Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?

Question

American citizen here. Can you apply for a 6 month METV while in Thailand? Here is my dilemma.  Thinking of retiring to Thailand?, but before I plop approximately $22,000 US dollars into a Thai bank account I want to spend as close to a year in Thailand to see if it is for me. I don't know whether to get a 6 month METV first, extend 2x's to make it 9 months, do my two exits and entry's then put in for a 60 day Tourist visa and extend it 30 days to make it 90 days and then put my retirement VISA in. In other words want to spend as close to a year in Thailand before I put in fot Retirement Visa.  I want to make sure that Thailand is the place. Any help would be appreciated? Thanks in Advance.

Ask Thailand · Answer

An American citizen cannot apply for a 6-month METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) while in Thailand; it must be obtained from their home country. However, there are alternatives, such as applying for an OA visa which offers a longer term without the need for funds in a Thai bank account. A recommended approach is to visit Thailand first to assess the living conditions before committing financially to retirement arrangements.

Jacob ******** · Answer

You mean $26,000 USD. Yes good idea to spend at least a year here first. Perhaps learn some Thai first would help.

Brown ******** · Answer

I'd get the metv as you'll get your answer in 9 months anyway

Steve ******* · Answer

Get the Non Imm OA. No need for money in a Thai bank account.

Marty ********* · Answer

You should of course visit Thailand enough to know whether you want to live here. The 800,000 baht can be withdrawn if you decide to leave.

Steve ******** · Answer

If you want to "try it out" just get an OA visa. You can get two years out of it without transferring a single cent to Thailand. You will need health insurance, but you can pick up a cheap policy with a high deductable - so pretty useless, but ticks the box, and gives you two years with only one border bounce and no hassles from immigration

Ruth ******* · Answer

Very simply, no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do as you propose. You certainly wouldn’t be the first (I had considered it). You just need to go home to get the visa.

Robert ******* · Answer

Good idea. You can travel to many places and culture. You will find the right place even if it takes you more time and frustration but end of the day it will only be worth it if you make the decision. Good luck

Stuart ********* · Answer

You can only get an METV in your home country (or country of legal residence).

Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?

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