What documentation do I need to provide for the STV application in Thailand if I don't have long-term accommodation?

Mar 12, 2021
4 years ago
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there,

For my STV i need a proof of residence or proof of payment (paid in full).

Ofcourse i can book every hotel up front, but it takes away my flexibility to travel around.

How did you guys do this, when you do not own a house or anything, need to show this at your visa application appointment.

Cause a Reservation won't do it i think?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Special Tourist Visa (STV) in Thailand, you need to provide proof of residence or proof of payment for accommodations, which can complicate travel flexibility if you do not own property. Hotel bookings paid in full are typically required, as mere reservations may not suffice. This requirement can limit free movement compared to other visa types such as the non-immigrant O-A, which allows greater flexibility. Many expats navigating the STV process express frustration over this rigidity, suggesting alternatives like single-entry tourist visas or elite visas might be more suitable for those seeking flexible travel.
Andy ******
Adobe Illustrator.
Benjamin ******
@Andy *****
you’ll also need to fake a Tax ID number too. If they are audited, expect a long blacklist.

Plus, you’ll need to continue doing that every 90 days.

Not worth the risk.
Benjamin ******
Sadly, the STV is not a replacement for the multiple entry tourist visa of old. It’s designed for rich people from cold countries who come to Thailand during the winter time. It is difficult to get the extension of stay since the extension requires a prebooked hotel room.

I highly recommend either a single entry tourist visa, or an elite visa.
Stan *******
It's the worst, most expensive, most inflexible visa imaginable! Don't use an STV to get and stay in. Pure crap.
Benjamin ******
@Stan ******
it’s designed for a specific niche of people. It is a badly named visa. It should be called “the snowbird visa”
Joe ***********
There is no valid reason for the scrutiny and limitations about accommodations BUT someone in the Thai Government thought it up... and that is what has to be lived with... Comparison... a person on one year non imm. O-A Visa arrives at the same time as a person on a STV - Both Quarantine... Then the O-A person is free to go any place in Thailand and stay at any hotel, condo, villa etc. No forced prepaid bookings, etc. Reports only every 90 days to immigration as normal. Free to move and relocate register a new address... The STV restrictions accomplish nothing except to discourage people from using it..
Otto *********
The Thai government does not want you to freely travel around...
Steve **********
@Otto ********
between the quarantine, prepay post quarantene, venues closed and record air pollution in the very dangerous zone.....reconsider trip for end of year
Benjamin ******
@Steve *********
record air pollution is only in one place: Chiang Mai.

You also do not need to prepay a hotel or place to stay after quarantine unless you’re on an STV.
Steve **********
@Benjamin *****
chiang mai, chiang rai, mae salong, all of central and northern cities.

Envy you Cha Am, if wern't rooted here would be in Hua Hin, Chon Buri, or Phuket
Otto *********
Folks, you mix up something here:

The govt. wants the MONEY, not the persons...
Benjamin ******
@Otto ********
complete rubbish! The Thai government is encouraging people to travel and to kickstart the domestic tourist industry
Steve **********
@Benjamin *****
Where do You live. Just the opposite !
Benjamin ******
@Steve *********
Thailand. They have the Thai “let’s pay half “ for the hotels, “let’s pay half” for food, stuff like that. There is no permission needed to travel to another city. I live in Kanchanaburi, and I had absolutely zero problems being in Cha Am today.
Steve **********
@Benjamin *****
Have been in Chiangmai 16 years. Hotels have gone out of business, as have restraunts. 5-stars are closed. No outdoor activities on river or trecking as pm 2.5 is running in the 200 to 400 range.

Quarantine is safest place to be.

Yes we got a few domestic tourist, with 50% off, but hotel price already dropped. Once in room, nothing to do. No more sat/ sund markets. Streets and gates sre ghost town.

No work for locals, food lines everywhere,

Talk of Sonkran, but no water........?
Benjamin ******
@Steve *********
never been to Chiang Mai myself. Cha Am/ Hua Hin is normal. I wanted to spend another night here, but all the family friendly hotels are booked already 😞
Steve **********
@Benjamin *****
I would venture they are booked with folks from up in my neck of the woods.
Phill ******
@Otto ********
, utter bullshit .
Will ************
If you extend after 90 days you will have to prove your initial 90 days accommodation and have the next 90 booked
Will ************
Yes STV has more negatives than positives for most people
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
am i correct that when i book a ticket, i need to book the dates within the 60 days?

So it's best to book a flexible ticket, so i can change the date of my flight back after i extended the visa?
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
thank you guys so much for your help.

I alreayd had an appointment at the embassy ob march 23. But now i can cut some things out untill then 😆
Will ************
60 day tourist visa +30 days extension at immigration office
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
this is way easier than the STV indeed haha
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
ah oke 😁
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
so for the first 90 days, i have to prove?

But is a Reservation sufficient as well?

I'm not planning to extend another 90 days.
David *********
@Michael ***
if your not planning to extend another 90 days why did you go through all the hoops to get the stv?
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
because to travel from my country, it's a necessity i believe.

It's either 60 days with a tourist Visa (but i believe from the Netherlands it's not allowed to visit on that visa during the pandemic)

Or 90 days with the STV
Bobby ********
Michael VD. You can get a TR visa in The Netherlands. Maximum 90 days with the extension
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
do you have any idea what the requirements for that are?

Because i cant find it on the site of the embassy
Bobby ********
@Michael ***
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Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
PERIOD OF STAY

Upon arrival, travellers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 60 days.

I dont see the 90 days anywhere?

I can see the visa is valid for 3 months, but you can stay 60 days?
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
thanks man!
Michael ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
oh really? I will check into that 🤣
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