What is the best visa option for a UK couple planning to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Visa Exempt Visa Extension UK Expat Travel to Thailand Immigration Rules

Sep 19, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, 

Please can I have some advice. My boyfriend and I are travelling to Thailand in November, we were planning to stay 3-6 months. We are from the UK. 

After looking into it, we are trying to decide which is best to do 

1. Enter Thailand with the visa exempt for 45 days then get a 30 day extension. Leave Thailand and spend a few nights in Cambodia then go back to Thailand and be visa exempt again for another 45 days then get another extension 

Or

2. Apply for a tourist visa which allows us 60 days, then extend for 30 days. After this, travel to Cambodia for a few nights, then are we allowed back in Thailand on the visa exempt? 

Sorry if that sounds messy, just wondering what to do😊 

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK couple is seeking advice on the best visa option for their 3-6 month stay in Thailand. They consider two plans: entering Thailand on a visa exemption for 45 days, then extending for 30 days, and repeating this after a short trip to Cambodia; or applying for a 60-day tourist visa with a possible 30-day extension before traveling to Cambodia and returning under the visa exemption. Comments suggest both plans could work, with strong recommendations for starting with a 60-day tourist visa for a smoother experience.

Pete *****

Imvho take the 60 day SETV in the UK online, super easy process. Then extend 30 days when here. Do a short trip out and return visa Exempt for 45 days, renew once 30 days. Repeat. Border bounce is fine but become a pain, make plan and enjoy a peaceful 90 days to start. Cost wise, the cost of a trip out and back will be roughly 1900 BAHT anyhow when you think transport, food, bits and bobs, maybe a room for a night or two. Good Luck, enjoy.

2 years ago

Willem ****

I would say. Start with a real visa. 60 days tourist visa. Best opion.

2 years ago

James ********

2 years ago

James ********

Denis SD it's been temporarily discontinued.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

2 years ago

James ********

2 years ago

James ********

Denis SD if you arrive BEFORE October 1... visa exempt entry is 30 days... if you arrive on or after October 1 thru March 31 2023 you get 45 days Visa Exempt entry. Both get one 30 day extension of stay for 1900 Thai baht at the local Thai immigration office.

And if you have any more questions... Please start your own Post. Thank you.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Either plan will work for you...60 days Tourist Visa plus one 30 day extension of stay = 90 days..

Plus one border run reentry visa exempt gets you 45 days plus one 30 day extension of stay = 75 days stay in Thailand.

90 + 75 days = 165 days in Thailand.

OR..

Doing Both as Visa exempt gets you 45 + 30 = 75 days x 2 = 150 days stay in Thailand.

As my Thai friends often say

UP TO YOU whichever choice you choose.

Enjoy Thailand.

2 years ago

Sebastian *******

@James *******

I think "option 2" is easier. Less trouble since you dont have to apply for a visa. Its not that much but it takes some time 🙂

2 years ago

James ********

@Sebastian ******

agreed 👍

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Ben **********