Tourist

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1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat
1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat 150 150 cmbadmin

How To Get a 12 Month Education Visa Without Studying Thai

Digital Nomads, Expats and Visitors that want to stay and live in Chiang Mai for 12 Months without having to learn Thai!

It happens all the time. People come to visit Chiang Mai, fall in love with the place, then want to stay much longer than first anticipated.

Not long ago you could get a 12-month Education Visa to “study” the Thai language which included an exemption from the 90-day reporting to immigration. How quickly things change. Not only has length of stay for this visa been slashed to 6 months, Thai Immigration now wants to see you every 90 days for that legendary reporting process that takes 3-5 hours and can add years to your life. If that wasn’t bad enough, Immigration is actually now spot testing Thai language proficiency and rejecting visa extensions for those who fail. To top it all off, class times have also increased.

So where does this leave you if you want to stay as a Digital Nomad serving your clients from afar or as a semi-retired individual not old (or rich) enough to qualify for a Retirement Visa.

What if I were to Tell You There is a Way?

What if you could obtain a 1 year ED Visa without learning Thai or having to attend as much school time? You can get the one year visa for a total cost of 35,000 baht. No more hassle waiting 5 hours at Immigration every 90 days for your Education Visa. No need to spend hours a week studying to ensure you pass the Immigration spot tests. And a whole year not just the new 6 months on the typical Thai Language ED Visa

The school will arrange to take you to Immigration (they queue in the morning and call you in) and make sure everything goes well.

AND

Your trainers are Military Police!  It’s not Immigration you have to worry about—it is the Army. Imagine having connections with the people who can really help you?

Additional Information

Retirement Visa
All Types of Visa’s

 

 

Here is the short and sweet of the 1 year ED Visa

bullet-greenED Visa for 12 Months
bullet-greenHand to Hand and Body Guard Training
bullet-greenNo More Immigration Problems
bullet-greenNo More Study of Thai Language
bullet-greenOnly 35,000 Baht
bullet-greenThai Military Police Instructor
bullet-greenTrainer is a VIP Bodyguard in Chiang Mai
bullet-greenSchool arranges all Immigration Visits and 90-Day Reporting
bullet-greenLow Commitment of Time Compared to ED Visa (Learning Thai)
bullet-greenAmazing Contacts in the Military Police
bullet-greenLearn a Skill that will Benefit you the Rest of your Life

 

You get to Stay 12 Months in Thailand!

PLUS – You get to make a friend of a high-ranking official of the Military Police

How to get a Self Defense Hand-to-Hand Combat Visa and Live in Chiang Mai for One Year

This is a self defense training school that is suitable for all ages and all fitness levels.  You are learning self defense and combat which does not require a high level of personal fitness.  Not only that, this is cool stuff. You learn to take care of yourself and how to defend yourself.

Thai Ed Visa Combat School

If you are traveling the world you should
be able to take care of your personal safety.

 

Click Here to Learn More!

[blog_posts count=”5″ post_category=”Visa Services” title=”Further Details: Our Articles on Visa Topics” link_text=”Read More” character_count=”115″ layout=”default” excluded_cat=””]
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Get a Sak Yant Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand
Get a Sak Yant Tattoo in Chiang Mai Thailand cmbadmin

Getting the Real Deal with Chiang Mai Buddy

Chiang Mai Buddy offers a premium package for visitors intrigued by the legendary magical properties of the Sak Yant tattoo and the unforgettable cultural experience that comes with it.

The magical Sak Yant tattoo is a cultural tradition in Thailand and highly regarded by the people who live here. While the Sak Yant has become a highly prized fashion statement, the authentic tattoo is very much regarded culturally as a sacred and treasured possession.

The Sak Yant experience delivered by Chiang Mai Buddy is the real deal. Yes you can find a tattoo artist or former monk who can replicate the Sak Yant image, but finding the traditional experience delivered in an actual temple by a practicing monk is considerably more difficult. As such, it is important for you to understand what an actual Sak Yant is and the proper protocol required in having one done. This video will help immensely.

Watch the Video!

What is a Sak Yant?

Sak Yan or Sak Yant (สักยันต์) is a form of tattooing that originated in ancient Southeast Asia. Sak means tattoo in Thai, and yant is the Thai pronunciation for the Sanskrit word yantra, meaning “magical design” or “mystical insignia” used in Dharmic religions. Today Sak Yant is practiced in Thailand and Myanmar, and to a much lesser extent, Laos and Cambodia.

Sak yant tattoos are traditionally performed by ruesi (the Thai form of rishi), wicha (magic) practitioners, and Buddhist monks using a long metal rod sharpened to a point (called a khem san). The actual tattoo consists of magical geometrical, animal and deity designs accompanied by Pali phrases that offer power, protection, fortune, charisma and other benefits for the bearer.

Yantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers, protection, or good luck. There are three main effects of a yantra tattoo. One is that which benefits the wearer, such as making them more eloquent. Another is that of protection and to ward off evil and hardship. This is commonly used by military personnel, police, taxi drivers, gangsters and others in perceived dangerous professions.

Another type is one which affects people around the wearer, such as invoking fear. The tattoo only confers its powers so long as the bearer observes certain rules and taboos, such as abstaining from a certain type of food.

It is believed that the power of sacred tattoos decreases with time. So to re-empower them each year, sak yant masters celebrate with their devotees the Wai Khru ritual. Wai khru means “pay homage to one’s guru”. In Thailand, the most impressive Wai Khru is held at the temple of Wat Bang Phra.

Sak Yant Tattoos for Women

Due to the world-wide publicity wave over Angelina Jolie’s Sak Yant tattoos, the temples and monks (who are forbidden to touch females) have stopped performing the Sak Yant ceremony on women.

To find a solution, Chiang Mai Buddy spent months and literally 1000’s of kilometres searching for a way for women to get an authentic Sak Yant tattoo right here in Chiang Mai. Much to our delight, we have discovered a Cambodian Shaman who does Magical Energy Sak Yants about 50 kilometres outside of Chiang Mai doing Khmer designs using a tattoo gun (not the metal needle).

Design Expectations for Authentic Sak Yant Tattoo

Sak Yant’s are not always perfectly symmetrical. However, this effect is in part the essence of its beauty. As a real Sak Yant Tattoo is going to have some artistic flaws in it, remember you are getting one for the magical and spiritual properties and rough aesthetic beauty inherent with this tattoo.

Real Sak Yants are done quite quickly with a long steel needle, so the final result may not be a mathematically perfect and amazingly detailed design to show off to everyone. If this is what you are after, we recommend you visit a regular tattoo artist who will use a tattoo gun with fine needles to achieve this highly detailed, perfectly symmetrical type art.

A fresh Sak Yant masterpiece

A fresh Sak Yant masterpiece

Modern Hygiene Standards

Like many Westerners, you may be worried about standards of hygiene with this tattoo. Reality is this process is done in the traditional way by a monk with a metal needle, tissue or rag, custom magical ink and several sets of hands without gloves. There is no hygiene as defined by Western standards. Yes, the needle will be disinfected before it is used, but the Sak Yant is a tradition dating back thousands of years. Being a tradition, not much has changed — including the adoption of modern hygiene standards.

If hygiene is a major concern that outweighs your desire to engage in the spiritual aspects of the Sak Yant ritual, use our Cambodian Mystic who employs modern hygiene standards with disinfected needles using his tattoo gun.

Brian-stab2

Etiquette Lessons for the Big Day

When you arrive at the temple, chances are you won’t be the only one there. This is a working temple, not a tourist attraction, with a monk who is busy serving the needs of his community.

Before stepping onto the platform, you will remove your shoes and sit on the floor along with others there to see the monk. While your Sak Yant is a special and unique experience for you, the locals you encounter here will be dealing with personal issues ranging from the serious to a simple good luck blessing. Some may have a serious demeanor while others beam their typical Thai smiles.

When your turn comes around, get like a local. Observe and adhere to the following culturally expected etiquette:

  • It is both proper and polite to be the first to wai as is a sign of respect to the monk or elder.
  • As you greet the monk, kneel so your body is lower than him and perform the proper “wai” technique. Bow 3 times as a show of respect to the Buddhism way: once for Buddha, once for Buddhism and one final bow for the monk. As a general rule, do not stand above a monk as a matter of politeness and try to avoid standing while the monk is seated. This includes friends buzzing about trying to snap pictures or record videos.
  • Upon completion of your three wais, you will present your “offering to the spirits” before the Sak Yant ceremony begins. This offering shows respect to the monk (Ajaan) who is about to perform the Sak Yant for you. More importantly, it shows that you believe in their magic power and trust their skills. This offering of flowers, incense, candle and money should be arranged on the tray provided.
  • The monk will perform a small acceptance ceremony of the offering on behalf of the spirits.  After this the monk will ask what kind of Sak Yant you desire.
  • The monk will then prepare for your tattoo, mixing the ink and sterilizing the needle. The monk will then sit in his chair and motion you to come over.

An Incredibly Unique Experience

When the tattoo is complete, turn to the monk and bow 3 times to show gratitude as the receiver of this spiritual gift.

Now it’s time for the final blessing. Usually both you and the monk will hold onto your offering for a few minutes while reciting the blessing incantation. These are truly the most magical moments of the Sak Yant experience.

After the final blessing is finished you are ready to head back home to begin relishing your authentic Sak Yant tattoo and this very magical, unique experience.

Get Yourself Prepared

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Sak Yant Tattoo

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Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand
Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand cmbadmin

The Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand might soon become a reality. The Visa will cost 5000 baht and allow multiply entries and may soon be followed by a 12 month Tourist Visa.

The Minister for Tourism, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the go ahead for the proposal early August 2015. It is expected to come into effect within 60 days of cabinet approval and publication.  BUT! This Visa has been talked about and speculated upon for many years and in particular in the last 6 months.

Current Status of 6 Month Tourist Visa:  Not yet Available

Citizens from over 30 countries can currently enter the kingdom without a visa for up to 30 days, but some nationalities are required to pay around 1,000 Baht for a single entry 30 day visa.  The new 6 month Tourist Visa is expected to be available for all countries at a cost of 5,000 baht (but as of yet this is speculation)

[hr]

What does the 6 Month Tourist Visa mean for Digital Nomads?

Talk among Digital Nomads about a special Nomad Visa has been rife for the last year or so. Nomad communities will insist that they contribute to the Thai economy and how the country should make things easier for them – being able to live and work here.  The reality is this Visa has been created for the growing number of Chinese tourists, in an attempt to have them come multiply times to Thailand and increase their spending.  Compared to the Chinese Tourist, the contribution of a few Digital Nomads is insignificant.  While this Visa will allow people to come and set up a base in Thailand with the ability to spend a few weeks to a month or so out of the country – you will still be classified as a Tourist.

This means, limited access to opening a Thai Bank Account, an inability to get a Thai Drivers license and all the usual lack of advantages of being in the Tourist Status. It will still be illegal for you to openly work here in Thailand

The Good News

It will make using Thailand (especially Chiang Mai) a base for your South Asia travels.  You will be able to secure a 6 month lease on a condo (making for cheaper living with a kitchen), obtain a Bank Account and really have time to commit to your projects with the ability to exit the country and return.

[hr]

What does the 6 Month Tourist Visa mean for Retirees?

This is great news for people wanting to retire in Thailand.  Six months will give you the ability to travel around the country and spend a month or so in each of the locations you are considering.  You will be able to obtain a Bank Account, and have it ready for the required Funds (800,000 Baht) for the last two months required to obtain a Non O Retirement Visa.

This gives you the ability now to come and visit and make sure you really want to live here in Thailand and the time to make it happen from within the country.

Final Thoughts

At the moment all that has happened is the Prime Minister has approved the idea of this Tourist Visa.  It still needs to be passed through the system and made into Law.  Then it is expected within 60 days of this happening, the Visa will be available. No amount of publicity or blog posts or newspaper articles telling what we ‘hope’ will happen makes it a reality.  Check back to this article every now and again to see the status of progress at the top.  This will be updated as events unfold towards the reality of the Six Month Tourist Visa.

[hr]

end

 

 

 

 

How to Get a 90 day extentsion
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How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand
How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Blog photo by Chiang Mai Locator

How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand

Anyone who lives in Thailand for an extended period of time is all to familiar with the major inconvenience of having to visit the Immigration Office. Let’s not beat around the bush it is a major and royal “Pain in the Arse”

While the 90 day check in (properly called Notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days) is one of the less time consuming processes compared to an 3 month Ed Visa check in; it never-the-less is not an enjoyable experience.  It is worth noting however that compared to other countries, the Immigration office in Thailand is fast, cheap and convenient.  All to often we forget that a Thai National trying to get a Visa to visit our countries involves much higher fees, much longer waits and non assurance the Visa will be issued once payment is accepted.

[hr]

Caution

New Rules as of May 1st 2015

Immigration have changed the 90 day reporting for Non O Visa’s and Retirement Visa’s.  You now have to check in at your province Immigration center nearest to your registered address.  Immigration just tell you “We can not do here go to abc city”.  But if you take your lease or house papers in they will change your registered address.  Or we at Chiang Mai Buddy can arrange this for you

[hr]

Notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days

Procedure and notification

There are 4 ways you can apply for and obtain your 90 day check in documentation.

1) In Person: 

This is when you head down to the immigration office yourself. The first time you go it is usually a confusing and frustrating experience as you have no idea what is going on. Depending on the day and time you go (many head there before 6am to stand in line for the numbers.

2) Authorizes an Agent:

Usually after a persons first experience they decide this is not something that they enjoy and it is worth paying a Visa company money to do it on their behalf.  Fee’s vary around the country and seemingly at how much each business decide to charge.  Usually in the 1000-2000 Baht range.

3) By Registered Mail:

This is a little known secret, that is favored by those who have lived here long enough to know better than the average tourist.

4) Online:

Currently while this service is available, it is so unreliable and inconsistent (maybe 1 in 10 people can achieve online reporting). You need to have a web browser from several years back to bypass the security flaws in it.  Staff at Immigration will tell you it works, despite being told by many people a day it does not.

N.B.
1) The notification must be made within 15 days before or after 7 days the period of 90 days expires.
2) The first application for extension of stay by the foreigner is equivalent to the notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days.

Chiang Mai Buddy

90 Day Reporting Service: 650 Baht

Let Chiang Mai Buddy do your 90 Day Report for you!
N.B. We will not do these for ‘brought’ Retirement Visa’s. At this present time Chiang Mai Immigration are checking anything they consider suspicious and better you go there to clear anything up.

[hr]

90 Day Visa Notification Procedure: (In Person)

Many people will tell you to turn up early (6am) at the Immigration Office and wait for a number ticket.  The ticket will be issued around 7am and then office will open at 8.  Your ticket is the order at which you go to the counter and tell the Immigration department why you are there.  You will be given another ticket for that particular service.

A 90 day check in is a very simply and fast procedure.  Depending on when you go in and your luck it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours.  You can head to the Immigration office when you are ready.  Obviously the later in the morning and afternoon you go, the longer time you will wait. After any holidays where Immigration is closed you will wait longer.

(edit: Aug 2015)  The current situation in Chiang Mai (with the new office) is terrible.  While you used to be able to wait until the office opens, now it is highly recommended you go early and queue.  The office is handing out limited appointments each day (because they are slow) and you need to be there early to get an appointment.

Many people who turn up even an hour after the opening time are turned away and told to come back the next day.

 

Steps in The 90 Day Reporting Procedure:

You will need:

Passport
Filled out Notification of Staying Over 90 Days form (TM47) – see example below
Photocopy of your departure card (TM6) – see example below
Photocopy of previous 90 day reporting slip – see example below
Photocopy of the photograph page in your passport
Photocopy of your latest visa stamp

Step One:
Go to the Immigration Counter customer service window and tell them 90 Day Reporting.  They will issue you with a Ticket number and tell you an approximate wait time.

Step Two:
Sit and wait, if you have not already (silly you) fill in the TM47 form and sign each page of the photocopies.

Step Three:
When your number is called (10 minutes to a few hours), present the documents to the staff at the counter window. They will tell you to sit and wait again

Step Four:
After a period of time (about 10-15 minutes) your processed Passport will be available for pick up.  Your name will be called, and you are all done.

 

90 Day Visa Notification Procedure: (Registered Mail)

You will need to include the following items in a registered envelope including an addressed return envelope with a 10 baht stamp for your finished documents to be returned to you.

Photocopy of Passport pages with following pages

– front page showing Name / Surname / Passport No
– current visa
– last entry stamp of immigration
– last extension of visa

Photocopy of Departure Card TM.6

immigration departure card

Previous notifications of staying over 90 days (if any)

Immigration receipt

 

Completely filled in and signed notification form TM.47

Note: If you are in Chiang Mai use form TM.47-CM

90 Day Reporting Thailand

Mailing Address:

Notify 90 Days
Chiang Mai Immigration
71 Moo 3 Amphoe Muang
Chiang Mai
50200

Please Note: After you have mailed the documents:

  • Your registered mail must be sent to the Immigration office at least 15 days before the due date of notification.
  • Your new form will be stamped as of the expiration date of your old receipt.
  • Please keep your receipt of your registered mail in case of lost mail.
  • Your document can not be processed if you have passed the 90 days limit. (You must come to the nearest immigration office or Immigration Division 1 in person to pay fine 2,000 Baht)
  • Waiting for reply mail over 1 month, please contact Immigration Office with your registered mail receipt.
  • The notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days is in no way equivalent to a visa extension.
  • If a foreigner staying in the kingdom over 90 days without notifying the Immigration Bureau or notifying the Immigration Bureau later than the set period, a fine of 2,000.- Baht will be collected. If a foreigner who did not make the notification of staying over 90 days is arrested, he will be fined 4,000.- Baht.
  • If a foreigner leaves the country and re-enters, the day count starts at 1 in every case.

[hr]

Chiang Mai Buddy

90 Day Reporting Service: 650 Baht

Let Chiang Mai Buddy do your 90 Day Report for you!
N.B. We will not do these for ‘brought’ Retirement Visa’s. At this present time Chiang Mai Immigration are checking anything they consider suspicious and better you go there to clear anything up.

[hr]

Addresses of Immigration Offices around Thailand

The location and buildings of the various offices around Thailand are always changing.  Rather than provide outdated information I suggest you call the office at the location you are at, and get the address first hand. (or search the city immigration website

Chiamg Mai 90 Day ReportingChiang Mai Immigration Promenada (map)

Notify 90 Days (as of 20 July 2015)

Promenada Chiang Mai Immigration
192-193 Moo 2
Tumbon Tasala,
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai
50000

d2_cnx@immigration.go.th

 

 Location Phone
 Aranyaprathet   0-3723-1131, 0-3723-2672
 Bangkok Harbour   0-2249-0806-7
 Bangkok Head office   0-2287-3101-10
 Betong   0-7323-1292, 0-7323-0026
 Bunkan   0-4249-1832, 0-4249-2016
 Chiang Khan   0-4282-1175
 Chiang Khong   0-5379-1332, 0-5379-1633
 Chiang Mai   0-5327-7510, 0-5328-2532
 Chiang Mai Airport   0-5327-7190, 0-5327-7180
 Chiang Saen   0-5377-7118, 0-5377-7303
 Don Muang Airport   0-2535-1111 ext. Immigration
 Fang   0-5345-3131
 Hat Yai   0-7424-3019
 Hat Yai Airport   0-7425-1096, 0-7422-7216
 Kan Tang   0-7525-1030
 Kanchanaburi   0-3451-3325
 Kap Chung   0-4455-9166
 Khemmarat   0-4549-1211
 Khlong Yai   0-3958-8108
 Khuan Don   0-7472-2731
 Kong Chaim   0-4535-1084
 Krabi   0-7561-1097
 Laem Ngop   0-3959-7261
 Mae Hong Son   0-5361-2106
 Mae Sai   0-5373-1008 ext. 11, 12
 Mae Sariang   0-5368-1339
 Maptaphut   0-3868-4544, 0-3868-3673
 Mukdahan   0-4261-1074
 Nahorn Phanom   0-4251-1235
 Nakhon Sri Thammarat   0-7532-4092
 Nan   0-5479-5009
 Nong Khai Head   0-4241-1605, 0-4242-0242
 Padang Besar   0-7452-1611, 0-7452-1020
 Pattani Harbour   0-7334-9302, 0-7334-9480
 Pattaya   0-3842-9409, 0-3841-0240
 Phangna   0-7641-2011
 Phiboonmangsahan   0-4544-1108, 0-4544-1988
 Phuket   0-7621-2108-10
 Phuket Airport   0-7632-7138, 0-7635-1107
 Pong Nam Ron   0-3938-7127
 Ranong   0-7782-1216
 Sadao   0-7430-1107, 0-7430-1401
 Samui   0-7742-1069
 Samut Prakan   0-2395-0029
 Samut Sakhorn   0-3482-0739
 Sangkraburi   0-3459-5335
 Satun   0-7471-1080
 Siracha   0-3831-2571
 Songkhla Harbour   0-7431-3480
 Sri Chang   0-3821-6215
 Suan Pluh, Div. 1   0-2281-5144
 Suan Pluh, Div. 2   0-2929-8706, 0-2535-425x
 Suan Pluh, Div. 3   0-2287-3903, 0-2287-3130
 Sungaikolok   0-7361-1231
 Surathani   0-7727-3217
 Tak   0-5553-1316, 0-5553-4844
 Tak Bai   0-7358-1239

[hr]

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit
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How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos
How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos cmbadmin

How to do: Thai Visa run to Vientiane, Laos

Step by step instructions, photos and the costs involved to get a Visa from the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos

Going to Vientiane in Laos is by far and away the most common Visa Run used by people wishing to extend their stay in Thailand. This article will deal mostly with folks wanting to do this trip from Chiang Mai, but equally as easy is flying from Bangkok direct to Vientiane.

After nearly 20 ‘how to’ blog posts at Chiang Mai Buddy, this is the first time I am going to interject my personal opinion – rather than attempt to just give the facts.  If you are an older person, or over 6 foot, or find it difficult to sleep in minivans or seated up-right … or unless you are absolutely broke and on a budget – TAKE A PLANE!  I have done this Visa Run 2 times now over the last few years using a van service and each time was an uncomfortable ride with no sleep.  The advantage of using Aya Service to do this trip is that they held your hand all the way to the Thai Embassy.  After July 2015 this will no longer be the case.  Your Minivan ride will be from one Aya depot to another.

[hr]Visa Run to Vientiane, Laos in a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

bullet-greenGet to the Town of Nong Khai then to the Boarder
bullet-green1st Stop: Depart Thailand (Free)
bullet-green 2nd Stop: Get your Laos Visa (US$30-35)
bullet-green3rd Stop: Thai Embassy (8.30am-12.00pm)
bullet-greenGo and find your Accommodation in Vientiane
bullet-greenNext day after 1.30 Get Visa from Embassy
bullet-greenTake bus back to Nong Khai
bullet-greenLeave Laos (15,000 Kip at Boarder)
bullet-greenEnter Thailand (Free)
bullet-greenGet back home!

[hr]

1: Get Yourself to Nong Khai

A visa run from Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane, Laos can be done via minivan (visa run service) bus and/or airplane.  It is approximately 700 km to the Thai border town of Nong Khai from both these cities, and overland these trips are done overnight (to arrive when the Embassy is open during the morning to accept applications).

Visa run services usually leave about 7pm and arrive at their depot the next morning at 5.30am to 6am.  Bus services traditionally take an entire night of travel (12 hours), and Flights take about an hour or so.  If flying from Bangkok you arrive directly at Vientiane Airport, and if flying from Chiang Mai you land at Undon Thani and take an hour bus trip to Nong Khai.

Check and Book Tickets via Train, Bus and Plane to Nong Khai
 You can also book Aya Services Minivan whose office is located just a 5 minute walk to the Boarder crossing and Immigration.  If you don’t know this you might be tempted to pay for a Tuk Tuk but it is an easy enough walk.  Aya will provide you with a Laos Visa application (requiring one passport photo) and take you to the first stop off point. Visa Run by Air Flying will is about twice as much as taking a bus, but is over in one hour and allows you to arrive fresh and ready.  Different airlines offer different times and flying from Chiang Mai you can only go to Nong Khai. Flights from Bangkok go straight to Vientiane. NOTE: If you fly to Bangkok first (or flying from Bangkok) then you get your customs and entry done at the airport and can skip to point 4 Typically Nok Airways have a great deal on airfare, and you fly from Chiang Mai’s CNX airport to Udon Thani’s UTH airport in about an hour. From there you take a ride to Nong Khai, cross the border and catch another songthaew into Vientiane which is another 30 minutes. If you do not use Aya services you can download your Laos Visa on Arrival Form from us here at Chiang Mai Buddy

Aya Services at Nong Khai

Waiting for the Freedom Bridge to open at Aya Services in Nong Khai

2: Getting to the Immigration Checkpoints

The Nong Khai Customs and Boarder Post is right at the beginning of your trip.  On the right hand side is your exit point from Thailand.  This consists of a few booths with Immigration Officers who will inspect your departure card and stamp you out of Thailand.  Then you cross the road to the Lao Visa point to apply for and get your Visa.

Laos immigration

The Laos Immigration Windows – where you get your Visa to Enter Laos

At the Laos side you will need:
bullet-greenPassport
bullet-greenOne Passport Photo
bullet-greenVisa Application Form for Laos (Here)
bullet-greenUS$30-35 ( Baht is accepted)

Lao Visa Exemption

Lao visas are not required for citizens of many countries. The following countries will have to apply for a Visa before getting to the Immigration Checkpoint.

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Algeria
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Burundi
  5. Cameroon
  6. Congo
  7. Cote d’Ivoire
  8. Ghana
  9. Guinea
  10. Guinea Bissau
  11. Jordan
  12. Lesotho
  13. Liberia
  14. Libya ( Libyan Arab Jamahiriya )
  15. Mozambique
  1. Nauru
  2. Niger
  3. Nigeria
  4. Pakistan
  5. Senegal
  6. Sierra Leone
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. Suriname
  9. Syria ( Syrian Arab republic)
  10. Swaziland
  11. Tonga
  12. Turkey
  13. Zambia
  14. Zimbabwe

Lao Visa Costs

Below is a list of visa fee for different countries. If your country is not on the list, it probably costs you $US30 to get the visa or you’re not eligible for getting Laos visa on arrival.

Country Price (US Dollar)
Australia 30
Canada 42
China 20
India 40
Sweden 31
USA 35
UK 35
Others 30

 

Procedure to Get Visa on Arrival at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

It’s pretty easy to get the Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship bridge.  Windows are numbered so just go in sequential order 1-2-3.

Step 1: Get Visa application form at window #1, and fill it out. (although if you are reading this you will have downloaded the form and have it ready)

Step 2: Return the completed form with 1 or 2 passport type photos and visa fee, plus over time if you arrive out side working hours, on weekend or Lao public holidays, to the official at window #1 or window #2 if it is active, and wait to be called.

Step 3: When you’re called, collect your passport with the visa, at window #3 around the corner. Make sure you KEEP your departure sheet for exiting Laos.

This will take 10-15 minutes.  If you go before opening hours (which most tours will do) there is an extra $1 fee for making the staff start working early.

3: Getting to the Thai Embassy and Applying for your Visa

Once you have your Visa you walk 50 meters towards the Laos entry point, show your Passport and Visa to the Immigration staff and walk out to the chaos of drivers trying to get your fare into town.

If you are using Aya Services they provide a ride. You will as a group be guided along together and put into a seated truck.  If you are doing it on your own, you will negotiate with the driver or taxi to take you into Vientiane and the Thai Embassy.  Almost everybody crossing into Laos is heading to the Thai Embassy so don’t worry too much about how to get there.  Everybody knows.

Procedure to Get Thai Visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

The Vientiane Royal Thai Embassy (Consular) location is at:

No.15 Ban Ponesinuan, Bourichane Road, Vientiane Capital
(Map)

Consular Section
Monday to Friday
08.30 hrs.–12.00 hrs. Application for Visa
13.00 hrs.–15.00 hrs. Distribution of Passports

Weekly Holiday
Saturday – Sunday

Warning:  In the last 6 months Immigration have tightened up.  As politically incorrect as it is to say, many dark or black skinned people (from certain countries I assume not including United States or the G7) and people dressed in scruffy attire are being denied. Basically Spiritual travelers and Black people are going to have a more difficult time.

Having said this, I myself went to Vientiane on 1st July 2015 and did not see any discrimination and a few dreadlock baggy pant lip pierced people also applying and getting their Visa’s.

Step 1: When you arrive line up with the 50-200 other people in the cue.  I have been on a Monday (busy) and a Tuesday (not busy).  The doors will open and on the busy days you are given a number.  On the non busy days you will line up at the document checking table.

Step 2: Your application and Documents will be checked.  Currently the Thai Embassy website for Vientiane is a mess, and the Visa Application form available on their site is wrong.  The new form is here.  You will need …


bullet-greenPassport (2 copies of front page)
bullet-green2 Passport Photo‘s (Take extra just in case)
bullet-greenVisa Application Form (Here)
bullet-greenFee 1000-2000 Baht (depending on what Visa you are applying for

Step 3: When your documents are checked you will be given a number.  You sit and wait until that number is called.

Step 4: When your number is called you approach the window and hand over your documents.  Your bill will be stapled to the 2nd copy of your passport.

Step 5: Go inside the building to the cashier and pay – you are all done

Now head into Vientiane and find your Accommodation

4: Getting your processed Visa back

The Thai Embassy open for document retrieval at from 1-3pm.  Once you get yourself back to the Embassy (it is a 30 minute slow stroll from where most people stay) or about 100-130 baht for a Tuk Tuk.

Thai Embassy Laos

Wait until your number is called and pick up your Passport with Visa

Step 1: You will on your receipt have your number allocated.  Once the Embassy opens, follow the crowd and go and take a seat.  Depending on the day you will either pick up your passport at the window outside or be sent into the Building where you paid.

Step 2: Get your passport and head back across the boarder 🙂  Easy Peasy

5: Getting Back to Thailand

If you are flying via Bangkok, you just need to get to the airport and do the normal process with Customs and Immigration at the Airports.  If you are taking the bus, minivan service or flying from Udon Thani then you need to get back across the Freedom Bridge.

The easiest and cheapest way is to take the International Bus service.  From the Embassy the Bus terminal is a 10 minute walk or an negotiated taxi ride.  When I did it, we convinced a few people to take this method and shared a Taxi for 40 baht per person.  The only reason you should not use this method is if you want to buy Duty Free at Laos.  The bus is a quick and easy point to point trip.

Bus Terminal Laos

Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and get the 15,000 Kip International Trip

Step 1: Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and buy the 10,000 Kip (42 Baht) Ticket from Vientiane to Nong Khai.  The Bus runs every 30 minute to hour (depending on the time of day) and gets you right across the Freedom Bridge stopping off at both Immigration check points.

Laos Market Bus Terminal

Buying your Ticket on the Bus ride to Nong Khai

Step 2: The Bus will pull up to the Laos Customs and Immigration point. After 4pm Laos Immigration will want you to purchase a exit Ticket (12,000 Kip) which is a card you use to go through the barrier after getting your exit stamp. Go through the Laos Immigration Stand, then through the barrier and back on to the Bus.

Laos Checkpoint

Paying to Exit Laos (12,000 Kip)

Step 3: Next Stop the Thai Immigration Boarder.  You will get off the Bus and fill in your new arrival and departure cards and go through the Thai Immigration and Customs point.

Laos to Nong Khai

Step 4: Congratulations you are now back in Thailand.  If you are using Aya services you can walk back in 10 minutes or pay 20-100 baht (depending on your negotiation skills and time of day) to get back to Aya and ready for your trip back to Chiang Mai. If you are heading on to Udon Thani to the Airport or Bus ride back to Chiang Mai, then get back on the bus which will take you to the Bus Station.

[hr]

End
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Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai
Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai cmbadmin

How To Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai

Caution

Warning:
1) Visa Rules Changed 1st May 2015, as did the attitude and helpfulness of staff at Chiang Mai Immigration Service.

2) Travel Blogs by people giving their personal experience written or dated before this time should be taken with a grain of salt.  Some will tell of an easy and breezy experience, others will tell of a horror story.

It is not uncommon that once people arrive in Chiang Mai they decide that they want to stay longer.  Luckily for those with a Visa Exemption (and those who have a Tourist Visa) it is possible to get an extra 30 days at the local Immigration Office for a fee of 1900 Baht.

But the Chiang Mai Immigration Office is understaffed and over worked.  Some of the staff there are showing the stress of this, and are not being as helpful as they once where.  Once they would tell you what was wrong with your application, suggest how you can fix it, and tell you to come back to the window to complete it.  Now (some of the staff) are just rejecting your application and telling you to fix it and come back tomorrow.

For Example:  A customer of ours went for an extension but did not have photocopies of his passport.  Rather than be told there is a photocopying service at the back of the building, he was told “Get copies and go back in line” (another 3 hours wait). But he was not told he could do this on location, and he left frustrated.

[hr]30 Day Visa Extension in a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

bullet-greenYou do not need to cue up at 6.30am
bullet-greenVisa Extensions are scheduled for morning
bullet-greenAll of your Documents need to be correct
bullet-greenWait time varies from 1-4 hours
bullet-greenYou HAVE to attend in person
bullet-greenVisa Services can cue for you (no waiting)
bullet-greenDress well and always remain polite
bullet-greenMost people can get 30 days Extension

[hr]

What is a Visa Extension?

A Thai Visa Extension is an additional 30 days of permission to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand after your Visa was expired.  The Visa Extension can apply to a Tourist visa, and a visa exemption (the 30 days you get on arrival when you do NOT have a Visa).

Visa’s can be extended simply by visiting your local immigration office anywhere in Thailand, filling out a form, and paying a fee. Extending your visa should be done before your visa expires; you can get your visa extended on the last day without any problem (providing you have everything correctly filled out and get there on time.

Extending your Visa is a 1900 baht fee, while overstaying is a 500 baht per day fine which can lead to complications and rejections of future acceptance into Thailand when arriving or applying for a Visa.

Note:  Thailand is now getting very strict on people they consider undesirable.  This includes free spirited folks looking to obtain enlightenment and experience Thai culture (what we oldies call hippies).  People who are obtaining Visa exemptions and doing boarders runs (now limited to 3 or 4 times) & people who show disrespect to Thai culture.  This means getting angry or upset (remain polite and smile – everything is your fault).  If you usually have face piercings, dreadlocks wear wife beater t-shirts (especially women wearing non modest clothing which includes cut off shorts) try to make an extra effort to dress appropriately.  You are judged on your appearance as well as your attitude.

[hr]

1: Preparation of your 30 Day Visa Extension Documents

Make sure you are absolutely prepared with your documents and have your forms filled out correctly.  You will need….

  • Your Passport (including arrival/departure card)
  • Photocopies of your Passport (front page, Departure car Entry Stamp)
  • Thai Visa Extension Form
  • One passport sized picture
  • Full details of your address in Thailand

Your Passport:
If it is not already obvious to you, this is an Immigration Office, you will need to take your original passport with you to show them when you obtain a ticket.  If you are wanting to use a Visa Service to cue for you then you will need to hand over your passport to this service.

Photocopies of Passport
You need to provide copies of your passport for Immigration to keep.  While you can obtain these at the Immigration Office, it kind of defeats the purpose of reading this if you are not going to be prepared before you arrive.

– First page (picture page) of your passport
– Current Thai visa stamp
– Current Thai visa page (if you have that)
– Departure card

The Visa Exemption Form
This can be a little tricky when filling out for the first time.  here are some tips ..

If you have a Visa Exemption
The section that asks for “Holding passport or travel documents” you put in Visa Exemption and the date that you arrived in the country.  Valid until is the date on your stamp (when you have to leave)

If you have a Visa
The section that asks for “Holding passport or travel documents” you put in the type of Visa (Tourist/Business)  and the date that your visa was issued.  Valid until is the date on your stamp (when you have to leave)

Tambon/Khwaeng =  Subburb
Amphone/Khet = City (if in Chiang Mai it is Chiang Mai)
Changwat = Province (if n Chiang Mai it is Chiang Mai)

Passport Photo
These can be found at any of the photo shops in Chiang Mai or at the Immigration center itself.  Usually 4 to 6 photos sized 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.4″ x 1.8″) will cost about 100 baht. It always pays (especially if you are traveling) to have spare passport photos in your wallet or travel bags.

The photo places will photoshop you into a suit and tie at no extra charge.  Get this done as it goes a little way into proving you are a suitably person for immigration to allow into the Kingdom of Thailand

Full details of your address in Thailand
Not often required but sometimes asked for (especially if the officer is having a bad day or you are considered not polite by getting frustrated at the wait)  A business card of your accommodations will be sufficient.  A lease agreement even better.

[hr]

2: Getting to the Chiang Mai Immigration Office

The immigration office is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, except on national holidays. Lunch break is from 12:00 an 1:00.

The location and buildings of the various offices around Thailand are always changing.  Rather than provide outdated information I suggest you call the office at the location you are at, and get the address first hand. (or search the city immigration website

Chiamg Mai 90 Day ReportingChiang Mai Immigration Promenada (map)

Notify 90 Days (as of 20 July 2015)

Promenada Chiang Mai Immigration
192-193 Moo 2
Tumbon Tasala,
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai
50000

d2_cnx@immigration.go.th

[hr]

3: Process for Getting Your 30 Day Visa Extension

The Visa extension process is done mostly in the mornings (with 90 day reporting scheduled for the afternoon).  Many people tell you to go and queue at 6.30am to get your initial ticket.This is not always needed.

The Initial Ticket:  Because Chiang Mai Immigration is usually busy, people go early and wait.  These people are issued a ticket for when the office opens.  Each person goes to the counter, requesting another ticket and time for the particular reason they are at Immigration.

This is not usually required (unless you waited until the last day to get your extension).  80% of the time you can arrive at 8.30 when the office opens and wait until everyone else with a cue ticket has been served and then approach the counter.  You will usually get a number for that day.  But because the afternoons are focused on other types of Visa Applications if you go after 10am you run the risk of being told to come back the next day.

[hr]

Step One:
When you approach the counter, you request the service you want and show them your passport.  Be aware that if you want to get a Visa Service agent to do this bit on your behalf you will have to give the agent your original passport. They will issue you a number and you sit down and wait.

The waiting time can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes on a great day or 3 or 4 hours on a busy day.  Remember 80% of the time you are in and out within an hour or so.  As is always seems to be the case when you are on a time limit (like applying on the last day) is when you manage to find you went on a bad day.

Step Two:
When your number is called at the window (usually the windows on the left hand side of the counter) the Immigration Officer will ask for your passport, application form and fee.  You will get change when your passport is returned to you if you do not have the correct amount.  If anything is wrong, it is up to the individual officer as to how they will proceed, either telling you what is incorrect and giving you an opportunity to fix it there (such as an address or incorrect detail on the form) or giving you back your documents telling you it is wrong (and why) and to fix it and get another number.  This is beginning to happen more and more often as new staff are being employed from the Army – and the Army are pretty good at training their soldiers that total compliance is mandatory.  Immigration are not so good are retraining these people on customer service.

Step Three:
If everything is OK, you will be told to sit down, and the staff will process your application.  This can take anything from 10-30 minutes.  Your name and country will be called from the middle counter (you will see this happening as you are waiting) and you collect your passport (change inside if needed) and you are all done.

[hr]

Notes:

1) Chiang Mai Immigration is very busy and the Immigration system is going through changes that is stressing out the staff working there much more than the discomfort you may experience waiting a few hours. It is always important to be respectful to Thai people, even more so to Officials who can make or break your visit here.  Dress well, always smile, be polite.  Being loud, rude, raising your voice are all signs of a low class and disrespectful person.  This is exactly what Immigration have been instructed to not encourage as visitors to Thailand

2) There is a Photocopy and Photograph shed located at the back of the building.  You can always get your documentation completed there if you have arrived unprepared.

Immigration Photocopy tent

3) Be wary of outdated information posted on travel blogs.  I made the mistake of putting off writing this type of blog post myself because there where already a number of other travel bloggers covering the process. Only to have customers following the advice of other posts online and being surprised that events took hours or had their applications rejected due to errors.
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What Should I Pack? A Nomad Guide
What Should I Pack? A Nomad Guide cmbadmin

What should I pack? A guide for the Digital Nomad

Deciding what to bring with you is the hardest part of going Nomad, and I know this handbook caters to a wide variety of people from young Millennials to retiring Baby Boomers. I am going to cover the bones; your travel necessities.

Do not worry about forgetting anything, and do not become overly obsessed with your packing list. Despite my own previous fascination with scouring the web for Digital Nomad packing lists, the truth is that most “must-have” travel accessories aren’t, and you could survive just as easily and affordable if you were born yesterday and sent to Thailand without anything but the clothes on your back and your passport.

I’ve been able to travel with nothing but a carry on for years, and I still re-evaluate my belongings before every relocation in a vain attempt to reduce the load.

Those wheeled suitcases don’t bode well in Southeast Asia due to high pedestrian traffic and uneven, obstacle-course like “sidewalks”. Using bulky suitcases obligate you to find a place to check-in right after your arrival, whereas a good backpack will allow you to rove around town and settle in before deciding where to hang your head for the night.

The key to remember is to disregard anything you do not need when you want to move somewhere. Less is more, and spending less on “stuff” (aka “filler”) will free up hard earned cash for select, authentic, quality items that will last longer, can be repaired, carry a lifetime warranty, leave a lasting impression, etc.

As mentioned previously, 7-Eleven carries just about every toiletry, personal care, or hygiene item you may need while in Thailand so I only included items you need during transit in this list.

And if you’re going to bring any “refillable” items –a best example being a razor– don’t. A lot of the products available back home are different from those in Thailand and may not be compatible.

Lastly, carry a nylon dry bag in case you need to carry smelly items or get caught in the rain (or a Songkran soaker parade) and keep all of your papers in an easily accessible place, separate from other belongings.

So let’s recap these packing rules:

  • Only use a carry-on, never check your luggage
  • Don’t carry items you rarely use and can acquire on the ground for cheap (ie. raincoat, basic medicines)
  • Carry a nylon water-proof bag to protect specific items from getting wet

[hr]

1) Backpack

I selected two backpacks for this line item, however I only use (and am in love with) the first option.

The second option is presented because it looks like a great product, and was actually developed by Nomads, for Nomads through a Kickstarter campaign some years ago.

Option 1: Osprey Farpoint 70
http://www.ospreypacks.com

The Osprey Farpoint 70 is a little large for my needs, and I keep it 2/3 full at all times, except for when I visit home. That 1/3 of space will be great for gifts for nieces and nephews.

This pack meets several key requirements I think all of you may need to consider when making your backpack purchase(s).

Clamshell opening

The Osprey Farpoint’s ability to open “clam shell” style allows for non-linear access to your items. Simply put, no first-in-first-out nonsense, digging through your bag at inconvenient times, etc. You can open part of the bag, or you can peel back the entire top flap of the bag for equal access to objects anywhere within it.

Detachable Day Pack

The Osprey Farpoint also comes with a detachable day pack which I use every day, only using the larger portion of the pack for relocations.

The day pack will fit a laptop (from a Mac Air to a bulky Lenovo), assorted electronics, journals, maps, books, change of clothes, shoes, etc.

You can also detach the day pack from the face of the Osprey Farpoint and strap it to the front of your body while still being connected to the central pack on your back. This is great for crowded areas when you don’t want your laptop packed out of your peripheral vision.

Warranty

Osprey packs a lifetime warranty with each of its backpack models, which to me, says a lot. It’s one less thing to worry about. They sell Osprey bags at Maya Mall in Chiang Mai, too. It’s quite likely you could arrange a swap in an emergency if you call Osprey directly. If not, ship it back and they’ll replace it.

Great Carry On

Technically, the 70 litre Osprey Farpoint shouldn’t be an acceptable carry on. Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone. However, I’ve been able to get away with it on every flight I’ve taken this bag on in over 2 years. The reason? It can transform into a duffel bag.

All of the bulky straps and be tucked away easily behind a giant flap that is hidden at the bottom of the bag. Once the straps are out of the way and you use the side handle with the flap side out, the bag appears much more streamlined and fits easily into the overhead compartment.

Your only obstacle is weight, but I’ve also been lucky in that my bag has never been weighed, and I can squeeze it into the metal cage used to determine carry-on size allowance. The trick is to act like the bag is really light and hide your wincing!

If you’re concerned about not being able to pull off using the Farpoint 70 as a carry-on, you and I could both easily get away with using a Farpoint 55.

Option 2: Minaal Carry On
http://www.minaal.com

A bag I do not use, but one I respect. The Minaal 35 litre pack is engineered to be the ultimate carry on and also looks a little more “flash packer” –meaning it’s easy on the eyes is a high quality pack.

It too is a clamshell bag, allows you to zip away straps, fits all major airline carry-on dimensions, and also comes with a slide-on rain cover. Electronics stored within it are also housed in a suspended sleeve, so not matter which way it hits the ground, your gear won’t pay the ultimate price.

No day pack though, so for now, I will stick with my Osprey.

[hr]

2) Paperwork

I keep all of my important documents inside a wallet inside a waterproof toiletry style bag. If I required any medications, I’d keep them there with copies made of their prescriptions, too.

Worth mention is that I have two wallets; one for all of my needs on the road, and a light-weight standard wallet for when I go out.

My larger wallet is a “#balla” wallet, also designed by Nomads for Nomads. It can easily store a number of cards, currencies, passport and you can store your Departure Card without folding it.

The #balla wallet is now called the Baller wallet, and you can pick one up at http://ballerleather.com

Some items I keep together in my documents bag include;

  • Boarding pass
  • Passport
  • Copies: Passport, cards, ID, itinerary
  • Thailand Departure card
  • Cash in 2 or 3 different currencies (lately Kip, USD, and Thai baht)
  • SIM cards for every country I visit
  • Extra passport photos
  • Bank cards and credit cards Subway tokens for when in Bangkok
  • ID from home country such as Driver’s License, Health Card, etc.

[hr]

3) Toiletries

Many long-distance flights (on Etihad, for instance) will provide you with sleep masks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and so on. This list is for anyone who doesn’t want to chance it;

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Eye mask
  • Inflatable neck pillow
  • Cologne
  • Anti-perspirant
  • Condoms
  • Gravol (for stomach issues or as a sleep aid)
  • Electric beard trimmer (which I tossed after 6 months in favor of a beard)
  • Earplugs
  • Travel towel (microfiber)
  • Nail clippers (once had to leave them behind at airport security)

[hr]

4) Electronics

Smart phones free up a lot of space. Travelers can eliminate additional items like a portable WIFI hotspot, MP3 player, and video player with a good smart phone.

Ensure that your smart phone is unlocked to work with any carrier and can tether its data connection to your laptop by cable or wirelessly via WIFI or Bluetooth.

It is now legal to be able to unlock your smartphone in the USA. Unlocking means allowing the phone to work with any carrier, “jail breaking” is something else entirely.

When I came to Thailand, my carrier had a steep cancellation fee so I gave my phone away to a friend and had them resume my contract. I picked up a used phone in Bangkok at MBK, but you can pick one up anywhere. They sell cheap burners at 7-Eleven, although smart phones and all other electronics are generally the same price in Thailand as they are back home.

  • Smart phone (Get your phone unlocked by your carrier in advance!)
  • Mac Air
  • External hard drive
  • USB stick
  • Portable speaker with built-in battery (also available at 7-Eleven)
  • Kindle ebook reader
  • Earphones
  • GoPro camera with watertight case
  • USB rechargeable battery pack

Special Note for Udemy Instructors, Podcasters, and other Media Producers: While there are a handful of recording studios in Chiang Mai, it might be best to pack your own additional recording gear or tablet you use as a teleprompter.

A coworking space called Coffee Monster does have a mic and a recording room that you can use, just add your laptop. I’ll get to Coffee Monster, later.

[hr]

5) Clothes

In hindsight, I learned that when it comes to clothing you could arrive with two sets of clothing and pick up the rest on arrival for the most part. Dress shirts can be custom made for cheap, and t-shirts, flip-flops, shorts, swim shorts, etc can all be purchased after you settle in on a need-to-wear basis.

However if winging it was your thing, you wouldn’t be reading this travel guide! Today, this is what I carry;

1 pair of socks
2 pairs of shorts
1 pair swim shorts for the pool or working out
1 pair pants to travel in
1 pair dress pants
5 t-shirts
1 dress shirt
3 pairs of underwear
1 leather belt
1 medium weight sweater

I strongly suggest that anything that is normally cotton –make it Merino wool. Merino wool pulls moisture away from the body in ways cotton never could, it reduces or eliminates odours naturally, regulates temperature (warms you in cold, cools you in heat), and it retains its shape much better than cotton. Merino is also stain and UV resistant, so it ages gracefully. Anything you purchase in Merino wool will outlive its cotton competitor by many, many times.

So that means Merino wool is ideal for t-shirts, socks, and underwear. Some popular Merino brands include Icebreaker, ExOfficio, Patagonia, and Ibex.

For stylish pants, I strongly recommend Bluffs by Bluffworks for similar reasons as Merino wool products. They are incredibly durable, wrinkle-free even after being balled up in a bag for 2 weeks, quick-drying, machine washable, and very breathable which makes them ideal for warmer climates. If you choose to only bring one pair of pants, these are ideal for work or pleasure.

You can find your pair of Bluffs here: http://shop.bluffworks.com

[hr]

5) Other Stuff

  • Notebooks
  • Pen
  • Pencil
  • Colored pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Water canteen (for water refill stations)

[hr]

6) Footwear

I brought shoes with me, however I picked up my sandals in Pai. There’s a really great street vendor that sells flip-flops in Pai that are made completely out of comfortable yet durable rubber. Just about every vendor sells flip-flops, so you could likely skip packing them initially.

I now own three pairs of footwear;

Blundstone boots for travel or inclement weather
Jogging shoes that double as “water shoes”
Quality rubber flip-flop sandals

I love my Blundstone boots because they come with a two-year extended manufacturer’s warranty and they slip on without laces that can wear and break. The road is long and dirty; these boots are easily cleaned and more comfortable than a pair of Doc Martens.
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How to get a Thai Visa: Stay in Thailand
How to get a Thai Visa: Stay in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

How to get a Thai Visa to Visit or Stay in Thailand

Types of Thai Visa’s & How to Visit or Stay in Thailand

The Visa situation for Thailand have started to change with the introduction of Military Rule, although mainly just with the boarder run extensions being clamped down on.  Those who intend to visit or stay in Thailand will still find this an easy process – so long as you do it correctly with the proper Visa.

Following is mini Thai Visa Guide for the kinds of visas and visa exemptions, work permits, and immigration issues in Thailand.  Please Note: Rules and procedures subject to change at any time (and do). This is a guide only, it is prudent to check to see if these rules still pertain to your application at the time of applying.

Visa Requirements for coming to Thailand

Foreigners coming to Thailand for more than one month will require a visa which they can get in their home country from the Thai Embassy or Consulate Office. Depending on the purpose of your visit (studying, seeking business opportunities, wanting to work or just for a holiday) should apply for the specific Visa for that purpose.

N.B. 

1) Arriving by Airplane you can obtain a 30 day tourist Visa.  To do this you will need to show you have an exit ticket before the 30 days have expired.  In today’s climate, people without the exit Visa are being turned away on the spot or asked to obtain a Visa on Arrival (see below if your country is eligible)

2) If you are coming for extended touring, study, retiring or employment in Thailand, you must all apply for the correct tourist or non-immigrant visas. A non-immigrant is to highlight that your stay is a temporary one

3) To obtain Permanent Residency, you would have to have lived in Thailand for 5 years before being able to apply

The five main categories of Visa’s available to foreigners planning to visit Thailand. They are:

Tourist Visa (TR)
Education Visa (ED)
Business Visa (B)
Dependent Visa
Retirement Visa

If you wish to come to Thailand for 1 to 6 months the most suitable of these is a double entry Tourist Visa.  This will allow you to enter the Kingdom of Thailand twice for a period of 60 days, and extend the visa for 30 days while you are here.  A total of 6 months. For longer stays you can repeat this process but you might also like to chose an Education Visa (and take a course of study) or for the Expats a Retirement Visa.

You do not need a Visa when:

The Visa Exempt Permission to stay is granted to citizens of certain countries when arriving via an international airport (30 days) and Land boarders (15 days – 30 days for citizens of G7 Countries).  Even then, once you arrive this decision for a visa exemption upon arrival is up to the immigration officer on duty. To increase your chances provide evidence of:

  • You intention to visit as that of a tourist (onward travel tickets, hotel and any tours booked)
  • Sufficient funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)

You should also ensure that you dress in modest attire and be very respectful. If you turn up chewing gum, in a wife beater and dreadlocks, there is a good chance now days you will be turned away.

Countries available for the Exempt Permission to Stay

1. Australia : Commonwealth of Australia
2. Austria : Republic of Austria
3. Belgium : Kingdom of Belgium
4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil (****)
5. Bahrain : State of Bahrain
6. Brunei Darussalam : Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada
8. Denmark : Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland : Republic of Finland
10. France : French Republic
11. Germany : Federal Republic of Germany
12. Greece : Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong : Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14. Iceland : Republic of Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia
16. Ireland : Republic of Ireland
17. Israel : State of Israel
18. Italy : Republic of Italy
19. Japan
20. Korea : Republic of Korea (****)
21. Kuwait : State of Kuwait
22. Luxembourg : Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
23. Malaysia
24. Monaco : Principality of Monaco
25. Netherlands : Kingdom of the Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway : Kingdom of Norway
28. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
29. Peru : Republic of Peru (****)
30. Philippines : Republic of the Philippines
31. Portugal : Republic of Portugal
32. Qatar : State of Qatar
33. Singapore : Republic of Singapore
34. Spain : Kingdom of Spain
35. South Africa : Republic of South Africa
36. Sweden : Kingdom of Sweden
37. Switzerland : Swiss Confederation
38. Turkey : Republic of Turkey
39. United Arab Emirates
40. United Kingdom : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
41. United States of America
42. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam
43. Czech : Czech Republic
44. Hungary : Republic of Hungary
45. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein
46. Poland : Republic of Poland
47. Slovak : Slovak Republic
48. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia

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thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have found a Visa agent who has a special connection with the Chiang Mai Immigration Service.  Some of the rules and regulations can be worked around, and best of all you do not spend a day sitting and waiting.  Just click below for their services and rates

 

How to Get a Work Permit in Thailand

To Work in Thailand: is only possibly on a Business Visa or a Dependent Visa and is an additional category after your Visa has been obtain. English Teachers are able to obtain these via their employers with much less hassle, and other specialist categories can be apply for. Non-Immigrant B and O Visa holders allowed to have a work permit. Once the work permit is in hand, the visa can be extended to match the duration of the employment contract.

Educational Vocations (Teachers)

If you are qualified to work as an English Teacher, your school employer will usually, (after your probation period) apply for a work permit on your behalf. Both Work permits and Applications for new Visa for education purposes are much easier to come by.  Most TEFL schools and Thai Language schools have dedicated staff who do all the administration and paper work for you.

Start a Business

If you are to start a business in Thailand with an official Thai company, your business can issue one work permit per 4 Thai nationals employed.  The process to form a company can be done by yourself, but hiring a Lawyer to do this for you, will save you a lot of headache and the fee’s are very reasonably compared to other countries.  In addition the legal expertise will be able to avoid or bypass some of the strict requirements.

To get a work permit via a business you will need

1) Company which is 51% Thai owned (you can only own 49%)
2) Two Million Baht Capital (of which 10% is required in a Thai Bank account)
3) 4 Thai employees (with paid salary) for every Westerner

There are a number of grounds upon which a work permit can be granted (this is on a discretionary basis and will take into account usual considerations such as suitability and qualifications of the foreigner for the position):

  • The company must have a fully paid-up registered capital of 2 million Baht to hire one foreigner, plus one person for every additional 2 million Baht (to a maximum of 10 people).
  • If the registered capital of the company is less than 2 million the company can hire one foreigner if its total corporate income tax payment had been at least 5 million Baht for the past three years. The company can hire one foreigner for every 5 million Baht paid in tax.
  • The employer has engaged in export which has brought into Thailand revenue of 3 million Baht in the previous fiscal year. The employer can hire one foreigner for every additional 3 million Baht up to a maximum of 3 people.
  • The employer has at least 50 Thai employees per foreign employee up to a maximum of 5 foreign employees.
  • A foreign employee must have paid personal income tax of at least 18,000 Baht in the previous personal tax year or if the foreign employee has not worked in Thailand previously, documents for potential employers confirming that, the foreign employee will obtain income in Thailand of at least 50,000 Baht per month for an employee who is single and 60,000 per month for a married person, must be presented.

Work for an Existing Business as a Freelance or Employee

Today there are a variety of business that have set up that can provide someone with the required qualifications a work permit to work for a local Thai company.  Skilled digital media freelancers, consultants and other specialty service providers can either

1) Bring their client base and work under the umbrella company
2) Gain employment with the Thai based company in the Web and design based industries.

This type of employment is usually under a fixed term contract of a 1 year (minimum) and is attractive to illegitimate workers because of the cheaper tax rate and living expenses in Thailand.  You can bring your existing customer base and continue to work on your client projects or you can work on existing projects the company is involved with.

The company will then take over the function of billing your services to your clients (or employer) for an agreed percentage share of the work you do.  They provide you with medical, insurance and all of your visa requirements – allowing you to live and work in Thailand without having to invest the capital to start your own company..

This type of arrangement benefits you by increasing your actual earnings due to the lower tax rates of working in Thailand and providing you with a work permit.  Recent changes in the Visa laws means that you will still have to do your 90 day reporting every three months

Iglu have offices in Chiang Mai and Bangkok and deal mostly with people from Europe.  Thaiworkvisa.com works in conjunction with them and at the present time has a focus in the Finnish community. You can find more details by visiting the websites respectively.

Important to remember about Work Permits

The way the Work Permit works (excuse the redundancy) is that they are issued by the Ministry of Labour to the employer, not to the person with the name on the Work Permit.  The work permit is issued for one position in one location (usually) and therefore can not be transferred from one place of employment to another.  Moreover you can not move from one city to another and continue to do the same work unless multiple locations have been registered with the Labor department.

Once your employment ends, so too does your ability to work.  You can not resume employment elsewhere.

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How to Apply for a Visa to Thailand

Each country will require different criteria and documentation.  For example many African and Asian countries will require more photographs, applications and proof of medical safety.  Most people from western countries however, will have a much easier time in the application process, and type of documents required.  The following is an edited version from the Thailand Immigration Bureau without all the references to the short term stay options mentioned above.

1. A foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate-General.

a) You can make your application from any Thai Embassy in the world, regardless of being a citizen
b) Applications from your home country can be done via postal service (no repeated trips to Embassies)
c) Each Embassy have varying reputation for being more or less lenient in the granting of double entry Visa options.

Documents required to Apply for a Thai Visa

  1. Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months
  2. Visa application form (filled out)
  3. One recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant
  4. Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
  5. Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
  6. Processing fee (2000 baht per entry or your countries equivalent if applying from home)

 

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Types of Visa’s available in Thailand

Thailand Tourist Visa US$30

A tourist visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes. You are not allowed to work or conduct business with a tourist visa.

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A tourist visa can be used to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days or up to 60 days and can be extended by 30 days at the nearest Immigration office. Normally there is a fee of 1,900 Baht

A tourist visa is needed when a person plans to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes longer than the 15 or 30 days that is allowed when entering under the visa exemption, or if a person is from a country that has no visa exemption agreements with Thailand.

Requirements for a Thai Tourist Visa

This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter Thailand for tourism purposes .

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Air ticket or eTicket paid in full
– Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
– Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary

Validity of a Tourist Visa

The validity of a visa is three months or six months after it has been issued. That means that you must utilize your visa within 90 or 180 days (dependent on number of entries).

Time Available to Stay

Upon arrival, travelers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days or 60 days.
Nationals of countries which are on Thailand’s Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days

Extending your Stay

Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the immigration office.  The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer, the immigration officer may require sight of documentation where are staying (rent agreement/hotel bill/letter from friend etc)

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Thailand Non-Immigrant “ED” (Education) Visa US$80

A ED visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for Educational purposes. You are not allowed to work or conduct business with a Ed visa.

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The Education Visa used to be a way for people to pay to stay longer in Thailand, allowing an extension in after 3 months, repeated and then 6 months extension.  It was used as a means of staying for longer periods but not any more.  Now the Visa must be extended every 3 months and during the interview you are likely to get tested on your language skills.

The way around this is to get an Ed Visa to study Self defense or Mauy Thai Boxing or another language other than Thai. (They will not be able to check your Chinese speaking abilities for example.

  • Academic studies (e.g., university students)
  • Studying Thai language
  • Instructional projects or seminars
  • Conferences or training courses
  • Studying as a foreign Buddhist monk

Requirements for a Thai Education Visa

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to study, attend seminar, training session, or internship in Thailand.

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Recommendation letter addressed to the Consulate
– Letter of acceptance from the concerned academic institute/organization
For those wishing to study in a Private institution, an official letter from the Ministry of Education of Thailand, or other sub-authorities concerned, approving the enrollment of foreign students and a copy of registration certificate of the concerned academic institute are required
– Academic record and the Student ID (if currently studying)
– For those wishing to attend seminar, or training session, or internship,  a recommendation letter from the concerned organization addressed to the Consulate is also required

Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary

Validity of a Education Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months. Extension of the Visa is done eery 90 days and may (almost certainly) will require a verbal or written test

Time Available to Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days.  He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Extending your Stay

Visa has a time limit, a new Education Visa, and re-retry to the country is required.

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Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B) US$80

A Business Visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for Business and Work purposes. You are allowed to work or conduct business with a Business Visa with an additional  Work Permit.

Thai Business VisaA Non-Immigrant B visa is the only business-approved visa accepted in Thailand (though a work permit can be issued to an O Dependent visa). It is useful for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Employment in Thailand
  • Conducting Business
  • Engaging in Investment Activities

Requirements for a Thai Business Visa

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom to work.

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
– Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour.

To obtain this letter, the applicant’s prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 (ตท. 3) at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Tel. 02-2452745, or at the Provincial Employment Office in his or her respective province.

– Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and alien income tax or Por Ngor Dor 91 (only in the case where applicant has previously worked in Thailand).

Corporate documents of hiring company in Thailand such as:

1) business registration and business license
2) list of shareholders
3) company profile
4) details of business operation
5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions
6) map indicating location of the company
7) balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30 of the latest year)
8) value-added tax registration (Por Por 20)

Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only), or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)

Validity of a Business Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months, requiring a 90 day check in or leaving the country to re-enter

Time Available to Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Additional Information

Upon entry into the Kingdom, applicant or his or her appointed representatives must apply for a work permit at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour in which the applicant will be obligated to pay income tax accordingly. If the applicant’s associated company is located in the provinces, the applicant must apply at the Employment Office of that province.

Applicant’s family members (i.e., spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old) are eligible to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (category “O”) and will be allowed to stay for a period of 90 days but no longer than 1 year.

Foreign citizens who hold a Transit Visa (“TS”) or Tourist Visa (“TR”) and wish to engage in business activities in Thailand may apply for a change of type of visa (e.g., from Tourist Visa to Non-Immigrant Visa) at the Office of the Immigration Bureau Office located at Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889,

The granting of change of type of visa and extension of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

[hr]

Ninety Day Reporting for Foreigners

90 Day reporting is required by holders of every type of Visa to let the Immigration Office know you are still currently residing in Thailand.  For a more detailed description check out the 90 Day Reporting Article.

Some Visas (Business) require you to leave the country every 90 days and re-enter, although with Retirements Visa, Education Visas and Work Permits it is just a matter of going to the Immigration Office every 3 months. 90 Day reporting is usually a quick process and there is no need to head down to the office in the early hours of the morning.  Better to wait until late morning and get a ticket number for later that afternoon.

Non-Immigrant Visa “O” — Voluntary Services US$80

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to participate in voluntary services in Thailand.

Documents Required

Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
Visa application form completely filled out
Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
Recommendation letter addressed to the Consulate
Copy of registration certificate of the employer/foundation/organization
Copy of the previous/current work permit (if any)
Copy of the employment contract (if any)

Validity of the Volunteer Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months.

Period of Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Additional Requirements

Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travelers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.

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For Details about the Retirement Visa: Go here

[hr]

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have found a Visa agent who has a special connection with the Chiang Mai Immigration Service.  Some of the rules and regulations can be worked around, and best of all you do not spend a day sitting and waiting.  Just click below for their services and rates

 

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