What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after STV visa and COVID extensions end?

Visa Types STV Visa Tourist Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extensions Immigration Advice Thailand Immigration Elite Visa ED Visa

Mar 16, 2022

3 years ago

Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Folks, I have been on a STV visa since 3/2/21 and have been using covid extensions. 

Now those are stopping, I’ll need to leave and enter on a new tourist visa. I have heard of stories of people being refused entry because have been a tourist too long and I can’t risk being denied entry. 

I’m 48 so was hoping to get retirement soon but need some visa to get me by until then. 

Any advice appreciated. TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user has been using a Special Tourist Visa (STV) since early 2021, along with COVID-related extensions, but is now seeking advice on alternative visa options as these extensions are ending. They express concern about potential entry refusals after being in Thailand on a tourist visa for an extended period and mention intentions to transition to a retirement visa in the future. Responses from the community provide insights on the risks of prolonged tourist stays, experiences with immigration officials, and alternative visa suggestions such as the Elite Visa and Ed Visa.

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.
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Marco ***********

Ed visa 11 months.

*****

baht to the school. Need to stay 1 month in Bangkok to sort out paperwork then you can do lessons online and go back to Bangkok immigration every 3 months for extension. AAAthai school check it out. Been there yesterday

3 years ago

Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marco **********

thanks mate

3 years ago

Reply to

Brendon ****************

John **********

If you can't risk being denied entry then you need to find a better visa than a tourist visa. You can buy an elite visa, it sounds like the only suitable one for you, as I assume not married, not working, etc

3 years ago

Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Correct. My plan B

3 years ago

Reply to

Brendon ****************

Terary **********

Before covid I was doing back-to-back tourist visas. Never once did I get denied entry. It is a risk and I always had a plan B. This is post covid times so who knows.

I am 47.5 I too am waiting for retirement visa.

Once I got stopped by an immigration officer. They asked me some questions, yelled at me for a few minutes then sent me on my way. The whole time I was very polite, very respectful "yes sir, no sir". I can easily see how a person might get an attitude with the IMO, which would lead to being denied entry. - Don't get an attitude.

The IMO told me that if I am going to do visa runs I should spend a couple of weeks outside of the Thailand each run, so I was doing that. Australia offers MTV's to Americans probably everybody else too (Pre Covid),

That's my advice and what has worked for me.

A) Travel by land when possible (better plan b options)

B) Stay outside of Thailand 2 or 3 weeks each run

C) If/When the IMO supervisor yells at you, remain friendly, respectful, let them know you know you are guest and you love their country.

3 years ago

Brendon ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

thanks for your advice. Do you find one country to enter Thailand from easier than another?

3 years ago

Terary **********

@Brendon ***************

Getting into Thailand was the easy part. Getting the visa is what changes from country to country. Australia the easiest, Sri Lanka the most difficult. The rest somewhere in the middle.

Find a near by country that appeals to you, look at the Thai embassy visa requirements for that country (eg, look at the Thai embassy visa requirements in Manila of you think Philippines appeals to you).

As the group for their experiences. Several embassy have quarks, this group can help you sort it out. Some embassies require one thing or another. Vietnam immigration, for example, requires you pay visa fee (to entry Vietnam) with crisp brand new US $20.

On another note. This group will help you visa advice but there are a fair share of assholes that will tell you nonsense ("get the right visa", "go home", blah blah blah, you can safely ignore those people) .

3 years ago

Reply to

Terary **********

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What are my options for staying in Thailand after my education visa expires before applying for a retirement visa?

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