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What is the best approach to obtain a long-term visa for Thailand: applying from the UK or upon arrival?
visa rulesThailand long-term visaNon-O visavisa application processimmigration adviceexpat visa optionsfinancial requirements for visa extension
Nov 19, 2025
5 months ago
Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, with the new rules coming in this week, I’m not sure how it’s going to impact my future plans. So in the next 1-2 years, I was to get a visa to stay long term. So I guess I have 2 options, 1)arrive and get a 2 monthVOA, and then work with an agent when I’m here to get my LTV, or should I arrange it all when I’m back in UK? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on how to obtain a long-term stay visa for Thailand amidst new rules, debating whether to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or arrange the process while still in the UK. Community responses emphasize the impracticality of a VOA for UK citizens, recommend applying for a Non-O visa before arrival, and discuss the financial requirements involved in visa extensions.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Raymond *********
Both options are valid but if I had to do it all over again, I would choose to get the 90 day Non-O electronically (from Thaï embassy's website). It is à very straight forward process and much less costly. Just make sure you do it about a month before departure (process can take up to 15 days). Once you're in Thaïland you'll be able to open s bank account and transfert the money for your visa extension
John **********
What do you mean by LTV?
Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
long term visa. 😊John **********
@Jonathan *******
I kind of worked that out, but there a huge number for many different reasons. A bit more information would helpJonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I’ll be looking for a one year visa to start, assuming I can extend each year…John **********
@Jonathan *******
but for what purpose? Retirement, work, marriage, other? And how old are you?Reply to
John **********
Reply
Henry *********
There are no 'new rules' if you're getting an O or OA/OX visa before you travel.
Roger **********
Ask AI or call your embassy.. don’t take advice from this group
John *********
@Roger *********
yes us DTV’ers know bugger all, just here for the comments, right off for dinner 😀John **********
@Roger *********
AI is notoriously bad at answering questions on visas exactly because there is so much bad advice out thereStuart ***********
Ask AI?!! Lots of very knowledgeable and helpful people in this group. The important thing is to ask good questions with sufficient background. Then identity who the helpful/knowledgeable people are (start with the moderators, but there are several others too). Block the people that are unhelpful. This is then a great place to get advice.
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Elías ********
VOA are only for 15 days, and you most likely aren't from a elegible country anyways.
Simon *******
As already stated get a 90 day non O in the UK use this visa to open a bank account in Kasikorn bank then pay your 800,000bht into it then get your 1 year extension, or open your account then sort the extension out using an agent who will pay the 800,000bht into your account for a fee.
Stuart ***********
The easy and inexpensive way is to get the correct visa before you travel. The difficult and expensive way is to arrive without a visa, like a lamb to the slaughter. Unsure what recent changes you are talking about, there were some changes to visa exempt entries, but that doesn't seem to affect you. If you mean the stricter banking requirements and if so, that's the reason you definitely need a visa before travelling.
John *********
@Stuart **********
well stated.Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
I do want long term, was just explaining how I think rules have been changed, as another contributor was unaware what changed. So yes, I’m after long term, so I think the one year is a good starting point as this can be requested each year( I believe), thanksStuart ***********
Are you 50+
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
hi, from what I understand, you can get 2 months visa exempt, on arrival, then extend by 30 days. Then, the only extension you can do is get another 7 day extension. That is per year. You can’t do border runs as you used to…John **********
@Jonathan *******
you won't get any further extension, one visa exempt entry one extensionStuart ***********
@Jonathan *******
I thought you wanted a long term visa? Why mess about with border runs and trying to stay without a valid visa? I think this is exactly the reason these rules have been tightened.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Bob **********
You apply for a non-o before you come so you can open a bank account and transfer in 800k baht then apply for an extension
Pete *******
Apply online for the LTR from the UK.
Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
ok I’ll look into it, cheersReply to
Jonathan ********
Reply
Pete *******
Suggest you actually do some research on the subject as VOA for UK passport holders isn’t a thing….
Len *****
@Pete ******
you mean you come to Thailand with just your air ticketLen *****
@Pete ******
correctWayne ********
@Len ****
just your airline ticket you’ll get stamped in for 60 days no visa required. I believe you can extend your 60 day visa exempt for another 30 days making it a total of 90 days.Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Len ****
you need to complete TDAC on line 72 hours before landingReply to
Jonathan ********
Reply
Jonathan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
yes, meant visa exemptRobin *******
@Jonathan *******
he new what you meant and I still say visa on arrival, because I arrive and the immigration office gives me a stamp in my passportReply to
Robin *******
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