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Is it possible to stay in Thailand long-term using flight visa runs without issues?
Thailand Visa RulesVisa Exempt EntriesLong-term Stay in ThailandDTV VisaBorder RunsTourist VisaEducation VisaVisa ExtensionExpat Advice
Nov 6, 2024
a year ago
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnybody staying in Thailand long term just on flight visa run? Any issues?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the feasibility of staying in Thailand long-term using flight visa runs or visa exempt entries. Many users share their experiences and insights, indicating that while some have managed to do so using visa runs or extensions, it has become increasingly difficult post-Covid. Some highlight that repeated entries can lead to questioning by immigration, and the need for a long-term visa, such as the new DTV visa or an education visa, is advised for those planning to stay longer. There is a consensus that living in Thailand indefinitely on tourist visas or exempt entries is risky and may lead to denial of entry.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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John **********
It's simply not possible to live in Thailand long term using just visa exempt entries or tourist visas any more. It's got much more difficult since visa exempt moved to 60 days in July. People are regularly being denied entry. You need to get a visa that's appropriate for your stay
Daniel *****
@John *********
Or just pay an 'agent'. No more visa runs....ever.Rich *********
@John *********
well I'm not sure how long I'm staying at the moment,John **********
@Rich ********
you'll have no problem with getting an extension on your current entry and will be fine with a border run and further extension as long as you have no recent history of staying in ThailandRich *********
@John *********
OK thanks, I've done a couple of 30 day extensions before never over stayedReply to
Rich *********
Reply
Rich *********
So after reading the comments I ideally like to do 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the UK working, I've just come in on a 60 day exemption which ends 26th December, what would the best thing for me to do for the other 4 months?
Winston ********
@Rich ********
For 1900 baht extend for another 30 days. The do a border run to nearby Laos and return. Then repeat. 60+30David *********
@Rich ********
just fly to the nearest overseas airport and return the same day you must flyRich *********
@David ********
OK thanksReply to
Rich *********
Reply
Hua ************
@Rich ********
can extend it at immigration for 30 days and once that's nearly ended do a border run and you get another 60 says and after that immigration to extend 30 days so that's your 6 months stay here😊Reply to
Hua ************
Reply
Adam ******
I did it 2007-17. No problems.
Jason ******
Use a decent border run company like Lime ,they have there businesses set up for there profit and the immigration officers ,they check your passport before leaving with immigration ,so you will know your going to be ok .There are no clear law stated in this and why would Thailand put up visa waiver from 30 days to 60 days if they didn't want to encourage more people with different entry or visa methods ,there putting it out to a vast market of tourism of options ,but obviously if your doing for so many times it shows your actually living here ,they might question you ,but if your staying over 9-10 months there are visa options for living here ,but a tourist can stay a long time and still be a tourist .
Jo **********
did it for 10 years never a problem
Ian *************
Done 1 year 3 months on tourist visa and visa runs 😁
René *******
Been doing this since 2018, I follow the advice of a border officer at DMK airport. Stay 30 days, visit another country for a few weeks and come back for another month, never had any problem.
Jo **********
@René ******
me too did it for 10 years. never a problemReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Terry ******
The most cost-effective is the education visa, which does not cost money to open an account
Christopher ********
@Terry *****
but don't you have to be enrolled in a Thai school program to get that?Terry ******
@Christopher *******
Yes, I can totally help you with that.Reply to
Terry ******
Reply
Matt ***********
I come to Thailand for 24 days then go back to work for 4 weeks then return to Thailand for another 4 weeks I've been doing this since March using Visa exempt ,
haven't had any problems yet I'll spend about 150 days a year in Thailand
Would you.expect me to have problems if I keep.doung this ?
haven't had any problems yet I'll spend about 150 days a year in Thailand
Would you.expect me to have problems if I keep.doung this ?
Matt ***********
Thanks guys
Jo **********
@Matt **********
did it for 10 yearsRalph *******
@Matt **********
I’ve heard the same from other people. I suspect that you will be fine as you’re working and bringing money into the country.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Nathan **********
Just do a land border run
Ralph *******
@Nathan *********
Sooner or later you will be stopped. That’s the whole gist of this thread.Nathan **********
@Ralph ******
not if u use border run serversRalph *******
@Nathan *********
Right. Seems easier to get a visa and probably cheaper.Nathan **********
@Ralph ******
no not at not 4000bt grantees you a 60 day stampSteve *******
@Nathan *********
And 1900bt gets you a year stamp!Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Brandon ************
This hasn't really been possible since Covid. Around that time they started pulling people out of line at the airport and grilling them if they've spent too much time in Thailand without a proper visa. Nowadays it's even worse and they're denying entry to people that are abusing the system.
You cannot live in Thailand without a long-term visa because eventually you will be denied entry.
But why are you even asking about this? With the new DTV visa it's trivial to make yourself legal.
You cannot live in Thailand without a long-term visa because eventually you will be denied entry.
But why are you even asking about this? With the new DTV visa it's trivial to make yourself legal.
Jacques *****
@Brandon ***********
truthRicketa ***********
@Brandon ***********
everyone isn’t qualified for a DTV visa!Brandon ************
@Ricketa **********
literally ANYONE is qualified for a DTV visa. You just make a doctor's appointment or sign up for a class. If you can't qualify for a DTV then you shouldn't be trying to move to Thailand because you're going to face much bigger challenges.Christopher ********
@Brandon ***********
I didn't hear about a Doctor's visit as a qualifying factor for DTV. Where can I see more info on this option?Brandon ************
@Christopher *******
medical treatment is one of the qualifying categoriesChristopher ********
@Brandon ***********
this is great news! Do you know if it has to be ongoing long-term medical care or can 1 Doctor's visit be sufficient evidence?Ricketa ***********
@Christopher *******
it’s not true. You can’t take Mia tai for five years that’s the Ed visa.Brandon ************
@Christopher *******
each embassy sets their own requirements. So it will depend on the embassy you apply at. Some have given the visa for a single dentist appointment. Some may require more.Maksym ***********
@Brandon ***********
how lying about *****
0 and pay for fake documents better then border bounce with companies? With borderrun I know a lot who live here for years. Not best option but possible.Reply to
Maksym ***********
Reply
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I asked because I haven’t decided whether to live there permanently. I would like stay for a year or two before I decide.David ********
@Michael *********
1 or 2 years is permanent as far as Visa's and Thai immigration are concerned.you don't fit the tourist category.Brandon ************
@Michael *********
then get a DTV visa and you have flexibility to stay for 5 years before making a decision. You'd be lucky to make it to one year without a long term visa, let alone 2.Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Never heard of DTV so just googled. I am not qualifiedNing ******
@Michael *********
go search for cooking school or muay thai.Graham ******
@Michael *********
Look at the "soft option" methodsBrandon ************
@Michael *********
people have been getting them with a single dentist appointment. If you can't find a way to qualify you probably aren't ready to try moving to Thailand because you're going to have to go through a lot more to get through the bureaucracy involved with this country.Andy ************
@Michael *********
Anybody can get the DTV unless you haven't got the 500k baht in the bankRalph *******
@Andy ***********
Yes. So, not ‘everyone’.Andy ************
@Ralph ******
Yep. Anyone with half an ounce of intelligence can get one. I know two people personally who got DTVs very easily. One made half a dozen dental appointments spread over eight months, the other took a year's membership with Fitness First with a personal training component. He took a year's membership which he can cancel with one month's notice. Both are now in Thailand for the next five years! 😆Jim **********
@Andy ***********
that is interesting. I know of several people who tried to do stuff like that but were refused because (in the cases of booking cooking and Muay Thai courses) the places were not on some register held by the embassy. They eventually went to agents to sort it but ended up paying 100k plus.Andy ************
@Jim *********
Varies from embassy to embassyJim **********
@Andy ***********
yeah, I am certain of that. My friends tried at Jakarta and Manila.Andy ************
@Jim *********
They need to try harder! 😂Ralph *******
@Andy ***********
Ok. It seems that you have to cheat a bit. Book a course then cancel it. Perhaps book dental appointments then cancel them.Andy ************
@Ralph ******
I don't know what you call "cheating"? The guys I know met the criteria and were given the visa. I do know there's others using visa agents to get around the criteria. Perhaps they're the "cheats"?Ralph *******
@Andy ***********
Well, it’s the ‘spirit’ of the thing. Do the Thai authorities create the DTV for the purpose it’s being used? I truly suspect they will change the rules to stop the abuse.Andy ************
@Ralph ******
The "spirit" of the visa? How about retirement visas which require 800k be kept in a Thai bank account? You are aware that thousands of people pay visa agents up to 30,000 baht every year to "circumnavigate" this requirement? Is that in the "spirit" of the visa? Or do we turn a blind eye to that one?Ralph *******
@Andy ***********
No that’s not in the spirit of the visa. It’s probably based on bribes.Andy ************
@Ralph ******
Exactly! So the "spirit of the visa" doesn't actually exist in Thailand. It's all about lies and corruption. No reason why the DTV will be any differentRalph *******
@Andy ***********
Well, well the law was formed I suspect they had different intentions to bribery. But maybe not.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
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