Heading to Thailand

[recklessryanrutherford]

Hello! 

I am making my second venture off to Thailand for a training camp. I spent 1 month at sitmonchai about a year and a half ago and loved it. Ended up fighting at the end of my stay was a crazy experience. I have had a handful of Ammy TBA sanctioned Muay Thai fights and K1 fights in America. 

I leave for my second trip in Jan purchasing a one way ticket. Id like to go back and visit Sitmoncahi first for some time but would like to venture to the Chang Mai/Bangkok area. Do the experienced Thailand vets have any recommendations/ trips for my venture? I was curious how the visa process worked? 

 

Thanks!

[Snack Payback]

Hello mate,

Be careful if you're purchasing a one way ticket. It never used to be an issue, but in recent years they now ask you to show proof of onward travel when you check in for your flight. You could get around that by buying a refundable ticket and then cancelling it once you're there.

As for visas, you get 30 days on arrival at an airport, or you can get a 60 day tourist visa in advance and then that can be extended by another 30 days at an immigration office. Once that runs out you'll have to leave. You're best getting up to date information on this next bit because they're always changing the rules. I think now you only get a 15 day stamp if you re-enter Thailand via a land crossing, or 30 days if you come in by air. So if you're planning on staying longer you'd be better off getting another 60 day tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in a neighbouring country.

Were you after recommendations for touristy stuff or do you want Muay Thai related info?

 

 

 

[Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu]

As an American you can get a 6 month Tourist Visa (as of my fingers typing this; immigration stuff changes ALL THE TIME) before coming. I'd advise that. 

We have a thread on gym recommendations and reviews. If you're willing to go outside of Bangkok a bit I'd recommend checking out Sasakul Gym, Samart's Gym, getting a private with Sagat at 13 Coins (best private in Thailand); Chiang Mai is all pretty close together so you can see a few gyms in a period of a few days.