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What are the best strategies to extend my stay in Thailand for up to 12 months on a tourist visa?
Thai tourist visavisa extensionsMulti-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)border runslong-term stay optionsvisa rulesimmigration policiesexpat advice
Oct 12, 2023
3 years ago
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIf I am right I can get a tourist visa for 60 days plus 30 day extension. Plus 2 land border runs 30 days plus 30 day extension each. So that is 7 months in total. Is there a way of getting the other 5 months in 1 year to get a full 12 months ie can I do a few air border runs
TLDR : Answer Summary
To maximize your stay in Thailand on a tourist visa, you can obtain a 60-day tourist visa, extend it for an additional 30 days, and then utilize border runs to re-enter for more stays. One possibility is a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which allows entries over a 6-month period, enabling multiple 60-day stays with extensions. However, immigration may scrutinize frequent entries, so diversifying your entries through air or land border runs, and even applying for visas in neighboring countries might be beneficial. Nonetheless, there are legal stipulations to adhere to, and continually trying to extend your stay through these means may lead to questions about your true intentions in Thailand.
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Nate ***********
Better way. Get a multi-entry, Visa. Good for a period of 6 months. Stay 60 days at a time, leave, come back on same Visa.
Harry *********
You can get a 90 day visa which can be extended for another 90 days twice
Martin *****
If you cannot afford a visa to stay here for one year. Stay home cheap Charlie
Peter *********
@Martin ****
agree 👍Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martin ****
@Martin ****
Martin Pol who said I cannot afford it I am just looking at optionsReply to
Paul ********
Reply
Chris *******
Tod Daniels
Bob ********
They tell me the "Bangkok Hilton " has good air conditioning and close relationships among inmates(I mean Guests)
Greg ********
@Bob *******
I like the executive lounge for diamond members. Free food!Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Paul *********
Yes. Arrive in July then after the 7 months are up, the year resets and you can do a further 2 land runs which makes 11 months. Then leave the country and come back on a fast track and get an education visa or something longer (muay thai visa) etc.
Craig ********
Get the proper visa type for the reason you are in the kingdom will always be the best advice.
Todd *********
@Craig *******
‘a proper visa’ is generally the cop out people whom don’t understand the situation of others. And generally written by peeps on retirement or marriage visas…Craig ********
@Todd ********
well if you are retired or married to a Thai citizen then that would be the proper visa type for you. If you are neither of those but want to live in the Kingdom full time, the LTR, elite, non-B, and non-E are all options.Obtaining the correct visa for your purpose in the Kingdom is always the best advice.
Todd *********
@Craig *******
tourism is your purpose. Under 50. Well funded. No need for 5 years. But happy with 2. You don’t want to ‘live’ in the kingdom, you want to be a tourist in Kingdom. Or under 50 unmarried partner of a person on retirement visa. Obtaining the right visa is lovely. However we are all aware there are gaps in the system. So the correct visa may well be 60 day tourist visas. Or repeated border bounces. As not everybody fits in the box.
Jan *******
@Todd ********
Tourist is 30‘days with an option of a few more days. everything else is not tourist - whatever you want to call it. don’t take things so personal - live your life.
Todd *********
@Jan ******
take it personal lol? Ya, you nailed it. To keep things mildly factual for your benefit a tourist visa is 60 days, extandable by another 30. You are welcomeJan *******
@Todd ********
yes i know - but for the … people in need here - as a reminder … the question was how to stay 6 to 12 months … your welcome, glad to be able to help you coming back to topicTodd *********
@Jan ******
ah 😂 back to the subject that you have failed several times to answer. The poster has a good answer in his intial post, but can bring you up to speed. Enter on a 60 day TV, extend by 30 day. Border bounce, receive 30 days visa exempt. Extend by 30. You have now completed 150 days. Then fly out and obtain new 60 day TV at nearby nation. And repeat the process for a total of 300 days. Glad to help you understand
Craig ********
@Todd ********
if you are in Thailand for an entire year then you are living here.Todd *********
@Craig *******
then you need a job at immigration, because that is definitely not how they see it. Do you know if the cutoff is at 365 days or 366?Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Terary **********
Yes you can. You can get another tourist visa at any of your border bounces or many most other countries.
Also you can get an METV which gives you 9 months + a couple of border bounces.
Also you can get an METV which gives you 9 months + a couple of border bounces.
Charmaine **********
Don't cheat the system, do it right, you just make it harder for all of us, its not right to border bounce.
Todd *********
@Gavin **********
haha, thick skin indeed!Jhon *******
It's not about cheating the system , it's about proving you have the means to exit and re-entry the country. I would think immigration has thought this through very carefully and re-presenting yourself for an immigration inspection provides them with additional opportunities to check on a repeat visitors entry qualifications.
Todd *********
@Jhon ******
quite close to accurate. It’s not about ‘cheating’ the system at all. It’s about using the system in place. They built it. Use it wiselyReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
Gavin ***********
@Todd ********
you have to have a thick skin in Thailand Facebook groups to avoid being bothered by the judgemental part of the crowd but you seem to be handling it very well, kudos 👍Reply to
Gavin ***********
Reply
Greg ***********
@Paul *******
the days of unlimited back-to-back visa-exempt entries are long gone. A few people may manage it, yet it happens always upon the discretion of a border official.
Chances are that your above illustrated plan (single entry Tourist Visa plus two visa-exempt entries) works until the moment when you apply for the 30 days extension onto your second 30-days visa-exempt entry. At this point you CAN get refused and they take your 1900.- THB and stamp your passport with "application denied, you have 7 days to leave the kingdom".
Websites of Thai embassies around the World carry the note: "visa-exempt, you can only spend 90 days in Thailand, within a 180 days period".
So, feel free to count on your luck, but always expect the unexpected and have a plan B in your pockets
Alistair **********
@Greg **********
there's no legally specified limit for number of days permitted in Thailand using visa except entries. I don't know why some embassies write that.It's almost unheard of to get denied a 30 day extension in country if you qualify for it.
Greg ***********
@Alistair *********
unheard of? I suggest you join the "Thai Visa Advice" group. That's the place where you start to hear things 😆😂😆Alistair **********
@Greg **********
could you share a single post from that group where a 30 day extension has been denied to someone who eligibleGreg ***********
@Alistair *********
I don't see ANYTHING that contradicts what I have been posting here. Like Tod, I say that your fate is totally upon discretion of the officer and how he interprets the rules. Regardless they might be aware of the 90-in-180-days rule or not - you just cannot expect to "misuse" visa-exempt entries for a long stay in Thailand. Period.Greg ***********
nobody is "elegible. Hundreds have been denied the extension and received the obligatory 7-days "leave the kingdom" stamp. What makes you think the 7-days stamp is for? For EXACTLY this purpose
Alistair **********
@Greg **********
maybe if you actually read the posts in the visa advice group you'd know or understand. Tod Daniels has said the exact opposite of what you claim many timesAlistair **********
@Greg **********
can you find a report of someone being denied a 30 day extension that met the requirements? Because I've never seen one. Only those who don't meet the requirements and apply for a 30 day extension that get rejected (already had one 30 ext, passport doesn't qualify etc.)Alistair **********
@Greg **********
then you should read more of his advice. Or would you like to tell him he's wrong. He also uses the term "qualify" to mean meet the requirements, the same way I did.Alistair **********
@Greg **********
then ask him about 90 day / 180 day rule and about being denied a 30 day extension if you meet the requirements. Because I have yet to see one.Greg ***********
@Alistair *********
I got a text written up by Tod, somewhere on my hard disc, from 3 years ago, about this. He says exactly what I am repeating here. Ok?Greg ***********
@Alistair *********
I don't see ANYTHING that contradicts what I have been posting here. Like Tod, I say that your fate is totally upon discretion of the officer and how he interprets the rules. Regardless they might be aware of the 90-in-180-days rule or not - you just cannot expect to "misuse" visa-exempt entries for a long stay in Thailand. Period.Alistair **********
@Greg **********
they get it because they aren't eligible. They don't meet the requirements. Please post me someone with the right passport and documents and meets the requirements who was deniedReply to
Alistair **********
Reply
Greg ***********
@Alistair *********
the 90-days within 180 days text EXISTS on Thai Embassies websites! THAT'S A FACT! . . However I know that every Immigration officer can rule by his own discretion. . . . . . . "It's almost unheard of to get denied a 30 day extension in country if you qualify for it." . . . . . .This is a crock of BS you write here, because NOBODY is entitled or qualified for anything. You can even holding a valid visa, be refused entry. A visa does NOT entitle you to enter, an Immigration officer has the right to refuse entry. (if ya want to read more about this, refer to "Section 12" of the Thai Immigration act)Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
@Greg **********
Greg Alexander that cannot be true as I can get a multi entry tourist visa and for 6 months go in and out 3 times minimumGreg ***********
@Paul *******
you can try your luck, and never forget, when the moment is near that you enter visa-exempt, make SURE you got the famous THREE PROOFS*** proof of CASH of a minimum of 20,000.- THB or equivalent in another major currency. Credit cards will not be accepted
*** proof of accommodation (!)
*** proof of leaving Thailand within the 30 days you will get stamped in
Greg ***********
@Paul *******
When I read your intro post, you wrote about the SINGLE ENTRY tourist visa plus an extension, plus 2 border runs and visa-exempt entries plus 2 extensions. You didn't mention the multi entry tourist visa. However I now replied accordingly.Greg ***********
@Paul *******
read my expertise to the multi entry tourist visa. AFTER you pressed the theoretically 9 months out of this visa, you won't be allowed a visa-exempt re-entry directly following it, so very soonReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Alistair **********
Getting a METV is the best way to get 12mths with extra border runs.
Otherwise, if you time it right you you can get an extra 2 land border bounces as the limit resets each calendar year. Fly in the first couple times as well instead of wasting the land border crossings early on.
Otherwise, if you time it right you you can get an extra 2 land border bounces as the limit resets each calendar year. Fly in the first couple times as well instead of wasting the land border crossings early on.
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
can you explain pleaseAlistair **********
@Paul *******
which part? METV you get stamped in for 60 days each time, it can be extended for 30 days on each entry. Timed perfectly you can get up to 270 days, but realistically it's going to be a bit less. You can add 2 land border runs (use a company) for an extra 2x 30days + 30 day ext. That gets you over 365days.If you can't get an METV but came say in March next year, you could come in on tourist visa for 60+30 days. Then get another tourist visa in neighbouring country for another 60+30. At 180 days now. Do 2x land border runs for 30+30 days. Then as it would be 2025 you'd be able to do 2 more land border runs.
You could also chance it by flying in a more times before using a land border run. Normally around 6month mark is when people get hassled. But it depends on IO, some airports are also more strict.
Gregor **********
@Alistair *********
after 9 months with the multi entry Tourist Visa, it is OVER for a while. You cannot do visa exempt entries right after these 9 months on a METV. You will most probably be denied entry.Alistair **********
@Gregor *********
of course you can, go via a land border with a company.Gregor **********
@Alistair *********
😎😁Good Luck in trying!Alistair **********
@Gregor *********
plenty of people do and succeed, because they use a company. They won't let you cross if you won't get back in.Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
@Alistair *********
Alistair Thompson ok so the 2 land border runs are every 12 monthsAndreas *********
@Paul *******
i doubt that immigration will allow you METV consecutively and close to each other but you are free to try 🙃 🙂 🙃 I want to see somebody who really cares, Mister MordueAlistair **********
@Paul *******
yes, its every calendar year. So January 1 it resetsPaul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
@Alistair *********
Alistair Thompson thank you 😊Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Todd *********
@Paul *******
haha. Looking forward to this explanationPaul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I want to know if you can extend for 30 days every time you get a 60 day stampTodd *********
@Paul *******
every 60 day tourist visa can indeed be extended by 30 days. And then border bounce for 30 days which can also be extended 30 days.Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
ok but if I get a multi entry tourist I am getting 60 days every time I re enter. Can that 60 days be extended or is it just the first 60Todd *********
@Paul *******
ah ok. For METV, it can be played to maximize. I have never done it with METV and know there are some very experienced guys on this page with METV. Will let them answer so I don’t add any confusionPaul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
@Todd ********
Todd McGowan ok thank you 😊Greg ***********
@Paul *******
6-month multi entry TOURIST VISA - HOW do I get the most out of the visa?If you make the most of a 6-month multi-entry tourist visa, you can get up to almost 9 months of stay. This visa allows you unlimited entries into Thailand for the duration of the visa validity which is 6 months from the date of issue.
So firstly, you should fly as soon as possible after receiving your visa - the six-month validity of the visa (6 months!) starts on the day it is issued.
When you enter the country you receive a 60-day “admitted stay permit”
These 60 days can be extended by 30 more days on Immigration for 1900.- THB.
But you can also take a trip to a neighboring country before the 60 days are up. And will be stamped upon re-entering, for another 60 days
If you extend your stay by 30 days, you have to leave before the end of the total of 90 days. Either follow up with a longer holiday trip to one of the neighboring countries, or exit, enter the neighbor country, turn around and enter Thailand again (border bounce)
When you re-enter the country, you will receive another 60-day “admitted stay” stamp.
These 60 days can theoretically be extended by 30 days at immigration for 1900.- THB, again
As close as possible to the expiry date of the 6-month validity period of the visa, you do a border run for the last time in order to activate 60 days of stay for the last time. And when you apply for a 30 days extension onto these last 60 days, it means you can theoretically achieve close to a 9 months stay with this visa.
But before you do a joyful Immelman Loop, let’s first check the financial requirement for the application to the multi entry tourist visa
Good Luck!
Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Mitchell *******
Instead of doing border bounces, you might try to actually VISIT another country for a couple weeks. You are trying to live in Thailand on tourist entries. It would also help if you actually travelled around Thailand.
Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
there are no restrictions on the amount of time you can be a tourist. No need whatsoever to visit another country if you don’t want to. Yes- travelling around Thailand ‘helps’. You can use border bounces and/or visas from other countries to facilitate thatMitchell *******
@Todd ********
, I never said there is a restriction on being a tourist. There WILL be an issue if it appears you are trying to stay/live in a country (ie, not being a tourist). Thailand has rules, whether we like them or not.Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
every country has rules. And nobody has to like them. But it’s worth understanding them. There MAY be an issue at some point if your pattern is suggestive of living in the country versus travelling. And each individual circumstance is different. If you are backpacker on your 7th consecutive exemption they are gonna ask questions. But not the same for everyoneReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jan *******
I always wonder - whoever tries to cheat their lives through thai laws - would they accept the same by a few hundred thousand people from other countries coming to their homeland ?
Robert ***********
@Jan ******
Ask any American. We deal with it every day and those people don't bring their own money.John ***********
@Robert **********
but you're talking over 3.8 million and like covid deaths who know what the real number's areRobert ***********
@John **********
Yeah I know. But there is no crisis and "the border is secure".Ya can't make up this BS
John ***********
@Robert **********
no you cant brother, cant fix stupid. Why do you think I'm not there. I can't bear to watch the stupidity anymore 😕Robert ***********
@John **********
I hear ya. 18 months and I am done. Just closing up some loose ends.Reply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Jan *******
@Robert **********
Same here - but we do everything to prevent them from coming or send them home again.but that means in the end - i have to be better and not be like them.
and what’s the problem in getting a 6 month visa ?
Robert ***********
@Jan ******
6 month visa?? What visa gives you 6 months?Todd *********
@Jan ******
what’s the problem in getting a 6 month visa?? There is NO such thing lol.Jan *******
@Todd ********
As far as i know you can simple’s buy an elite visa for a specific time. so that would be the legal version of staying in thailand longer than tourist visa allows right ?Todd *********
@Jan ******
elite visa minimum is 5 years. And starting at 900k baht. So not for everybody. If you want to stay longer than your 60 day TV + 30 day extension, you can simply exit and get a new one. Or re-enter tourist exempt. All very legal.Jan *******
@Todd ********
Legal ? then we have a different view in what is legal and what is not. either you are a tourist - entry free for 30 days - or you stay longer - then you have to pay a fee. with border hopping you avoid taking your part in financing society. i wouldn’t call that “legal” - for me that’s cheating.Todd *********
@Jan ******
umm yes. Legal. Very legal. Yes, we appear to have a different perspective. I understand it and you don’t. Tourists come in many visa varieties in Thailand. Tourist exempt, tourist visa, METV, elite… most of those can also be extended for 30 days more in country. Border bouncing and visa runs are very much part of the fabric or tourism here. And a great revenue generator for the government. People should be happy to support ThailandJan *******
@Todd ********
Iam sure i read somewhere about a one year version … but iam far from being well informed 🙂Reply to
Jan *******
Reply
Rob ******
And people wonder why thailand is tightening visas
Kilie *******
You could try going to Cambodia and applying for another 60 day visa at the embassy.
Graham ******
@Kilie ******
but that doesn't guarantee re-entryTodd *********
@Graham *****
nothing guarantees Re-entry. But a 60 day TV gives you best shotReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Your plan will not work. You CANNOT live in Thailand on short term stays. Sooner rather than later you will be denied entry.
You can try getting a Multiple Entry tourist visa. This visa is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued by the embassy, and every time you enter Thailand while the visa is valid you will be stamped in for 60 days and can apply 1 time for a 30 day extension.
So you can enter Thailand and do 60+30, do a border bounce and get 60+30, then just before the visa expires you can do another border bounce and get 60+30, giving you almost 9 months in Thailand.
After that you are probably going to be questioned if you try re-entering the country without a long term visa as you've already spent 9 months in Thailand as a "tourist"
You might be able to do the METV and then utilize land border bounce agencies to take you to the border and facilitate you getting out and back in for an additional 30+30 days, for the 2 times you can do this in a calendar year.
You can try getting a Multiple Entry tourist visa. This visa is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued by the embassy, and every time you enter Thailand while the visa is valid you will be stamped in for 60 days and can apply 1 time for a 30 day extension.
So you can enter Thailand and do 60+30, do a border bounce and get 60+30, then just before the visa expires you can do another border bounce and get 60+30, giving you almost 9 months in Thailand.
After that you are probably going to be questioned if you try re-entering the country without a long term visa as you've already spent 9 months in Thailand as a "tourist"
You might be able to do the METV and then utilize land border bounce agencies to take you to the border and facilitate you getting out and back in for an additional 30+30 days, for the 2 times you can do this in a calendar year.
Adam *****
METV will give you 9 months if you time it right. Then two border bounces with 30 day extensions. But immigration may begin to question you.
Mitchell *******
And they usually want proof that you need the multi entry 6 months. Otherwise, they will just give you the 60 day tourist visa.
Reply to
Mitchell *******
Reply
Nigel *********
You can try.
Reply to
Nigel *********
Reply
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