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What are the best options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?

Visa ExemptionED VisaNon-Immigrant B VisaVisa RunThai ImmigrationVisa Application ProcessSchool Registration for VisaAgent Services for VisasLong-Term Stay in Thailand
May 11, 2023
2 years ago
Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve been in Thailand on visa exemptions since September 2021, already done 2 visa runs to Cambodia by land this year, Italian passport.

I just went to immigration office and got an extension, I have now 28 days left.

I contacted some schools because I wanted to get an ED visa but they told me it takes about 45 days.

I’m wondering if it’s safe to register at school here in Bangkok and, once received the Approval letter required to apply for ED visa, go to apply for ED visa to the Thai embassy in Vietnam.

Otherwise an agent suggested that I go on a two days visa run to Laos and apply for a TR Visa or a Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business Purpose) at Thai embassy in Laos.

What do you recommend? Any other option? Any agent that can get me an easy solution?

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster has been in Thailand on visa exemptions since September 2021 and is looking for advice on securing a long-term visa, specifically an ED visa, while being wary of their current immigration status. They are considering applying for the ED visa at the Thai embassy in Vietnam or doing a visa run to Laos for a TR or Non-Immigrant B visa. Comments suggest various options, including potential challenges with re-entry to Thailand through airports like BKK, the use of agents for visa runs, and the importance of proper documentation to avoid issues with Thai immigration.
Marc ********
Living in Thailand 1 year and 8 months on visa exemption?

Amazing. I wonder why no IO found any fault
2 years ago
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Jeremy ********
The elite visa is available for 5, 10 or 20 years. A little pricey but you never have to worry about border runs.
2 years ago
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Rafael *******
Can't you get the documentation from the school and get the ed visa at a Thai embassy in Laos or Cambodia?
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rafael ******
 that’s what I wanted to do but this was reply from school:

It’s not advisable to apply for ED outside Thailand as there is a high risk of rejection

Once rejected, you cannot re-apply anymore
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
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Mitchell *******
I am actually confused as to what you are asking. Are you trying to go to some sort of school, or are you just trying to extend your stay as long as you can?
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
 I’m trying to extend my stay in any way possible. If by doing so I’ll get a Thai language course in Bangkok I’ll also be happy to attend classes.
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
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Michael *******
2 years ago
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Sam *********
How could you apply for a B visa with no job…you don’t get the visa until you secure the job…
2 years ago
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Colin *********
@Sam ********
 bribery and corruption...that's the only way!
2 years ago
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Colin *********
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Colin *********
Maybe just stop abusing the system, which can only make it harder in the future for other foreigners who genuinely do the right thing.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
@Colin ********
 you know that is the exact thing I am thinking when I see people who have been here for 1 -2 years or more. Get the appropriate visa. Abusing the visa system is what causes crackdowns. For example volunteer visas.
2 years ago
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Sam *********
Frank Shevchuk too many people who don’t qualify to stay in Thailand grasping at whatever means possible they can get to stay here..it’s a privilege to be able to live here, not a right..

Then these folks end up getting an ED visa and complain that there is a minimum requirement for class attendance in order to maintain the visa…
2 years ago
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Frank **********
@Sam ********
 I agree. I mean sure a couple of border bounces, extensions or visa runs is fine but living here since 2021, come on now.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
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Jonathan *******
How can you apply for a Non B, you need a job offer and documents from the employer. You can't just walk in and apply for one
2 years ago
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Frank **********
I recommend you go back home.
2 years ago
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Ron *********
September 2021, or 2022?
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ********
 I’ve been in Thailand on visa exemptions since September 2021
2 years ago
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Sam *********
@Lorenzo ************
almost two years of staying in country with no visa, consider yourself lucky and don’t expect the luck to continue../
2 years ago
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Sam *********
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Paul *********
I'm in the same boat actually and been here since around the same date lol.

I think I will travel to Singapore and return after a night and use the fast track vip service
******************************************************


Still a chance to be questioned but they take your to a counter and run you through (did it about 5 years ago)

The safest as discussed is Laos border run but long and gruelling with an agency.

If you get back through just pursue the Ed or Muay thai visa.
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
 thank you very much for the info.

What visa will you get when returning from Singapore? You think they’ll just give you another visa exemption because you’re using that fast track vip service?

If Laos border run is the safest I’ll do that, what visa do agencies provide in that case? Do you know any agency that does that?
2 years ago
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Paul *********
@Lorenzo ************
 i'd just do exemption yes - my friends have used the fast track no problems, i wouldn't chance it going it alone lol, at least if questioned you have someone there with you who is at immigration every day.

The cambodia place i used was first class visa runs pattaya but they have discontinued their service now, quickly searched and these guys look legit:
@https://www.facebook********************
 they do it for 11k baht 🙂
2 years ago
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Paul *********
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Bonnie *******
You don't need an agent. You can come back in by air and do an extension. That will get you to the end of July
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ******
 I’ve been doing that since September 2021, last time I flew into Bangkok immigration brought me to the back, barely let me in after an hour and told me that I was lucky for last time. After that I went on two border runs to Cambodia helped by an agency.

What you’re suggesting won’t probably work unfortunately.
2 years ago
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Ben *******
@Lorenzo ************
 if you do fly in, don’t use BKK.

You could be rejected at any airport based on your situation but BKK is highly likely to get turned around
2 years ago
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Bonnie *******
@Lorenzo ************
 there is no barely. They let you in because you haven't done anything wrong.
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ******
 what’s wrong is that visa exemptions can be used to stay for up to 6 months in any 12 months period. Usually they don’t strictly enforce this unless you abuse of it too much like I did.
2 years ago
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Bonnie *******
@Lorenzo ************
 there is not a 6 months in any 12 month rule
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ******
 well that’s what the immigration supervisor showed me.

“The Thai immigration authorities have implemented certain measures to prevent individuals from using consecutive visa exemptions to effectively live in Thailand long-term without a proper visa. While there is no specific rule that restricts the number of times you can enter Thailand on a visa exemption, frequent and repeated entries using visa exemptions may raise concerns with immigration officials.

If you have been spending a significant amount of time in Thailand on multiple visa exemptions, it is possible that immigration officers may question your intentions and may deny you entry on a subsequent visit. They may view it as a misuse of the visa exemption system for long-term stays.”
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Bonnie ******
 he's abusing the visa exemption scheme. It's for tourists to visit Thailand, not live here.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
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Bonnie *******
Fly out to Singapore and come back
2 years ago
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Meaw **********
How many day the visa you have left ?
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Meaw *********
 as I wrote on the post I have 28 remaining days
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
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Steve *******
Savannakhet for a TR visa might be your best bet.
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 thanks for the comment but because of my passport history I’m pretty sure they’d reject a TR application if I do it by myself
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@Lorenzo ************
 If you haven't had a TR visa from there before you should be ok. The border crossing at Mukdahan is very relaxed too.
2 years ago
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Steve *******
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Brandon ************
I think the odds of you getting back into Thailand through an airport are very low
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks for the comment. What would you do?
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes if only I’d started applying for an ED visa a couple weeks ago it’d be actually easy 🤦🏻‍♂️
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Lorenzo ************
 you can also contact
@Thai *****************************
 and ask how much airport VIP would be. They'll need your entire history in Thailand to give you a price (basically need to know how much it will cost to bribe immigration at the airport).

Both types of agents will straight up tell you if they don't think it's possible based on your history.
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I already contacted them they suggested a change to 3 months Non immigrant B visa (business) for 30,000 baht. Not a bad solution because they require just 22 remaining days but it’s just for 3 months at that price it’s not great.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
You have a difficult case 😅
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Brandon ************
@Lorenzo ************
 find an agency that will take you out by land to buy a visa and make sure you can get back in with it
2 years ago
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Lorenzo *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks, sounds good, any agency recommended? PM please
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Lorenzo ************
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
Actually looks like they might have stopped the visa run service 😅
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Lorenzo ************
 Google "Thai Visa Service". I don't know if you're in Bangkok but they're the only agency I know of that does visa runs to buy a visa. I'm sure there are plenty more though.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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