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What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand after an ED visa?
ED VisaDTV VisaNon-O VisaThai Visa OptionsVisa AgenciesLong-term Stay in ThailandWorking in ThailandFinancial Requirements for VisasExpat Life in Thailand
Apr 9, 2026
21 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone, I’m looking for some advice
I’d really like to continue staying in Thailand
long-term, but I’m a bit stuck on what visa options are realistically possible for me right now.
I’ve already been on an ED visa for the past 2 years (through an agency), so I don’t think continuing the same route is a good idea anymore.
I was considering the DTV visa, but I don’t currently meet the financial requirements (not enough funds in my bank account), so I’m not sure if that’s still an option.
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
What visa options would you recommend that are actually doable (and safe) for staying longer in Thailand?
Also, if you’ve had any good (or bad) experiences with visa agencies, I’d really appreciate your insights.
Thank you so much
I’d really like to continue staying in Thailand
long-term, but I’m a bit stuck on what visa options are realistically possible for me right now.
I’ve already been on an ED visa for the past 2 years (through an agency), so I don’t think continuing the same route is a good idea anymore.
I was considering the DTV visa, but I don’t currently meet the financial requirements (not enough funds in my bank account), so I’m not sure if that’s still an option.
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
What visa options would you recommend that are actually doable (and safe) for staying longer in Thailand?
Also, if you’ve had any good (or bad) experiences with visa agencies, I’d really appreciate your insights.
Thank you so much
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author seeks advice on visa options for a long-term stay in Thailand, having previously held an ED visa for two years and considering the DTV visa, which they currently cannot afford. Community members suggest various alternatives, including potentially getting married to a Thai national for a Non-O visa, finding a job for a Non-B visa, or continuing with the ED visa. They also discuss financial requirements for the DTV visa and the necessity of having adequate savings, with some stressing the importance of being financially stable before living abroad.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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IF you’ve been going to classes while on an ED visa, for all of the 2 past years -
getting the 3rd year shouldn’t be an impossible task, even upon re-entry you’d be able to demonstrate strong Thai language skills after the past 2 years.
I’ve got friends and seen people at IO counters when able to converse in Thai be treated much more understandingly (when able to linguistically prove they’ve actually gone to the classes).
If you haven’t though, then best is to go save up $ and the come back with the DTV or get sponsored for a work permit, as the other long term ish visas are even more costly.
Good luck!
getting the 3rd year shouldn’t be an impossible task, even upon re-entry you’d be able to demonstrate strong Thai language skills after the past 2 years.
I’ve got friends and seen people at IO counters when able to converse in Thai be treated much more understandingly (when able to linguistically prove they’ve actually gone to the classes).
If you haven’t though, then best is to go save up $ and the come back with the DTV or get sponsored for a work permit, as the other long term ish visas are even more costly.
Good luck!
Xzeila *******
Anyway you can share the agency you used for your education visa?
SunnyPa********
Just keep getting ED visa
A. ************
Sounds like you need to familiarize yourself with life in places like Vietnam and Cambodia, where unlimited border runs seem to still be possible and getting a work permit also seems to be easier. Both are cheaper than Thailand which could help you get your $$ situation together quicker to meet DTV requirements.
Anonymous ******************
How do you support yourself financially? Currently, why should you be in Thailand? That’s what you need to figure out and apply your visa to. Obviously, if you have any skills your best option is find a job and get a work visa
Lynn *****
Work as a teacher
Sujy *********
If you leave Thailand and try to come back, please use an agent for safe entry, or you will 100% get denied. People in your situation all get denied entry because officers assume that the Ed Visa was part of a scheme where you didn't go to school.
Your best bet if under 50 is to get married to a Thai and use an agent to get Non-O + 1 year extension.
There is no other options for you unless you have the $ for DTV. Everything John mentioned doesn't fit what kind of foreigner you are while in Thailand. You are here to find the cheapest way to stay long term with agent (and without stacking a lot of cash).
Your best bet if under 50 is to get married to a Thai and use an agent to get Non-O + 1 year extension.
There is no other options for you unless you have the $ for DTV. Everything John mentioned doesn't fit what kind of foreigner you are while in Thailand. You are here to find the cheapest way to stay long term with agent (and without stacking a lot of cash).
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sujy ********
I understand your point, thank you very much for your advice.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
John **********
How old are you? If 50+ a Non-O based on retirement. If under 50 get a job and they will provide the paperwork to get a Non-B visa and a work permit
A. ************
@John *********
If he/she can't come up with the 💰for DTV chances a pretty much 100% he/she can't come up with it for a retirement visa.Reply to
A. ************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Hmm if you cannot afford having 500k THB of savings maybe it’s a good idea to reconsider the need to stay in Thailand.
Cui ******
Leave the country and then re-enter, and get a new ED visa
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cui *****
Thank you, I’ve been informed by an agency that the ED visa can only be done up to three times. Recently, there have also been issues with re-entry, so I’m looking for a more stable and secure visa option.Cui ******
匿名互动者 Paid and got it back
Reply to
Cui ******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
If possible for you iwould go for a METV / extend ED until youre able to meet dtv requirements
Robert *******
If you work while being in Thailand there are just a few options.
DTV if you work on-line
Smart Visa
LTR visa
Non Immigrant B visa.
DTV if you work on-line
Smart Visa
LTR visa
Non Immigrant B visa.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
Thank you for your comment and insight.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
You know what visas are available already. DTV is your best bet. If you don’t have enough funds, make enough because there’s no other way unless you get a job there and get a work permit.
Dispossess***********
Anonymous participant 709 Some of you seriously just come here to be dicks.
Anonymous ******************
Dispossessed_flipflop That’s not my purpose. There’s just no special way to have a visa or a shortcut. Calm down.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
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