What are the options for US expats after the STV visa ends in Thailand?

Jan 30, 2021
4 years ago
Amy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am still deciding if my husband and I are going to go for a TR or STV Visa. We are coming from the US and are curious if anyone knows once the STV visa is finished do we have any options to do another visa or what do we do go back out quarantine again if that's still in place and come back in on some other visa? Any help is appreciated Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on the visa options available for US expats considering the STV (Special Tourist Visa) and TR (Tourist Visa) in Thailand. It outlines that the STV can only be extended twice for a maximum of 270 days and cannot be converted to another visa; upon expiration, holders must exit Thailand. In contrast, the TR visa allows an initial stay of 60 days, extendable for another 30 days, and can be converted to another visa without leaving the country. Alternatives like the OA Retirement Visa for those over 50 and a tourist visa exemption are also suggested for longer stays.
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  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Terary **********
I do a questionable Volunteer visa. Mine was a bit costly, others have done it cheaper.
Garrett ***********
@Ter***
While normally I'm against the corrupt visa stuff, I'd probably do the volunteer visa route over the STV too. The STV is a joke.
Christ *******
Just enter on the 45 day exemption, you can then extend that by another 30 days, then change to a different 12 month visa
Steve *******
@Chris ******
No 12 month visas in country, only 1 year extentions of stay.
Amy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
an isn't there is a 1 year retirement Visa called a non- immigrant OA
Christ *******
@Steve ******
I mean change to a Non O then 12 month extension of it
Prieto ****
@Chris ******
there is no 12 months visa afaik
Kool *******
The terms of the 90 day STV visa is that it can only be extended twice, for a 270 day total, and can not be changed into any other visa, or visa extension, and at which time you must leave Thailand. The regular single entry tourist visa, the TR visa for 60 days, can be extended just once for another 30 days, but, it can be changed into another visa/extension if you meet all the requirements for that particular extension, without leaving the country. If you are planning on staying longer, and are over 50 years old, and can meet the financial requirements, just come in on a type OA retirement visa. It can be extended yearly inside the country, if you meet the financial requirements. That is your best bet if you are over 50 years old.
Katie *******
@Kool ******
if you come in on a TR Visa can it be changed to a Non B without leaving Thailand?
Terence *******
@Kool ******
I am 51 year old. May I just change from TR Visa to Retirement Visa, or I will need to get a 30 day extension first before changing to Retirement Visa?
Kool *******
@Terence ******
be aware that you must have bt800,000 in a Thai bank account in your name for at least two months before you apply, and then three months after, and keep at least bt400,000 in the account for the full year. The TR visa, without the 30 day extension will not allow you to meet this full two month financial requirement.
Terence *******
Yes, I meet the financial requirement. Can I just skip the 30 day extension, and change directly from my TR visa to Retirement Visa in Bangkok? Thanks
Kool *******
@Terence ******
if you have had at least bt800,000 in a Thai bank account in your name only for no less than two months, then contact immigration, as there are a few other requirements. Get letters from your bank, on bank letterhead, verifying you have an account with them, and another letter verifying your deposits, and current balance. Get copies of your bank book, updated the day you go to immigration, and take the letters from your bank, the copies of your updated bank book, and your bank book, to immigration and apply. You might also need a form from the police showing you have no criminal record, but not all immigration offices are sticklers on this part. Immigration will tell you anything else they need
Terence *******
@Kool ******
๐Ÿ™
Amy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
okay great just needed clarification!
Hettie *******
What is the STV visa or TR visa?
Kool *******
@Hettie ******
Special Tourist Visa, and single entry Tourist Visa.
Hettie *******
@Kool ******
AO visa while you are in the US? We are planning on getting AO before leaving US...elite visa another option but expensive...
Kool *******
@Hettie ******
you can get the OA retirement visa in the US if you qualify, and that is best to do.
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