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Do I need a visa if I’m working away for 3 weeks and back to Thailand for 3 weeks?

Thailand visa Non-O visa visa exemption expat advice immigration rules FIFO workers working in Thailand

Nov 1, 2024

2 months ago

Arty ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m planning on moving to Thailand and rent for a year, (next March) I work away for 3 weeks then back to Thailand for 3 weeks, do I still need a visa ? Any help much appreciated

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the necessity of a visa for working away for three weeks and returning to Thailand for three weeks. Community responses suggest that it is possible to enter Thailand on visa exemptions repeatedly. Participants recommend applying for a 90-day Non-O visa for a more secure status and mention experiences where frequent travelers were not stopped at immigration despite back-to-back entries. They note that having return tickets may help and that many workers in similar situations have managed without issues.

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.

Malcolm *******

You will have no problems at all . Many Offshore workers including myself have done this for years .

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Wayne *********

Many of us FIFO workers do it. I have on a 2 and 2 roster for years. Have 3 on my crew still doing it every 2 weeks on visa exempt from Perth.

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Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

And they are never stopped?

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Wayne *********

I have never been stopped did it for years prior covid and for 1.5 years after covid. I now have OX. My work mates have never been stopped either.We always have return tickets booked don't know if that's helped. We all return Tuesday 12 November.

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Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

Very nice if it works😊

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Wayne *********

been working for us for years now, They dont seem to care to be honest, none of us have ever been questioned, Yet i have heard of others being stopped and questioned. We all fly in and out of BKK on same flights

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Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

You are bringing money into the country. I’m sure they like that!

Yes, I’ve heard of others too. But none of them were working. I think it makes a difference.

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Wayne *********

I am sure they do like the $. I know I have and do spend a bit every fortnight

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Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

Sounds like a good way of life.

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Ralph *******

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Todd *********

If 3 weeks in and 3 weeks out, you don’t actually need to do anything. You will be granted 60 days exemption each time you arrive. Many in similar situation. If you don’t mind the hassle and paying for a visa, great. But you don’t need to

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Jan ******************

If you’re passed 50 years I would have applied for a 90 days Non O visa first and done yearly extension of stay with multiple re-entry permits at the immigration. Then you control everything yourself.

At one point you’ll get stopped and told to get a proper visa if you’re going back to back on visa exemptions anyway.

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Arty ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

cheers for the info

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Jan ******************

These are the requirements for a Non O visa at the Thai embassy in London. You can also apply in Thailand.

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Andrew ******

@Jan *****************

Thanks for your help. It’s a bit of a confusing heading for the visa.

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Andrew ******

@Jan *****************

Hi. When it says pensioner 50 above and with a state pension do you really have to have a state pension to apply for this visa? I am 58 but am not a pensioner and do not have a state pension yet but I have 800,000 plus baht in my bank account and other regular income. Would I be eligible to apply for this visa? I do not qualify for the DTV.

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Jan ******************

No u don’t, any pension or income is ok as long as you fulfil the requirements and are passed 50 years AND with 800K baht you qualify anyway.

This is two alternatives: Income/pension OR funds. One option plus 50 years is sufficient.

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Jan ******************

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Phil ******

@Arty ***********

yes would help

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Phil ******

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