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Answered4 years ago

Do expats living permanently in Thailand really need to leave the country once a year?

Ellen *******
asked Nov 3, 2022
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I heard somewhere that the rules changed for people who live permanently in Thailand? They have to leave the country once a year now? Just curious if it's true.
Answer summary
The claim that expats living permanently in Thailand must leave the country once a year is false. Many residents can stay long-term without ever having to leave, provided they meet certain criteria. Visa renewals typically occur annually, but a departure from the country is not a requirement for those who fulfill these conditions.
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Ellen *******
Ellen *******
OP
Already thought it was nonsense 😁 Thanks all for reply
Peter *********
Peter *********
No
Rob **********
Rob **********
No you heard wrong, you have to extend your visa on a yearly basis, but you certainly don’t have to leave Thailand.
Nick **********
Nick **********
Would be nice to link to your source. Where and from whom exactly did you hear that fake news ? What were the exact words ?

"Somewhere at some halloween party" doesn't count.
Ellen *******
Ellen *******
OP
Nick MuayPlam not at Halloween party 😆
John *********
John *********
Todd *********
Todd *********
Up to you!
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
Yeah, that makes sense.
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
Bit of a wild statement. People who reside in Thailand NEVER have to leave provided they meet the criteria. No changes. Always been this way
Nigel ********
Nigel ********
Please clarify what visa type
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
No idea where you may have heard that. It’s certainly not true. There are many many ways you can reside in Thailand on a long term basis. Most don’t require leaving at all (if you don’t want to). Some do.

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