What is the best long-term visa option for expats under 50 in Thailand?

Hi Daniel, I read all the other posts and I was surprised nobody mention this easy one.... Last time I tried (=Dec 2021), we can Not get an ED Visa for a Language School or to get a special Muay Thai ED Visa from outside the country, but yet Immigration asks us to leave Thailand to change our Status... Go Figure?!? If you are US citizen, just come here on a Visa Exempt 30 day and go apply for and ED Visa at a language school such as Insight English or others and get a 1 year ED visa. Now, use to be you could Not change your Status from Tourist to ED from inside the country, but read in a post earlier that Immigration have made some accommodations due to Covid, but I would double check on that one by calling one of the Language Schools and talking with a Foreigner for easier exchange. I was told an ED Visa in language school is renewable for up to 3 years , but again check with the Schools. Hope this helps. Cheers!

Non ED

actually om using 90days non o visa base on rising half child but to proceed 1year extension i cant face the 400k in bank acvoint actually and my visa expire on may will know there is any other easoptions to apply for another 1year extension?

If you want to stay without the dramas of border bounces, visa runs, studying, working etc etc the ONLY option for a 30 year old is as

@Michael *******

has said. Elite Visa

Education Visa, can register for a 6 month or 1 year Thai language class. However is best to actually go to the classes, Immigration Officers it is easy for them to test you from time to time.

1. Marry on paper to a Thai and get Non-O

2. Tourist visa (3 mo) then border crossing and re-entry, each time with 3 mo. I did this successfully for over 5 years. Twice land crossing and unlimited fly-in

3. Educational visa, most do Thai language or Muay Thai.

4. Start a company and get business visa

5. Teach English and get visa

There’s not too many options. As Michael said there’s the Elite visa. There’s also options based on employment, volunteering or studying. Each have their own requirements. You’d probably need to research a bit on each option to see if any fit your circumstances.

Elite visa