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

APEC Business Travel CardDTV VisaRemote Work VisaInvestment VisaLTR VisaVisa Application ProcessLiving in Thailand
Mar 10, 2025
25 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is currently in Thailand using an APEC business travel card but is concerned about the sustainability of their current visa situation. They are considering applying for a DTV visa but face challenges as their employer won't confirm them as a remote worker. Suggestions from others in the community include exploring the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for wealthy citizens and considering applying under the investment company category, but these options have their complications as well.
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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
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
25 days ago
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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.
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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@Greg *******
 Thanks a lot! Very helpful.
25 days ago
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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.
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
25 days ago
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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.
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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'?
25 days ago
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Richard *********
Hi. Dont know about your companies worth but maybe you qualify for the LTR visa? Under the wealthy citizens part

**********************
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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@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.
25 days ago
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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.
25 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
 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.
25 days ago
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Richard *********
@Kool ******
you dont need to buy it anymore. You can qualify for LTR visa
25 days ago
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Richard *********
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Tammi *****
@Richard ********
 LTR looks pretty good!
25 days ago
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Richard *********
@Tammi ****
 yes. Less hassle
25 days ago
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Richard *********
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