Answered8 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?

Visa Extensions Tourist Visa Visa Runs Thailand Immigration US Expat in Thailand Visa Rules

Charlie *******

asked Apr 30, 2019

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Anyone from the US staying long term in Thailand? I'm here on a 60-day visa (applied and received before arrival) and planning to get the 30-day extension. But I'm wondering after that the best way of extending my stay. After my extension can I go to a neighboring country to apply for another 60-day visa, or would this most likely be denied if they are back to back? Is it better to just leave and come back on a 30 day visa exempt and then try get another 30 day extension. And repeat... My boyfriend is working here, so I'm trying to figure out a way to stay long term with him (hopefully a year). Unfortunately I'm based on Koh Tao which doesn't seem to have any schools in order to get the ED visa. And I don't think I qualify for any other visas...any help would be much appreciated!

Answer summary

The user is currently on a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand and is seeking advice on how to extend their stay long-term alongside their boyfriend, who is working in Thailand. They are considering different strategies for visa extensions, including making visa runs to neighboring countries, applying for additional tourist visas, and the feasibility of obtaining an ED visa for education, which seems challenging due to location constraints. Several commenters share their experiences and suggest various alternatives, including applying for a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) or using nearby consulates for new visa applications.

11 repliesnewest first

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Ross ********

If you have the cash then the Elite visa.... otherwise prepare to be denied for "living" in Thailand without a proper visa

8 years ago

Jeremy ********

If you check all the boxes why not travel to Perth Australia and apply for the 6 month METV...with the optimization of your visa runs and extensions you can get 9 months out of the visa...there is currently no limit on how many back to back METV’s one can receive, however, the I/O’s can block you from entering country at their discretion....

8 years ago

Charlie *******

@Tod ********

Ah I see, good to know. I'll check into that further then. Thank you!

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Charlie ******

, As a general rule thai consulates in most countries have the "residency" requirement where you need to legally live/work in that country to use the consulate for a 6 month METV

BUT

The consulates in Australia don't have it.

You would have to show proof of funds in your bank account but that's about it.

8 years ago

Charlie *******

@Tod ********

I wasn't actually looking in Perth, I read that you have to be in your home country. Is that not true? Which is the US for me. My problem with the METV was the employment letter (which I thought was needed), but also the funds. I have the money but its in my boyfriends account, so it would difficult to prove. But I'll check into it more. It definitely would be the best option for me. Thanks again for the help!

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Charlie ******

and you looked at the thai consulate's website in Perth and their requirement for the 6 month METV?

Either I missed it or there is no proof of employment on their application

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/ThaiConsulatePerth_VisaApplicationForm.pdf

8 years ago

Charlie *******

@Jeremy *******

Thanks but reading the METV requirements, I'm not sure I could get the info needed. I'm self employed and not sure what type of form i could get to show proof. But thanks for the advice.

8 years ago

John *********

We did a second single entry visa at Ho chi Minh, only stayed 3 days and come back. Just extended it for another 30 days today with no questions asked.

8 years ago

Charlie *******

@John ********

Ok great to hear, I hope to do the same. Thanks so much!

8 years ago

Tod *********

You certainly aren't going to live here on 30 day visa exempt entries. You can only get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).

I'd say once you the 30 day extension runs out on this tourist visa go to a thai consulate in a nearby country and get a new single entry tourist visa and extend that.

you could probably do that a couple three or four times using various thai consulates in near by countries.

Good Luck.

8 years ago

Charlie *******

@Tod ********

thanks for the advice!

8 years ago