you didnt have to get a re entry each time. Please keep us all informed

I'm sure that will be the case. Multiple means simply that. It'll cost more than a single re-entry permit for obvious reasons and will probably be valid in conjunction with your extension.

Post by **huahindolly** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:08 pm

What a surprise! I went to the Hua Hin Immigration Office today to check on the process of leaving and returning to Thailand on my multiple-entry O-A visa. I was told that I do NOT need a re-entry permit, that all I have to do is "leave and come back" according to the nice lady who sits in the back in the 90-day office. It's apparently that simple. Guess I'll get what I paid for - a multiple entry visa!

HHD

Post by **SHADOW** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:00 am

A retirement visa is not multi entry, it's the reentry permit that is multi. You can also get reentry permits at the airport.

Hua Hin Forum

re-entering Thailand on a multiple-entry O-A visa?

re-entering Thailand on a multiple-entry O-A visa?

Re-entry permit

train to ranong

no tracks

Report from the HH Immigration Office