How can a U.S. citizen extend their stay in Thailand for 90 days?

Question

1.  I will be traveling to Thailand again in December.  I would like to stay for 90 days.  As a U.S. citizen I can get a 60 visa exempt.  If I leave Thailand for a few days, will I get another 60 day stamp?  I did this last year and received the new 60 days.  However the immigration official called over another official and they took their time reviewing it before stamping it.  The Chicago Thai consulate won’t commit to an answer.

2. if I would purchase a 60 day multiple entry visa for $200, I can come and go.  If I leave at the end of 60 days will they stamp me for an additional 60 days when I return a few days later?

3. I am considering applying for a non-o retirement visa.  If the process is not complete in 60 days (which would give me a 90 day extension, if I have leave after 60 days, how does the non-o get completed?

4. since I would like to stay for 90 days, my departing ticket would be after 90 days.  I can purchase a ticket to another country dated during my 60 visa exempt period to show for a departing ticket.  If I use it to leave for a few days, I still face the question of an additional 60 day stamp upon returning.

can anyone in this forum help with an answer?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A U.S. citizen can initially enter Thailand on a 60-day Visa Exempt basis, with possible extension options. To stay for 90 days, one can extend the stay by an additional 30 days for 1,900 baht at a local immigration office. It is possible to obtain a multi-entry tourist visa (METV), but several commenters recommend not to go this route as it may not be necessary. For those considering a Non-O Retirement Visa, it is advisable to apply for it before entering Thailand, as this allows for a 90-day stay without the need for a departure ticket and facilitates meeting the bank account requirements for a year extension.

Bob ********** · Answer

You can just extend it for 30 days 1900 baht and you got your 3 months

Graham ****** · Answer

Get your Non-O before entering Thailand and that gives you your 90 day stay in Thailand with no requirement for proof of onward travel,  no risk of being questioned by Immigration on entry and no need to visit Immigration for an extension. Make sure your return ticket gets you only 89 nights in Thailand as your day of arrival is day 1.

Rob ******* · Answer

3. If you are seriously considering applying for a 90 day non O retirement visa then you should do that before you come. A key requirement of that visa 1 year extension is to have 800k thb in a thai bank account in your name for 2 months prior to the extension application, and given the changes/clamp down on opening bank accounts, it will be nigh on impossible to open an account on any type of tourist visa, including the visa exempt stamp.

John ********** · Answer

Unless you already have a Thai bank account you will find it very difficult to open one on a tourist visa. Much easier if you come in on a 90 day Non-O visa, then you open the account and put 800k baht in it in the 1st couple of weeks as it needs to be there for 2 months before you apply for an extension of stay. Or if you are unsure come in visa exempt which gives you 60 days and can be extended by a further 30 days at an immigration office then if you decide you want to stay, leave to a nearby country and apply for the 90 day Non-O visa, then as above

Tod ********* · Answer

1 - You're coming in dec, just come in free entry 60 day and have proof you're leaving in 90 days (the 60 days plus the 30 day extension you can get)

2 - Don't waste the time or money getting a 6 month METV (multi-entry tourist visa)

3 - You come in, bank the money, apply for the Non-O visa for 2000baht, wait the 2 weeks it's under review, then go back to get it inked in.

4 - you keep forgetting that you can get a 30 day extension on that 60 day entry stamp so you won't need to have any onward travel other than your flight back to your country in 90 days

James ******** · Answer

As an American citizen 🇺🇸 you are eligible for entry into Thailand as a Visa Exempt Entry. That gives you 60 days STAMP on arrival Plus one 30 day extension of stay you obtain from your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.

If that 90 days is all you are needing for this trip Thailand, just arrive as a Visa Exempt Entry.

Be sure to have a flight departing Thailand within 89 days from your arrival date to show the airline staff and Thai immigration officer IF ASKED.

IF you want to obtain the Non O retirement Visa ... simply get it from the Thai Consulate in Chicago. Use the Thai Evisa online application system.

That would give you 90 days STAMP on arrival.

And with it, can proceed with obtaining a Thai bank account in your name only and apply for a one year extension of stay as retired.

Visit the local Thai Immigration office for their requirements for the Non O one year extension of stay.

How can a U.S. citizen extend their stay in Thailand for 90 days?

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