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Is there a tourist visa in Thailand that lasts for 12 months?

Dec 27, 2025

8 hours ago

I have been to Thailand 8 times in nearly 3 years. Last trip the Customs officer asked how long I was staying 'this time'. I am back in April 2026 but I am a bit concerned they may knock me back. I have never overstayed and purely come to see friends as a tourist. I am near retirement but not in need of a retirement visa yet. I plan to have 2 trips on 2026. 

Is there a tourist visa that lasts 12 months?

I don't want any unnecessary problems.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question revolves around concerns regarding multiple entries into Thailand and the possibility of being denied entry during the next visit. The community discusses various visa options including the DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) for long stays and the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa), both of which provide different durations for stays. It is clarified that there is no single 12-month tourist visa available. Additionally, the importance of maintaining a genuine tourist pattern is emphasized to avoid issues with immigration.

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Tom ********

We visited immigration with the same questions and were told not to worry about it. Tourists are welcome. It's the border running long stayers that they are after.

3 hours ago

Jo **********

Nothing to do with how many times a couple of friends have entered 12 times this year. Each time for 7-10 days. They are genuinely tourists. It’s the pattern as if you enter 60 days and extend 30 days to a one day border bounce and repeat, and that is one example of what could get you in trouble.

4 hours ago

Kenneth *******

I just do my E visa on line 6 weeks before I leave the questions they ask are easy complete on computer 🖥 wait 4 days then it is sent print out have hard copy with passport get 90 first one 60 second entry oh and copy return ticket witch is on your E tick any way when fill in

4 hours ago

Matts *************

It seems that you actually are in need of a retirement visa

If you’re over 50 and have the money, you can come and go whenever you want for the rest of your life

I’d get one just for the convenience of having a Thai bank account

4 hours ago

Marcel **********

This is my 4th stay in 1 year and i never had any problems.

5 hours ago

Addy ***********

NO..

6 hours ago

Wannikea *********

Could you please state when you plan to come and for how long you wish to stay.

6 hours ago

Rob *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

Holiday to see friends. Around 45 days. I try and go back every 3 to 4 months.

6 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@Rob ************

you exhibit the pattern of the typical tourist you have zero to worry about entering on visa exempt stamps.

6 hours ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Tony ***********

If you haven't done anything wrong don't worry about just go as normal and enjoy.

7 hours ago

Rob *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony **********

they seem to be cracking down. I have never done anything wrong. I always have money. I don't do border runs or overstay. The last customs officer just concerned me and I have seen people being denied. I can't really see why I would be a problem.

6 hours ago

Tony ***********

@Rob ************

well then nothing to worry about then

6 hours ago

Reply to

Tony ***********

Deepak *******

There is no tourist visa for one year. Which other countries have you visited for one year as a tourist?

7 hours ago

Pat ******

Use the fast track- leas questions asked …

8 hours ago

Joanne *********

I am worried too. We will be entering for the third time in 12 months in January. Our stays in 2025 were six weeks, eight weeks, six weeks.

8 hours ago

John *********

@Joanne ********

so no extensions then, all within the permitted 90 day visa exempt, did you return to your home country after each visit? If so shouldn’t have a problem if you are just visiting and staying within the 90 days dyor as usual

5 hours ago

Adam ********

@John ********

they have been here 5 months out of 12 in 2025 I think they will get questioned at the very least…

5 hours ago

Reply to

Adam ********

Wannikea *********

@Joanne ********

it's not only how long you stayed, it's what did you do in between the times you stayed. Immigration is looking for patterns in people who are basically trying to live here on exempt stamps etc.

6 hours ago

Jo **********

@Wannikea ********

exactly this is factual

4 hours ago

Reply to

Jo **********

Gardar ***************************

You can still apply non-o based on retirement even if you not going for the extension. Gives you 90 days on arrival and immigration officer can't say anything.

****************************

cost about 80$ and gives you peace of mind

8 hours ago

Mary *******

@Gardar **************************

thank you great information

7 hours ago

Stephen *******

@Gardar **************************

This is the option I am using now. A 90 day non-o based on retirement is $AUD120 and if you meet the financial requirements easy to get and worry free.

8 hours ago

Rick ************

@Stephen ******

is it possible to get a re-entry permit with the Non-O?

4 hours ago

Tom ********

Thats the one i use ..Peace of mind is the key.One day i will get the extension

5 hours ago

Rob *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stephen ******

so is this a single entry visa?

7 hours ago

Gardar ***************************

@Stephen ******

exactly 😊

7 hours ago

Reply to

Gardar ***************************

Andi ***********

The DTV gives you 5 years multi entry. The METV gives you 6 -8;mths.

8 hours ago

Rob *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

thanks but the DTV is only if you have work there or are doing some sort of course,I believe.I could probably use the METV. Thanks

8 hours ago

John *********

@Rob ************

it’s not for work there, it’s for remote working

5 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Rob ************

Yea DTV is for remote work but outside of Thailand,you can not work for Thai firms or doing Muay Thai, cooking, medical treatment etc. METV is just for tourism and easy to get.

8 hours ago

Rob *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

METV is 6 months by the looks of it. I could probably get away with one of those. If I apply from April

7 hours ago

Andi ***********

@Rob ************

it is 6mths but if you time your final entry right you get around 8 mths.

7 hours ago

Reply to

Andi ***********