Ask

Answered2 years ago

What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after using an APEC business travel card?

APEC Business Travel Card Thai visa options DTV visa Remote work visa LTR visa Investment company visa

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

asked Mar 10, 2025

2.7k

views

16

replies

1

likes

I am currently 'living' in Bangkok on my APEC business travel card which allows me to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. But I usually have to travel out for business and leave at around 45-60 days mark for about 2 weeks and return back. So far, I haven't had any trouble with the immigration officers. But I reckon I can't continue to do this for long.

Because of this, I am thinking of applying for a DTV visa in Jakarta, Hanoi or Manila. But unfortunately, I can't apply under the remote worker category because my company will not certify in writing that I am allowed to work remotely in case the embassy asks that. 

However I have I am a shareholder and a director of an investment holding company with 2 other business partners. Maybe I can apply on this basis. But I think it will be hard to provide further documents as I don't really receive a salary from that company.

Perhaps I should just go to Jakarta and apply under the soft power category using that 5 year Thai Botany seminars...

Does anyone has any suggestions and what's my best course of action?

Answer summary

The user is currently in Thailand on an APEC business travel card, allowing 90-day stays, but seeks long-term options due to frequent travel requirements. They are considering applying for a DTV visa in Jakarta, Hanoi, or Manila, but face issues with proving their remote work eligibility. Suggestions from the community include applying under the LTR visa for wealthy citizens or creating a letter to support their application as a director. They also consider the suitability of the DTV visa based on advice from previous experiences.

16 repliesnewest first

7

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Greg ********

Greg ********

Under the investment company if you had a letter from yourself as Director to yourself as Employee saying you work remotely it might be possible. Your duties as employee could be signing off on investment strategy and executing transactions remotely? For the 2nd Option it would seem some Embassies have approved thst course and others have denied. Best to check local requirements

1

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Since we are only 2 partners in the investment company, issuing any sort of documents/letters is not an issue at all. We have a formal investment committee of which I am a member. Perhaps it could work. But do you know any similar cases which were approved and from which embassy?

0

Greg ********

Greg ********

Anonymous participant, I only personally know of the UK when pals did it for a building company and rental business. I am sure in your situation, you would qualify in most embassies. Company registration, tax return, letter certifying remote work and no Thai clients or work in Thailand. You should be fine. With this set up, in-country extensions should also be easy. Good luck.

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Thanks a lot! Very helpful.

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

I have been “living” with my APEC card never have issue at airport Bangkok. But last trip Phuket airport started asking questions and brought it up to the supervisor. Supervisor cleared saying APEC card is ok, I cleared but counter staff recommended DTV is more suitable.

1

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Anonymous participant 105 How long have you been 'living' with APEC card for and are you usually staying 80-90 days and returning back in a couple of weeks?

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant May I know how did you guys decide on? Would be very helpful as I’m in the same situation here and been having trouble with the immigration officer for the past few times (which were all ended up cleared with only APEC), but still its annoying and wasting time so I’m considering DTV now because of that.

0

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant Been doing this for about 2 years. I still travel out every 2-3 months anyway. This is why I never consider any visa. Just annoying(mostly time wasting) if they ask questions over immigration counter. I know they are getting very strict in Phuket airport. Never been asked at DMK.

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

Anonymous participant 105

Exactly.. its been so smooth for me so far with APEC that I haven't considered DTV up until now.

Do you return back in a few days/weeks or do you leave for a longer time like a month or so?

They haven't asked any questions to me yet. But they will eventually in future. May I know what kind of questions do they ask and do you carry any documents with you to prove your 'business visit'?

0

Richard *********

Richard *********

Hi. Dont know about your companies worth but maybe you qualify for the LTR visa? Under the wealthy citizens part

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

1

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

@Richard ********

My employment company is big enough but they won't supply any documents required by BOI.

I did consider Wealthy Global Citizen option by making investments in Thai stocks. But unfortunately, they need those investments to be made at least 1 year before the application.

4

Kool *******

Kool *******

Anonymous participant you seem to have money so just buy the Privilege Visa, that used to be called the Elite Visa, from bt600,000 for five years, to bt3million for 20 years, or you could go the actual Investment Visa route through the BOI, still with a minimum bt10million in approved investments, and now does allow approved condo purchases, as part, or all, of the minimum financial requirement.

0

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

OP

While I can afford to buy the Privilege visa, I really don't see much value in it when there is the option for soft power DTV.

I would still prefer LTR visa, specially since one of the main benefit is tax exemption from overseas income.

2

Richard *********

Richard *********

you dont need to buy it anymore. You can qualify for LTR visa

1

Tammi *****

Tammi *****

@Richard ********

LTR looks pretty good!

2

Richard *********

Richard *********

yes. Less hassle

1

Activity

7 joined

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

Anonymous *************

7

people

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

...members

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Conversation Join group

Related

25

What should I do if my DTV application was canceled due to a name error and I'm facing issues with my intended arrival date?

What steps can I take if my DTV visa application was rejected despite meeting all requirements?

What are the best visa options for a US citizen currently in Thailand, and how can I apply for them?

Can my partner apply for a DTV visa through remote work in Thailand?

What are the options for obtaining a visa for moving to Thailand, particularly for expats on a fixed income?

What are the requirements for a DTV visa for a Muay Thai fighter in Thailand?

What are the best visa options for transitioning from a spouse-based visa in Thailand due to relationship issues?

What type of Thai visa should I apply for as a retired expat with health issues?

Can I re-enter Thailand on a DTV if I'm no longer employed?

What is the process for applying for a Thai visa from Yangon for remote workers?

What is the best visa option for a 50-year-old German traveler with a condo in Pattaya making multiple trips to Thailand each year?

What is the best way to apply for a DTV visa while in Thailand?

What are the differences between the "Workcation" and "Soft Power" versions of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

Can I switch to a DTV visa from a retirement visa while in Thailand, and what are the requirements?

Can I apply for a DTV visa from a neighboring country after my 60-day visa exempt period in Thailand?

What visa options are available for expats in Thailand with a company bank account?

What are the visa options for retirees moving to Thailand, specifically regarding the O-A and O visas for a trailing spouse?

What visa options are best for a UK family planning to live in Thailand, especially for a home-schooling setup and Muay Thai training?

What tourist visa options are available for expats frequently visiting Thailand on a UK passport?

What documents are needed for the DTV visa application at the Thai Consulate in Hanoi?

Can I stay in Thailand for more than 90 days without leaving the country?

What are the best visa options for a 6-month stay in Thailand as an EU passport holder?

What are my options for renewing my marriage visa in Thailand after it has expired?

What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand for a US citizen under 50?

What are the best visa options for my family after my work permit in Thailand is canceled?

Resources

Cannabis shops near me Retirement visa extension eSIM for Thailand LTR visa qualification

Need help with 90-day reporting?