What are the current visa options for a UK national over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

Question

Hi all, 
A relative is heading over to Thailand early August.
She is:
-Over 50
-UK national
Last year she stayed for 6 months (just under 180 days) and looking at her passport she went out on a TR (60 days) and extended it twice for 60 days each.
She was hoping to do the same this year but I've been looking into it and I suspect that these extensions were allowed due to covid rules and now it appears that there is only the option of a 60 day TR plus 30 day extension whilst there.
Is this correct? It seems fairly clear but I've been a little confused by the latest info coming out regarding extension to the STV.
I've also been looking into applying for a non-O (retirement) as she seems to pass the rules listed but I'm guessing I'm leaving it a little late to get the required docs and approval. 
Thanks for any help.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A UK national over 50 is looking for advice on visa options for a trip to Thailand in August, having previously stayed for 6 months under COVID-related extensions. Questions arise regarding the recent restrictions on such extensions and the feasibility of applying for a Non-O (retirement) visa. Suggestions include opting for a 6-month METV for multiple entries or the STV visa, which allows for an extended stay.

James ******** · Answer

Get the STV visa...gives her up to 9 months stay...3+3+3=9

Ross ********** · Answer

Got it. I wasn't logged in, was just checking from the home page where you don't get those options. I'll have a chat with her as due to her age (>70) she may not want to take a bus/flight to Cambodia/Laos/Malaysia. We'll see.

An interesting point about booking flights though. If I book a 90 day return flight on a 60 day TR I suppose technically the airline could refuse boarding even though it is very likely she'd get the extra 30 days. I wonder how often that happens? Pretty sure she's done this in the past without any issues.

Thanks for your help.

Tod ********* · Answer

she came here on a 60 day tourist visa and got those two 60 day extensions based on covid just like you though. That program will run out July 25th so I wouldn't count on her being able to get it

IF she's not moving here there's very little benefit to hoop jump get the Non-O visa just to stay.

She COULD apply for a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in london with the online eVisa website.

That would give her unlimited entries to the country for the validity of the visa (6 months from the date it's issued) and every entry would be for 60 days. When the 60 days are running out she goes to the border, stamps out of thailand, stamps in and out of another country and then right back into thailand to get another 60 day entry stamp. Doing that she can get almost 9 months of stay out of that visa (in 60 day increments)

What are the current visa options for a UK national over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

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