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

22 days ago

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.

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Malcolm *******

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

21 days ago

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.

22 days ago

Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

And they are never stopped?

21 days ago

Wayne *********

@Ralph ******

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.

21 days ago

Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

Very nice if it works😊

21 days ago

Wayne *********

@Ralph ******

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

21 days ago

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.

21 days ago

Wayne *********

@Ralph ******

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

21 days ago

Ralph *******

@Wayne ********

Sounds like a good way of life.

21 days ago

Reply to

Ralph *******

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

22 days ago

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.

22 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

cheers for the info

22 days ago

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

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

22 days ago

Andrew ******

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

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

21 days ago

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.

21 days ago

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

@Andrew *****

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.

21 days ago

Reply to

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

Phil ******

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

yes would help

22 days ago

Reply to

Phil ******

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