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Can I apply for a METV while in India to return to Thailand and then apply for a DTV visa?

METV visa DTV visa visa on arrival visa requirements Thailand immigration visa runs entry rules

Sep 23, 2025

a day ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, your help is much appreciated! 

I entered Thailand 3 weeks ago with the plan of getting a visa on arrival, as I did last year. I was in Thailand for 6 months doing visa runs and never overstayed. Everything was in rule. Long story short, they asked me to buy a ticket to leave Thailand and gave me only 45 days instead of the usual 60 days. 

I would like to apply for a DTV visa, but at the moment, I don’t have the required funds in my bank account for at least 3 months. 

I am going to India for 3 weeks, and my question is: Do you think I can apply for a METV to come back to Thailand, and meanwhile get my papers sorted, to then apply for a proper DTV? 

Thoughts?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice about applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to return to Thailand after a short trip to India, while also planning to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) later. They have faced complications with their current visa situation, receiving only a 45-day extension instead of the usual 60 days, and are concerned about their past visa runs and the financial requirements for the DTV.

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Bisoye *********

Totally get your situation - Thailand’s getting stricter with visa runs, so you’re not alone. Yes, a METV could be a good short-term option, especially if you’ll be in India and need a legal way back in while sorting your finances. Just keep in mind the METV also comes with its own entry/exit rules, so plan those runs carefully.

For the DTV, the funds requirement is pretty strict, so better to make sure your 3-month balance lines up before applying

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Luit *****************

I read "I was in Thailand for 6 months doing visa runs and never overstayed. Everything was in rule"

Do you really think 6 months back to back visa run is in order and normal tourist use?

I think you are lucky you did not get stopped before.

I think in your case some patience is needed and then apply for DTV if you are remote worker or can afford to pay for soft power activity long time.

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Anonymous ******************

Get a safe entry service

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Anonymous ******************

Stay in India

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Anonymous ******************

You can try, but if you stay many time in thailand recently, they will probably deny you METV, they probably tell you to stay out of Thailand for 3 months ..., if you can get the dtv visa, you can come back early.

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Mark ********

Nobody knows if they will let you in down to the immigration officer on the day...

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Chantelle ******

You could apply for the single entry 60 days and then extend it another 30dl days thats then the 3months of the money being in your account. Then leave the country to apply for the DTV?

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chantelle *****

Yes, that's an option, even just 60 days would do..but do you know if they will allow me to enter again on another tourist visa?

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Chantelle ******

Anonymous participant should be no reason why not. More and more are now being questioned when they have done 'too many' border runs but there still isnt a limit for air travel as far as I know. Its more just frowned upon amd they will tell you to apply for a proper visa this is if you are a serious misuser. From your description it doesnt sound like you have been. But if this is your first time this year and you dont over stay your 45 days and genuinely leave for a little while, applying for a single entry visa for 60days is the right thing to do and it shows you are following the rules and not trying to misuse border runs.

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Luit *****************

@Chantelle *****

I see a lot of reasons why it might not work. The history of 6 months back to back visa exempt you can hardly call touristic use. Tourist might travel for longer periods, and return to tjhe same country every now and then, but tourist don't do border runs.

Once warned will mean chances IO checks next time are high. With a good story, hotel reservations and return ticket it might work.

Topic starter does not tell his real reasons for visiting Thailand, but I don't believe it is just as a tourist, and an IO might also think that way.

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Chantelle ******

I guess its open to interpretation as it is for the IO. I could easily tour around Thailand for 6 months. 1month in each major city/island. I travelled for 10months a few years ago and 4months total of that was Thailand. Warnings and checks dont necessarily mean being refused or denied a visa. And they dont seem to have recieved any yet. So probability says they will see this person is a frequent traveller to Thailand. Has always followed the rules and not overstayed and is following the rules by applying for the correct visa.

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John **********

@Chantelle *****

actually he did receive a warning, he was only stamped in for 45 days rather than the full 60 days. Chances of him getting back in on either a tourist visa or visa exempt are slim

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John **********

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Kurt *************

I did that and they didnt like it. Almost better to stay out until you can sort the dtv

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kurt ************

I see, thanks. Did they reject you at the airport or at the embassy when applying for the visa?

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Kurt *************

Anonymous participant in my view i dont think they care if you come on metv or exemption if you have border run history already. The wrong IO can send you on the next plane back home and you will have to pay. So really depends on who you meet and what your reasoning for coming is and if you have paperwork for that reasoning

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kurt ************

thank you.

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Anonymous *************

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Kurt *************

Anonymous participant i got the visa. But i had to go through a hefty interview. Demanded return ticket, reasoning for the visit, proof of stay etc. Luckily i had it all ready and explained i came because am applying for medical treatment DTV and needed appointments with hospital

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Kurt *************

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Kool *******

You can only get the METV in your passport country, or where you have

formal residency, in writing.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you for your answer. Do you know if there's an option of an e tourist visa I can apply from another country which is not my resident one?

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Kool *******

Anonymous participant there is the single entry tourist visa, but now with your warning it is no guarantee you will be let into the country.

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Kool *******

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I mean exempt visa in my post not visa on arrival.

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Anonymous *************

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