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What is the best visa option for a Belgian citizen wanting to spend winters in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Long Stay Visa Tourist Visa METV Non-O Visa Visa Requirements for Belgium Retirement Visa Visa Extension Visa Runs

Feb 18, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello,

travelled alot to thailand since 2007. after many visits less then 30 days and a few 60 day stay with the tourist visa I start to think about spending the winters in thailand. I have a compagny in belgium in construction which allows me to be financialy independant during winter. 4 to 5 months between October till march. I m 48 years old. Married in thailand but also divorced again.

I ve been reading alot of postings here and i also checked thai official sites to find out what would be the best visa option to do this but didn't find a case like i m thinking of.

any tips? I am a belgian citizen if thats important. 

TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Belgian citizen, who frequently visits Thailand, is considering spending winters there for 4 to 5 months from October to March. After exploring visa options, suggestions include the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), a 60-day Tourist Visa with a 30-day extension, border bounces, and a Non-O Visa once the individual turns 50. Discussions also mention the Elite Visa for long-term stays and the financial requirements for a retirement visa.

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.

Brown ********

If it's only 5 months a year I'd go setv, 30 day extension, 2 border bounces. You could get the metv but you'll still have to do 2 border bounces. Either will do

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Tom *********

I use a 6 month multiple entry visa and exit every 60 days to winter in Thailand... since 2018.

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Rene ******

60 days touristvisa, 30 days extension, borderbounce with a 30 days exemption entry and then 30 days extension = 5 months

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Bart **************

So next winter when you're 49 is the first we talk about? Then go for the METV. One winter later you'd be 50.

Or indeed get single entry instead, and then get a new TR in Vientiane or just bounce the border.

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Christopher *************

Do you have any children from the marriage?

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Jo *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

no, married for 10 years but never had kids

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Jo *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes i have it but i m officialy divorced in Thailand

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Christopher *************

If you had kids and your name was on the Birth Certificate you could have easily got a Non-Immigrant O visa. Do you still have a copy of your Marriage Certificate?

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Christopher *************

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JD *******

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JD *******

Hello, If You Do Put 800K Into My Bangkok Bank To Get A "Permanent Ret. Visa-- How Long Do I Need To Leave It In B-4- I Can Take It Out ? Also My Philipino Wife 30 Yrs. Old, Can She Also Get A Visa Off That 800 K ? Thanks In Advance For All Serious Replys.

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Mike *********

If finances don’t prohibit then why not do the Elite and come and go as you please. Many years all at once and no worries about bouncing or visa runs. One time get it for 5/ 10 years or however many years.

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Carsten ************

he turns 50 soon. Why wasting that much money on the Elite? That makes no sense!

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Carsten ************

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Carsten ************

Everything said by Jared. With 50 years of age you can go for a non-o.

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Carsten ************

Border bounce with some agency in minivan is a kind of suizid. I recommend a flight to Phnom Penh, Vientiane or any other City in the neighborhood. That's not much more expensive and definitely not wasted money.

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Jo *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Carsten ***********

thanks . With the metv i have to leave the country twice? After 60 days or once if i decide to stay 120 days?

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Bob **********

you can get 9 months 60+30 exit enter 60+30 and before it expires repeat 60+30

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Carsten ************

you leave only once. After first 60 days you go to your local immigration and there you get a 30 day extension. After that 90 days you do a border bounce or visit a neighbour country for a couple of days. Returning you get another 60 days and again a 30 day extension at local immigration.

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Carsten ************

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Jared **********

METV would probably be the best bet, otherwise a TR60 +30 ext, and a border bounce to enter VE 30 +30 would be 150 days

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Bob **********

@Jared *********

this is wrong info you can get almost 9 months out of a METV if done properly

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Jared **********

this is not wrong info and he is not looking for 9 months, he is asking about 4-5 months.

Please learn to read before attempting to correct others

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Jo *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jared *********

true, i dont need 9 months. European spring and summer i will still work in belgium

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Jared **********

i come for 4-5 months in the winter myself and it’s very easy

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Bob **********

@Jared *********

why would he do a bounce for 30 days and pay for an extension 1900 baht when his visa gives him 60 free???

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Jared **********

i gave him his two best options for what he is looking for

A METV

OR

A TR60+30, with a VE for 30+30 for a total of 150 days, which is the amount he is asking about

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Nongnuch ********

@Jared *********

a 60 days visa would still require him to spend 1900.- THB for the 30 days extension. Not one Jota of difference to a multi entry TR visa

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Nongnuch ********

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