What are the best visa options for spending long periods in Thailand without immigration issues?

Nov 14, 2022
2 years ago
Jonny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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
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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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Jessie *******
I having exactly same

Problem , if anyone knows something let me

Know as well 😅
Jean *******
Or just pay someone to give u a work visa and contract. Every year they renew your work contract.
Cliff *********
Visit Farang Thai Visa Pattaya fb page. She seems reputable and knowledgeable.
Cliff *********
If you are 50+ you can apply for retirement visa.

You look younger in your photo…..5555
Brandon ************
If the price of an ED visa has increased then it's 100% an illegal visa. Schools don't charge for visa they charge tuition and help you get the visa. Anything other than that is basically paying a bribe for a sketchy illegal visa.

For your circumstances it sounds like Elite might be one of the best and only options for long term. Since your work is contract it doesn't seem like you'd be eligible for the LTR Visa.

Your other options include getting a job in Thailand, getting married to a Thai of the opposite sex, or having a half Thai child where you are on the birth certificate.

If you want to discuss the intricacies of an Elite, there's a few Facebook groups dedicated solely to that topic that could probably help you.
Jonny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks for your reply! Yes the ED visas seem very sketchy. I went to 5 different agencies this morning and 3 of them straight up said they couldn’t even do them at the moment. I could reach out to the schools directly but long term if I am to be in Thailand for the next 10 years then I don’t imagine 10 ED visas will look normal to immigration.

No plans to marry or have a baby!

Only other option I can think of is the digital nomad visa but doesn’t even seem like it’s available yet and not sure id qualify.

I’ll have a look at those groups for the elite visa. I’ve heard it has a few nice perks like fast lanes at the airports and a few other things.
Ulrik *********
As Brandon has already told you, it will never be possible to bounce in and out for many years. On ED you are supposed to study, and it will quite hard to come up with a valid reason to the Immigration officers why you are leaving the country for months while you should be attending school. Work
***
/3 extra months, buy the EV and save the headache.
Jonny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ulrik ********
yeah totally agree. I’m in the process now for getting the EV visa. It’s a bit expensive but totally worth it for the peace of mind. Also after the 5 years you can renew the EV visa for another 15 years at a cost of 400,000 baht. Means for 20 years I’m paying 50,000 baht a year which all in all is fair.
Ulrik *********
@Jonny **********
I have been down the sketchy visa road, and it is not enjoyable at all.

A few years ago I ran out of options and bought an EV. Especially during the start of Covid it was a bliss to have, and it gives me peace of mind whenever I go on holiday out of the country and have to reenter. 🙂
Jonny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ulrik ********
exactly what I’m thinking. I have a lot of friends now who are on their 3rd/4th Ed visa in a row and are terrified of being denied entry if they leave Thailand and try to return. EV might be a bit expensive but can’t put a price on peace of mind!
Kool *******
@Jonny **********
you have another option that most aren't even aware of, but it initially costs quite a bit. It is an investment visa. Bt10million invested into approved financial instruments, like bonds, a few stocks, and a condo. The big difference with this visa is the money is put into investments. Many people, when they cash out and leave Thailand make a profit, as the government does not want people with these visas to lose money. It is the only visa you can make a profit on, but, it takes that initial investment. It is the best visa to have.
Brandon ************
@Jonny **********
you definitely wouldn't be able to do 10 years on language school ED for example. But actual degree seeking college classes can go for as long as the program. So if you got an actual degree and then a masters or doctorate you could probably run that for 10 years. Sounds expensive though.
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