What are the best visa options for a Canadian looking to stay in Thailand for 5 months with a trip to Malaysia?

Thailand Visa Retirement Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Visa Rules Expat Guidance

Oct 23, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am looking to be in Thailand about 5 months from Nov. 2022 to April 2023 with a trip to Malaysia about mid Feb for a couple weeks. What's the best option? Canadian and qualify for retirement visa.

1. 45 days on arrival with an extension of 30, leave and repeat the same  or

2.  Retirement visa? But I understand retirement is a single entry?

Thanks for the help

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering options for staying in Thailand for about 5 months, with a trip to Malaysia in between. The suggested options include: 1) Arriving on a 45-day visa exemption with a 30-day extension, repeating this process, or 2) Applying for a retirement visa, which is noted as a single-entry visa, making it less preferable for their travel plans. Comments from the community suggest that the first option is simpler and more economical, while a possible alternative is obtaining a 3-month tourist visa followed by a 30-day extension.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Allan ********

Or get a 3 month tourist visa from your countries Thai consulate pay the 1900 but for 30 day extension then leave and fly back in from KL

2 years ago

Tod *********

For 5 months I wouldn't even waste jumping thru the hoops you need to so you can get on a "retirement visa" 😮 It's just not worth it

Come in on a 45 day visa exempt entry stamp, take your 30 day extension for 1900baht, come back into the country on a new 45 day visa exempt entry stamp (which you have to do before Mar 31st), take that 30 day extension if you need to for 1900baht and that gives you close to 150 days in country

2 years ago

Dan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That was my thought too. How early into the 45 days can one apply for the extension since 45 days will be right around new years. Cheers and thanks!

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Dan ********

, and a few offices accept tourism extension application within the last week of your stamp. Depending on local immigration offices you are applying at.

2 years ago

Graham ******

@Ellie ******

Yes, forgot about Jomtien ;)

2 years ago

Reply to

Graham ******

@Dan ********

Most offices 30 days but a couple allow the extension with 45 days left on your stamp.

2 years ago

Reply to

Graham ******