Answered5 months ago
What are the best visa options for a US citizen currently in Thailand, and how can I apply for them?
Need help/advice on Visa! Urgent!
Currently in Thailand on a visa exemption extension that expires this weekend, and my Bangkok lease ends tomorrow, so I need to decide fast. I am a US passport holder.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to continue my life in Thailand, either in Bangkok or possibly Koh Samui.
Right now I’m choosing between a DTV, tourist visa, or ED visa.
I have enough funds for the DTV, but the upfront costs and agency fees would stretch me pretty thin, so I’m wondering if a tourist or ED visa makes more sense for now.
For anyone who’s done this recently, which nearby country did you apply from, how long did it take, and what was the least stressful option overall? Also open to recommendations for Muay Thai schools or agencies for DTV or ED visas.
Appreciate any advice. Just trying to make the right long-term call without rushing into an expensive mistake.
Thank you! 🙏
Currently in Thailand on a visa exemption extension that expires this weekend, and my Bangkok lease ends tomorrow, so I need to decide fast. I am a US passport holder.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to continue my life in Thailand, either in Bangkok or possibly Koh Samui.
Right now I’m choosing between a DTV, tourist visa, or ED visa.
I have enough funds for the DTV, but the upfront costs and agency fees would stretch me pretty thin, so I’m wondering if a tourist or ED visa makes more sense for now.
For anyone who’s done this recently, which nearby country did you apply from, how long did it take, and what was the least stressful option overall? Also open to recommendations for Muay Thai schools or agencies for DTV or ED visas.
Appreciate any advice. Just trying to make the right long-term call without rushing into an expensive mistake.
Thank you! 🙏
Answer summary
A US citizen currently in Thailand on a visa exemption extension is seeking urgent advice on the best visa options for continuing their stay. They are considering a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), a tourist visa, or an education visa (ED), and are exploring the costs and processes involved. Community members recommend various approaches, including doing a visa run to neighboring countries such as Laos or Vietnam and engaging a visa agent for assistance. Concerns about budgeting for agency fees and the need for a long-term solution are also discussed.
45 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Win ********
DTV. Mine was approved in 7 working days in Manila this month.
Adrian *********
Go to Vietnam or Laos while you figure it out. You may actually change your mind. Both places are very affordable. Malaysia too if you do not drink. Best not to rush things.
Luis ********
OPAdrian Bursill damn thank you so much for answering this because it is what I’m struggling with the most. I don’t drink, I’m a stoner but I understand Thailand is the only country that allows cannabis use. I am okay with not smoking for a period of time. Those are actually the exact countries I am considering going to while I figure it out. I’ve never been to any and do not know much. My main concern is weather and work flow of Thai embassies in these countries. Do you mind telling me about what you know?
Adrian *********
Luis German i sent you a message on messenger to help with finding places to stay
Adrian *********
Luis German Laos will give you a visa on arrival for 40$ for 30 days and you can extend twice for 30 days but will use up two pages of your passport. Malaysia will give you 90 days on arrival with one tiny entry stamp or you can use the electronic gate if you have visited before using your current passport. Both places require online regustration 3 days before arrival but can be done just before you leave.
Both places are great though cjgarettes are way cheaper in Laos. Malaysia is also cheaper than Thailand.
As far as Thai embassies are concerned. I think now everything is done online or by appointment in both places.
Both places are great though cjgarettes are way cheaper in Laos. Malaysia is also cheaper than Thailand.
As far as Thai embassies are concerned. I think now everything is done online or by appointment in both places.
Cui ******
ed visa Just need to pay 50,000 Thai baht 😋go to Chiang Mai 2-3 times a year
Us *****
You waited until the last moment? If I were you, I would do a visa bounce and apply for an ed visa ASAP. It usually take 6 weeks to get approved. Thst would buy you a yesr to get more fund for the dtv. Meanwhile, you better figure out how to make a living
Will ************
Consecutive visa exempt or tourist visas including the METV wont work if you want to stay in Thailand for a longtime. DTV is your best option.
Wegadesk ******
If you’re white. Come home. America needs you. Leave your yellow fever behind!
Luis ********
OPWegadesk Paul Puerto Rican and my skin tone is similar to Thai people, brown power
Wegadesk ******
Luis German welcome home
Bob **********
If paying an agent will stretch you thin what in the world are you doing in Thailand??
Luis ********
OPBob D'Andrea the agent isn’t stretching me thin, it’s all the costs associating with applying for DTV like traveling outside of Thailand to apply and 6 month tuition at a MT school. And being stretched thin does not mean I am at risk for homelessness. It’s called budgeting
Maksym ***********
Luis German still less then ED visa.
Bob **********
Luis German A DTV just do it yourself
Taryn *******
Do NOT go to Cambodia!! It's taken me almost 2 months!
Luis ********
OPDo you mind sending me a PM about your story starting from finding the visa agency to now being in Cambodia waiting for your approval?
Luis ********
OPYou applied may 16th?
Taryn *******
April 16th
Taryn *******
Luis German april 16th.
Luis ********
OPTaryn Taryn damn that’s actually where I’ve been considering going. Did you use an agent?
Taryn *******
Luis German No. I used an agent on Samui before and they did nothing and took my money. I figured I would come here and do it myself. I applied on the 16th and am still waiting. They don't communicate at all. Over emailed and called. Gone to the embassy and all they say is wait! I do not recommend coming here.
Simon *******
In you want to stay long term and you are over 50 get a non O visa then you can extend it to 12 months an agent can sort the whole thing in a few days and you get a bank account as well
Luis ********
OPSimon Adams unfortunately I am not
Simon *******
Luis German DTV it is then
Graeme *******
Continue my life in Thailand maybe you should have put a bit of thought into this a while ago, so you are not really a tourist that's why it is hard for others thanks to people like you.,
Luis ********
OPGraeme Drake sorry we don’t all want to marry a Thai for a visa like people like you
Graeme *******
Luis German I didn't you know f /all. Look at what you wrote.
Dennis *********
Can't do dtv while in Thailand
Talk to a visa agent as you really don't have much time to do anything before you go on overstay
Talk to a visa agent as you really don't have much time to do anything before you go on overstay
Luis ********
OPDennis Starkey I’m aware, thank you
Christopher ***********************
I went to thailand and stay almost 2months then fly out and come back since im visa exempt but since they noticed i keep coming back and repeating that often, they said i should apply for a longer term visa. So i enrolled to a thai school to learn thai. Its good because the school does all the paperworks needed for the ED visa. Good for 11 mos but only need to study 4mos, then planning to apply for another year when my 11 mos expires so i can take the intermediate courses. Very convenient and you just have to appear in immigration to get your visa. Plus, those who have completed their program i know are very fluent and proficient in thai. Check out
**************************
Michael ********
Christopher Michael del Rosario Immigration will talk to you in Thai when you go through the border next time.
Christopher ***********************
Michael Warman พูดภาษาไทย ได้นิดหน่อยแล้วดค่ะ ไม่ยากนะค่ะ
Corny*****
I’d do the multiple entry visa to decide if I want to do the DTV or if your sure you want to stay just do the DTV
Luis ********
OPCornyME123 I will look into it
Sujy *********
Bounce another country, come back by air, and use agent to get in. It will give you a month or two to not be last minute.
Luis ********
OPSujy Sujaree thank you!
Eileen ***********
Sujy Sujaree what do you mean use an agent to get back in?
Brandon ************
@Eileen **********
There are agents that offer "Safe Entry" service, where you give them information about how much time you have spent in Thailand, and your passport information. They send this to immigration contacts they have at the airport, and then give you a price to guarantee your entry. You will send them a photo of what you are wearing when you board your flight to Thailand. Once you arrive you will meet an immigration officer at a pre-determined location in the arrivals area of the airport, and the officer will walk you through the Fast Track area and open up a desk for you, then stamp you into thailand with no questions asked.Eileen ***********
@Brandon ***********
i won’t have it yet. hence border run.Luis ********
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you for thisBrandon ************
@Eileen **********
the LTR visa comes with regular fast track. It's one of the benefits.Eileen ***********
@Brandon ***********
is this what my agent offered that I am working with to get ltr visa. She listed this as an extra service. Or is this different. Thank you.Activity
19 joined19
people
Related
25Can I switch from applying for an EDV to a DTV after my statement at immigration?
540452mo
Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa from Australia with a Work and Holiday visa?
1.5k14132mo
How can I cancel my DTV visa in Thailand?
1.9k17144mo
What are the benefits of applying for the DTV visa from Laos or Vietnam instead of home countries?
1.5k10204mo
What is the cheapest visa option for extending a stay in Thailand for 6 months?
6.4k201596mo
What are the visa options for a UK family wanting to stay in Thailand for 8-12 months without sufficient savings for a DTV visa?
6.8k241606mo
Can I apply for a dependent DTV visa for my baby while traveling to Thailand on a tourist visa?
35127mo
Is it worth using Issa Compass for DTV visa assistance?
1.3k769mo
What are the long-term visa options for a dual citizen planning to stay in Thailand?
5.8k52491y
What should I do if my Non-O visa is expiring and I need to extend my stay in Thailand?
673232y
What visa options are available for expats in Thailand with a company bank account?
778412y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand for 3 months or more without land border runs?
2.5k21122y
What experiences have people had with applying for a spousal visa in Thailand?
72242y
Can I apply for a DTV while holding an ED visa and re-entry permit?
3.3k24322y
Can I get a 7-day visa extension before my flight, and enter Thailand as a tourist later?
988493y
How do I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand if my tourist visa is expiring soon?
1k2163y
Is it possible to stay in Thailand long-term on back-to-back tourist visa extensions?
11.8k821673y
Can I obtain a tourist visa after my non-B visa extension expires on December 6th by making a border run to Laos?
578223y
What is the best visa option for UK citizens planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months?
3.7k31303y
Can I enter Thailand on a visa-free stamp and extend my stay while applying for an ED visa?
2.7k20253y
What are the pros and cons of using a visa agent for a Non-O Marriage Visa in Thailand?
1.7k12124y
What are the experiences and recommendations for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without an attorney?
5.7k46564y
Can my hotel file the TM30 for my tourist visa in Thailand and how do I apply for an extension?
1.1k765y
What are the best options for extending my stay in Thailand on an affordable visa after finishing my Muay Thai edu visa?
1.1k787y
What is the best visa option for a UK passport holder visiting Thailand for 34 days?
3.6k38118y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served