Getting a 30 Day Extension on your Tourist Visa

Most tourists visiting ShaSa Resort on Koh Samui typically carry a 60-day visa. This tourist visa can easily be extended by 30 days. Basically, there are two ways to get this extension.

A visa run is one common practice. This is done by going to a country bordering Thailand, like Laos or Cambodia. Visa extensions can be facilitated at several border points and just entail leaving Thailand and promptly turning right back. The hitch here is that it would require at the very least a day of traveling to the border areas and have the visa extension processed there. 

Visa runs would be advisable for those tourists who want to take side trips to the lesser known travel attractions in Thailand or have quick visits to its bordering countries.

Immigration office protocols 

A less circuitous route would be to apply for the 30-day visa extension in the main Thai immigration office in Bangkok which has been relocated in the northern suburban part of the city on Chaengwattana Road. The other major cities in Thailand have counterpart immigrations offices where applications for visa extensions are processed. 

Prior to visiting any of these offices, you’ll need to prepare several documents. One is your passport with the Thai departure card. Also required are: a photocopy of your passport’s photograph page, a photocopy of the passport’s page containing the stamped tourist visa, and two copies of your passport-sized photos. You’ll have to pay a fee of 1,900 baht for the visa extension processing.

Be prepared to wait in line 

Application forms for the visa extensions are available at the immigration offices reception desk where you’ll be asked for your Thai address and the purpose of the extended stay. After accomplishing the application form, submit it to the receptionist who’ll check if it’s complete and assign you a number if it is.

You may have to wait for about 15 minutes before you’re number is called, depending on the number of applications received. Submit your documents and pay the visa extension fee to the window which called your assigned number, then wait again for about 15-20 minutes for your name to be called and your passport returned already with the 30-day extension.
 

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New Thai Tourist Visa Rules: What They Mean for You

Thailand has undertaken several major revisions on its visa system in recent years. One of the net effects of these changes is that Western tourists visiting Thailand are allowed shorter periods of visit but with various options to extend the stay under varying circumstances or conditions. These regulations can be confusing, especially if a visit to the country will be longer than 30 days. Here are some insights shedding more light on new Thai tourist visa rules that can help you during your stay at ShaSa Resort.

File the tourist visa application at your local Thai embassy

You’ll be given an initial 60-day tourist visa if your application is processed at Thailand’s embassy in your home country. Through one of immigration offices in Thailand, this visa can be extended for 30 days for a 90-day total. This 90-day period can still be extended if you make a visa run by traveling to the Thai border with Burma, Laos, or Cambodia, and turning right back to Thailand. You’ll have another 30-day visa extension through this exercise. Under the new Thai immigration policies, you can go on two more visa runs, in effect allowing your tourist visa to be extended up to 180 days. You’ll have to leave Thailand already after this 180 days’ total expires.

The path for a second tourist visa

Once you’ve used up the 180-day extended tourist visa, you can still prolong your stay in Thailand. You’ll need to leave the country too as in the visa run. Your destination this time would be a nearby country which has Thai embassy or consulate where you can file an application for a second tourist visa. Typically, your choices are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. Other options include Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia which is preferred by some travelers because of the friendly Thai consulate staff in Kuala Lumpur. One condition though is you’ll have to stay for a minimum of three days in the Malaysian capital.

Arriving visa-less

First-time visitors in Thailand can stay in the country even without a tourist visa. Their passports will be stamped a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. They may only have to show to immigration officers their plane tickets for departure from Thailand. 
 

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Thai Airlines: Options for Domestic Flights

Thanks to the deregulation of the passenger air travel industry in Thailand, the cost of flying to ShaSa Resort has become increasingly affordable. As no airline has a monopoly on any of the existing domestic routes, the competition among passenger carriers resulted in lower fares. These are typically offered during the tourist off-season at rates substantially discounted from the regular fares. Quite delightful, roundtrip airfares under $100 can be had by passengers well-informed on options on Thai domestic flights.

Those planning a trip to such destinations as Koh Samui will likely consider booking a flight with the Thai Airways, as it is the most well-know carrier in Thailand. This popularlity however equates to relatively higher fares. At the same time, there’s a pervasive feeling among Thais that this airline accords preferential treatment to foreign passengers to the disadvantage of the locals.

Book early for discounts

If these concerns are a bother, Air Asia is one of the desirable alternatives. Besides charging less, it also operates routes to most major Thai cities. Also, its international flights not only cover Asian countries, like Brunei, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore, but also the U.K. To avail of Air Asia bargain fares, an early booking would be necessary.

Some of the best deals in budget fares can also be had at Bangkok Airways. What’s good about this airline is that its operations are focused on domestic flights, operating as it is in 20 Thai cities. These local routes include Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat wherein the airports were constructed by the airine itself. Flying regularly with Bangkok Airways could mean gaining benefits from its Flyer Bonus Club, a scheme by which passengers accumulate points which could later be exchanged for free flights.

Look at the small players

Smaller airlines are added options for budget airfares in Thai domestic flights. One choice, PB Air focuses only on seven local destinations and is carving a reputation as one of the friendliest carriers in Thailand.

One Two Go is another player in Thailand’s domestic airline industry, but its safety performance is suspect. It has yet to win the complete confidence of passengers following the crash of one of its flights to Phuket which was traced to pilot error and resulted in 90 fatalities.

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Choosing the Right Suitcase

Selecting a suitcase for your trip to ShaSa Resort can be very subjective. Occasional travelers may only need an inexpensive one made of light material, while those who travel a lot are likely to choose designs with sturdier features. At any rate, here are a few tips when choosing the suitcase just right for your travel needs.

Set your price range

Don’t splurge on a suitcase if you travel seldom. Spending $25 on a bag maybe enough; just replace it, if it’s no longer fit for the next trip. For those who live in a suitcase most of the year, it’s smart not to spend over $150 for their bag that will endure the wear and tear of travelling frequently. Suitcases above this price level can’t get any much better, and what you’ll be paying extra for is just the brand names of the manufacturers behind them.

Weigh the pros and cons of materials

Good protection is what you’d essentially want in the materials that a suitcase is made of. Determine which type best suits your travelling requirements. There are bags made of hard casing like plastic, but this can crack beyond repair. One alternative is cases made of polycarbonate; cracking is unlikely but its disadvantage is denting. Avoid suitcases made of these hard materials if you intend to use them as carry-on bags. These can be difficult to store in planes’ tight overhead bins. Lighter, soft nylon bags are preferable in this case for they can easily be squeezed into limited space. Common damage to these suitcases, such as broken zippers and worn-out corners, can also be repaired easily.

Examine the suitcase parts

Handles and straps are important considerations when choosing the right suitcase. Removable straps are advantageous. So are double handles in suitcases as these bag parts can take a lot of abuse when airport workers load them up on a plane’s cargo hold. Select suitcases with sturdy zippers or give preference to the latch system that secures the hard-case bags. Likewise preferable are four-wheeled suitcases which are easier to handle when boarding or deplaning. Finally, choose a case with a sleek design which enhances maneuverability and easier storage.

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Best Times to Visit Koh Samui

The best time to visit Koh Samui is during July 

The prevailing weather in Koh Samui is favorable for ShaSa Resort visitors at nearly any time of the year. In fact, its venerable climate is one of the reasons why this island resort, considered by many as a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, has grown to be one of the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia.

The peak tourist season in Samui starts from December up to February. During this period, a visitor can expect temperatures around the 30°C level. The calmer waters offshore the island makes for a truly enjoyable holiday vacation. In December, tourists can expect some tropical showers but these typically don’t last long and may even provide a quaint highlight during the trip.

Warmer periods

An off-season drizzle would be most welcome during a Koh Samui trip between March and June. During these months the temperature in the island is warmer and can rise up to 40C° or 100°F. Possible water shortages can be one drawback going to the island in this period.  Beachcombers and shell hunters will be delighted though that at low tides, much of the coastline is exposed and the waters are shallower than usual. Some relief from the warmer weather can be expected toward the late afternoons when thunderstorms typically occur.

Cooler weather prevails in Koh Samui from July to September. The island experiences its mini-monsoon season during this period. Visitors can expect days of heavy rains and occasional storms to keep them company at these months. Many tourists aren’t bothered at all by such weather disturbance which can, in no time at all, vanish and usher in a sunny but refreshing day.

Monsoon months

Umbrellas would be a must for those travelling to Samui in October or November. These are the rainiest months in the island, although daily downpours are a rarity. The rainy season in the island is unlike in many other places in Thailand. This season, though not prolonged, is hard to predict in Samui.

 It is reasonable to expect though that during these monsoon months, some days can be sunless and the sky heavy overcast. Caution should also be exercised when indulging in water-related activities as the seas during this period can be very rough.

Visiting Thailand: What Visas are Available?

Most foreigners on a visit to ShaSa Resort in Thailand need not have a pre-approved visa if they intend to stay for less than 30 days. This visa waiver is extended to holders of passports of a Western country or other countries which Thailand extends such a privilege. A 30-day entry stamp is issued to these visitors if they arrive by air, while a 15-day entry stamp goes to those entering Thailand at any of its border points.

These visa waivers can only be used four times to prevent potential abuse. Once a waiver lapses, the visitor need to apply at the Immigration Office for an extension or a visa which costs 1,900 baht.

Choices for tourists

Thailand issues several visas. These are generally classified as tourist and non-immigrant visas. There are two types of tourist visas—single entry and double entry. These are extended to visitors whose singular purpose is for tourism and not business or employment.

A single entry visa is good for 60 days which can be extended by 7 days up to 30 days, depending on the immigration officer. Length of stay for the double entry visa is also 60 days, but its holder can cross any of the Thai border points and promptly reenter the country for another 60-day allowed stay.

For businessmen, students, retirees

There are several types of non-immigrant visas which Thailand issues. For visitors on a business trip, the country issues the non-immigrant “B” visa. Foreigners who work in Thailand also need this visa to legitimize their local employment. Documentation from the company employers is typically among the requirements for this type of visa.

Students who wish to pursue education in Thailand will need to apply for a non-immigrant ed visa. An application for this type of visa will require proof from the school they are enrolling in. Holders of this visa are typically required to enter and reenter the country every three months, again as a safeguard against illegal residency.

Much longer stays are accorded to holders of the non-immigrant O visa which are extended to foreigners eying retirement in Thailand or to those who marry a Thai national. For the latter, one basic requirement is an original copy of the marriage certificate. The retirees, on the other hand, should be at least 50 years old and can show proof of at least 65,000 baht monthly income or an 80,000 bank balance.

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5 Best Navigation Apps

Android users have many choices on available navigation apps. Ultimately, the choice taken will largely depend on the application best suited to the users’ specific needs or varying purposes. Often, planning routes either for business or leisure can have some distinct differences. 

Consider these 5 navigation apps when you visit ShaSa Resort as just a few of the leading options for an Android phone. Nonetheless, having any of these choices can fill the requirement of most users.

1. Google Maps. This app is one of the most popular among android users because of its extensive map database. It can help you locate the shortest route to a destination. Its popularity also owes much to the fact that it can be accessed for free, easy to use, and has a voice-guided capability.
2. GPS Essentials.This is another free navigation app which is also based on Google map to determine the best route to a destination. Its dashboard can be customised as the user manages destination waypoints, tracks, and routes. Tracks can be recorded and viewed on the map. Distance of the user’s destination, temperature data, and user speed are some of the basic info accessible with this app.
3. WAZE. This navigation app is one of the easiest to use and provides real time data as well. It can generate traffic info from others on the road, enabling search for the most convenient route. Inputs which can be derived from this app include road closures or accidents, traffic jams, police road presence,and nearby fuel stations. It has connectivity with the user’s Facebook account, thus expanding its reach and utility to the social network.
4. Telenav GPS Navigator. This app has voice capability and can generate multi-routes to help users find the fastest way through traffic. Besides map screen shots, it can generate real-time traffic data and alerts of what’s ahead on a taken route.
5. Wisepilot. This is another GPS app great to have in an Android phone. Installing it in the device enables convenient map access to the user and allows search for the best possible route. Additionally, it can help locate places of interest to the user and share these via Facebook.

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Five Great Thai Beach Hideaways

Some of the top beaches in Thailand are situated in Koh Samui

Thailand is a storied tourist destination mainly because of its many superb beaches. The choices are truly numerous, but here are five surefire choices for memorable vacations.

Ko Taen, Ko Samui

The resort-island of Ko Samui is synonymous with pristine beaches. The good thing is that its neighboring islands also offers alternatives that are as exciting. One of these is Ko Taen which is just off the Samui’s southern coast. Full commercialization of the tourist trade hasn’t caught up with Ko Taen yet. As such, tourists who shun shops and night clubs will be more at home here. There’s even an eco-tourism lure in this island which can be reached via ferry boats which sail from Ko Samui’s Thong Krut port twice a day.

Bang Saphan Yai

Those who miss Samui of the l970s when it was still a backpackers’ haven will likely fall in love with Bang Saphan Yai. It attracts both local and international tourists for its laid-back beach ambience and more affordable facilities. Much of its charm is drawn from the palm plantations that line most of its shoreline. Two other islands are also nearby which can be included in a one-day itinerary.

Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai

The duo of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, located at the northern part of the Gulf of Phuket, is another sure bet for beach lovers. These two have been drawing much tourist attention not only because of its beaches but also due to the unadulterated Thai charm that they exude. Commercialism is starting to creep in, however, and hotel accommodations are getting more upscale. Budget-conscious tourists may have to hurry up and enjoy these beach destinations while they can.

Pak Nam Beach, Ko Phi Phi

Pak Nam is one saving grace for Ko Phi Phi whose recent tourism boom has sparked fears of overdevelopment. Relax Beach Resort is one magnet for Pak Nam which is nestled on the east side of Phi Phi island. Should hotel booking be a problem at peak months like December and January, Ao To Koh also in Phi Phi is an alternative to Pak Nam Beach.

Ko Lao Liang

A part of the Ko Petra National Park, Lao Liang consists of two northern and southern islands .Their splendid beaches and coral reefs can be enjoyed via organized tours providing accommodations in multi-room tents and shared bathroom facilities.