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What are the best long-term visa options for an American considering staying in Thailand?

STV visa tourist visa Elite Visa education visa long-term stay visa options expat advice Thailand immigration visa extension

Jun 2, 2021

4 years ago

Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hiya Everyone! 😃 

I’m an American in San Francisco, 🇺🇸 & Want to get a STV, but was thinking maybe should get regular tourist (60 days+extend 30) 

Any suggestions?

Also, I want to stay long term (too young to retire & don’t want work permit) I already had second attempt ED visa denied in 2019. I had one for thai & was trying to get one for Chinese. Will it be a problem/Reduce my chance of getting another ED visa? 

Also, while I can afford Elite Visa and have thought about getting one, I would want it to be the last resort. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Thanks 🙏 Mucho Everyone! 😃👍

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses options for an American expat considering a long-term stay in Thailand, expressing interest in the Special Tourist Visa (STV) and Tourist Visa but seeking better alternatives. The community heavily advises against the STV due to its limitations and issues, recommending the Elite Visa as a more viable option despite its cost. Additionally, questions arise about the impact of a previously denied education visa application on future visa chances, with community members sharing experiences and suggesting alternative visa routes.

James *******

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Terary **********

I am currently on the volunteer visa.

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Essence *********

@Terary *********

could you message me a bit of information of the route you went for that

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

Wow! Could I get that? I’d love to get more info on how you got that Terary?

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Jonah ************

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Jeremy ********

***********************************

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

Thanks 🙏 Jeremy

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Ben ********

@Jonah ***********

looked into this. It will end up costing same or more than elite once you fulfill all requirements

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Ben ********

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Nicolas ********

What do you mean you were "denied " ? Did you already do a year ed visa time prior?

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nicolas *******

yes, I had a 9 month Thai Ed visa with Sandee in rca—which I recommend.

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Nicolas ********

@Jonah ***********

awesome , I'm looking to not be stuck in one location for the 9 months though , would like to be able to go to other places sometimes, were you able to do that? Or HAVE to be in class every class?

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nicolas *******

Sent you a DM 👍

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Jonah ************

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Tod *********

Any more questions?You gonna pound this up on any more thai visa related groups or you wanna take my word for it after I posted the same answer on THREE different groups so far :P

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

haha Sorry, I just like the idea of being able to extend another 3 months if I can get in by July 3, even if I have to leave after 6 months. You’re right, it’s a lot of hassle...

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Jonah ************

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Tod *********

DO NOT get an STV. That hare-brained visa is far more problems than it's worth. The program is being discontinued on Sept 30, and if you enter after July 3 you cannot get an extension on it just the 90 day entry stamp.

Not to mention you can't change to any other visa type inside the country from it.

It is NOT a good visa choice 😕

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Tod *********

Get in and then go talk to some schools once you're here to see about the chances of switching to an ED visa inside the country,

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I paid hope academy at victory monument 16,000 baht & got denied 2nd Ed visa...Do you know if they are still there? ☺️

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Jeremy ********

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maybe this?

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

Great suggestion 🙏

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Jonah ************

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Tod *********

Get a single entry tourist visa, come in get stamped in for 60 days, take the one 30 day extension on that (giving you 3 months of stay here) and during that time look for other long term visa options

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Tod *********

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Bobby ********

DO NOT get an STV under any circumstances!! At your age, long term stay is best achieved with Elite Visa if you can afford it. Everything else is really short-term "lots of messing around" strategy

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Bobby 🙏

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Jonah ************

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Stuart *********

Steer clear of the STV. It’s a crappy visa option. I don’t think the US consulates are even selling them now.

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Jonah ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you 🙏 Stuart

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Jonah ************

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