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What are the options for staying in Chiang Mai for 3 to 12 months?

Chiang Mai Visa Options METV Visa Extension Border Run Tourist Visa Newcomers Thailand Immigration

Aug 23, 2017

9 years ago

Colin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For someone new, what's the process to stay in Chiangmai or bail for 3-12 months?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

For newcomers planning to stay in Chiang Mai for an extended period (3-12 months), the main options include obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) which allows for around 270 days in Thailand with the possibility of border runs or visa extensions every 60 days. After 270 days, border runs can be made, but only twice a year for 30 day visa-exempt entries. It's advisable to plan ahead, including securing finances, credit cards, and ensuring that all necessary documents are valid well before arriving in Thailand.

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David ************

If you do plan on moving here think it out totally. Work money transfer options and money flow from US to Thailand, obtain a credit card and backup for when you loose yours, make sure all cards and licenses are not due to expire, have accounts accessible by internet and secure all your passwords. Really just do your homework and think everything out. People come here a lot with no planning and jump on here for advice when they get into trouble for lack of proper planning.

9 years ago

Robert *******

after the 270 days you can do a border run that gives you 30 days which you can extend at Immigration with another 30 days, this can only be done twice a calendar year. Other option is visit nearby country and get new Single Entry tourist visa for 60 days and extend with 30 days at local Immigration.

9 years ago

Barry ******

It's only 6 months but you are granted 60 days every entry which can be extended by another 30 days

9 years ago

Colin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

What happens after 270 days, heard you can just keep doing boarder runs every month?

9 years ago

Fred *********

@Colin ********

Stay home if you do not know what you are getting into.

9 years ago

Colin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

advise for a newcomer to Thailand?

9 years ago

Tod *********

@Colin ********

I'd say start with the 6 month METV because it allows you unlimited travel in&out of the country with every entry getting you stamped in for 60 days for the validity of the visa.

Once you're here and have boots on the ground you can explore other long term visa options, but that'll get you here and buy you enough time to sort out what you wanna do.

9 years ago

Colin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks. Any advise for staying 6-8 months and for a new comer, starting to dig in and plan but any wisdom you can share would be helpful

9 years ago

Tod *********

nope, you can't. In fact you can only do TWO border-bounces for 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year now.

9 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Jacco ***********

In that case, get an METV in the US. Good for about 270 days with either border runs or extensions every 60 days.

9 years ago

Colin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Early 20's USA and haven't arrived yet. Considering making the move in a few months :D

9 years ago

Tod *********

Unless you bought a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you washed up here (which can let you stay about 9 months), you have limited options.

How about stating your age, what country your passport is from and what visa you're on now. That would narrow it down some..

9 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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