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What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after using an APEC business travel card?
APEC Business Travel CardThai visa optionsDTV visaRemote work visaLTR visaInvestment company visaImmigration adviceExpat visa challengesBangkok visa rules
Mar 10, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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?
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?
TLDR : 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.
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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
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERSince 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?
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.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
Thanks a lot! Very helpful.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
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.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous 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?
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.
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.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous 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'?
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'?
Reply to
Anonymous *************
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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
**********************
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.
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.
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.
Richard *********
@Kool ******
you dont need to buy it anymore. You can qualify for LTR visaReply to
Richard *********
Reply
Tammi *****
@Richard ********
LTR looks pretty good!Richard *********
@Tammi ****
yes. Less hassleReply to
Richard *********
Reply
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