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What are the best options for managing visa entries and extensions in Thailand for a long stay?

Visa Rules Visa Exemptions Thailand Visa METV Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Immigration Advice

Nov 13, 2025

6 months ago

Toby ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are arriving CNX on Dec 31, with the goal of staying until first week of June. Which option would you recommend:

1. - Enter in 60 day visa exemption, leave TH on day 60, fly to northern VN for 1-2 weeks, return to CNX on visa exemption 60 days and extend for 30 days. 

OR

2. Arrive on visa exempt 60 day entry, extend for 30 days, leave TH 1-2 weeks, and reenter on 60 day visa exemption. 

Is there an advantage for one over the other, mostly regarding reentry? Better to leave after 60 days and try for extension on second entry? 

I’ve been toiling over this and can’t see one way better than the other, but maybe I’m missing something. Thanks as always for your counsel!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering two options for a long-term stay in Thailand from December 31 to the first week of June: either entering on a 60-day visa exemption, leaving Thailand on day 60 to re-enter after 1-2 weeks, or entering on a 60-day visa exemption, extending it for 30 days, leaving Thailand for 1-2 weeks, and re-entering again. Community comments suggest applying for the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) to simplify the process and avoid potential complications with visa exemptions, especially amid recent changes in immigration enforcement.

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Toby ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks to everyone for your kind assistance!!!! I will close comments now.

6 months ago

Faith *********

Whatever you and many others had been easily able to do regarding visa exempt visits to Thailand from 2016 until recently is no longer as easy as it was in those previous years. Immigration is well staffed with a young generation of officers who now insist that longer staying visitors come with the correct and available visa for those long term stays. The METV is well worth the money now considering the stress of possibly being denied entry.

6 months ago

Rob **********

Why do you not apply for the METV( multiple entry tourist visa) before you fly here will certainly make your life a lot easier, especially with the proposed clampdown on visa exempt entries just announced.

6 months ago

Peter *******

Why don't you apply for 6 month multi entry tourist visa. Takes the stress out of the re-entries.

6 months ago

James ********

Wise advice ✅

6 months ago

Reply to

James ********

I strongly suggest that you get a correct Thai Visa for your planned stay in Thailand

That Thai Visa is the METV multiple entry tourist visa. With planning it will give you up to 9 months stay in Thailand with a couple simple border bounce and back... such as you stated.

Make applications for the METV multiple entry tourist visa using the Evisa online application system.

Look at the website for the Thai Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for their METV multiple entry tourist visa requirements.

6 months ago

Toby ******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for your reply. My reasons not to get METV are:

- Costs USD 400 for the two of us vs BHT 3800 extension

- We plan to go to VN anyway.

- We don’t yet know where we will fly to in June, and don’t want to pin that down this early

We have been in and out of Thailand every year since 2016 and have a clean record with no overstays. We have previously entered on Non-immigrant O-A or METV in the past.

I plan to have a copy of our bank statements, and condo lease, and a flight to Hanoi booked when we enter. By the time we fly to Hanoi I will have booked our departure flights from Thailand in June. Wouldn’t that perhaps be enough?

6 months ago

James ********

Be prepared for questions from Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand from Vietnam... and possible DENIED entry. Times are changing... watch the news and this forum about the changes coming soon.

You are counting on the visa exempt entry being for 60 days plus 30 ADDED days extension. That may be changed. Again watch the news for the changes coming.

That's WHY I urged you to get the METV multiple entry tourist visa and not worry about changes in Visa Exempt Entry.

6 months ago

Steven *********

@Toby *****************

Perhaps it might, perhaps it won't.

6 months ago

Reply to

Steven *********

James ********

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

6 months ago

James ********

The METV multiple entry tourist visa is issued for a valid 6 MONTHS from its date of issue. So carefully plan your application to timing.

Mid to late November should be good for you to apply online. BUT we need to know where you will be applying...as there's varied times for Thai Visa approvals

6 months ago

James ********

What is your passport nation?

Have you been in Thailand recently in 2025 ?

Where (which country) will you be applying for the Thai Visa? Using the Evisa online application system.

6 months ago

Reply to

James ********

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Is it better to get a tourist visa before visiting Thailand or to enter visa-exempt and then apply for an extension?

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