Unanswered6 months ago
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand given my current tourist exempt status and recent financial situation?
Running into an issue, currently in Thailand on tourist exempt visa which ends next week, being that this is my second one (one in Nov with ext, one in Feb with ext) I wanted to convert over to an actual visa. Applied for a language course, paid, and the day prior to the date to meet at the embassy found out that this doesn’t cover dependents. When I initially reached out to the school I inquired about a program that would allow dependents to be covered as well and was given this option, so I lost the money due to no refund. My issue is I recently sold a home and have the financial means to apply for a DTV (which will cover dependents) however I don’t meet the 3 month history as the home just sold this month. I was given options to possibly apply for an METV once I exit and re enter on that holding the funds for 3 months until I can then apply for DTV. My worry is with conductive days with non exempt visas w/exts I may not get approved for METV to bridge me over until I can get a DTV or long term visa.
Summary so far
The user is currently in Thailand on a tourist exempt visa and seeks advice on transitioning to a proper visa to cover themselves and their dependents. They have faced challenges with a language course that does not cover dependents and are unsure how to meet the financial proof requirements for a DTV due to recent sale of a home. Community members suggest various options, including applying for the METV once they exit Thailand, checking embassy requirements, and potentially applying for the DTV in a neighboring country or returning to the U.S.
36 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Christopher *********
Come to Vietnam for a month while your visa processes, it's what I did and I ended up liking Vietnam so much more than I expected. Now I'm planning to spend as much time here if not more than I do in Thailand while I have the
@D**
Anonymous *************
OP@Christopher ********
that’s exactly where I’m heading. I’ve been to DaNang a few months ago so I am excited to see another part
BronzeWa*********
I would think if you show 6 months of activity on the account the money is in as long as there’s history of money coming and going into that account… then maybe have more evidence of where the money came from ( proof of sale). Should be all good
Trustworth**********
Why not go to Vietnam 3 months
Then apply for DTV in Vietnam. Sometimes they ask for proof of income even with soft power. You have income?
Then apply for DTV in Vietnam. Sometimes they ask for proof of income even with soft power. You have income?
Anonymous *************
OPTrustworthyFerret454 yes disabled military vet. If no option seemed viable I said I would go back to the states and spend time with family and maybe travel to another country to visit and then come back after a few months when I obtained a visa.
Scott ***********
Anonymous participant first, thanks for your service. I too am a vet (Navy). If you need assistance DM me and I’ll get you in touch with a personal friend is a Thai and a visa agent. She co-owns her law firm and offers all kinds of services. That said, she’s very well connected and have helped countless number of expats with all kinds of visa scenarios. It might be worth it to at least do a consult. She’s above board, very skilled and has an entire team of support staff. Cheers
Trustworth**********
Anonymous participant going back for a few months might be the less stressful option. Apply for DTV in USA. Higher approvals
James ********
How many children do you have?
What are their ages?
Are any of them school age?
What is your age?
What is your passport nation?
What is your wife's passport nation?
Where are you now in Thailand?
What Thai language school did you pay for classes in Thai language,?
How much did you pay them,?
How Long is the Course you paid for?
What are their ages?
Are any of them school age?
What is your age?
What is your passport nation?
What is your wife's passport nation?
Where are you now in Thailand?
What Thai language school did you pay for classes in Thai language,?
How much did you pay them,?
How Long is the Course you paid for?
Anonymous *************
OP@James *******
I have 2 children, ages 7 and 9. I’m 43, U.S. passport. Came to Thailand on travel, to explore and expose children to different parts of the world. Just children and I. Applied at ALA language school. 20,000thb. Course was 3.5mths with the option to extend to the intermediate course after.
Olia ***********
Anonymous participant why wouldn’t you apply for work visa instead. Non-b and non-o dependants?
Olia ***********
Anonymous participant text me in DM please I’ll explain everything
Anonymous *************
OP@Olia **********
I don’t work, disabled military vet and under 50James ********
Anonymous participant are you planning on enrolling your children in Thai schools?
Anonymous *************
OP@James *******
they said they had a longer course (14 months) but in order to get into that one I would be subjected to the full cost (40,000) and not just the difference of what I had already paid. Also this was just last week and with my extension expiration approaching I would not have enough time to switch over to the other course and apply immigration for visa. As far as the children under 15 not incurring a penalty I did not find out about this until after the class start date but was told although there would be no fines in the future it wouldn’t look good to have the overstay that would be documented for them. For the DTV I found a cooking school I’m interested in, but the main issue for me goes back to the 3 mth proof of 500,000 in account due to me just acquiring it through the sale of my home. I’m actually looking for possibly 6 more months in the country before having to head back to the states for the holidays, Nov-Jan to spend time with family.James ********
Anonymous participant I'm still brainstorming about your situation...
Several Options come to mind..
You said you had paid 20,000 Thai baht for an Ex Visa Thai language study... AND the school misled you by saying that you could get your children covered as dependents.
Obviously they are wrong.
And that 20,000 Thb was only for their Ed Visa and 3 months of study... followed by MORE COSTS to get the next 9 to 12 months...as fhe extension is only issued 3 months at a time.
What is their total cost of the Ed Visa for one year of Thai language study ?
Does the Thai language school offer the COMBINATION OF THAI LANGUAGE STUDY WITH A THAI CULTURAL COURSE OF STUDY?
IF they do... then that is eligible for the DTV visa.
IF not, there's others that do offer the COMBINATION of Thai language study and Thai culture study courses.
IF you decide to stay with the Thai language study which you have paid for...you would get up to 12 or 15 months of STUDY,.. ask them for their price of the one year of Thai language study.
As both of your children are ages 7 and 9, under 15 years of age, there's NO PENALTY or fine, for them to stay in Thailand with you.
Another option..
You sign up for Muay Thai training school in a gym known for its success in sponsoring those who are applying for the DTV visa with the important requirements to be submitted by you with your DTV Visa Application in another SE Asian country, such as Vientiane Laos, Taipei or Hanoi.
As you are Living In Bangkok, there's several Muay Thai gyms experienced sponsoring students for the DTV visa.
Another option for the DTV visa,
Thai Cooking school...
The METV multiple entry tourist visa is NOT 🚫 your best solution. It's only going to delay the inevitable at the end of 8 months. ... issued for 6 months valid entry Into Thailand...60 days at a time....plus extension.of 30 days .
Several Options come to mind..
You said you had paid 20,000 Thai baht for an Ex Visa Thai language study... AND the school misled you by saying that you could get your children covered as dependents.
Obviously they are wrong.
And that 20,000 Thb was only for their Ed Visa and 3 months of study... followed by MORE COSTS to get the next 9 to 12 months...as fhe extension is only issued 3 months at a time.
What is their total cost of the Ed Visa for one year of Thai language study ?
Does the Thai language school offer the COMBINATION OF THAI LANGUAGE STUDY WITH A THAI CULTURAL COURSE OF STUDY?
IF they do... then that is eligible for the DTV visa.
IF not, there's others that do offer the COMBINATION of Thai language study and Thai culture study courses.
IF you decide to stay with the Thai language study which you have paid for...you would get up to 12 or 15 months of STUDY,.. ask them for their price of the one year of Thai language study.
As both of your children are ages 7 and 9, under 15 years of age, there's NO PENALTY or fine, for them to stay in Thailand with you.
Another option..
You sign up for Muay Thai training school in a gym known for its success in sponsoring those who are applying for the DTV visa with the important requirements to be submitted by you with your DTV Visa Application in another SE Asian country, such as Vientiane Laos, Taipei or Hanoi.
As you are Living In Bangkok, there's several Muay Thai gyms experienced sponsoring students for the DTV visa.
Another option for the DTV visa,
Thai Cooking school...
The METV multiple entry tourist visa is NOT 🚫 your best solution. It's only going to delay the inevitable at the end of 8 months. ... issued for 6 months valid entry Into Thailand...60 days at a time....plus extension.of 30 days .
James ********
Anonymous participant pardon me BUT that lawyer is frankly stupid 🤬. The two visa exempt entry count is MOST RECENT 12 months, NOT 🚫 RESET we with a new calendar year. Period 🩸
BEFORE the new rules, the number of Visa Exempt Entry WAS RESET with a New calendar year.
BEFORE the new rules, the number of Visa Exempt Entry WAS RESET with a New calendar year.
Anonymous *************
OP@James *******
yes. This is why I’m trying to apply for a visa. I did contact a lawyer and they said that one entry fell in last year and the other this year and the options I could look at now were METV and DTV, so I’m now trying to figure out which I should apply for. The issue with the guardian option is that schooling for 2 children in Bangkok would be too expensive, ranging between 400,000-1 million bht per child.James ********
Anonymous participant The guardian Visa is perfect for you..
One parent can easily get the guardian Visa per child.
Your current problem is serious...
You've exhausted your two . visa exempt entries plus 2 extensions.
Are you now in Bangkok?
One parent can easily get the guardian Visa per child.
Your current problem is serious...
You've exhausted your two . visa exempt entries plus 2 extensions.
Are you now in Bangkok?
Anonymous *************
OP@James *******
we homeschooled because I looked into the international school and the fees were quite a lot for one student, let alone 2 in the Bangkok area. If we’re here next school year I’ve looked into school options in Hua Hin. I’ve looked into the guardian option for a parent for children on an education visa however I wasn’t sure if that was an option being that we are going into the summer session and school will be out for a few months.
John **********
An METV doesn't cover dependants either and normally you have to apply in your home country. Not all consulates require 3 months seasoning of funds for a DTV, they mostly want 3 months of statements but some are OK with your closing balance meeting the requirements. Check out the consulate requirements and chose carefully. You will need to apply for your DTV first and only after that can your spouse and/or kids apply
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
right I’m aware that I would be applying for them separately. Also Thank you, I did not know the METV had to be your home country.
Greg ********
As Andi says some embassies don't need the three months. I don't think your visa exempt entries would be an issue for METV. The issue with the METV is that you often cannot get them in neighbouring countries unless you are resident.
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
Thanks so much for your feedback, all of the advice from everyone has really helped
Andi ***********
There are embassies such as Taipei, Vietnam, Manilla that have given approval for funds seasoned for less than 3 mths. METV is for those with a repeated pattern of entry such as yours, should be not problem getting one.
James ********
@Andi **********
but where can he get the METV multiple entry tourist visa for the family as he's in Thailand ???Anonymous *************
OP@James *******
I plan on exiting the country then applyingJames ********
@Kool ******
we have seen it issued by the Thai Embassy in Hanoi. METV multiple entry tourist visa. On request via the Evisa online application system.Greg ***********
@Kool ******
you can get the METV in Hanoi, without the need to be resident. There were a few reports from applicant tourists who got the METV in Hanoi
Kool *******
Anonymous participant you can only get the METV in your passport country.
James ********
@Greg **********
it happened in Hanoi. They issued The METV.Greg ***********
@James *******
it would be worthwhile you, Robert and Tod follow this lead to Hanoi. It is too good to be true. If it really is, that would be a valuable informationJames ********
@Greg **********
correct ✅... it was surprising to see that a few months ago... BUT it happened.Anonymous *************
OP@Greg **********
thank youGreg ***********
Anonymer Teilnehmer there was a report that you can apply for the METV in Hanoi, without the need to be a resident in Vietnam. It would be worth checking out if this is true. It saves you from having to return to your home country and apply to the METV from there
James ********
Anonymous participant please see my reply... Just posted
Andi ***********
@James *******
Home town or find somewhere in Asia that accepts nonresident applications, if that exsits.Activity
12 joined12
people
Related
25Do I need a re-entry permit if I travel to Laos with a 60-day tourist visa before it expires?
1.2k1449d
Will I face problems when returning to Bangkok for a few hours after my trip to South Korea on a tourist visa?
1.7k17122mo
Will I face issues re-entering Thailand after maximizing my initial 90-day stay and applying for a DTV in Vietnam?
1.5k1574mo
What visa options are available for expats looking to stay in Thailand for 3 months?
1.3k394mo
Will I get another entry to Thailand on my METV after being warned by immigration?
3.4k35195mo
Will my partner be able to enter Thailand visa-free after multiple stays?
2.9k27247mo
Is it better to use the METV or standard tourist visa on arrival for long stays in Thailand?
3.4k29309mo
Should I apply for the DTV or a tourist visa if I plan to stay in Thailand for 6 months?
1.7k13189mo
Do I need a DTV visa or METV for multiple trips to Thailand each year?
2.8k21291y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand until May 23rd if my visa expires on April 23rd?
1.3k6162y
What is the best way to achieve a 6 or 9 month visa or stay in Thailand while visiting other countries?
5.3k44522y
Can I enter Thailand as a tourist and activate my Non O visa approval by bouncing back from Laos?
1.7k11152y
How does the six-month tourist visa work for entering and leaving Thailand every sixty days?
1.4k6162y
What should I do about my visa situation after being advised to apply for a visa due to multiple entries into Thailand?
3.6k21463y
What visa options do I have when re-entering Thailand after a border run?
2.6k20223y
Do you need a return flight ticket to enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa after exiting with an Elite visa?
1.2k794y
What should I know about obtaining a METV and the current status of US visas for Thailand?
2.1k17145y
Can you get a new visa with a tourist visa by doing a visa run in Thailand?
5.4k46506y
What are the best options for a French citizen with a Thai Elite Visa and a Polish fiancée to return to Thailand?
1.3k1166y
What happens to my visa extension when I leave Thailand for Indonesia?
1.2k797y
What are the options for extending a Tourist visa in Thailand for six months while visiting family?
1.3k968y
Can I apply for a visa extension in Thailand after my multiple entry tourist visa has expired?
685338y
Is proof of funds required for NON-O dependant visas in Thailand?
2.9k19368y
What options do I have to extend my ED visa in Thailand before my flight home?
1.7k10188y
Is it possible for my mom to travel to Thailand for 2 months without a tourist visa and avoid issues at Immigration?
2.4k16269y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served