How can I obtain a long-term (5 years) visa in Thailand after completing a cooking course?

@Graham ******

definitely not thought through properly. Hopefully O visa holders don't get penalised.

@Luit ****************

that is doubtful. The visa is valid for 5 years. You are not applying for anything new, like you are when you apply for an extension. I have entered 4 times now and no one has asked anything.

@John ******

most certainly not all the different kind of proof needed for all the different options, but they might ask for the basic 500k, just as they now can ask for 20k cash if they want.

@Deepak ******

Most Thai IO are just friendly people in my experience, not the type you describe.

@Luit ****************

It does not matter what you feel, it's what the IOs feel.

@Deepak ******

That is not how I feel...

My Thai girlfriend and I have a second home in Thailand, but we also spend much time in my home country Netherlands, where we also have a good life.

Only in winter, I like Thai climate much more. I hate cold and rainy weather.

And in case IO wants to check every time I get in, I still have the 500K THB, no problem, as long as this does not make waiting time too long.

@Luit ****************

They can ask anything. You don't have any say on this. You are a foreigner art the mercy of Thai IOs who have allowed you to stay in their country because your own country cannot give you a decent living.

@John ******

I do not expect them to ask anything at the border, only if they think something might be wrong, but at the moment I do not think there are requirements that are requirements for the full period, but that can be changed in the rules of course.

But I really do not see the immigration officers at the border check for employment contracts and dates of medical appointments or cooking classes...

They might change financial requirements, like the 500k at any time, but now that simply is only a requirement in the period before approval.

@Deepak ******

Well I might have poor understanding, I am very sorry mr, know everything better, I base my info on the website of the official Thai embassy:

4. Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in Thailand

4.1 Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry.

4.2 At the end of the 90-day stay, the foreigner must report to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand. The foreigner may report to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

4.3 Foreigner may report to the competent authority by post and should provide the following:

A report form (Tor Mor 47)

A copy of passport pages showing the foreigner’s photo, personal details, and the latest arrival visa stamp

A copy of the previous receipt of acknowledgement

A self-addressed envelope with postage affixed.

Such documents must be sent to the Immigration Division 1, 120 Moo 3, Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok and must be submitted 7 days before the end of every 90-day period. A receipt of acknowledgement will be given and should be used for future correspondence.

4.4 Foreigner who wishes to extend his or her stay can contact the Office of the Immigration Bureau directly. A one-year extension of stay shall be granted at the discretion of the immigration officer.

@Deepak ******

interesting. I would assume that you would need to submit it when applying, and since it is a 1 year visa, does immigration think it will have changed?

@John ******

Yes, for OA visa holders.

@Deepak ******

- immigration officers at airport ask for proof of insurance?

@Luit ****************

- Curious, any examples of immigration asking at entry if you still comply with any other visa type?

@Luit ****************

OMG, such poor understanding. OA visa are not extended.

@Deepak ******

I agree they might ask if you still comply with requirements, but as

@John ******

also says DTV is valid 5 years and you only get a new entry stamp, that is different for the situation with the non-oa you mention, because there you extend. But that does not mean they cannot ask for some requirements of course.

@Andi **********

I gave it as an example of how they ask for additional proof for certain visas.