Ask question

How can my boyfriend convince Thai immigration he won't be working while studying online instead?

Visa Rules Thai Immigration Visa Runs METV O Visa Non-Immigrant Visa Proof of Funds Tourist Visa Education Visa Muay Thai Visa Expat Life in Thailand

Aug 2, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Advice from people not working:

My boyfriend doesn't plan to work while we live in Thailand for the next year. He has a lot saved up so doesn't need the income and wants to spend his time studying online instead. He seriously legitimately will not be working and therefore will not be doing anything illegal. But how can we convince immigration of that with him needing to do visa runs every 3 months?? They'll obviously think it looks suspicious.

1,567

views

0

likes

46

all likes

29

replies

0

images

12

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses concerns about how to convince Thai immigration that the boyfriend, who will not be working but studying online, can legally stay in Thailand without arousing suspicion during visa runs. Various suggestions are made, including applying for a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) for an extended stay, or considering other visa options like an education visa through martial arts classes like Muay Thai. It emphasizes the importance of having proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and onward travel plans to present if questioned.

Tod *********

And I think the O/P has the information they are looking for.

Like

Reply

Breonna ********

My husband and I do visa runs and have never once been questioned. We both don't work and have been here almost a year!

Like

Reply

Tod *********

that you haven't been questioned does NOT mean that no one is ever questioned. You're only going to be able to "live" in thailand on visa exempt and tourist visa entries for so long before you're called on the carpet by the officers at passport control when stamping back into the country.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Eva ***********

I had the same question and I found out that it is impossible to get METV. To get METV you have to provide employer's letter or certificate of self-employed. That guy doesn't have these documents, therefore officially he is unemployed. Nobody gives METV to unemployed persons, they don't give a shit how much money we have.

Elite visa would be solution but it is too expensive as it is necessary to pay 15k in advance and you have to prolong a visa anyway.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

SOME consulates will issue the METV without a proof of employment letter based only on the bank statement.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Liam *****

METV is the way to go. 9 months legit stay in Thailand

Like

Reply

Kevin *********

They will only ask questions if he writes something questionable for what he does here. Just put "tourist" or "sightseeing" or something simple like that. If you put "research" or "study" or things like that, they start to question if you should have an education visa. They are mostly concerned that you are not working and that you have the correct visa for the reason you claim to be here.

Like

Reply

Michael *********

METV (from your home country)will give you 9 months if timed correctly & extended. following up with a SETV from a neighbouring country extended will give you 12 months stay.

Like

Reply

Nitzan *****

You don't need to convince anyone unless and until they start asking questions, which won't be anytime soon. Just have proof of funds (cash!), residence/hotel, and onward flight ticket. Beyond that just tell the truth and he'll be fine.

Like

Reply

Shawna ********

He could get a visa to study hand to hand combat

Like

Reply

James ******

Best to contact the school direct to get pricing

Like

Reply

James ******

Sam English the duration is the same as any education visa. The fee I can't say; I did it in 2015-2016 so not sure what the price is anymore. It was quite reasonable tho, considering you're getting a visa, and the better part of a year's muay Thai training as well

Like

Reply

Nitzan *****

Oh awesome! That would be perfect for me then.

Like

Reply

James ******

no set times, you can just rock up whenever they're open and whichever trainer was free, woukd for the session with you. As a visa student, there's a register you sign on arrival each time to record your attendance, for the benefit of when immigration come to check the school

Like

Reply

Nitzan *****

How long was each session? did you pick the day/time or it was set?

Like

Reply

James ******

I used to do 2 sessions/wk with Chakrit, but wasnt sure if it had changed since then

Like

Reply

Nitzan *****

Thanks. I'm not sure if it's the same because language classes are a minimum of 12 hours a week, but Chakrit website says minimum 2 days a week (not sure how many hours per lesson/day).

Like

Reply

James ******

Nitzan Kon it's dependent on the immigration rules. There's a minimum no of hrs lessons you're meant to do a week, similar to the Thai language classes. Best to check the most up to date immi regs. Or contact the school direct and ask them prob best

Like

Reply

James ******

I did it with Chakrit Muaythai in bangkok, off sukhumvit road

Like

Reply

Nitzan *****

What's the minimum amount of hours per week for muay thai/hand-to-hand?

Like

Reply

Tay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

That's great. He was considering starting some sort of martial arts. This could work out nicely.

Like

Reply

James ******

He'd have to go x no of times a week, but it'd be a good workout, good break from studying, and still leave plenty of time for the studying. I did the same at one point

Like

Reply

James ******

you can get a visa to learn muay Thai

Like

Reply

Tay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Shawna *************

wow, thanks. will look into that

Like

Reply

Shawna ********

several of my friends did this here in Chiang Mai

Like

Reply

Tay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

for reals?? hed love that! really not interested in paying £500 to study Thai when we're only staying for a year

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tay ******

Reply

Patricia *******

Honestly as long as you got the proof of funds, and exit tickets after each of your tourist visas.. you'll be fine! i had this issue living there for two years, i never got questioned but my boyfriend did a few times.. just be able to show the money and have a ticket to leave whenever your visas expire! Also alternate with VOAs and tourist visas. it's what we did for 2 years.

Like

Reply

Harry **************

Get a tourist visa in advance and he’ll be able to continue doing tourist visas in Laos- I’ve never been asked for proof of funds or anything like that.

Like

Reply

Tay ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

hey

:) long time no see. okay cool, thanks. we came to BKK a month ago on tourist visas so that sounds good. i got a job so will be switching to a Non-B soon, but just worried about his visa sitch

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tay ******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What visa options are available for freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for more than 2-3 months to learn Muay Thai?

6 comments

3 months ago

What are the best visa options for a remote worker and student looking to live in Thailand?

99 comments

4 months ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand with my girlfriend until March next year?

47 comments

5 months ago

What is the best visa option for staying and working remotely in Thailand for a year?

52 comments

6 months ago

What are the job options and visa requirements for moving to Thailand without a BA?

30 comments

9 months ago

How can my French boyfriend obtain a long-stay visa to work in Thailand without getting married?

35 comments

9 months ago

What visa options do I have for a one-year stay in Thailand without working?

19 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for traveling in Thailand for a year while minimizing future travel hassles?

20 comments

a year ago

Do I need a work permit to work online in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

18 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for my Australian son to stay in Thailand for 6 months while studying online?

18 comments

2 years ago

Should My Boyfriend Mention Our Relationship When Applying for a Tourist Visa to Thailand?

11 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for a year-long stay in Thailand for an online worker?

9 comments

5 years ago

What options do I have to stay in Thailand long term after immigration issues?

25 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after multiple tourist visa refusals and using all border crossings?

23 comments

5 years ago

What should I prepare to ensure smooth entry into Thailand with my METV as a tourist?

9 comments

5 years ago

What work visa options are available for a British national working remotely for a UK company while living in Thailand?

0 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?

11 comments

6 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?

18 comments

6 years ago

What are the options for my boyfriend's 30-day stay in Thailand while he looks for a teaching job?

5 comments

6 years ago

What should I do after being questioned by Thai immigration about my long-term stay without marriage?

47 comments

6 years ago

What are my options for proof of onward travel when applying for a visa to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand?

39 comments

6 years ago

How can I extend my stay in Thailand after my tourist visa expires, and avoid immigration issues?

17 comments

6 years ago

How can I prove I'm not working in Thailand if I'm denied entry on a tourist visa?

77 comments

7 years ago

What are the best visa options for a couple looking to move to Thailand while starting an online business?

33 comments

7 years ago

Can I stay in Thailand for a year using repeated tourist visa extensions?

12 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.