Answered7 years ago
What Are the Options for Long-Term Stay in Thailand for South Korean Passport Holders?
Is there anyone here with a South Korean passport that I could ask some questions to? Thanks
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around a South Korean passport holder facing scrutiny from immigration over their frequent entries to Thailand. Users provided insights on maintaining legal residency versus being categorized as a tourist. Recommendations included obtaining proper visas such as Non-O based on children's education (ED visa) and potential long-term options like the Thai Elite Visa. Participants expressed the confusion surrounding immigration laws and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines to avoid future issues.
17 repliesnewest first
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Tod *********
and I think this is just going around in circles. Good Luck to the O/P and their children.
Benjamin ******
Get the right visa for your stay. You're not married, but have children. I'm assuming they are NOT half-Thai.
1. Are your children studying in Thailand at a Thai school? If they are, then they should get an ED visa. You, as their mother, can get a Non-O to stay with them.
2. Do you have a job in Thailand? If you do, you can get a Non-B visa.
3. If you and your "partner" feel comfortable, marry him, and get a trailing spouse visa.
4. Getting an elite visa is an option (assuming you don't have any overstays).
What's the cutoff point between "tourist" and "living here on a tourist visa"? It's whatever the immigration officer believes. If you're having to ask yourself "am I a tourist", you probably aren't. This isn't America, where you can look at a calendar and there's a firm cutoff from "tourist" and "living here".
1. Are your children studying in Thailand at a Thai school? If they are, then they should get an ED visa. You, as their mother, can get a Non-O to stay with them.
2. Do you have a job in Thailand? If you do, you can get a Non-B visa.
3. If you and your "partner" feel comfortable, marry him, and get a trailing spouse visa.
4. Getting an elite visa is an option (assuming you don't have any overstays).
What's the cutoff point between "tourist" and "living here on a tourist visa"? It's whatever the immigration officer believes. If you're having to ask yourself "am I a tourist", you probably aren't. This isn't America, where you can look at a calendar and there's a firm cutoff from "tourist" and "living here".
Jinza ****
OP@Benjamin *****
thanks for your options. Yes, I agree. I’m not really a tourist anymore as I’m trying to find ways to stay here long-term. And America is not the only country where it’s very clear what the boundaries are between staying and going. Interesting enough, of all the countries I’ve stayed, Thailand has the loosest definition of “tourist stay” as there is no stipulation of how often or not those 90-day entries can happen within a calendar year. Definitely a new hurdle for us. Thanks again for your suggestions.Robert *******
Get your children on an international school with the Non Immigrant ED visa and you can get the Non Immigrant O visa based on being their parent, OR get the Non Immigrant B visa and Work Permit so you can work legal inside Thailand. Or go for the Thai Elite VIsa, there are different options to stay long time on a better visa
Sven ********
My point exactly
Sven ********
I think my point is this Robert. Someone like you, is incredibly knowledgeable on all subjects related to these matters. And your wisdom is truly admired and closely followed. But.....where can one download these visa/immigration laws , in black and white, purely applied? It is of such uncertainty to the average person, that makes one think twice, about the hassle of it all. That being said. Perseverance in Thailand, achieves your goal,and I love it for that. Thank you for your incredible work !!!
Jinza ****
OP@Robert ******
I understand your point. But as laws go, where is the point where it’s objective/subjective? The law clearly states that I am allowed to enter Thailand 90 days visa-free on my passport. There is no stipulation of how many times year or 90-days within a 180-day period like the Schengen area, etc. So it is quite confusing as I am not breaking any laws.Sven ********
@Robert ******
“Can I visit, cant I visit” confusion, coupled with the strong baht, is becoming such a negative to Thai tourism. Your thoughts on this statement Robert.Jinza ****
OPThanks! I will look into those options.
Robert *******
Not sure if your excuse is what you really did, but sending your children on a different flight and hoping that you can use this as excuse to avoid being denied entry, seems to me you are well known of the risks you take with abusing the system. I would say, if your kids story is true, stop with this kind of activities and get yourself and your children legal in Thailand or choose another place where you can live a legal life.
Jinza ****
OP@Robert ******
also, I’m looking for ways I can stay here long term legally as my life partner got a job here so we don’t want to break the family up geographically.Jinza ****
OP@Robert ******
, no I didn’t send them separately on purpose. I just used my miles on one airline and they flew on the cheapest flights so just happened that way this time. We usually all fly together.Robert *******
a Very good question as there is no definition of what is a tourist. The only thing what comes back in every description of a tourist is a person who leaves the residency for pleasure, culture or what ever, And seeing you are living inside Bangkok, the Immigration Officers do not really believe you are a tourist.
Jinza ****
OPI was questioned by immigration yesterday when entering Thailand. I first came to Thailand in mid-Feb, left in mid-April, then back in may for a bit, then left a few weeks later and was out in June, returned in July until October. Left mid-October and just came back yesterday. You get the picture. I’m never here more than 2 months at a time and out for 1-2 months in between. She kept saying I’ve stayed through my entire visa-free period too many times, but I’ve actually never stayed my full 90 days. She says this is excessive and I’m abusing the system. So I’m wondering what amount of time is not excessive and not considered abusing my tourist status? The only reason she let me enter is because I said my kids flew in on a separate airline and was waiting for me in the airport.
Rowan *********
Sorry to hear your bad experience. Unfortunately there has been a massive crack down on people visiting here on a regular basis, specifically those who are on Tourist visas, ED visas, and visa exemptions...
Unfortunately there is not an official set limit, but rather down to what the immigration officer thinks.
Unfortunately there is not an official set limit, but rather down to what the immigration officer thinks.
Robert *******
you may just ask the question, many times people do remember certain things or even use the search option to find what you are looking for
Janos **********
Robert Lagas when u say search option...where exactly can I find it?
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