One of the most significant things to remember before leaving Thailand is the importance of getting a re-entry permit, if leaving on a single-entry Thai visa. Failure to do so will automatically forfeit the remaining period of visa validity. Hence, when one wants to go back to the Kingdom, one is compelled to undergo again the visa application procedure. Worse, if one previously obtained a work permit, that will also be automatically invalidated the day he or she departed.
When a foreigner wants to leave Thailand momentarily and go back using the same single-entry visa, a re-entry permit must be obtained. Re-entry permits are being issued by the Thai Immigration Bureau and can actually be obtained at any immigration check point throughout the Kingdom.
Requirements
The following are the documentary requirements for a re-entry permit:
1. Application form (T.M. 8 )
2. Passport or travel document and a copy
3. Applicant’s 4x6 cm. photograph
4. Payment for application fee (the fee for single entry and multiple entries visa differ)
Once the process has been completed, a re-entry permit will be stamped on his or her passport. This serves as a permission to go back using the same visa, provided that the visa is still valid on the date of return.
This article was provided by Siam Legal, an international law firm with offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. Siam Legal publishes legal guides to obtaining Thailand visas (http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa.php) on its website.
Siam Legal International
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