What are the options for an expat with a complex visa situation in Thailand?

Jan 3, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all and happy 2020

Anyone could help with my situation;

I am a holder of 2 Belgian passports and have been travelling on a tourist visa since 2015 alternating between the passports. I applied for my tourist visa in both Belgium and Malaysia. In average I would stay 6 to 7 months per year.

My purpose;

My European partner has a work permit since 2014 and I try to stay with her during her working- season in Thailand. Spending the other months of the year in Europe.

Last week, I arrived with a new tourist visa, at Krabi airport together with my partner, and had difficulties the officer wrote a note in the system, saying I’m not allowed to come back with a tourist visa.

My question;

Is it possible to do a border run at the end of my tourist visa and get another 30-day stay and how will it influence my future coming back, let’s say BKK, later this year (11/2020) with a new passport and tourist visa?

Do I have a possibility to apply for another type of visa?

Thanks

1,129

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat with dual Belgian passports has been staying in Thailand on a tourist visa for almost seven years, alternating between passports. After a recent arrival, immigration noted that the individual is not allowed to return on a tourist visa. The expat is seeking advice on whether a border run could grant another 30-day stay and what effects this might have on future entries while also asking about other visa options. Responses suggest that partnerships are not considered valid for immigration purposes, and highlight the need for a more appropriate visa, such as a marriage visa, education visa, or multiple entry tourist visa, to legally stay in Thailand.

Robert *******

Time to close it down. Thailand a beautiful independent country. a Country who made Immigration rules. If you like to visit this country you follow their rules.

It is time to learn that the phrase I want is not the way forward in real life, it may helped you to get another cookie in your childhood if you kept on shouting it, but you do not get a visa from Thai Immigration.

5 years ago

Sshane ***********

So if you are not married to a Thai, you do not work here, you do not want to do an education visa, elite visas are too expensive..and for some if they are too young for retirement non O A is it? but you want to be living "as a tourist" what is the option?

5 years ago

Reiner *********

@Sshane **********

no you can stay about 180 days.....like in all other countries...but after that they ask ....or even not let you in

5 years ago

Reply to

Reiner *********

Rusty ****************

I have used two british passports for years on a 30 day tourist, i was in and out total 16 times last year 29th Dec they flagged me at Don muang, i have to get a proper visa, marriage, retirement, or Elite, which is expensive but appears to be the easiest as i am seldom around for 30 days

5 years ago

Robert *******

a Tourist visa is not really the visa to live 7 months a year inside Thailand. You can go for the 6 months valid Multiple Entry Tourist Visa next time you visit Belgium, but it does not guarantee you can easily enter Thailand.

5 years ago

Reiner *********

Forget your idea a passports all is in the computer ! You can do 2 border run plus to extensions per year....but after this 120 days.....all will be a big problem.....go to get a proper visa, like an education visa go learn thai and you will get it may be to 2-3 years

5 years ago

Jean-kristophe ***********

@Reiner ********

2 tourist visa a year...its a new year now does that mean its starts over at 0?

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

I don't think they have a 3 year Thai education visa anymore. I know you can get a 4 year ED visa for studying a bachelors degree

5 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

1. "Partnerships" are not valid relationships for Thai immigration purposes. If you were to marry your partner, on the other hand, you could potentially get a trailing spouse visa.

2. You qualify for two visa exempts by land each year. I highly recommend using a border that does not let you out without letting you back in (i.e. Phu Nam Ron, Kanchanburi/ Htee Kee, Myanmar). Other borders may not let you return. Each 30 day visa exempt can be extended by another 30 days. This will let you stay 120 days in a year (60 days times two).

3. I highly doubt, with your visa history, that you qualify for another tourist visa in any consulates around Thailand. You may be able to get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (good for 6 months) in Perth, however there is no promise you will be allowed to enter.

5 years ago

Mark ***************

You said "highly doubt".

Why would HCMC not give him another visa?

After he could enter by flying to Chiang Mai. As far as I know there are no reports of people being reject with a visa in CNX.

5 years ago

Reply to

Mark ***************

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand with a marriage-based background who frequently travel for work?

43 comments