Is Applying for Multiple-Entry Visas Until Retirement Viable for Staying in Thailand?

visa rules multiple-entry visa Thai Elite visa retirement visa visa application immigration policies

November 8, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all. I'm super excited about just getting approved for a 6-month multiple-entry visa as an American. I'm also still waiting on approval for my Thai Elite 5-yr visa that I applied for just before the updated prices went into effect.

I'll be turning 44 years old at the end of December and I was thinking it would make more sense for me to do multiple-entry visas (hopefully being able to spend about half the year each year in Thailand) until I turn 50 and then start doing retirement visas. 

Is this a viable plan rather than doing the Thai Elite visa? Any other drawbacks to this plan? Does Thai immigration start denying multiple-entry visas applications if you've done a certain number of them? I was hoping I could do one 6-month multiple-entry visa per year until I can apply for the retirement visa when I turn 50.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user expresses excitement about obtaining a 6-month multiple-entry visa and discusses their plan to use these visas until turning 50, at which point they intend to apply for a retirement visa. They inquire about the viability of this strategy and any potential drawbacks, particularly regarding the risks of visa denials after multiple applications. Commenters affirm that this plan is reasonable, highlighting that the visa can provide about 9 months of stay with proper management of entry and extensions, and note that there have been no reports of being denied multiple-entry visas due to prior applications.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Faron *************

If you only need 5 months a year you might only need 1 single entry tourist visa and one border bounce and extend

a year ago

Tod *********

Sounds like a workable plan (y) a 6 month METV gives you close to 9 months of stay if you work the bounce out/in dates correctly (and take a 30 day extension on the last entry).

There are no reports of people being denied METV's because they had one previously (although there are reports of being denied because they didn't meet the requirements)

Seeing as you got one issued, you "know the drill" and shouldn't have trouble applying for the next one.

a year ago

James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question. He has a good plan. We wish him success 🤞

Thank All for your helpful replies 😊

Comments Closed

a year ago

David *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

awesome! i’m super excited about hearing this! thank you for your feedback!

a year ago

James ********

@David ****

BUT don't use other means of staying in Thailand to fill in the gaps between the METV's

a year ago

David *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

do you mean staying overstaying the 60-day per entry limit during the duration of the 6-month visa? i was planning on doing at least 1 week trips around SE asia so as not to overstay the 60 day limits.

a year ago

Steve ********

@David ****

You can extend each 60 day stamp by another 30 days at an immigration office. What James is saying is don't use visa exempt entries and extensions to "pad out" the other three months. If immigration see you're living in Thailand for almost the full year, you might run into problems

a year ago

David *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve *******

ah got it. thanks for the clarification. i'll definitely keep this in mind. i really don't intend on staying in thailand that long throughout the year.

a year ago

Tod *********

nope Sorry we're not gonna even get in to what borders you people can bounce at. post on a group related to where you live in thailand and ask. You are NOT the only foreigner there who needs to border bounce 😛

The only thing I will say is AVOID the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border with Cambodia.

a year ago

Tod *********

@David ****

they aren't gonna care if you just bounce out and right back in (IF you pick the correct border to do it at) AND remember that visa is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued and any time you spend NOT in thailand just burns the validity of the visa down.

You wanna come stay the 9 months you can get out of the visa, come do it, then head on back to where you come from for a few months and come back. on a new METV

a year ago

Ivan **********

@Tod ********

Can you advise on which are the correct borders?

a year ago

Reply to

Ivan **********

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