Are year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visas valid and accepted for expats in Thailand?

Question

I've gotten several private messages on this topic and thought I should address it.

There seems to be an under current or feeling on the group that people who get year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visas (no matter the type or reason) are some how not following the rules or are circumventing them in some fashion. Please realize they are most definitely NOT.

The fact of the matter is; IF a consulate will sell someone a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visa (the type that you bounce out and back in every 90 days) it's a VALID visa and they have as much right to be here as people who are on yearly extensions of stays issued from the immigration office.

Different people get visas and or extensions for different reasons.

The group is about helping people get visas/extensions to thailand, and it shouldn't matter to anyone whether the poster wants a visa from a thai consulate OR a yearly extension of stay from the immigration office.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion clarifies that individuals holding year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visas are compliant with Thai visa regulations and should not be viewed as circumventing the system. It emphasizes that the validity of such visas, obtained through consulates, is equal to yearly extensions granted by immigration offices, and expats should support each other's visa choices without judgment.

Tod ********* · Answer

I see the captain has turned on the "no commenting" light. :O

Please return to your seats, fasten your safety belts, put your seat in the upright position and lock your tray tables. ;)  :P

Henri ****** · Answer

Well spoken Todd....

Richard ******* · Answer

I stayed on a Non-O multi entry based on marriage for many years due to working worldwide. it is only in the last 4 years after retiring that I switched to yearly extension.

Biff ******* · Answer

That would be exactly the visa I would go for. My house is 30 minutes from the border and I wouldn't need the ฿400,000, paperwork, multiple trips to Immigration in Mae Sai (where the border is anyway) and all the hassle that comes with it. I also quite like the idea of a yearly jaunt to Savannakhet to get one :)

I understand that some people would prefer an extension of stay, but to suggest that others with valid visas are somehow in the wrong is just plain ignorant.

I understand that some people would prefer an extension of stay, but to suggest that others with valid visas are somehow in the wrong is just plain ignorant.

Terry ********** · Answer

Correct each to there own requirements and suitability.....

Jonathan ******* · Answer

Thanks Tod, I saw some of the comments and thought I was in the wrong, even though I know I wasn't. I have a Non O multi entry visa based on marriage, I also have a work permit linked to this visa as well. It is easier for me as I need to travel a lot so this makes sense to me. Thanks for your clarification

Are year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visas valid and accepted for expats in Thailand?

Activity

Related

Resources