Answered3 months ago
Should I apply for a Thai Development Visa (DTV) or consider alternatives like a METV?
Hello guys, I spend most of my time in the UK and some other parts of the world. From Oct to Feb, I generally use Thailand as a base for winter stay, and frequently travel out from there to other countries (Japan, China, Korea etc.) In total during that period and throughout the year my average cumulative stay in Thailand does not exceed 4 months or so. I never stay more than 30-50 days per entry during my stay. Does it make sense to bother with DTV or am I overthinking? I never extend for another 30 days in country and never intend to once the visa free entry goes to 30 days.
Answer summary
The user is contemplating whether to apply for a DTV given their travel pattern, which involves spending around 4 months a year in Thailand with no single stay exceeding 30-50 days. Various comments suggest that a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) might be a better fit for their needs, offering flexibility and peace of mind without the complexities of a DTV. The conversation outlines experiences of others under similar circumstances and highlights the potential risks associated with frequent visa-free entries.
16 repliesnewest first
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Bob **********
A multi entry tourist visa is your go to visa especially if your in and out over the 6 months I’d stay away from the DTV it’s not very well received by Thai IO’s
David ********
for the sake of £300 for 5 years... its worth it for me... they actually designed it for people like you rather than people living there all year. Visa exemption will be reduced to 30 days soon.
Dave ***********
same as i work offshore in Brazil and head back to scotland for the summer months , i went for the DTV route just 300 pounds for 5 years and peace of mind as you never know when they change the rules regarding how many entries you are allowed a year it was an easy decision
Anonymous *************
OPMakes sense. I will try it out I think
CleverA********
How does a metv visa work . Are you alowd to stay for six months without leaving Thailand
RedBlueb********
The DTV would allow you to work remotely without any issues, that's a big plus...
Bob **********
RedBlueberry7135 provided your on workcation
RedBlueb********
RedBlueb********
It sure is...
Plus in the case you want to extend your stay a bit this year, or any visit, you know it's not an issue.
Best of luck to you, mate
Plus in the case you want to extend your stay a bit this year, or any visit, you know it's not an issue.
Best of luck to you, mate
Anonymous *************
OPThat’s a big bonus indeed.
Greg ********
As above METV would work for you. I know guys doing FIFO 30 days in and out using it.
Steve *******
If you can get it, go for it.
You won't risk getting denied entry at any random point because a particular immigration officer didn't think you were here on a holiday.
You won't risk getting denied entry at any random point because a particular immigration officer didn't think you were here on a holiday.
Anonymous *************
OP@Steve ******
thank you, I was thinking that just for extra peace of mind, but not sure I want to go through with all of the prep etc.Anonymous ******************
I follow a similar approach, but I always maximize my stay and get an extension. During my last visit, immigration warned me that I need an official visa next time.
Maybe an METV would suit you better.
Maybe an METV would suit you better.
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 206 thanks for sharing. How many days you think you stay in total per your extended stay or in a 12 month rolling period?
Anonymous ******************
Anonieme deelnemer last time, 59 days - go abroad 5-6 days , go back 60 days +30 extension , thats when the imo told me to get a visa and extension will be only 1 a year.
Maybe for you the METV would be good , it’s valid for 6months.
Maybe for you the METV would be good , it’s valid for 6months.
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