Do you have to live in Thailand if you have a long-stay visa?

Aug 12, 2022
2 years ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you obtain a long-stay visa are you expected to remain a resident of Thailand? Can you get one but not use it immediately?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When you obtain a long-stay visa for Thailand, you are not required to be a permanent resident. You can hold the visa without using it immediately and it remains valid until its expiry date. Some users mentioned they only use their visas sporadically and that there are no strict requirements for continuous residency. Additionally, a Multiple Re-entry Permit can be beneficial for those who wish to leave Thailand without the need to frequently visit the immigration office.
Andre *********
If you don’t want to visit everytime the immigration office before you leave Thailand it’s worthy to apply for a „Multiple Re-entry Permit“. It cost 3.500 THB.
Michael ********
No I got marriage visa because it was the only way to get back in July 2020 but i am only there maybe 25 % of the time.
Stephen *******
Do what you want with it! They don't care.
Renaud ***********
Long stay visa ? What type of visa have you applied for ?
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm using that generic term to differentiate from a short-stay (
*****
day, etc.) visa
Renaud ***********
@Greg ********
what type of visa are you looking for ?
Bobby ********
You can use it right up to the expiry date
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And must you be a resident during its entire valid period?
Graham ******
@Greg ********
If you leave get a re-entry permit to keep it live
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
Ahh, thank you! 👍🏻
Bobby ********
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