What are the best visa options for someone frequently visiting Thailand while working offshore?

Question

Paul de Groote, a Belgian age 49 .. asked in another post:
He works oil fields offshore...2 months offshore and stays 1 month in Pattaya. He was recently question at BKK airport...as he has many entries using visa exempt arrivals for 30 days for many years.

James Miller... Belgium passport...  but live and work UK

"James Miller what landborders do u recommend,i had 4 entries this year and planning to come back in January?Got questioned few weeks ago in bkk"

Paul de Groote let's ask Tod Daniels and Amornrat Mattioli.... Where are you in Thailand?

"James Miller i am working offshore 2 months on,1 off..i allways stay pattaya,was thinking of elite visa but im 50 in just over a year...so its just getting me thru nxt year really,some say ignore everything and just keep coming in with bisa exempt but reading all this makes me sketchy.."

Paul replied...

"I dont live there,i work offshore 2 months on 1 off and then spend time in los,i ve always done visa exempts without any problems,last time i got questioned but got thru,some people say keep doing what ur doing,as long i have 20k to show and return flight,seamansbook,proof of employment etc   others say no...i dont know what to make of it no more,elite visa no coz i m 50 in just over a year..i legitly just come and stay with my gf on my time off..not living or working..whats best option   go embassy get tourist visa or is this seen same as visa exempt by io.."

Ask Thailand · Answer

Paul de Groote has been living in Pattaya for one month at a time after working two months offshore in the oil fields. Recently questioned at Bangkok airport for frequent visa-exempt entries, he is uncertain about continuing this practice. Other users suggest considering a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to avoid future problems, as frequent visa exemptions may lead to scrutiny at immigration. There's discussion on his eligibility for the Elite Visa as he approaches 50, which he decides against, and shares experiences with other offshore workers in similar situations.

Paul ************ · Answer

That sounds good METV s till i m 50 its gonna have to be   thanks [mention redacted],james Miller and others for trying to help

Tod ********* · Answer

I have friends that live on my Soi who work 28 days on 28 days off rotation and they have been bouncing out and in on 30 day visa exempt entries for years and YEARS here

UNTIL this year when they were called on the carpet EVERY entry, even thought they showed proof of funds, proof of onward travel and proof of lodging.

The ones older than 50 just got "retirement visas" and the ones under 50 got the 6 month METV's .

Barry ******* · Answer

There must be a lot of Oil lads in the same boat on the month on month off rotation.

Amornrat ********** · Answer

get a METV, that is the easiest.

Tod ********* · Answer

Unfortunately the days of bouncing in and out on visa exempt entries to live here (because that's what it looks like to the officers at passport control) are fast coming to an end.

Get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here, that would stamp you in an unlimited number of times during the 6 months it's valid for with every entry getting you stamped in for 60 days. You should be able to get at least a couple valid entries off it.

Even if you have proof of 20K baht in CASH, proof of onward travel within 30 days and proof of lodging I think you're going to eventually get denied entry. It's just a matter of time.

Alan ********** · Answer

Thank you James your a people person.

Paul ************ · Answer

I dont live there,i work offshore 2 months on 1 off and then spend time in los,i ve always done visa exempts without any problems,last time i got questioned but got thru,some people say keep doing what ur doing,as long i have 20k to show and return flight,seamansbook,proof of employment etc   others say no...i dont know what to make of it no more,elite visa no coz i m 50 in just over a year..i legitly just come and stay with my gf on my time off..not living or working..whats best option   go embassy get tourist visa or is this seen same as visa exempt by io..

What are the best visa options for someone frequently visiting Thailand while working offshore?

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