Can I repeatedly use a tourist visa for long stays in Thailand?

April 6, 2022
2 years ago
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Todd

I need advice please

I entered Thailand mid December

Did 90 days using a 60 day Tourist visa and then getting 30 day extension, left the Kingdom mid March

If I do the same again next month, say late May till late August, will I have a problem doing a third 90 days in maybe October through December

I read somewhere that this was not possible

Not sure why ?

Surely, they are encouraging tourists, arenโ€™t they ?

Your advice would be appreciated

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the feasibility of staying in Thailand for extended periods using a combination of a 60-day tourist visa and a 30-day extension, followed by possible future visits. They are concerned about potential issues with immigration during a third visit in the same year after staying for 90 days during two separate visits. Community responses provide mixed insights on the immigration policies, with some suggesting that as long as there is sufficient time between visits, it may not raise red flags. Others propose exploring long-term visa options, such as the retirement visa, to alleviate concerns regarding frequent entries.
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James ********
Be sure to let us know if you are successful in your rotation of planned visits.

But I am curious...

If you have Thai family members living in Thailand or are age 50+ why not get a correct visa for living in Thailand?

Frankly...having a retirement visa with a multiple entry permit sounds to be a very good option for you...

Along with peace of mind and less stress as you wonder...

Is this the time I will be pulled aside by Thai immigration and asked ...

Why do you stay so long in Thailand?
James ********
Our Special Thanks to Moderator Ellie ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒท.. from the Admin and Moderating Team of Thai Visa Advice .....

For her preparation of the quick reference charts as shown above...Hope these are helpful to our members.
James ********
And if have Thai family can also obtain 60 day extension visiting Thai family. This is useful if added time needed to obtain the Non O inside Thailand.
James ********
If so...Obtain a Non O prior to coming to Thailand. Easy to obtain.
James ********
James ********
Emma ****************
@James *******
can you send me this poster please? ๐Ÿ™
James ********
James ********
Are you married to a Thai?

Or father of a Thai child?
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
No

Neither !
James ********
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@Graeme **********
then suggest you either get an O-A visa or Non O visa for retirement while in New Zealand from the Thai Embassy.

O-A allows you to qualify by having proof of 800,000 Thai baht in your bank and or combo of annual income plus savings to = 800,000. Upon approval it gives you one year multiple entry visa to Thailand...and can extend it one more year if you bounce out and return before the end of the first year from date of the OA visa issue.

The Non O as retiree gives you 90 days on arrival and can be extended one year at a time by having proof of 800,000 Thai baht deposited into your Thai bank account in your name only.

To leave and return requires simple reentry permit at Thai immigration 1000 Thai baht single reentry...3,800 Thai baht multiple reentry for the duration of your Non O based retirement extension of stay.
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thanks James

Tell me more

Yes I am over 50

Retired. Self funded

Why stay so long ?

I love Thailand

I have my home, children and grandchildren at home

Not sure that I am prepared to move permanently

Your advice would be appreciated

Thank you ๐Ÿ™
Mario *********
Why not take a year visa if you know you will be here for a long time ???
Wannikea *********
Sounds workable, dress nice upon entry. Milking the covid extensions and doing a quick out in has been the thorny scenario.
Tod *********
No one can tell what the entry policy will be like but it sure seems with time out of the country between visits that you shouldn't raise any red flags. Will it work, (should) but who knows, guess you'll find out when you come back in on the second tourist visa ๐Ÿ˜ฎ ๐Ÿ˜‰ Good luck with it (y)
David ************
@Tod ********
if I can jump in with a question related to what you said here. I am planning to do the same thing, but with as little time between the visits as possible. Do you think there is a certain specific minimum amount of time between the visits in order not to raise any red flags? Thank you in advance.
Tod *********
@David ***********
nope it's a roll of the dice, you'll either skate right thru OR they'll put you thru the ringer
David ************
@Tod ********
thank you for the answer
Alex ****
Back in pre-COVID days I would hang out in Thailand for 90 days (60 days Tourist Visa + 30 days extension of stay) and then bugger off to Vietnam and get another 60 days Tourist Visa from the Thai Consulate in Hanoi or Saigon. Most of the pages in my passport are stamped with Thai Immigration stamps. From year 2015 until March 2020, I would spend between 6 and 9 months of my life in Thailand. I did border bounces to Myanmar in addition to visa runs to Vietnam as well. So, I think if you are only planning on hanging out in Thailand for just 6 months - you should be fine. Having said that, beware that we are talking about Thailand, and the immigration department here seemingly endlessly tweaking and changing the rulesโ€ฆ
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alex ***
I am planning to have 9 months in Thailand

3 visits of 3 months each time
Daniel **********
Following
Robert *******
No problem but I'm not Tod.
Alex ******
@Robert ******
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