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What do you do with your belongings during visa runs?

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Jimpdxusa

Question for the folks on a tourist or retirement type visa that requires you to leave the country every 90 days. 


What do you do with your belonging?  Do you leave it in your apartment and hope to get allowed back in the country or do you pack it all up and bring it with you?  As we grow roots, we invest in or collect things.  What happens for whatever reason there is a snag upon reentry at the border?  Do visa runs make you worried about lease commitments or personal belongings left behind?


Thanks in advance,


Jim

Leeds forever!

Question for the folks on a tourist or retirement type visa that requires you to leave the country every 90 days.
What do you do with your belonging? Do you leave it in your apartment and hope to get allowed back in the country or do you pack it all up and bring it with you? As we grow roots, we invest in or collect things. What happens for whatever reason there is a snag upon reentry at the border? Do visa runs make you worried about lease commitments or personal belongings left behind?

Thanks in advance,

Jim
-@Jimpdxusa

There are no 90 days tourist visa and retirees living in Thailand dont (normally) apply for a 90 days ME Non-immigrant O visa.

Jimpdxusa

@Leeds forever! Thanks, I will research a bit more and rephrase my question to be more precise.


in the meantime, whatever visa’s people have, what do they do with their stuff if they need to do a visa run?

jayrozzetti23

@Leeds forever! Thanks, I will research a bit more and rephrase my question to be more precise.
in the meantime, whatever visa’s people have, what do they do with their stuff if they need to do a visa run?
-@Jimpdxusa


To the best of my knowledge, the retirement visa can be renewed yearly without leaving the country, so no visa run is required. Most people have their visa agents handle this process, just like the initial one.


The tourist visa is 60 days, which can be extended in-country one time for another 30 days. At that time, you will have to do a visa run by leaving the Kingdom of Thailand and fully entering another country, which in most cases may necessitate obtaining a visa to enter that country. Technically, you can just turn around and return to Thailand; however, these days the immigration department doesn't really want people doing this, especially repeatedly. Maybe the first time will be allowed but on the second time, you will likely be questioned about what you're doing in Thailand. 


So, if you're going to do visa runs more than once, it's a good idea to stay out for an extended period (weeks), which is something visitors to the region should do anyway to check out Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, etc.


Long story short, if you want to stay long term in Thailand, these days, get the retirement visa if possible. Otherwise, it will be difficult.


As for your stuff, people don't ever really think about that because a problem very rarely occurs, So, usually people just take the minimum: clothes, device(s), toiletries, etc.


There are a bunch of videos discussing "Thailand visas runs" on the internet.

davelange57

I am here on a tourist visa my wife (Thai) still in Australia. We are building a house and I have found the visa run plus extension being questioned very hard the last 2 times




1st entry pextensionsion ssecond went through poi pet not allowed to return without a ticket out of Thailand had to go to Siem Reap and fly into Bangkok

Extension 30 days flew to phnom phen 4 days told not to stay long time and where was my ticket out.

Wife of12 years getting marriage visa paperwork (not easy) ready to apply

I think previous writer was correct if I can't get an extension will fly out for 2 or 3 weeks

Leeds forever!


    @Leeds forever! Thanks, I will research a bit more and rephrase my question to be more precise.in the meantime, whatever visa’s people have, what do they do with their stuff if they need to do a visa run? -@JimpdxusaTo the best of my knowledge, the retirement visa can be renewed yearly without leaving the country, so no visa run is required. Most people have their visa agents handle this process, just like the initial one. The tourist visa is 60 days, which can be extended in-country one time for another 30 days. At that time, you will have to do a visa run by leaving the Kingdom of Thailand and fully entering another country, which in most cases may necessitate obtaining a visa to enter that country. Technically, you can just turn around and return to Thailand; however, these days the immigration department doesn't really want people doing this, especially repeatedly. Maybe the first time will be allowed but on the second time, you will likely be questioned about what you're doing in Thailand.  So, if you're going to do visa runs more than once, it's a good idea to stay out for an extended period (weeks), which is something visitors to the region should do anyway to check out Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, etc.Long story short, if you want to stay long term in Thailand, these days, get the retirement visa if possible. Otherwise, it will be difficult.As for your stuff, people don't ever really think about that because a problem very rarely occurs, So, usually people just take the minimum: clothes, device(s), toiletries, etc.There are a bunch of videos discussing "Thailand visas runs" on the internet.        -@jayrozzetti23

"Most people have their visa agents handle this process, just like the initial one."

Really? Where did you get this nonsense info from?

People using agents normally do it because they don't meet the requirements. Some are using agents because they have problems doing it themselves. The vast majority of expats handles their extensions themselves.

WiredTight

@Jimpdxusa


Many times international airports have Large lockers that you can rent to store large luggage, if you are making a quick run across the border. Also many of the Backpacker areas also have businesses that will store or hold your luggage for a fee. If you are renting an apartment, then the owner might be willing to store your items, or a trust worthy friend might hold your stuff.

I was a Visa-runner in the Philippines for 4 years (RP has a very easy-liberal tourist visa extensions program). When I moved into my apartment, I negotiated with the apt owner. I mention that I would be interested in buying a Large TV, and other furniture... I told him I'd split the cost of the new items with the apt owner, and then when I left-moved out, I would leave the extra stuff I bought for him to own, when I went on my way.

Long story short...when you are a visa-runner, minimize your purchases, and come to the conclusion that you might have to give stuff away, or abandon at short notice.

Jimpdxusa

Thank you all.  Things to consider.

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