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Can I stay in Thailand for 5 months and obtain health insurance this year?
Visa RulesThailand ImmigrationBorder RunsMultiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)NON-O VisaHealth Insurance in Thailand
Jan 2, 2026
4 months ago
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI want to stay in thailand 5 months and also get health insurance this year. Last trip I could stay for 6 months. Every 60 days made border run to Cambodia.from Pattaya very easy. Can I do this this year ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of staying in Thailand for 5 months with border runs to Cambodia is complicated due to tighter immigration controls and possible border closures. While some suggest options like the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) which allows for extended stays, recent reports indicate that border runs may be restricted or thwarted by immigration practices. Individuals over 50 may consider applying for a NON-O visa, which can provide a longer stay without the need for border runs. Health insurance options are also mentioned, with costs around $5000 annually for comprehensive coverage.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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David ******
Forget Cambodia. Somebody was rejected entering Thailand because their passport has Cambodia stamp.
Michael ********
Unless its been reversed in the last few days the boarder crossings to Cambodia are all closed.
Gary *********
@Michael *******
they are Michael your right.Reply to
Gary *********
Reply
Bent *************
No
Andy **********
World level health insurance is about $5000 a year.
Ant ***********
METV
Can you 6 months up to nearly 9
Apply from Thai embassy in your home country
Can you 6 months up to nearly 9
Apply from Thai embassy in your home country
NeL *****
I don't understand, METV for 6 months Multi Entry Thailand? Up to nearly 9, what's that means?
Ant ***********
@NeL ****
Just before your 6 month runs out do you last entry & gives you the extra 60 up to 90 daysNeL *****
Nowadays, Thai Immigration officer only offers 2 times free visa to visit Thailand
Reply to
NeL *****
Reply
Chuck **********
You’re asking the wrong people it’s up to that I/O
Steve ***********
Is Cambodia entree even open?
Steve ***********
Damn, I'm thinking Vietnam, Taiwan, or even Macau
Gregg *******
@Steve **********
only by air.Steve ***********
@Gregg ******
so you would fly from Thai to Cambodia while they are at war?Gregg *******
@Steve **********
555 no mate, I would not. I have no reason to and was only answering a question. The border is open by air, not land. My last border run was to Cambodia and the border closed behind before I made it back to Bangkok.Darren *******
@Steve **********
the war is along the border area only, rest of Thailand and Cambodia are perfectly safe. Airlines just avoid the conflict area and hug the coast over the border.Reply to
Darren *******
Reply
Alistair *************
I did my first visa run to Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago as I needed more time to organise my marriage to my Thai fiancée.
The Immigration official at Don Mueang Airport gave me another 60 day tourist visa, but warned me I would not be allowed entry if I did another visa run.
Immigration are definitely putting a stop to visa runs.
The Immigration official at Don Mueang Airport gave me another 60 day tourist visa, but warned me I would not be allowed entry if I did another visa run.
Immigration are definitely putting a stop to visa runs.
Bonnie *******
Border closed
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWill try to extend my visa stay
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI will fly to Vietnam this year
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you
Wayne ********
@Bonnie ******
as far as I know, Laos is not closed and I know for sure Vietnam is not closed,Bonnie *******
@Wayne *******
which has nothing to do with a border run from Pattaya to CambodiaWayne ********
@Bonnie ******
how about giving other alternatives?Scot *******
@Wayne *******
- there is no border with Vietnam from Thailand. It's not an alternative.Wayne ********
@Scot ******
don’t take the term border run so literally everyone knows it means leaving the country and coming back. Does it really matter what country you go to?Scot *******
@Wayne *******
- it's exactly what he said and meant. He isn't flying from Pattaya.Reply to
Scot *******
Reply
John **********
Get yourself a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) before you come. It's good for 6 months and every time you enter you get stamped in for 60 days
Gerard **************
@John *********
That is the best route yes.Reply to
Gerard **************
Reply
Simon *******
If over 50 get a 90 day non o visa before coming to Thailand, when you arrive open a bank account with Kasikornbank ASAP, then get an agent to sort out your 12 month extension, no border runs required just 90 day reporting that the agents will do for about 100 bht.
Then renew every year with agent, the agent will sort out the 800,000bht required for the extension.
With a mtv you will still need to leave every 60 days land border with Cambodia is shut so you will need to fly out to return or face a long bus ride to Loas.
Doing multiple Border hopping has been stopped .
Then renew every year with agent, the agent will sort out the 800,000bht required for the extension.
With a mtv you will still need to leave every 60 days land border with Cambodia is shut so you will need to fly out to return or face a long bus ride to Loas.
Doing multiple Border hopping has been stopped .
Newfarang ****
@Simon ******
I’ve been quoted *****
/*****
***********
for an agent and I have already got bank account and a rental agreement, so I think I will do it myself at these prices.Nongnuch ********
Newfarang 57 I think you confuse things. You pay an agent 16,000-20,000 THB if you use your own funds. If the agent has to borrow the funds, you won't get away that cheap. For a first time 12-months extension without own funds, the prices seem to start at 30,000 THB. Only for future extensions with the same agent, you will be asked for 14,000 to 20,000 THB (20,000 THB will apparently include a multi re-entry permit)
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Dennis *********
@Simon ******
sure recommend committing fraud. Hopefully at some point immigration will crackdown on this!Simon *******
@Dennis ********
What ever!Reply to
Simon *******
Reply
Gerard **************
60 day exempt followed by a 30 day extension and then a border run. Dont see why you can't do this.
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gerard *************
thank youGreg ***********
@Gerard *************
you won't get a 30 days extension on a second visa-exempt entry within a one-year period. You would only get an extension for 7 days. Visa exemptions can't get maximized for more than 157 days within a 1-year periodReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Jan ***********
You can only stay in Thailand for max 90 days per year ( 60+30) or you have to apply for long term visa
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have information. Is there a professional in Pattaya that can help me get through the paper work. Going to soi 5 or 6 is a big headache
Barry ********
@Jan **********
last year I spent more than that in Thailand. .no hard and fast rules.Robert *********
@Barry *******
the rules are clearReply to
Robert *********
Reply
Robert *********
You can get a multiple entry tourist visa (I do every year ) up to 9 months and quite easy .
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ********
thank you will try to get that kind of visa this year. I like to stay 6 months a yearReply to
Jim ********
Reply
Gary *********
@Jan **********
you could do it twice 60 days+30 twice a year, they want you to get a retirement visa and you've got to be over 50 years of age.Lyndon ************
@Gary ********
as Greg says.Gary *********
@Lyndon ***********
ok Lyndon , hope you're well 🙏Lyndon ************
@Gary ********
all good pal, hope you are too.Reply to
Lyndon ************
Reply
Greg ***********
@Gary ********
you won't get a 30 days extension on a second visa-exempt entry within a one-year period. You would only get an extension for 7 days. Visa exemptions can't get maximized for more than 157 days within a 1-year periodReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Jan ***********
************************************************************
Claes **********
@Jan **********
he is not a official source right? Just read on the official sources to get the right answerReply to
Claes **********
Reply
Mario *********
@Jan **********
you can stay total 157 days: 1 time 90days and then 60+7. So I was told.Robert *********
@Jan **********
that is totally wrongKenneth *******
@Jan **********
yep thats NOT trueWayne *********
@Jan **********
thats incorrect. No such lawReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Newfarang ****
Other options are METV not sure how long that gives you .
Jim ********
Newfarang 57 can get 9 months out of a METV
Jim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNewfarang 57 thank you.I
Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Newfarang ****
Depending on your age if over 50 apply for retirement visa, the immigration are clamping down on border runs.
Reply to
Newfarang ****
Reply
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