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What is the best hassle-free and cost-efficient multi-entry visa option for a one-year stay in Thailand?

Thai Visa Multi-entry Visa ED Visa SETV METV ELITE Visa Retirement Visa Visa Options for Expats

Jun 26, 2025

a day ago

Infinity ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good evening! What type of multi-entry Visa (other than DTV) is fast (hassle free) and cost efficient for those who intend to stay up to 1 year in thailand.?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

In response to the question regarding hassle-free and cost-efficient multi-entry visas for a one-year stay in Thailand, multiple options were discussed. The ED (Education) visa was highlighted as a popular choice, allowing one to stay for a year while learning Thai, although it involves course fees. The SETV (Single-Entry Tourist Visa) and METV (Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa) were also suggested, with the potential for renewal. For those over 50, retirement visas were mentioned, while those under 50 could consider the ELITE visa. Concerns about obtaining multi-entry permits while on an ED visa were raised, emphasizing the importance of genuine class attendance.

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Peter ********

ED visa, ELITE visa, Marriage visa

a day ago

Brian *********

I had a good experience using the ED visa. If you want to stay for a year then learning some Thai language is useful. The school gave plenty of help with visa, renewals and reminder about 90 reports. They provided paperwork which let me open a bank account with no problems. Even if you want to travel around online classes were an option. You need to pay for re-entry permits but this is not too expensive.

a day ago

Dnatjugweme ************

Not sure if SETV are still issued, and they were not exactly hassle-free, if memory serves. Personally, I'd go for an ED visa, but you'd need to study Thai (or another language), and it's not exactly cost-efficient since you have to pay for the courses. However: No need to leave Thailand for a year, one can *theoretically* open a bank account, the school handles extensions, etc.

a day ago

Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

SETV - of course they are. Do you mean METV? They are more likely to be issued in your home country or country of residence. Like any visa no hassle if you qualify. People are going to apply for bthese as getting hassle for Visa Exempt - many of the "month on month" (FIFO) off guys coming in on Visa Exempt are getting questioned recently

a day ago

Dnatjugweme ************

@Greg *******

Wondering how they were called now, not sure anymore, maybe STV. Those were special tourist visas that were a pain to apply for (high financial requirements, etc.). They were made available a bit before covid, I think. One could stay for 1 year in Thailand, if memory serves.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Dnatjugweme ************

Note: Attending is required though. Otherwise they may not approve your next 3-month extension...

a day ago

Reply to

Dnatjugweme ************

John **********

If your over 50 then one of the retirement visas. If you're under 50 then the elite visa

a day ago

Infinity ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

if im not mistaken elite Visa cost almost 1M baht...,

a day ago

Anonymous ******************

@Infinity *****

650k

21 hours ago

John **********

@Infinity *****

don't think its quite that expensive

a day ago

Reply to

John **********

Greg ********

If under 50 then Ed with a multi re-entry permit. Having said that the multi-entry might be an obstacle as you are meant to be attending classes 🙂 Maybe a METV then renew or a SETV - that would get you almost a year.

a day ago

Dnatjugweme ************

@Greg *******

I'm not sure, but I don't think they would be reluctant to issue a multiple re-entry permit to a non-imm ED language student. Exiting Thailand and returning does not necessarily mean that you spend a lot of time outside Thailand.

a day ago

Greg ********

@Dnatjugweme ***********

Have a look at previous posts in other groups. In and out often on Ed is likely to attract attention to yourself. More likely to be questioned about attendance and progress.

a day ago

Dnatjugweme ************

@Greg *******

OK, I did not know. But I guess it's not an issue if one attends classes and studies genuinely.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Dnatjugweme ************

What are the long-term visa options for a dual citizen planning to stay in Thailand?

52 comments

13 days ago

What are the options for long-term visas in Thailand that do not require exiting the country?

55 comments