Chapter 2
Welcome to Bang Cock!
You must have a valid passport to enter and exit the country of Thailand. You don't need a visa if you will be staying in Thailand for less than 30 days. If you're planning on staying more than 30 days, you will need to purchase a tourist visa before entering the country. You can purchase a tourist visa at any Thai Consulate just about worldwide.

If your passport will expire in 6 months or less, it is recommended you obtain a new passport before traveling. Thailand may not let you into the country or grant you a visa if your passport will expire in less than 6 months.
A tourist visa (obtained before you enter the country) will allow you to stay in the country of Thailand for 2 months (59 days). As of February 2000, a visa will cost $15. (Price is subject to change). Any Thai Consulate will be happy to sell you a visa. In Los Angeles, California, call the Thailand Tourism Authority at (213) 382-2353 for further information. Outside Los Angeles, call information for the nearest Thai Consulate. Important: You cannot obtain a visa in Thailand. You must purchase your visa before your departure to Thailand. Allow 2-3 working days to obtain a visa.
If you wish to stay in Thailand more than 30 days, as explained above, you must purchase a two-month tourist visa before your departure. Another option is to apply for an extension of your allowed 30-day stay (i.e., without a visa). It will cost you 500 baht ($12.50 at the exchange rate of 40 baht per dollar) for a 10-day extension, which can be obtained at any Thai Immigration office in Thailand.

If you have a visa and you wish to remain in Thailand more than the allowed 59 days, you can extend your visa while in Thailand for another 30 days, at the price of 500 baht ($12.50). If you wish to remain in the country even longer, you can get another extension for two more weeks, and then another 10 days. After that, adios! You must leave the country, like it or not. To
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