Answereda month ago

What are the current options for obtaining a long-term visa for Thailand for a retired expat?

Visa Types Thailand Visa Non-O Visa Multi-Entry Tourist Visa Expatriates Retirement Visa

Gordon *******

asked Sep 25, 2026

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I'm intending once again to go to Thailand at the end of October until near the end of April next year. I used to get a 1 year multi entry which I believe they no longer do.  I have been told that a 6 months Multi Entry visa would be sufficient for me.  I am retired and over 80 and I have an apartment in Bangkok which I have rented for nearly 10 years.  I have sufficient money so can you foresee any problems which I might encounter before beginning the Visa application. I'm basically not up to date with the current situation. Your help would be greatly appreciated. I actually managed to book my flights today.

Answer summary

A retired expat planning to stay in Thailand from October to April is seeking advice on visa options amidst recent changes in visa regulations. The one-year multi-entry visa is no longer available, but a six-month Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) could be a suitable alternative, allowing for unlimited entries and 60-day stays per entry, with a possible 30-day extension. Several community members have shared their experiences and tips on applying for this visa, including the process for maintaining legal residency during their stay.

9 repliesnewest first

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Stephen *************

6 month METV is easily set up online. Around $400 nzd. It's what I should have done this year. I escape NZ winters and still maintain full pension. Works for me. 😁👍

a month ago

Tod *********

you are correct they haven't offered the one year multi-entry Non-O visa for a few years now (since the eVisa online system started)

You could get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa. That visa would be valid for 6 months from the date of issued, it would be for unlimited entries, every entry would stamp you in for 60 days and you could get one 30 day extension on that at the migration office serving the area where you stay for 1900baht

When that stamp ran out you'd have to exit/re-enter the country to get a new 60 day entry stamp (just like you would do on the year/multi visa you had before which gave you 90 days per stamp)

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a month ago

Gordon *******

Yes it is and hopefully everything will go well. Never had problems before if you give everything they ask for.

a month ago

Kilian ******

@Tod ********

METV is a gamble. Tried that once but was rejected. I just got a 60 day single entry stamp. Good luck.

a month ago

James ********

@Kilian *****

it's Gordon Braid that's applying for the METV multiple entry tourist visa.

a month ago

Gordon *******

@Tod ********

Thanks Tod. I'll start the application in the morning and hopefully there will be no problems.

a month ago

Kilian ******

Gordon Braid If I would be you I would try to get a Non O Retirement Visa.

a month ago

Bob **********

Gordon Braid remember you have to exit and return ever 60-90 days

a month ago

James ********

@Gordon ******

this is a reply from

@Tod ********

which he has posted before re: the METV multiple entry tourist visa.

"People were messaging me asking how you can get 9 months of stay out of a 6 month visa 😕 This is how you

Purchase the 6 month METV from thai consulate in your country as close to your departure date as you can. This is because the visa is valid for entry for 6 months from the date they issue it NOT from the date you first enter thailand

The months in brackets are "TTIC <- total time in country)

* Enter thailand get stamped in for 60 days (2 months)

* take a 30 day extension 1900baht (3 months)

* when that runs out, exit/re-enter thailand get stamped in for 60 days (5 months)

* take the 30 day extension 1900baht (6 months)

* just before the VISA (PDF/Sticker) expires, exit/re-enter thailand to get a FINAL 60 days (8 months)

* take the 30 day extension 1900baht (9 months)

You can also do it without taking the 30 day extensions during the validity of the visa by just bouncing out/back every 60 days. Which ever way you do it the TTIC is the same just under 9 months"

a month ago