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What are the best options to stay in Thailand long-term without pursuing an ED visa?

Thailand Visa Regulations Long-term Stay ED Visa Alternatives Border Runs Marriage Visa Business Visa METV Visa

Mar 7, 2024

8 months ago

Jose ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Any advice on how to stay in Thailand the longest without taking the ED route? Will border runs just have to be the solution? Open to all advice

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Several alternatives to the Education (ED) visa for long-term stays in Thailand include using a 2-month tourist visa followed by extensions and border runs, obtaining a marriage visa, starting a business with a Thai partner, or applying for a METV visa which allows multiple extensions. Some suggest the Thai Elite visa for those without financial constraints. Border runs have become more difficult and may lead to denial of entry after repeated use, so legal options are recommended.

Brad ********

You can start a business with a Thai partner.

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Tim *********

ED Route erectile disfunction. ?? They have pills now.

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Zack ******

i guess you tell them you are trying to fix your ED with those hot thai chicks that you rent by the hour.

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Tim *********

rather rent then buy.

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Zack ******

for sure. Buying is a bad investment.

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Zack ******

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Christopher ********

The METV visa -

60 days then 30 day extension

60 days then leave and return before it expires for another 60 days plus 30 day extension

Switch to ED visa for one year 60 days before METV expires.

It’s the least expensive legal way to do it.

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Rebel ******

@Christopher *******

this is my plan

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Migg *******

@Christopher *******

how many time metv visa can do? Only 1 time per year?

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Christopher ********

I imagine yes as they will want to know why you are tourist for a year

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Christopher ********

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Sk **********

Marriage is the best option and don’t forget to invite me in bachelors party 😁

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Jonathan **************************

When I first got here, there were people I met who were full time living here, with illegal, off-the-cards teaching jobs in village schools, wives, everything - just doing limitless border runs.

Those days are gone. There are of course some individuals in denial of this fact but it is no longer possible to *live* here just on short-term stays. Eventually the point *will* come when you get denied.

If you don't want to teach, or get married, then Ed visas really are your best bet.

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Sam *********

@Jonathan *************************

when I first moved here in like 2012, I did 16-18 months of limitless tourist visas, every two months I’d head to Vientiane. Those days are definitely gone, you are right.

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Sam *********

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Pertti *************

How long? Ed is short option. For living here long time my opinion is Open company or get child or get married. Company plus b visa easy and cheapest. If no money issues go elite route?

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Jose ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Pertti ************

any good price range for the schooling ? I’ve gotten around 800-1000 USD in Chiang Mai

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Andy **********

@Jose **********

prices are around ฿50k baht in Pattaya, that's including everything for a one year ED visa.

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Andy **********

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Joseph ***********

Enter on 2 month tourist visa, extend for 1 month, then do boarder runs once every 2months with local company for up to 6months, then repeat the process

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Richard ***********************

Ed visa

Work visa

Thai elite

That’s it under 50

And after 6 months they will start giving you grief about what your doing

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Richard ***********************

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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