Hi, hope everyone is well. Sorry for the long post.
Exploring different visa options and hoping for some advice.
I work and am based in the U.K. however I really enjoying spending a lot of time in Thailand. I am quite lucky with work in that I can do contract work in the U.K. for a month or two and easily save enough money to live in Thailand comfortably for 6months before having to return home for work. This is what I’ve been doing for the last few years. It was great during covid as I could just use the covid extension and return back to work whenever needed.
I returned to Thailand a few weeks ago and immigration asked a lot of questions regarding my activities in Thailand when they saw all the stamps in my passport. I’ve never worked in Thailand or been on overstay or had any ‘illegal’ visas. However, they were still very questioning to the point that I was almost certain I was going to be denied entry. I had a return flight and 20,000 baht and explained to them that I work in the u.k and like to spend a lot of time in Thailand. Eventually they let me in.
Going forward I’d like to find a solution where I can continue to spend maybe 80% of the year in Thailand and also avoid any issues with immigration. As I see it my options are E.D visas or an elite visa. Apparently some Chinese triad leaders got busted a few weeks ago and immigration has thus started a crackdown on ED visas. The prices for them have skyrocketed and as many of the ED visas are somewhat dodgy it doesn’t seem that good long term. The elite visa is 600,000baht for 5 years but after the 5 years you can extend for 15 years for 400,000 baht apparently. To me the elite visa seems like the better option despite it being more expensive?
Just curious if anyone has any other ideas as to visas I could pursue or maybe they have been a similar situation and could give an insight on ED or Elite visas.
Have a great day!
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author seeks advice on visa options for living in Thailand long-term, as they contract work in the UK but enjoy spending significant time in Thailand. They've experienced questioning by immigration due to frequent entries into Thailand and are considering options like an ED visa, which has become more costly and risky, and the Elite visa, which offers a 5-year term for 600,000 baht with a possible extension. The comments provide insights suggesting the Elite visa might be best, caution against illegal ED visas, and mention other routes like obtaining a work visa or retirement visa if eligible.
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