What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6-9 months?

Mar 30, 2021
4 years ago
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello Guys,

Will be traveling to Thailand in April and really confused as to which Visa I should be applying for. I want to stay for a prolonged period and at least 6-9 months if possible. Was thinking about STV, but I am reading mixed experiences which has made me a little skeptical. Here is what I am considering and need some advice:

1. Suppose I enter Thailand on 14th April with STV and I renew on 14th July for another 90 days, can I renew again before 30th September which gives me another 90 days?

2. I enter with TR Visa. I get 60 days, can I extend 30 days and then apply for ED Visa? If (can) I apply for the COVID Extension (if still available) for 60 days, can I then convert it to ED Visa?

3. I enter with Tourist Exemption Visa. I get 45 days, can I extend 30 days and then apply for ED Visa and same as above If (can) I apply for the COVID Extension (if still available) for 60 days, can I then convert it to ED Visa?

Nationality: Indonesian. Flying from Bali-Jakarta, Indonesia.

Thank You for any advice possible! :)

Stay Safe!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on the best visa option for an extended stay in Thailand, considering the STV, TR, and Tourist Exemption Visas, and potential extensions or conversions to an ED Visa. The discussion includes various perspectives and experiences regarding these visa types, emphasizing the importance of duration, renewals, and the process of switching to an ED Visa.
Jim *********
Come on a TR convert to a Non-O
Luis ***********
Will the Tourist Exemption Visa still be 45 days or will is get reduced due the shorter stay in ASQ?
Michael ********
@Luis **********
most probably
Harry ****
@Luis **********
no news came out that it changed due to shorter asq
Inkchaya ******
My friend did TR Visa and then change to Ed Visa. (Option 2). ๐Ÿ™‚
Jeh *****
@Inkchaya *****
Did your friend change to ED Visa recently.. or pre-covid?
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank You! Will apply for TR
Miles ******
Why not just contact the embassy, they oughta know best i presume...
Andy **********
@Wesley *****
most embassies won't comment on immigration policy inside the kingdom, it's not their job. Some like Saigon have websites not updated since 2019 and won't even reply to multiple emails in both English and Thai simply asking what documents are required to apply for a visa. So the Seemingly obvious choice often isn't the most successful unfortunately.
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
so true! I have contacted them multiple times via email and facebook since the past 15 days and there is no reply, which has eventually delayed my trip to Thailand to mid April else i would already be there. I am in Bali at the moment and the consulate here does not entertain us stopping by as they are not issuing any visas. Also the website does not have any information about extensions. Which is why I had to ask here to confirm what is required.
Andy **********
@Nathania *****
hope you get back soon
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
thanks. I hope too.
Michael ********
@Wesley *****
they wont offer advice just your money
Michael ********
I would do option 2 get the TR visa with extension gives you plenty of time to sort out ED visa.
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
thanks so much ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
Michael ********
@Michael *******
and visa exemption will probably change as quarantine time lessens. 15 days was added for quarantine time
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
thanks! sound good.
Phill ******
come in visa exempt and go from there .
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill *****
Thanks for the reply. Can I do the 30-days extension based on Indonesian nationality?
Phill ******
@Nathania *****
, ask you embassy , im not sure .
Nathania ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phill *****
sure. thanks.
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