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Can I re-apply for the STV visa after being downgraded to a tourist visa in Thailand?

STV visa 60-day tourist visa proof of accommodation visa application process Thailand immigration long-term stay expat in Thailand visa regulations

Mar 30, 2022

3 years ago

Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone.

I'm an American who applied for the STV visa and was a little worried about the " proof of accommodation " for the long stay. So I called up the embassy and he told me that I needed to have already paid for my accommodation for the length of the 9 months. That's ridiculous because I want hunt for an apartment before purchasing.

Anyway, he said that he was going to downgrade my STV application to a 60 day tourist visa, and I wanted to know if I can go to immigration after I find my apartment and then re-apply for the STV visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user expressed concern regarding the STV visa requirement for a long-term stay in Thailand, specifically about the need for pre-paid accommodation for the entire 9 months. After being informed by the embassy that his application would be downgraded to a 60-day tourist visa, the user inquired whether he could later re-apply for the STV after securing accommodation. Responses clarified that in-country changes to visa types are not permitted, and while the requirement for proof of accommodation is strict, some users have successfully booked cancellable stays. The conversation also highlighted alternatives and the complexities of the visa application process.

Aspi ***********

Just tell that you will be travelling and find accommodations accordingly.

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Andrea ********

Also check when Elite have appointments for affixing the visa (the lead time can be much longer than you might think).

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Shayne **********

Just get a standard tourist visa then get a long-term Visa in country.

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Nigel *********

If you need an in country visa agent then these guys have a good reputation

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Brett **********

Book 9 months cancelable on Agoda or similar. I did and giot the visa no issues

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brett *********

The length of the visa is 90 days, why would I need proof of 270 days?

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Brett **********

sorry, was thinking the length of the STV. But point still stands. Book something on Agoda that can be cancelled easily

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Brett **********

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Frank-Steven ***********

No. No change to STV (or any other tourist visa) in-country. But they should not have asked for pre-paid proof for 9 months. They are within their rights to ask for 3 months proof though, for the STV. This is why it’s such an unattractive visa.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank-Steven **********

What if it's the 30 day exemption stamp for americans? Do I have options of applying for something that would give me a 6 month stay?

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Stuart *********

there are a number of options. Whether they would work out for you is unknown. Currently there’s the covid extension option where you can get a further 60 days, but that option is due to run out on may 24th. Whether that will be extended is anyones guess. It has been multiple times so far but who knows. You could get an education visa and study Thai language or Muay Thai

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Stuart *********

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Stuart *********

The STV visa requires fully paid up accommodation for your entire stay. It’s stupid, but those are the rules. Some people have managed to book a “cancellable “ booking on a site like Agoda and changed it once they have the visa.

You can’t get a STV in Thailand. You’d either have to apply for an extension of stay that fits your purpose or leave Thailand to get an STV.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you for your reply. So here's my other question then, I'm really not trying to stay forever and a half, I'd like to get 6 months max out of my stay. So if for whatever reason the application doesn't go through w/ the embassy in Chicago for the 60 day tourist visa, should I just hop on the plane and get the 30 day exemption stamp, hit up an agency and talk to them about options?

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Stephen *******

Visas can only be obtained out of Thailand with the exception of a 90 day O visa based in retirement, marriage,etc. You cannot get a tourist visa inside Thailand.

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Brandon ************

tourist visa is easy. Finish your application and get 60 days which you can extend for another 30 days at immigration. Then go to Cambodia or a nearby country and get a new tourist visa and do some sightseeing and come back for your last 3 months and then go home.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

That sounds like a good option. That being said I currently have an application for the 60 day visa, but I'm a little worried that it might not get approved before the 11th of april which is the date of my flight. Do you know if the 30 day exemption stamp blocks you from getting a visa in thailand?

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Brandon ************

it doesn't block you. But most Tourist visa applications take less than a week.

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Brandon ************

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Stuart *********

there’s always that option. Depends on your circumstances as to what longer term extension you may be eligible for. Age, education etc. An agency will cost you, but will almost certainly will be able to help.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Okay cool. I was a little worried that the application might mess up the 30 day exemption stamp, but if it doesn't then that's what I'll do. I'm a remote worker so I don't really know what I can and can't get, but I guess my question would be the exemption stamp does allow you to apply for a visa in TH correct?

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Stuart *********

the exemption stamp allows you to apply for a further 30 days. It doesn’t preclude you from applying for alternative extensions, but you’d need to time things right in order to get one.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Yeah after quarantine I'm going directly to an agency to handle whatever option I have available. Here's my other question, is there some sort of refresh rate on getting visas for Thailand? Like say I get an 60 day Tourist visa, extend it once, then I have to leave the country. Am I able to apply for a fresh one after it expires, or do you have to wait for a period of time before doing something like that.

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Stuart *********

there is no timeframe on getting a new visa once an old one expires. You could get 6 in a row all following on one from the other. The hang up could be on arrival the immigration officer you hand your passport to may question your actual intentions to enter Thailand and could deny you entry. If they believe you are trying to “buck” the system they may give you grief. There’s many people here who have entered on tourist visas 5 or 6 times a year and aren’t questioned (well pre covid perhaps). But it’s up to the immigration officer, so no way to say one way or the other.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I gotcha. Gotcha, and the same thing applies w/ the 30 day exemption as well?

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Stuart *********

yes. Except that they’re going to scrutinise you way earlier if you are entering visa exempt rather than having an actual tourist visa. No way of predicting how many times before a red flag is raised. Could be 2, could be 20. Possibly depends on how you dress or whether the immigration officer is having a bad hair day.

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Michael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Haha, i've learned to dress to impress in all my travels but I understand. Long story short: Mileage may vary. Do you mind if I send you a PM for some other questions? They are off topic of visas for this group.

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Stuart *********

no problem

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Stuart *********

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