Is it possible to stay in Thailand long-term using flight visa runs without issues?

Visa Runs Long-term Stay Thailand Immigration COVID-19 Impact DTV Visa Education Visa Border Runs

Nov 6, 2024

9 hours ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anybody staying in Thailand long term just on flight visa run? Any issues?

1,598

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The practice of staying long-term in Thailand through flight visa runs has become problematic since COVID-19, with stricter enforcement leading to potential denial of entry for those abusing the system. While some individuals still attempt to manage their stays by exiting and re-entering Thailand periodically, there are significant risks involved, including being questioned by immigration if they suspect frequent long-term stays without appropriate visas. Alternatives such as the new DTV visa and education visas are recommended for those looking to stay in Thailand legally.

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.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Ian *************

Done 1 year 3 months on tourist visa and visa runs 😁

4 hours ago

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.

7 hours ago

Terry ******

The most cost-effective is the education visa, which does not cost money to open an account

8 hours ago

Christopher ********

@Terry *****

but don't you have to be enrolled in a Thai school program to get that?

7 hours ago

Terry ******

@Christopher *******

Yes, I can totally help you with that.

4 hours ago

Reply to

Terry ******

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 ?

8 hours ago

Nathan **********

Just do a land border run

9 hours ago

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.

Jacques *****

truth

Ricketa ***********

everyone isn’t qualified for a DTV visa!

9 hours ago

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.

9 hours ago

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?

7 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Christopher *******

medical treatment is one of the qualifying categories

7 hours ago

Christopher ********

@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?

6 hours ago

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.

6 hours ago

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.

7 hours ago

Reply to

Maksym ***********

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.

9 hours ago

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.

9 hours ago

Michael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Never heard of DTV so just googled. I am not qualified

9 hours ago

Ning ******

@Michael *********

go search for cooking school or muay thai.

8 hours ago

Graham ******

@Michael *********

Look at the "soft option" methods

9 hours ago

Brandon ************

@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.

9 hours ago

Andy ************

@Michael *********

Anybody can get the DTV unless you haven't got the 500k baht in the bank

9 hours ago

Reply to

Andy ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else