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Can I apply for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) if I'm staying with a partner or friend in Thailand?

Dec 1, 2021
4 years ago
Cody ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all - question with the STV: I'll be staying with my S.O for the duration of my stay. Staying with a partner/friend does not seem to fall under the criteria of this visa.

Has anybody been accepted for this visa with such an arrangement?

Otherwise, should I get her to write me up a lease and I'll prepay it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Special Tourist Visa (STV) requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including having a rental contract or ownership of a property in Thailand. It is uncertain if staying with a partner or friend alone suffices for the visa application. Some advise creating a lease agreement with the partner to fulfill the accommodation requirement. There are differing experiences among individuals regarding visa approval when not having a formal lease.
Benjamin ******
I turned commenting back on to clear up some confusion about terms:

Visas are documents issued by a Thai Embassy/ Consulate that grants a person a certain amount of time to enter Thailand, along with some restrictions on what they can do on entry.

The eVisa is a system to apply for visas electronically.

The Thailand Pass is a system that allows a person to request entry into Thailand. The Thailand Pass system is visa agnostic and EVERYONE needs a Thailand pass.

There is a visa called the "Special Tourist Visa" (or STV for short). This requires meeting certain financial and health insurance requirements to acquire the visa. This visa is a SINGLE ENTRY 90 day visa, with TWO 90 day extension of stays. This visa can not be converted to any other type of visa, and is designed for long-term tourists who already have a rental contract or own a condo in Thailand.

Thank you.
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James ********
This STV question comes up often on this forum...suggest you ask on it...they have the answers.

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Benjamin ******
There’s two questions you’re asking.

1. How do I get a single entry STV that lets me stay for 90 days?

2. How do I get a 90 day extension of stay based on STV?

I believe in both cases you need a lease agreement. You may be able to get your boyfriend or girlfriend to write you a lease agreement which should work - assuming they own the property.
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Peggy *******
@Benjamin *****
I believe the STV is now called Thailand Pass? So I meant when applying for the Pass.
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Benjamin ******
@Peggy ******
for the visa or extension of stay?
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Cody ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
cool. Thank you.
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Cody ********
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Tod *********
Most people I know make a confirmed booking for the 90 days you need to show to get the visa and then cancel it once they get the visa approved

I don't know anyone who used the address of someone here saying they will stay with them (even if they had a letter, the lease of that person, the passport etc)

BUT let's see if anyone on an STV weighs in.
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Cody ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thanks for your super quick respnse mate
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Cody ********
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