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Should I get a TR or an STV visa before converting to a long-term Non-Immigrant visa in Thailand?

Visa Types Non-Immigrant Visa STV TR Retirement Visa Visa Conversion Health Insurance Expat Advice

Apr 28, 2021

5 years ago

Justin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm in Kuala Lumpur and planning to come back to Thailand mid-May.

4 months after I arrive in Thailand I will be 50 years young and plan to apply for a long term non immigrant visa.

Should I get a TR or a STV right now? Ideally I would like to convert the visa without leaving Thailand. 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering traveling from Kuala Lumpur back to Thailand in mid-May and is contemplating whether to apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) or a Special Tourist Visa (STV). They are interested in applying for a long-term non-immigrant visa upon their 50th birthday, which is four months after their arrival. Commenters advise that the STV cannot be converted to another visa type while in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of entering with a single-entry tourist visa if they intend to convert their visa without leaving Thailand. The conversation also touches on health insurance considerations and financial requirements for obtaining a retirement visa.

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Ken ******

consider if you would need mandatory health insurance which could cost a lot each year with increase in age

5 years ago

Joe ***********

Ellie Takei Not with the O Visa / Extension but is still required to enter Thailand. Along with the $100,000 Covid Coverage.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Ken *****

for a non-o visa purchase inside Thailand for being over 50, you don’t need medical insurance

5 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

James ******

remember to get your 800,000baht sorted as early as you can

5 years ago

Tony ********

Good luck.Ive spent a lot of time in Malaysia

5 years ago

Ellie *******

If you can wait a bit more, enter Thailand 2.5 months before your birthday on SETV and you wouldn't have much time-gap problem converting to a retirement visa. - if you are seeing visa/extension being over 50.

5 years ago

Justin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Those with a social visit pass

5 years ago

Ellie *******

ouch. sorry about that. Then following

@T**

's advice is the way you go...

5 years ago

Justin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

Unfortunately, the Malaysia government suddenly decided to kick everyone out with just 8 days notice. I got a 30 days extension but have to leave by 18 May.

5 years ago

Monika *******

@Justin ******

all foreigners or owner of a certain visa type?

5 years ago

Ahjizbek **********

@Justin ******

sorry to hear that

5 years ago

Reply to

Ahjizbek **********

Tod *********

You aren't gonna convert that Special Tourist Visa to ANY other visa type inside the country, it states that visa can't be changed right on the terms of the visa.

So if you're thinking to come here and eventually apply for another visa type inside the country your only choice is a single entry tourist visa.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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