Answered2 years ago
What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?
Greetings everyone.
I’ve been searching online and recently the group since I was just accepted (thank you). It’s a lot of information and I’m beginning to get overwhelmed so I’m looking for a more simplified answer.
I am currently in the U.S. and planning to relocate to Thailand in January. Family and friends think I’m crazy for wanting to leave my government job but I’m following my heart.
I would absolutely love to spend the entire year there but from what I’ve researched, an ED visa is the only way that’s possible. While I’d love to learn the language to be able to communicate with the locals (I will be taking classes on Preply soon), I just really want to immerse myself in the culture and travel.
Longer story short, unfortunately I’ll only be able to stay for 60 days, 90 if I can get an extension. My first question is, would it be better to apply for the tour visa online or take a flight to D.C. and apply there?
Also, is it possible for me to re-enter Thailand after leaving Vietnam?
For the next year, here is my tentative itinerary:
Bangkok (30 days)
Phuket (30 days)
Chiang Mai (30 days / if my extension is approved)
Bali
Philippines
Cambodia
Vietnam
Thank you for reading and many thanks in advance.
I’ve been searching online and recently the group since I was just accepted (thank you). It’s a lot of information and I’m beginning to get overwhelmed so I’m looking for a more simplified answer.
I am currently in the U.S. and planning to relocate to Thailand in January. Family and friends think I’m crazy for wanting to leave my government job but I’m following my heart.
I would absolutely love to spend the entire year there but from what I’ve researched, an ED visa is the only way that’s possible. While I’d love to learn the language to be able to communicate with the locals (I will be taking classes on Preply soon), I just really want to immerse myself in the culture and travel.
Longer story short, unfortunately I’ll only be able to stay for 60 days, 90 if I can get an extension. My first question is, would it be better to apply for the tour visa online or take a flight to D.C. and apply there?
Also, is it possible for me to re-enter Thailand after leaving Vietnam?
For the next year, here is my tentative itinerary:
Bangkok (30 days)
Phuket (30 days)
Chiang Mai (30 days / if my extension is approved)
Bali
Philippines
Cambodia
Vietnam
Thank you for reading and many thanks in advance.
Answer summary
The original poster (OP) is planning to relocate to Thailand in January and is overwhelmed by visa options. They are considering an ED visa for cultural immersion but are also aware that the tourist visa, specifically a multiple entry tourist visa (METV), might be more suitable for maximizing their stay (up to 9 months with border runs). Various commenters advise applying for the METV online rather than in person, discussing the feasibility of extensions and re-entry after travels to nearby countries like Vietnam. They recommend remaining flexible with travel plans to explore Thailand before deciding on a more permanent move.
45 repliesnewest first
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Vijay *****
I suggest that you do not quit your job . APPLY for unpaid leave / Family leave or Medical leave...
Terary **********
I just applied for and received my METV from the Thai Embassy Washington DC.. You can do an evisa - no reason to travel there.
I have been nearly ten years and most of that was on tourist visas. There is no reason you can't stay a year. Once you get here and start to talk to others you'll understand more.
I would recommend applying for an METV, plan to stay 9 months, and leave your plans open-ended from there. I think you will find it makes more sense once your here.
Extensions are almost guaranteed.
I have been nearly ten years and most of that was on tourist visas. There is no reason you can't stay a year. Once you get here and start to talk to others you'll understand more.
I would recommend applying for an METV, plan to stay 9 months, and leave your plans open-ended from there. I think you will find it makes more sense once your here.
Extensions are almost guaranteed.
David ********
Try the METV (Multiple Entry Thailand Visa) It gives 6 months of multiple entries. If plan right you can stay for almost 10 months on it with a couple of border hops.
**********************************************************************************
Andreas *********
@David *******
how would you be issued a METV after you entered by a 30-days visa exempt and extended it by 30 days? You can apply for the METV in your home country only. You can't apply for it in any of Thailand's neighbouring countries, and you can't get it inside ThailandAndreas *********
@David *******
David Walley you should run a count, again. You can only get close to 9 months, not close to 10 months. It's six months visa validity, which gets you "close" to six months or 180 days (you loose the days between issue of the visa and your first entry), so when you do a border run close to the expiry of the validity, you will get another 60 days, which you can extend once for 30 days. Which sums up to a theoretical maximum of 180+60+30 days = 270 days = 9 months. If you try to let it follow by another border run with a 30 days visa exempt entry to reach your alleged 10 months, you will most likey be denied entry. Some Immigrations might not even allow you the last 30 days touristic extension, which would result in "only" close to 8 months
Jai **********
OP@David *******
thank you!David ********
@Nongnuch *******
Well, that goes without saying! “If you try a border bounce right AFTER you have used up the METV to its full extent”! Of course! But if you reenter just before the 6 month entry period is up, there’s no reason it would be denied. With a 30 day visa free entry, then acquiring the METV and good timing, a person can come close to 10 months.
Try this link if it pleases you.
*******************************************************************************************
Nongnuch ********
@David *******
Your link is one of the worst websites. They claim to be an official website of a Thai embassy, which they are not! They write a lot of crap and false information! . . . . . . . . . you can get 8 months out of a METV for sure. However everything from there is not guaranteed. In order to get almost 9 months out of it, you need to be lucky on Immigration to receive one last 30-days extension. And if you try a border bounce right after you have used up the METV to its full extend, you will most definitely be denied entry!
Bonnie *********
Have you visited Asia/Thailand, or is this your first trip?
Jai **********
OP@Bonnie ********
I’ve lived in Asia before but it will be my first trip to Thailand.
Frances ********
Be cautious getting your visa for Vietnam. Check and double check all the data sent back to you. Seems several people have been scammed when checking into the flight by agents discovering problems. Which can be solved right on the spot for $350.
Jai **********
OP@Frances *******
thank you!
Angelo ***********
Before you go an ED visa route, I suggest to consider a _multiple_ _entry_ tourist visa. That would give you via leaving the country and reentering and extensions of stay close to 9month of stay. It should not be a problem to get a second one afterwards, and makes no hassle in simple letting it expire. An ED visa on the other hand needs to be canceled, which means an extra visit at immigrations.
That said, regarding ED visa and my assumption from your photos, you might be interested in Self Defense (as a sport, not out of other reasons) or close combat. In Chiang Mai are several "martial arts" gyms that offer self defense, close combat or martial arts with one year ED visa. I can recommend
EDIT: P.S. perhaps your employer gives you an option for a one year sabbatical - but I guess you considered that already, reading your answers to some comments :P
That said, regarding ED visa and my assumption from your photos, you might be interested in Self Defense (as a sport, not out of other reasons) or close combat. In Chiang Mai are several "martial arts" gyms that offer self defense, close combat or martial arts with one year ED visa. I can recommend
************************************
EDIT: P.S. perhaps your employer gives you an option for a one year sabbatical - but I guess you considered that already, reading your answers to some comments :P
Jai **********
OP@Angelo **********
you’re funny! (your P.S. lol Thank you!!
Don **********
Malaysia
Joseph *********
Hope full the yet to be introduces 60 day exempt will help you.
Jai **********
OP@Henrik ****
thank you, will do!
Henrik *****
Don’t let a 1300 Baht fee, be deciding in how long time to stay in Thailand.
Just apply online for a 60 day tourist visa, which even can be extended with 30 days.
No reason to wait for visa exempt being changed to 60 days, it may never happend.
Just apply online for a 60 day tourist visa, which even can be extended with 30 days.
No reason to wait for visa exempt being changed to 60 days, it may never happend.
Jai **********
OP@Joseph ********
I’m having my first lesson via Prely this weekend. 😊Joseph *********
Phom phud pa sa Thai nid noi
I speak Thai a little
ผมผุดภาษาไทยนิดหนอยครับ
I speak Thai a little
ผมผุดภาษาไทยนิดหนอยครับ
Joseph *********
Learn the language tge Thais will love you more
Joseph *********
@Jai *********
I l I ved in Chiang Mai for 7 years r.pre covid. My body's in Australia my heart is i n. THAILANDJai **********
OPThank you
@Jos***
. 😊
Gordon *******
You ever been to Thailand before?
Serious question.
Educational visa? How old are you?
Serious question.
Educational visa? How old are you?
Jai **********
OP@Angelo **********
oops. Got’cha though. Almost there but not quite.Angelo ***********
@Jai *********
Sorry, but I had to laugh. He probably wanted to hint at a visa based on retirement. For that you need to be 50 (and not necessarily really retired). See my other top level post.Jai **********
OP@Gordon ******
well Mr. “Or following your dick” post liker, no I have not. But my feet aren’t roots so I’m not “planted” anywhere I don’t want to be. I have the freedom and financial means to go where I want. And, my age doesn’t matter in consideration of learning the language, hence the ED visa. Thx.
Joe **********
Just come for an extended holiday first. Thailand isn't what you see in the brochures you can get conned, ripped off, left penniless the list is endless but you need to try it out first!
Jai **********
OPI totally understand
@J**
and I appreciate your advice. That seems to be the consensus so I’ll do that. Again, thank you.Joe **********
@Jai *********
I'm not saying don't come, I lived here for 12 years I'm just saying feel you're way around first and make sure it's right for you also I worked here legally with a work permit so no need for the endless visas you have to do to stay here but good luck!Jai **********
OP@Joe *********
noted, thank you.Henrik *****
Have you ever stayed longer than a couple weeks holiday in Thailand ?
If not, dont burn any bridges, until you have made a testrun, ex 60 day touristvisa + 30 days extension on the budget you will have, if you choose to stay more / longer in the future.
Everyday life may be much different from holiday life.
If not, dont burn any bridges, until you have made a testrun, ex 60 day touristvisa + 30 days extension on the budget you will have, if you choose to stay more / longer in the future.
Everyday life may be much different from holiday life.
Andy **********
@Jai *********
I suppose you have had experience of living in a developing country before (not just a holiday). Not everything is cheaper than the US. Gas is over $4 a gallon. Anything imported is expensive. As someone else said, don't burn your bridges. Another appropriate saying is the grass isn't always greener. Not sure many people want to go to Myanmar at the moment. Visiting is rather different from"relocating" in your original post. Maybe in Florida, relocating means taking a little holiday.Jai **********
OP@An**
I’ve lived abroad before, and have traveled abroad as well, just not Thailand. My decision was based on cost honestly, definitely a lot cheaper than Florida, and the neighboring countries are also places I’ve always wanted to visit so it was a win win for me.Andy **********
@Jai *********
what? Jack in a career based on what you think Thailand might be like? What caused you to make the decision. Try a holiday first. You might not take to the food. Or the toilets.Jai **********
OP@Henrik ****
I’ve actually never been so this will be my first trip. Thank you for the insight.
Steven ***************
Make up your mind.. you want to move here permanently or spend some time here first before deciding? Huge difference between the two regarding rules and visas..
Robert *********
Apply for the( multiple entry! ) tourist visa
Come and go as much as you want and you can extend it up to 9 months .
The other ones you lose when you leave the country .
Come and go as much as you want and you can extend it up to 9 months .
The other ones you lose when you leave the country .
Robert *********
Robert *********
@Jai *********
Koh kood is amazingJai **********
OP@Robert ********
love the info, thank you. And of course I’ll come see you!Robert *********
@Jai *********
i have done it for years .Make sure you have booked transport out of Thailand before the end of your first 60 days .
They can deny you boarding if you don't have it .
Never happened to me ,but I have seen it happen to others .
I highly recommend you fly to Siem reip and see Angkor wat,then overland back.you quite likely won't even be asked .
Come see me in amazing Koh kood lol
Jai **********
OP@Rob***
, much appreciation.
Brandon ************
First of all, you cannot go to any Thai embassy/consulate and apply. All applications are online now, and foreigners are not even allowed on the property anymore.
If you just want to do Thailand and maximize your time there, you could do a multiple entry tourist visa.
This visa is valid to enter Thailand an unlimited number of times for 6 months from the day it is issued by the embassy, and with it you can get almost 9 months in Thailand.
Enter and receive 60 days + 30 day extension. Border bounce to neighboring country and get a new 60 days + 30 day extension. Just before the expiration date on the visa, bounce a final time and get 60 days + 30 day extension. This is almost 9 months. After this you probably will not be able to return as a tourist for at least 6 months or more, or you'll get grilled at the airport and possibly denied entry.
Also you mentioned the extension and if you're approved; 30 day tourism extensions are basically a formality and I've never heard of one being denied.
If you just want to do Thailand and maximize your time there, you could do a multiple entry tourist visa.
This visa is valid to enter Thailand an unlimited number of times for 6 months from the day it is issued by the embassy, and with it you can get almost 9 months in Thailand.
Enter and receive 60 days + 30 day extension. Border bounce to neighboring country and get a new 60 days + 30 day extension. Just before the expiration date on the visa, bounce a final time and get 60 days + 30 day extension. This is almost 9 months. After this you probably will not be able to return as a tourist for at least 6 months or more, or you'll get grilled at the airport and possibly denied entry.
Also you mentioned the extension and if you're approved; 30 day tourism extensions are basically a formality and I've never heard of one being denied.
Jai **********
OPThank you
@Bra****
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