General Reports

[AussieDoug]

But it doesn't say when the clock starts on the six months (entry, exit, or date of application).

Because the 30 day stamp is shorter than the proper visa, they may use the 90 day rule mentioned. In that case, both websites could technically be accurate. However, I'm inclined to believe it is 6 months from time of entry.

In all cases it is this: the passport must remain valid for six months past the intended date of leaving the country you visit.

The call on this is made by the country to which you visit, not the country you come from nor the country whose passport you have. In the past Thailand has not enforced this rule, but that does not mean the rule no longer exists.

[Scorchin]

Anal retention here.

Does it matter what the different rules say?

[RBDave]

Several posts ago it was too much said; however, if you Read carefully, the US State Department and the passport / visa service company clearly contradict one another, which is what created the ruckus. The moral is: renew your passport well before six months of its expiration.

Neither the US State Department, nor the visahq company determine the rules. Sadly, I cannot find the rules clearly stated on any Thai government website. On the website of the Thai Embassy in Washington DC, it makes no mention of passport requirements for the tourist visa exemptions (30 day stamp most people here get when they enter Thailand without a visa) , http://dc.thaiembdc.org/consular/VISA/Exempt2.aspx.

However, for a tourist visa (60 day kind) , it states "Your actual Passport or Travel Document. (Passport or Travel Document must not expire within 6 months and contain at least ONE completely empty visa page)." http://dc.thaiembdc.org/consular/VISA/Tourist.aspx. But it doesn't say when the clock starts on the six months (entry, exit, or date of application).

Because the 30 day stamp is shorter than the proper visa, they may use the 90 day rule mentioned. In that case, both websites could technically be accurate. However, I'm inclined to believe it is 6 months from time of entry.

[Scorchin]

Several posts ago it was too much said; however, if you Read carefully, the US State Department and the passport / visa service company clearly contradict one another, which is what created the ruckus. The moral is: renew your passport well before six months of its expiration.

Makes no bl*dy difference. Only a fool travels with a passport which might run out during overseas travel. Renew it at least 12 months before its validity expires even if you are not then planning to travel.

Don't waste time on the semantics of various 'instructions. '

[Paul Kausch]

from the U. S Dept of State.

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR USA CITIZENS: If you are a USA citizen tourist staying for fewer than 30 days, you do not require a visa, but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Thailand.

All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Thailand. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. VisaHQ can assist USA citizens with a full range of expedited passport services, including new passport application and passport renewal.

If you read it carefully, it says 90 DAYS FOLLOWING YOUR DEPARTURE date. So it is not a 90 day validity. Enuff said.

Several posts ago it was too much said; however, if you Read carefully, the US State Department and the passport / visa service company clearly contradict one another, which is what created the ruckus. The moral is: renew your passport well before six months of its expiration.

[Kiyakubuke]

Http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...ountry2=United

+States

I currently live outside Nashville, TN. Very low COL for the US. Bangkok is not tremendously cheaper, somethings even more expensive. So I would still need to work if I didn't want to have to tap into my retirement early.

[Duniawala]

Here you go.

http://thailand.visahq.com/

And here is the text.

Check the current validity of your passport.

All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Thailand. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. VisaHQ can assist USA citizens with a full range of expedited passport services, including new passport application and passport renewal.

If you read it carefully, it says 90 DAYS FOLLOWING YOUR DEPARTURE date. So it is not a 90 day validity. Enuff said.

[TConor]

Senior member over at the Usasexguide site, just starting here.

Few questions for all western expats living in Bangkok or Thailand in general. Especially those that work there.

I have planned for some time to move to Thailand when I retire, lately have been considering it sooner. How many of you, that are from the west or AU, work in Thailand. And, without giving away details, what sort of work is it? Ie. Work for western corp that has office in Thailand, work for Thai company, own my own business, etc.

It is possible I may be able to continue working for my currently company and just work remotely from Thailand (or where ever). But I like to cover all my bases.

Thanks

Http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...ountry2=United+States

[Kiyakubuke]

Senior member over at the Usasexguide site, just starting here.

Few questions for all western expats living in Bangkok or Thailand in general. Especially those that work there.

I have planned for some time to move to Thailand when I retire, lately have been considering it sooner. How many of you, that are from the west or AU, work in Thailand. And, without giving away details, what sort of work is it? Ie. Work for western corp that has office in Thailand, work for Thai company, own my own business, etc.

It is possible I may be able to continue working for my currently company and just work remotely from Thailand (or where ever). But I like to cover all my bases.

Thanks

[Jack Of Spades]

I really wish I knew everything, but I have difficulty in admitting that I don't.

Meant to type "I have no difficulty admitting I do not know everything."

[Jack Of Spades]

Maybe someday in the future one or two poor sots who are unaware of the 6-month rule will stumble across these useless posts and think to check their passports' expiration dates.

Exactly the motivation behind my original admission that I almost messed up bigtime.

[Jack Of Spades]

Runs their passport down to the last few months. Indeed I cannot understand why it is an issue worth discussion. I can envisage situations where it is plain stupidity not to renew a passport once it has less than a year to run.

I really wish I knew everything, but I have difficulty in admitting that I don't.

[Paul Kausch]

Runs their passport down to the last few months. Indeed I cannot understand why it is an issue worth discussion. I can envisage situations where it is plain stupidity not to renew a passport once it has less than a year to run.

How true. If you've been following the posts, this started when a member discovered the 6 month rule for the first time.

Some people apply for a passport, use it once and then never think about it again until a decade later when they plan another trip, only then to discover their passport has expired. Fortunately, one can pay the freight and expedite the application for a new passport.

People who travel more regularly, as is probably the case with most ISG members, are probably aware well in advance of when their passport is due to expire.

Maybe someday in the future one or two poor sots who are unaware of the 6-month rule will stumble across these useless posts and think to check their passports' expiration dates.

[Scorchin]

Personally, an expiring passport is not something I even think about. I've always had mine renewed by about the end of the ninth year.

Runs their passport down to the last few months. Indeed I cannot understand why it is an issue worth discussion. I can envisage situations where it is plain stupidity not to renew a passport once it has less than a year to run.

[Paul Kausch]

Bad on you to be posting info you think or know is incorrect. Your original post and subsequent reply read like you were surprised about the 90 day rule and you genuinely believed it to be true. If you knew or suspected the info was wrong it would have been better for you to post their info and correct it instead of posting it like it was gospel only to make your disclaimer after the fact.

Good sir, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you struggle comprehending the English language. Otherwise, shame on you for blatantly misrepresenting my post.

I wrote that I was surprised to read they can get a Thai visa for a US citizen with a passport so close to expiring. I did not say I think or know the information is incorrect. This is a sizable company whose headquarters is in Washington, D. C. They have been in business for over a decade, have close relationships with the major embassies in that city, and have offices in several other cities. They are skilled at getting passports and visas quickly and are adept at dealing with red tape. I have known people who have used and had nothing but good things to say about their services. I do not think they would claim to be able to do something they could not do.

Personally, an expiring passport is not something I even think about. I've always had mine renewed by about the end of the ninth year.