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What is the best route for an American in Chiang Mai on a 60-day visa looking to stay long-term?

Thailand VisaVisa RulesVisa Exempt EntryDTV VisaLong-term StayChiang MaiExpats in Thailand
Oct 3, 2024
3 months ago
Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all. I am looking for advice about which route to take for my situation. I am an American currently in Chiang Mai on the 60 day entry visa. This is my second time in Thailand this year, first time was in April. I’ve visited Thailand and Chiang Mai many times before, always in good standing and I abide by the rules, etc. I hope to live in Chiang Mai, that is my goal. I have a conference to attend close to the end of my 60 days (just shy/before the deadline by a few days), and the conference is back in the US. I would be gone for about 5-6 days including travel and layovers. I intend to fly right back to Chiang Mai after the conference. I should be able to enter again, presumably with the 60 day arrival visa, then I could apply for the education visa or other visas, correct? Is there a better way to do this? TIA!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is currently in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption and wishes to stay long-term in Chiang Mai. They plan to leave Thailand for a conference and are exploring options for re-entry and obtaining a long-term visa. Community members clarify that the 60-day entry is not a visa and suggest alternatives like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows longer stays. They emphasize the need for proper documentation and advice against frequent border runs, as this could result in denied entry.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Us *****
I would advise you to get the dtv visa. But I would get it asap because the Chinese knows about it now. It is only a matter of time before they abuse it and the program would end.
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
@Us ****
 hi ... I have made numerous border runs from Thailand to Laos and back next day or two. It's been nearly 1 year as a tourist. Lately I've had to fly back into TH (60 tourist VOA). Whatis the DTV Visa? Do I need certain amount of money in USA or Thai Bank?
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bruce ***
 this is a separate topic than the one I have raised. Thanks!
3 months ago
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Cissi *********
@Bruce ***
 please note that there are no such thing as "60 tourist VOA" You are mixing 3 different things up!

1. Visa Exemption

2. Tourist visa

3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

From your text I understand that you mean 60 days Visa Exemption which is NOT a visa. It is a visa-free entry that allow residents from 93 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.

A tourist visa is also for 60 days, but applied for prior to travelling to Thailand.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) is eligible for residents from 31 countries. It is applied for upon arrival and grants a 15 days stay.
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
@Cissi ********
 ah ok...30 day visa extension doing border runs recently changed to 60 days.
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bruce Ki use your own post for this
3 months ago
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Cissi *********
@Bruce ***
 yes!
3 months ago
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Cissi *********
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Bob **********
@Bruce ***
 500,000 baht
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
@Bob *********
 ohh not good

I'll stick with border runs every 60 days
3 months ago
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Us *****
@Bruce ***
 you only get 2 border runs in a calendar year and they are going to deny you soon. Also, if you don't have 500k, you need to go back and make some money. There is something call a career. Take care of it before you have your cake. Thailand is not a place to be without money.
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
@Us ****
 lol you don't know what you are talking about.

I have been staying in Thailand 11 months. I know about 2 land border crossings then by air.

I have done 4 by air.

As for a career .... you are very rude to discuss my personal finances. You don't know anything about me. As for a "career" I have worked more years than you have lived. You need to concern yourself about your career and not be so ignorant and rude about mine.
3 months ago
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Us *****
@Bruce ***
 good luck, I am semi retired in my late 30s. I have been here for 2 years and see people just take the easy way out of life. I just want everyone to make sure they don't have to work hard the 2nd half of their life because they put their career on hold.
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
@Us ****
 Again you are presuming way too much. You don't have nearly enough info to presume why I decided to move to Asia. Fine you're semi-retired at your age ... but you need to mature and loose the pompous attitude.
3 months ago
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Bruce ****
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Ian **********
The 60-day entry is not a visa it is a visa-exempt entry. As you are returning so quickly, I suggest you book an onward flight within the initial 60-day free entry, a hotel booking for the first night and carry 20,000 baht in cash. This is in case you are selected for secondary screening due to repeated entries. You should get a Destination Thailand Visa, which gives you 180-day entry and lasts 5 years. You can book an onward flight for about $14 - there are many websites but the ticket is only valid for 48 hours so book just before you travel.
3 months ago
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SJ *******
You have been many times and not been trapped yet just playing the field…be very careful of going back to the same place as a player.. you may end up going off a roof.

Dont believe me google it.
3 months ago
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John **********
How old are you?
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 I am middle aged, so no where close to retirement age, unfortunately. Can’t get the retirement visas.
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 many thanks! And if not, then next idea is likely ED visa, I imagine.
3 months ago
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John **********
@Chynna ****
 only if you want to actually study. You won't last long on ED if you don't attend classes
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 it really makes no logical sense when people think to obtain visas they have no intention of abiding by. 🥴😂😅

Any recommendations for Thai language schools in Chiang Mai only that folks have found to be good and useful?
3 months ago
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John **********
@Chynna ****
 sorry no recommendations
3 months ago
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John **********
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John **********
@Chynna ****
 then your options are likely restricted to a Thai Privilege visa, or a DTV if you qualify
3 months ago
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John **********
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Helen ********
Look into the DTV.
3 months ago
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Paul *******
Firstly, you do not have a visa of any description. You have a "visa exempt" stamp in your passport which is not a visa. It sounds like you have entered Thailand many times using this method and want to stay lonmg term in the country. The visa exempt entry is intended for tourists and not for long term stay. At some point soon Immigration will deny you entry into Thailand. You need to get a long term visa from outside of Thailand related to the reason for your stay in the country.
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 yes, I just provided the fact that i have visited Thailand many times over the past decade or so for context. I have been contemplating which visa to pursue so that I am able to stay long term in Thailand.
3 months ago
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Chynna *****
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