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What are my visa options for permanently moving to Thailand, and can I switch from a tourist visa to a non-immigrant visa?

Thailand Visa OptionsNon-Immigrant VisaTourist VisaPermanent Residency in ThailandVisa ExtensionCondo Purchase in Thailand
Apr 8, 2021
4 years ago
Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone I am new to the board. We are planning on flying into Bangkok in late July. We will be moving there permanently. What are my visa option. I was told I would need a non immigrate visa. But what if we came in on a tourist visa. What are my options?? We are thinking about buying a condo there.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to move permanently to Bangkok and is inquiring about visa options. They have received mixed responses about the feasibility of permanent residency for foreigners in Thailand and discussed the use of a tourist visa as a starting point. Comments suggest starting with a tourist visa, which can be extended, and highlight the necessity of securing the appropriate visa if planning to work. There are also concerns voiced about the risks involved in relocating and purchasing property.
Giorgio ******
Don't forget to leave your brains ar the border 馃ぃ馃ぃ
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Giorgio *****
 gosh i thought this board is to get soome advise. People are so sensitive.
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
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Jyrki *********
How old are you?
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jyrki ********
 42
4 years ago
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Jyrki *********
@Rocc *****
 Are married to a thai?
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jyrki ********
 nope. Lao American from the US. We have been stuck in laos thr past 3 years. Been trying to get over there
4 years ago
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Jyrki *********
@Rocc *****
 Business visa/work permit
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jyrki ********
 i just pm you
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
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Joel *******
Start with a 2 month tourist visa and take it from there. Currently you can extend a tourist visa indefinitely while the pandemic keeps the borders closed.
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joel ******
 thank you joel. We are going to try that.
4 years ago
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D贸n谩ld ********
@Joel ******
 and if they find a job?
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
@Donald *******
 would need the appropriate Visa and work permit.
4 years ago
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D贸n谩ld ********
@Sammy ******
 but can the tourist visa be switched ?
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Donald *******
 that is my question. Can it be switch. I m trying to get from Laos to Bangkok. I contact a visa companyand they suggested to get a non immigrate visa. Honestly with the plane ticket and also hotels for quaratine, and covid insuranc for a family of 4. It certainly add up. I m thinking maybe its cheaper to come on a tourist visa. Then i can switch or keep extending it.
4 years ago
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Rocc ******
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Nick ****************
Think of it as a gamble. If you move here permanently and buy a Condo can you afford to loose everything in what could be overnight,? If yes welcome.
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
I'm sorry, but it's too typical of some who get way ahead of themselves with big plans to move "permanently" to a foreign country, buy a condo, etc, but seem to have failed to do some basic hw as to where u want to live.

search Google and this page, then return with specific questions about anything confusing. but u definitely need to gather more basic information.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Sammy ******
 visit first... never buy until you've been here a year...rents very cheap and economy unstable. Spend time travelling.
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
@Steve *********
 exactly, but to state one is going to live here permanently and buy.......but doesnt know the slightest a out the legal requirements in order to do so; they need slow way done-- also, not sure of their ages-- would they qualify for an O or OA ??
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Sammy ******
 not at 42.

Mai pen rai

Chinese saying.

" slowly catcha the monkey "

Have seen sooo

many come with gulliver's plans, to find they should have listened more.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is not our first time. We have been to Bangkok over 12 times the last 5 years.
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
@Rocc *****
 bkk and cm very different places. what visas do u qualify for?
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
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Rocc ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 well that is our plan. Rent for a couple years first.
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
@Rocc *****
 that's a step in the right direction, but u said u were going to buy. also, will you qualify for visas that will allow you to stay long term? ages, financial status
4 years ago
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Sammy *******
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Michael ********
@Steve *********
 yep
4 years ago
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Michael ********
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Bobby ********
Permanently? You are aware less than 1% of foreigners are in Thailand permanently. The rest live year to year on visa extensions.
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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