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Is my visa plan for staying 9 months in Thailand correct?
Tourist VisaVisa ExtensionsVisa RunThailand ImmigrationLong-term StayExpat GuidanceVisa RequirementsTravel Planning
Mar 24, 2024
2 years ago
Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone, and I have to say this page is an absolute blessing! This is my first post and I have made sure to read a lot on here for the last few months to gain some knowledge however sometimes it's better for me to explain my personal plan and journey and see if there is anything I might have missed, I'd like to also apologise for the first chapter of a story haha so here goes,
I am arriving in BKK on 13th May this is my first time in the land of smiles and I'm so excited! My situation is most condos for long term want 12 months contact for best price which I don't mind doing even if I only can stay for 9 months I'd pay the additional 3 months even if back in the UK I'm currently going through my Tourist visa single entry application and I don't see how I'd have any problems however this is my plan.
(I want to stay around Rama 9 BKK)
Apply for Tourist single entry 60 days, extend for the additional 30 days once in BKK
Going in air to a near by country and returning after the 90 days have expired giving me another 30 days and extending for 30 more days, after this I would do a border run from Ubon to Laos for 30 days + extention 30 days and the repeat this process at ubon for a second time giving me 9 months in Thailand, can anyone confirm if this is logically correct? I know that it's decided at immigration per individual but does my message stand correct if all runs smoothly?
Secondly I'd like to know if it is possible to do the above but then go to Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos after the 9 months end and then repeat the process the following year since it's a fresh year (alternatively I would go back to the UK for 3 months and repeat the process) are chances good for this for me?
Please also note this is my first time traveling from the UK so I'm sorry if I'm a little in accurate and hope for positive feedback, I'm also hoping the lack of travel in me/ my passport will help with doing this for the next 2 years.
I'm 34 and starting to realize my youth is gradually going and I did nothing in those times and life's to short to be bitter with regret and to just do things slightly delayed in life.
Another note as I'm sure you would recommend a multi tourist visa with the length I'm attempting, this is not possible with the evidence required to apply for this as I'm sure the financial bank balance is a massive difference that is required to be shown.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.
Best regards
Luke
I am arriving in BKK on 13th May this is my first time in the land of smiles and I'm so excited! My situation is most condos for long term want 12 months contact for best price which I don't mind doing even if I only can stay for 9 months I'd pay the additional 3 months even if back in the UK I'm currently going through my Tourist visa single entry application and I don't see how I'd have any problems however this is my plan.
(I want to stay around Rama 9 BKK)
Apply for Tourist single entry 60 days, extend for the additional 30 days once in BKK
Going in air to a near by country and returning after the 90 days have expired giving me another 30 days and extending for 30 more days, after this I would do a border run from Ubon to Laos for 30 days + extention 30 days and the repeat this process at ubon for a second time giving me 9 months in Thailand, can anyone confirm if this is logically correct? I know that it's decided at immigration per individual but does my message stand correct if all runs smoothly?
Secondly I'd like to know if it is possible to do the above but then go to Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos after the 9 months end and then repeat the process the following year since it's a fresh year (alternatively I would go back to the UK for 3 months and repeat the process) are chances good for this for me?
Please also note this is my first time traveling from the UK so I'm sorry if I'm a little in accurate and hope for positive feedback, I'm also hoping the lack of travel in me/ my passport will help with doing this for the next 2 years.
I'm 34 and starting to realize my youth is gradually going and I did nothing in those times and life's to short to be bitter with regret and to just do things slightly delayed in life.
Another note as I'm sure you would recommend a multi tourist visa with the length I'm attempting, this is not possible with the evidence required to apply for this as I'm sure the financial bank balance is a massive difference that is required to be shown.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.
Best regards
Luke
TLDR : Answer Summary
Luke is preparing for his first trip to Thailand and outlines a plan to stay for 9 months using tourist visa tactics, including applying for a single-entry tourist visa, extending it, and doing border runs. He seeks advice on the feasibility of his strategy and whether he can repeat the process in subsequent years by traveling to neighboring countries. Several commenters offer insight into his plan, discussing potential complications with immigration, alternatives like education visas, and tips for navigating the visa system.
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Jay ****
6 month metv is very easy to get with 30 extension. Then you get only TWO boarder bounce entries per CALENDAR year, so Jan to December. And a 30 extension on each.
Steve **********
At 34, you've had no time to do anything, other than look at maps, and check visa and extention req's.
Now, what's the real story, eh
Now, what's the real story, eh
Tulip ********
If you don't mind I will wait until they make a movie of the book, it is reviewed and then I can read a precis
Terary **********
"Rama 9 BKK" - I have often wondered where that was.. Rama 9 is a long road but it's pretty common to say "Rama 9" as an area in BKK.
" ...at ubon for a second time", I would encourage you to change embassies. It's not entirely necessary but from what I understand using different embassy looks better. Although, if you're only doing it twice and you have a short visa history, it shouldn't matter.
"... to do the above but then go to Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos after the 9 months", I did this for several years. An immigration officer once told me it looks best if I stay a couple of weeks in one of the other countries. I gone to, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Loas, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Korea, etc. etc. You can do this for a long time, but you assume certain risks. You should always have a plan B (what you do if you are denied entry. Getting denied has never happened to me but it's possible).
"I'm 34 and starting to realize my youth is gradually going..." I started my journey at 39.5 years old.. You are much smarter than I. Good for you. I don't know how you plan to finance your trip but they rarely hire teachers over 50. I am not sure about SCUBA instructors (the other popular Farang job), younger is better.
"Ubon Ratchathani" or "Udon Thani" I think you mean "Udon Thani". I leave it to you to google but Udon Thani is near the Lao border AND the Thai Embassy Laos. I *think* the there is no embassy near Ubon.
Enjoy your travels. I am sure you will not regret it.
" ...at ubon for a second time", I would encourage you to change embassies. It's not entirely necessary but from what I understand using different embassy looks better. Although, if you're only doing it twice and you have a short visa history, it shouldn't matter.
"... to do the above but then go to Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos after the 9 months", I did this for several years. An immigration officer once told me it looks best if I stay a couple of weeks in one of the other countries. I gone to, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Loas, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Korea, etc. etc. You can do this for a long time, but you assume certain risks. You should always have a plan B (what you do if you are denied entry. Getting denied has never happened to me but it's possible).
"I'm 34 and starting to realize my youth is gradually going..." I started my journey at 39.5 years old.. You are much smarter than I. Good for you. I don't know how you plan to finance your trip but they rarely hire teachers over 50. I am not sure about SCUBA instructors (the other popular Farang job), younger is better.
"Ubon Ratchathani" or "Udon Thani" I think you mean "Udon Thani". I leave it to you to google but Udon Thani is near the Lao border AND the Thai Embassy Laos. I *think* the there is no embassy near Ubon.
Enjoy your travels. I am sure you will not regret it.
Robert **********
Many people absolutely hate Asia. Best you come and have a good look around before making any commitments. I love Bangkok but only in small doses. I prefer quiet beaches away from the pollution and the crowds. Every one has different wants and needs and different expectations. I will bet Thailand is nothing like you imagine it to be.
Henrik *****
Perhaps you should take things one by one.
How long time has you previously been in Thailand.
Start by doing a 60 + 30 day touristvisa, and see how that is.
Everyday life may be much different, than a 2 week holiday and partylife 7 days a week for month after month, will loose it’s excitement.
Then after ending those 90 days, evaluate it, and put new goals.
A rather important factor wasn’t mentioned in the post, How will you finance it all ?
“With tourist visa, travellers are strictly prohibited to conduct in all kinds of work including volunteer work and internship.”
To get a job in Thailand as farang isn’t easy, you need to be specialist of some kind, since manuel and unskilled jobs is reserved for Thais.
Another field you need to investigate further
So you may need to be on another visatype, instead of milking that touristvisa system to the to the absolute last drop.
Go step by step max 3 month ahead.
How long time has you previously been in Thailand.
Start by doing a 60 + 30 day touristvisa, and see how that is.
Everyday life may be much different, than a 2 week holiday and partylife 7 days a week for month after month, will loose it’s excitement.
Then after ending those 90 days, evaluate it, and put new goals.
A rather important factor wasn’t mentioned in the post, How will you finance it all ?
“With tourist visa, travellers are strictly prohibited to conduct in all kinds of work including volunteer work and internship.”
To get a job in Thailand as farang isn’t easy, you need to be specialist of some kind, since manuel and unskilled jobs is reserved for Thais.
Another field you need to investigate further
So you may need to be on another visatype, instead of milking that touristvisa system to the to the absolute last drop.
Go step by step max 3 month ahead.
John ***********
If you think your youth is going at 34 and life is already full of regrets, wait till you hit 70!
Ben ******
@John **********
Or 74.Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
I'm sure you have loads of story's to tell that I would love to hear if you are in BKK when I'm there.John ***********
@Luke ********
Happy to meet up if there at the same time. But stories are best lived in the present than recalled from the past, although they do help to pass time over a beer.Reply to
John ***********
Reply
Henrik *****
Try to look at the intension of the rules, you may ( as with many countries ) be a tourist for 90 days.
If wanting to stay longer, the are more demands to fullfill, to get a correct visa for that.
Luckily for some, you may be lucky to go around a second period, but then it will be hard for Immigration to look at you as a tourist, but rather someone who are creeping through loopholes, in stead of getting the right visa, for the period you want to stay in Thailand, either because of laziness or unable to meet the requirements, for the right visa for the situation.
If wanting to stay longer, the are more demands to fullfill, to get a correct visa for that.
Luckily for some, you may be lucky to go around a second period, but then it will be hard for Immigration to look at you as a tourist, but rather someone who are creeping through loopholes, in stead of getting the right visa, for the period you want to stay in Thailand, either because of laziness or unable to meet the requirements, for the right visa for the situation.
Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI think with what you both have said my details are somewhat correct and I will stick to this course however Jamie mentioned needing to show Bank statements for 3 to 6 months at a Laos border run, what requirements do they want to see for this to be successful? is it a certain balance or the same as entering Thailand of a few hundred pounds? I also have sorted a wise bank and I'm hoping this makes things easier with landlords/rent and any statements required at borders.
Kool *******
@Luke ********
just get the multi-entry tourist visa. There is no difference in money requirement in the bank. It is the same as the single entry tourist visa. Ideally you plan would work, but realistically after 6-9 months you will have problems getting back into Thailand without having returned to the UK. Be fully aware that immigration also profiles, and stereotypes, and as soon as they decide you are trying to stay long term in Thailand as a tourist, then you have problems. Get the multi-entry tourist visa. If you don't have enough money for that, as you speculate, then you also don't have enough for a single entry, as they are the same. The cost of the visa itself is higher, but that is all.Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kool ******
thank you for your advice and message, the statement on Embassy website states Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,500, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period where as a single entry does not require this, please let me know if I'm wrong in this statement? Your message stating if I do not have enough money to show this for a multi visa I cannot afford to come on with a single tourist visa is incorrect for me, as I still gain monthly income to support myself while in BKK however the balance to show this in 1 screenshot for multy visa is not possible at this time where as on a single I don't have to show such an amount, I hope you understand. If my comparison on both visas are incorrect please let me know as I would certainly prefer the multi visa in this case.Reply to
Luke *********
Reply
Jamie ******
You can get a double entry visa in uk embassy ,,total with extensions 180 days .
At your age if you want to stay longer ,,get an education visa if Muay Thai isn’t your thing
At your age if you want to stay longer ,,get an education visa if Muay Thai isn’t your thing
Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
I'll check this out I'm not sure I noticed a double entry visa unless financially it was a massive difference to have to show. I don't want to get a Ed visa due to potentially effecting future plans in Thailand should I want to stay longer a dive heard doing this can cause problems down the line.Is the double entry visa the multi entry? Do you have a link I can check out for requirements this sound much better for me.
Steve *******
@Luke ********
The double and tripple entry tourist visas were replaced with the multi-entry tourist visa.Jamie ******
@Steve ******
what exactly is the maximum of entries on a METV .Brandon ************
@Jamie *****
it's multiple entry. There's no maximum. You can enter an unlimited number of times during the 6 month validity and each entry receives a 60 day tourist stamp.Jamie ******
@Brandon ***********
ok cool ,,so still a 180 day max ,,thanksBrandon ************
@Jamie *****
If you leave and return at the very end of the visa you'll get stamped in for 60 days, and can apply for a 30 day extension. So that's about 9 months.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jamie ******
@Luke ********
Calked a METV Nowadays need to show 5000I forgot to add if you want a visa in nearby countries to Thailand you only need your show a balance of
*****
THB about £500pbut regular payments 3-6 months depending on the officer if they ask at all Printed out no screenshots no cash accepted ,,,I got caught out ,,I had cash much more than £500 ,they didn’t accept
Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
sorry Jamie is this 20k in Baht or Gbp I hope to god its in Baht hahaJamie ******
@Luke ********
20 k baht ,,neighbouring countries or even when you enter Thailand first time they can ask ,,but never been asked ,,stupid rule for first time travelers to have 20k in cash …on that topic plenty money changers in Thailand ,,just change small amount at airportReply to
Jamie ******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Luke ********
it's multiple entry. Double entry ended a long time agoJamie ******
@Brandon ***********
yes just looked it up METV ..I know a triple entry had finished as I used to get it and the now called METV is in effect a double entry …still maximises to 180 days total correct or notReply to
Jamie ******
Reply
Jamie ******
@Luke ********
I don’t know the exact terminology but it’s on the London Thai embassy page for sure ..You might need to show 5000 to get the double or multi visa ..it’s the same ,,,you can only get double ,,before triple entry not available now
Too many influencers and digital nomads fxxxed that up
Either way when you go into Laos to get a visa you will need to show minimum of 3 months bank statements but 6 months is better .
Like all Thai visas they can change in a whim what you need or don’t need
Regarding education visas ,you go to a reputable school ,there shouldn’t be problems down the line with i take it your referring to elite visas .
But I get it first time you don’t want to be committed to studying and you do need to study to grasp even beginners thai .
Enjoy people are great
Reply to
Jamie ******
Reply
Brandon ************
The first part your wrote, everything is correct.
But the second part, about leaving and returning to do it again, may present problems. Even being gone for 3 months, you may run into issues when you return after having just spent 9+ months in Thailand. I doubt you'd be able to get another 9 months without at least getting pulled out of line at the airport and grilled about why you're spending so much time here.
But the second part, about leaving and returning to do it again, may present problems. Even being gone for 3 months, you may run into issues when you return after having just spent 9+ months in Thailand. I doubt you'd be able to get another 9 months without at least getting pulled out of line at the airport and grilled about why you're spending so much time here.
Luke *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you for your reply, how long would you suggest is reasonable amount of time without having to go through the pressure of being grilled and pulled aside?I forgot to ask, for the tourist visa application and showing leaving Thailand can I use onward flight as evidence of this rather then booking a legit flight upfront after 60 days since I'm aiming for 90 initially. Is this a solid site would you say. As its my first time I'm very nervous and want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row
Brandon ************
@Luke ********
onward travel tickets are fine. I've used one in the past. You'd probably need to spend at least 6-9 months away in order to reset yourself in the eyes of immigration.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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