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What are the legal options for a Latvian passport holder looking to live in Thailand for 1-2 years?

Thai visa options Latvian passport holder visa extension Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Single Entry Tourist Visa Thai Elite Visa Non-immigrant visa options Thai immigration rules

Jul 17, 2018

6 years ago

Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I need your help. I've read so much about visas and feel desperate. I have passport of Latvia. I can get 15 days on arrival which I can't even prolong, but I want to live in Thailand 1-2 years. How to do it legally?? I am 46, Latvian, not retired, no business owner, didn't plan to study or work. I sold my house therefore I have money on account for just living. What are my options??

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Latvian passport holder seeking to live in Thailand for 1-2 years legally has several options. They can explore the possibility of obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which might require financial documentation. Alternatively, they could start with a Single Entry Tourist Visa, allowing for a 60-day stay with a potential 30-day extension, though they will need to exit Thailand periodically to renew it. The Thai Elite Visa, while offering a long-term stay, requires a substantial upfront payment of $15,000. It is recommended to confirm these options with the Thai consulate.

Tod *********

Unfortunately

you have limited options. :/ I'd say contact the thai consulate in Sweden and CHECK with them whether you can or can't get a 6 month METV. Most consulates are more concerned about the financial requirements (no matter what's written on their website).

If you can't get that you could do a single entry tourist visa from there before you came here. You could also go to thai consulates in nearby countries and get single entry tourist visas from them as well because Latvia is not on the list of countries that can't use them.

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Tony *********

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

, this pattern doesn't work for me. I can't just do border runs as I get 15 days on arrival and can prolong for 7 days, not 30 :( I understand the best option for me is official SETV for 2 months and hopefully I will be able to prolong it to one more month (not just 7 days). And then again SETV.

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Eva ***********

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thai Elite Visa is a nice option but requires to pay the full five year fee $15k upfront... omg, it's real money. Of course traveling every 3 months and prolonging visa for the third month, also cost money. Maybe in 5 years period it is more or less the same 15k. I wish they had elite visa for one year..

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Aanuchsara ******

Elite visa you can change the owner ship one time. For example if you just want to stay in Thailand only 1-2 year but elite visa minimum is 5 years you can sell to another person. Talk more detail with them.

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Robert ********

Very true Eva...IF you were committed to 4 or 5 years here, I would have recommended it for the added perks, convenience and the services the Elite offices extend to members....but not for just 1 or 2 years. As Robert mentioned above, the SETV is likely your best option. Good luck whatever you decide :-)

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I agree, it is too pricey. Last 3 years I stayed in Nicaragua, we paid 17$ a month when prolonging visas. Investor's visa requires to invest $30k. Now it seams like paradise.

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Robert ********

Eva, IF you only plan on staying in Thailand for 1 or 2 years, I do not think the Elite visa is a good option, as the minimum membership period is 5 years for Bt. 500,000. That costs about Bt. 270 per day for 5 years.

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Robert ********

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Robert *******

Than your only option is the Single Entry Tourist Visa, which gives you 60 days of stay, Extension of Stay for 30 days (1.900 Thb), travel to neighbor country apply for new Single Entry Tourist Visa and so on.

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Tod *********

For people who get a 15 day visa on arrival even if they get a tourist visa from their country (or the thai consulate that serves their country) before they come here they can't get a 30 day extension on a single entry tourist visa entry only a 7 day get out of thailand stamp.

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Robert *******

You buy a visa for Thailand at a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry for naive question, but when I go to other country after 90 days to get a new single visa, can I do it in any neighbor country in Thai embassy (?) or I need to look for closest Latvia embassy?

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Robert *******

But to be sure, wait for our database of knowledge

.

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James ********

Be sure the airline allows you to fly to Thailand without proof of return ticket.

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Robert *******

This is as far as I know the only official rule: A 60 day Tourist Visa (every entry) and, since 29.8.2014, also the 30 day visa exempt stamp, will be extended for 30 days at Thai Immigration, THB 1,900.-.

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Are you sure I can get extension 30 days? In one of official articles I've seen it is only 7 days. Very confusing.

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Eva ***********

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I can't easily get METV or not to get at all. They say: "In case of unemployment, you are not eligible to apply for this visa."

This is my case actually, I don't fit in other categories, therefore look like unemployed or maybe even homeless.

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Robert *******

Here you find the information:

**************************************

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James ********

Can you obtain a METV in Latvia before arrival?

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James ********

Ching Chang Doesnt require 6 mths merely current balance. Employer letter, be creative if you have to, be employed by someone doing contract work and you have a job to come back to. Stop saying no to people and offer potential solutions.

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Eva ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We can get Thai visas only in Sweden, but I will check about METV.

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Eva ***********

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Robert *******

Enter Thailand on a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, which give you almost 270 days of stay if correct used, after that Single Entry tourist visa and Extension of Stay. Or as mentioned the Thai Elite Visa.

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Nikit ********

, can you advice her on this?

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

buy Elite Visa , or study something and get ED Visa

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

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