Is it a good idea to apply for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) in June 2021 to stay in Thailand until December?

Special Tourist Visa (STV)Visa Application Thailand Travel Restrictions COVID-19 Impact on Travel Visa Extension Rules Non-Immigrant Visas

May 23, 2021

4 years ago

Sabrina *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! I have a question. I am coming over on June 24th (that's my flight), trying to apply for an STV. Is it still a good idea to apply for an STV? I am trying to stay until December 2021

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An individual is inquiring whether applying for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) is advisable for a visit starting June 24, 2021, with a plan to stay until December 2021. Comments indicate that the STV is currently one of the few options for a six-month stay as it allows for a 90-day extension, but there are significant concerns regarding applying for this visa during a COVID surge in Thailand, which may affect the feasibility of the trip and the full duration of stay. Additionally, it is noted that STV cannot be converted to other visa types while in Thailand.

Ellie *******

Currently, if you coming on June and want to stay in Thailand on a tourist (not hold other Non immigrant visas), the only way you can stay in Thailand for 6 months is STV or Elite.

As long as you can enter Thailand in June, you can get 1 90day extension and it brings you to late December.

BUT you can not 'convert' STV to any other type in-country and you need to meet all requirements for extension (that are much more than usual tourist extension) of course.

METV is suppeneded right now AFAIK.

4 years ago

James ********

Poor choice of visa to come to Thailand.

It's likely you will not get the full 9 months of the STV visa.

And now is the not a good time to come to Thailand with the current spike in COVID.

Unless you have a Thai family or loved ones here in Thailand... Delay your visit to later this year.

The STV cannot be changed into any other visa inside Thailand.

4 years ago

Sabrina *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

so even in June, it wouldn't be a good time to come, you don't think. And what VISA would you recommend?

4 years ago

James ********

@Sabrina ******

frankly I suggest you consider October or later for your trip to Thailand.

Come on a tourist visa which with extension gives you 90 days in Thailand. At that time look over options to stay longer... Ed visa to study Thai language is a popular choice for up to one year study and stay.

You cannot work on any of the visas unless you have a Thai work permit with correct visa.

The current COVID outbreak is serious and I believe is just the tip of the iceberg ahead in dealing with COVID in Thailand.

Take care.. Stay safe where you are now.

4 years ago

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James ********

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Is the STV the best option for a long-term stay of 90 days in Thailand and how does exiting the country impact this?

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