Are there restrictions on the quantity of METVs in a year for tourists in Thailand?

Apr 28, 2023
2 years ago
Elisa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
METV-related question

Are there any restrictions on the quantity of METV authorized during a 1 year period?

Specific case: METV 6 months with start in December 22, first entry: Jan 23,

Expiry: June 23 (planning to enter a little earlier to do 60 or 90 days more). Go back to my country (Italy) and possibly do another METV (online). This would anticipate an Elite visa.

Second option is to get the Elite visa directly without applying for a second METV.

I would prefer to have more time to decide wether this is the right commitment for me, that is why I would prefer to have a second METV but I do not desire to experience any troubles with the immigration as the purpose of the stay is, indeed, not working or studying.

I have searched for previous questions but couldn’t find anything.

Update: not sure if relevant, I own a property in Bangkok.

Thanks to those who can help / suggest.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The query centered around the possibility of obtaining multiple METVs (Multiple Entry Tourist Visas) within a year, specifically after the initial METV expires. The user had an existing METV with a 6-month validity starting in December 2022 and inquired about the implications of applying for a second METV after returning to Italy. Community responses indicated no strict limit on the number of METVs but cautioned that consecutive applications could raise red flags with immigration, hinting at concerns about true tourist status, especially since the user owns property in Bangkok. Alternatives, like the Elite visa, were also discussed.
Roberto *********
Doing back to back METVs might raise a red flag, as it's potentially 18 months in a two-year period. You own a property in Thailand. Put yourself in the shoes of an immigration officer or an Embassy official and ask yourself "is this person a tourist?".
Roberto *********
@Elisa *********
Elite Visa is not a tourism visa. It's for longstayers, not holidaymakers.
Elisa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sure. That’s for the feedback. The Elite looks to have the same purpose (tourism). Just more expensive and commits to a longer period.
Graham ******
Owning property in Thailand could be seen as a red flag for Immigration as true tourists do not own property
Elisa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
thanks for the feedback. I understand the point but I don’t agree on the assumption that “true” tourists do not own properties. It’s just not factual. However I understand that perception of this fact can vary. Thanks
Steve *******
@Graham *****
Plenty of tourists own holiday homes.
Steve *******
@Phil *******
They certainly could own property, it's land that they cant personally own.
Steve *******
@Phil *******
Nice try!
Frank **********
@Steve ******
without owning the land it is kind of really not having control over your property.
Phil ********
@Steve ******
"Real property" = land
Steve *******
@Phil *******
What? Can you speak English?
Phil ********
@Steve ******
"What is the meaning of real property?

Real property refers not only to the real estate and land you've purchased but it also includes any rights that are attached to that property. Real property is what gives you the right to own, lease, sell and use the property in any way you deem fit."

So there!

🙃 555
Bob **********
@Phil *******
the OP is asking a visa question I know your life’s are so boring that you turn up here talking Shite😎😎😎
Steve *******
@Phil *******
Let's rephrase my original comment then. They certainly could own real property, it's real land that they cant personally own. Happy now? 😂😂😂
Phil ********
@Steve ******
🙄

Reckon not, I'm originally from Essex 🙃 555 ครับ
Steve *******
@Phil *******
That explains everything! Real property so much better than your fake property!
Phil ********
Immigration doesn't give a toss that you own a condo... you certainly don't own "real property" mate 🙃 555
Garrett ***********
No limit on tourist visas.
Elisa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
thank you for your feedback. So I might be able to do a second METV (before or after the expiration?), doing extensions and I shouldn’t get any troubles at the immigration? (Besides the ordinary extensions / exits / visa bounces).

Thanks a lot
Kool *******
@Elisa *********
just remember, you can only get a METV in your passport home country.
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