What are the current options for obtaining a Non-O Visa in Thailand following the recent changes?

has

1 - get 90 day single entry Non-O visa online from the thai consulate in their country

** come in get 90 days, take one 60 day visit family extension

2 - get 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa online from the thai consulate in their country

** come in get 60 days, take one 30 day extension, exit/re-enter get another 60 days, take one 30 day extension repeat

3 - get NO visa, come in free stamp 60 days, take a 30 day extension, bounce out/back get a new 60 day free stamp entry, take a 30 day extension repeat

4 - get the 5 year DTV <multi-entry Destination Thailand Visa online from the thai consulate in their country

** every time you enter for the next 5 years you get stamped in for 180 days

Those are your choices 🙂 Thanx one and all for the suggestions

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thought I'd let you know I entered on NO single. Called the Phangna immigration office, and was told they will issue 60 day extension, but still need all the same paperwork as the 1 year extension EXCEPT the bank statement. (??????) Or, travel to another consulate, and apply for NO single, or multiple if they offer it. But no information on what consulates might offer such visas. So, have to call each consulate to ask. Also, saw information indicating consulates might be stopping walk up visa services, and doing only Evisa. In my case I'll likely just apply for the 1 year extension as I have everything needed; just don't want to....... Or, leave, and re-enter on 60 day tourist, and extend, leave as needed. Thank you again for your insight.

Tod *********

The ONLY two thai consulates that still sell year-long, multi-entry Non-O visas (where you bounce out and back every 90 days) are the two in Lao (Vientiane and Savannakhet) AND the one in Yangon. They ALL require you show 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name for 2 months before you apply for that visa

At this time those are all "walk up" consulates BUT they all require you book an appt online to get in the gate before you show up there to apply

They are not on the eVisa online system as of yet, AND the second they do go to the eVisa system they will no longer sell the year-long, multi-entry Non-O

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Looks like no "easy" extensions any more. Thank you !!!!!

Reply to

Daniel ***********

Tod *********

makes sense you're getting a 60 day extension based on visiting thai family, so they would probably want the same documentation (other than no proof of funds)

Reply to

Tod *********

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Reply to

Daniel ***********

Tod *********

None of the rules about extensions have changed

You just can't get a year-long multi-entry Non-O visa anymore from a consulate via the eVisa website

So you get a 90 day single entry Non-O come here, get stamped in for 90 days, and you can either extend that one time for 60 days based on visiting thai family at your local immigration office for 1900baht, OR you can apply for a year extension based on marriage by showing 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name for 2 months before you apply

Those are your two choices to 'extend' a 90 day Non-O visa now.

Another option is getting a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa. That visa is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued, each entry is for 60 days, you can get one 30 day extension for 1900baht on each entry, when that runs out you exit/re-enter thailand to get a new 60 day entry stamp.

Another option is seeing as free stamp (visa exempt entry) is for 60 days and you can get a 30 day extension on it too, you could come free stamp, stay 60+30, then bounce out and back to get a new free stamp 60 day entry (which you could extend 30 more days if you wanted to)

You definitely have options to stay the time you want to, you just can't get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa anymore

Michael ******

If I read the OP correctly, it looks like this is a regular occurence. Would the new DTV be an option (assuming the cost and financial requirement aren't an issue)?

Tod *********

@Michael *****

totally would work and gives them a 180 day entry stamp every time they enter thailand for the next 5 years 🙂

Reply to

Tod *********

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your sound advice. Someone else has made those same recommendations. I am hoping to avoid the long process of visiting immigration. One follow up question re: the METV. What is the date of issue ?? Would that be when I enter Thailand, or when it is issued by the consulate ???

Tod *********

the 6 months of the METV starts the day they ISSUE it not the day you arrive here (so get it close to when you come so you don't burn down validity not being here)

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That's what I thought .............. Timing is crucial......Thank you !!!

Daniel ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm thinking the Non O with the 12 month extension, and if we leave I think I need to apply for a re-entry stamp of some sort. The wife says the 6 month METV....... Decisions .....

Tod *********

OR take the path of least resistance 😛 come in free stamp entry for 60 days, take the one 30 day extension you're allowed at the immigration office for 1900baht if you want, bounce out and back to get a NEW 60 day free entry stamp, take the one 30 day extension you're allowed if you want, and/or the one 60 day visit thai family extension

You can do the time you want to be here free stamp & extensions without much trouble at all

Colin *********

that sounds like the easiest way, the 60 day Visa Exempt... If your based not too far from a border to be able to do the 'bounce', or want to take a short holiday to a neighbouring country if you're quite a long way from any borders.

Tod *********

@Colin ********

they said they take short trips to get another 90 day entry before when they had the mulit-Non-O

so getting a 60 day free stamp, then taking a trip and comin' back in free stamp again for 60 more days might work out for you better

Reply to

Tod *********

Nathan ******

1 year multi still available at Ho Chi Minh?

Tod *********

@Nathan *****

Savannakhet and Vientiane are the only two consulates people have reported getting year/multi at with proof of 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply

Nathan ******

thank you