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Should I continue using visa-exempt entry to Thailand or apply for a visa?
Jan 10, 2026
4 months ago
ScenicB********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, I have been travelling from Australia to Thailand for the last 25 years with my Thai wife once a year for just under 4 weeks.
This visit I have entered on visa exempt and will be going back to Australia after staying 50 odd days .
I,m setting up to retire here in about 5 years and planing on visiting 2 or 3 times a year staying up to 50 days one visit ( Christmas Holidays) and the other visits 14 to 21 days long making my maximum stay about 60 to 80 days a year so if visa exemption can be used I will never apply for a extension and will always be flying from Australia with return ticket.
My question is should I be applying for a visa or just keep using the visa exempt entry.
My intention is to retire in 5 years and will apply for the retirement visa when that time has come.
This visit I have entered on visa exempt and will be going back to Australia after staying 50 odd days .
I,m setting up to retire here in about 5 years and planing on visiting 2 or 3 times a year staying up to 50 days one visit ( Christmas Holidays) and the other visits 14 to 21 days long making my maximum stay about 60 to 80 days a year so if visa exemption can be used I will never apply for a extension and will always be flying from Australia with return ticket.
My question is should I be applying for a visa or just keep using the visa exempt entry.
My intention is to retire in 5 years and will apply for the retirement visa when that time has come.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual has been visiting Thailand annually for the past 25 years with their Thai wife and seeks advice on their current visa situation. They have entered Thailand on a visa-exempt entry for an extended stay of around 50 days and plan to continue visiting a few times a year. The consensus from the comments is to continue using the visa exemption given their travel pattern, as it aligns with the intended use of that visa category, and only apply for a retirement visa when ready to settle long-term.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
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Phillip ******
Just get a non o partner visa.
CaringJa********
After 25 years you usually trade in that old model for something newer.
Mark **********
Why not apply now for thai marriage visa?
ScenicB********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *********
I will when I make a more permanent moveReply to
ScenicB********
Reply
djfre*****
In 5 years time it could be a completly different set of rules . constantly changing
Charmae *******
Keep doing what you're doing
Daniel *********
We have no idea how long we will live.
BraveGo*******
You do exactly what I do. I too am setting up retirement in Thailand for 7 yrs times
Spend 6 weeks at Xmas
3 weeks in march/April
3 weeks in June / July
3 weeks in September/October
Im under the assumption I will be fine as i dont do boarder runs and extension
Spend 6 weeks at Xmas
3 weeks in march/April
3 weeks in June / July
3 weeks in September/October
Im under the assumption I will be fine as i dont do boarder runs and extension
Graham *****
BraveGoose7291 not bad dates them
June July too hot for me
Sept October raining season
Think ad do a 90 days xmas. New year
Nov Dec Jan
Maybe come back 3 weeks April Songkram
June July too hot for me
Sept October raining season
Think ad do a 90 days xmas. New year
Nov Dec Jan
Maybe come back 3 weeks April Songkram
Reply to
Graham *****
Reply
Michael ********
No issues
Michael ********
Should apply for a non o visa for,90 days and extend for a year and renew every year
Michael ********
I know an agent cost 15,000 baht. I basically got my information from agent
Gyurii *********
@Michael *******
do you happen to know how much is the renew per year? CheersFrangipani *******
@Gyurii ********
1900B at Immigration. Absolutely no need to use an agent.Reply to
Frangipani *******
Reply
ScenicB********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
I intend on doing that when I plan to stay longer but Im not retiring yet.Reply to
ScenicB********
Reply
Robert *********
Buy health insurance now ,it gets so much more expensive and difficult the older you get .DONT WAIT
Graham *****
@Robert ********
good adviceScenicB********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ********
ok will look into that, I do always have travel insurance gor each tripRobert *********
ScenicBison7409 that does mot work when you live here .
Seriously, inform yourself about it .
Really really gets a lot more expensive and a lot harder to get the longer you wait....
Seriously, inform yourself about it .
Really really gets a lot more expensive and a lot harder to get the longer you wait....
ScenicB********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ********
I dont live hereReply to
ScenicB********
Reply
Kenneth *******
@Robert ********
yes but if you buy now as you get older the price goes up with ageReply to
Kenneth *******
Reply
Jan ******************
Your travel pattern is well within normal tourism. Short stays of 14–50 days, 2–3 visits per year and a total of 60 - 80 days, no extensions, arriving by air with a return ticket, and long periods back in Australia are exactly what visa exemption is intended for. There is no need to apply for a visa now. Continue using visa-exempt entry and apply for a retirement visa only when you actually plan to live in Thailand long term.
Reply to
Jan ******************
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