What are the best visa options for returning to Thailand when your tourist visa expires?

The Non Immigrant ED visa is used to learn and follow classes as set by the agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Royal Thai Immigration Police. Schools who provide documents for students not following classes are not following these rules. Abuse of rules is not a way forward as advice, all goes well till it goes wrong. And when it goes wrong, nobody will stand up to say I gave this advice and will support you.

@Roman *********

Please stop promoting this advice. Thanks.

To my knowledge even Siam Institute is not allowed to stamp a passport with what ever they like.

If he does Thai classes it's beneficial for his business and will only be around 4-8h per week. Not that much.

Also, Siam institute of technology basically gives you a one year extension without having to go to any classes.

this will be a Single Entry Non Immigrant ED visa which gives him only 90 days of stay. Than he need to apply for Extension of Stay at Immigration Office, for that he need to spent time in classrooms, not for going around to set up a business as wanted.

@Mario ***********

As a rule you can only get a 6 month METV from a thai consulate in the country your passport comes from.

You meet the requirements posted for that visa at that thai consulate.

There are some consulates (NONE in S/E Asia) that will issue a 6 month METV to people who don't live in that country and the closest consulates that will do it are the ones in Australia (except for Sydney). Perth is the closest one.

@Mario ***********

did you look at the requirements for it at the consulate in your country?

You will do business with what money?

Yes, it is valid for 6 months and on each entry during these 6 months you get 60 days of stay.