Answered3 years ago
What is the best visa option for traveling in Thailand for a year while minimizing future travel hassles?
Just trying to figure out the best plan of action. I want to come to Thailand for a year and then spend the next year travelling throughout Asia. My concern is if I get an education Visa for a year will it affect my travels back into the country for future years. Would it be best to get a METV instead and try to extend? What if I don't get any visas and every month or two I do a border run by plane? I will stay in neighboring country for a few days at least and then cross back is that safer than trying to do land crossings. I understand there is no limit for flying in but then why do people get the METV if they can just leave Thailand and come back normally without it? What happens if you get denied entry are you able to try again the next day or are you banned for a certain amount of days? If crossing into different countries is easier and will save me from future hassles because of obtaining a Ed visa then maybe I should just try that option? I know lots of questions, I appreciate all the help and info in advance 🙏
Answer summary
The individual seeks advice on the best visa option for spending a year in Thailand while intending to travel throughout Asia for another year. They are considering an Education Visa or a METV but are concerned about potential future travel restrictions. Various commenters suggest that while an Education Visa can be beneficial if attending classes, it may come with stricter scrutiny during future entries. The METV is recommended for longer stays up to 9 months, allowing for visa runs and less risk of complications at immigration. The discussion highlights the importance of matching the chosen visa to travel intentions and suggests being cautious with border runs to avoid being flagged by immigration.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Hristo ***********
It's not very possible to get problems with just 1 ed visa, if you go for it just make sure that 1) you will not leave the country 1 year and 2) after the visa expires you will leave the country for at least 2-3 months. However, it's always possible to face some problem with Ed visa, rules are stricter lately, and it's not for free as well, it will cost you probably around 50k thb total for 1 year. Multy entry tourist visa is the best if you can get it.
Rogerio ******
8 years on and off every 3-4 months out of Thailand solely on Tourist Visas (and visa exemptions).
Bangkok/Thailand is an excellent hub to be based out of, and low cost flights all around Asia. The visa "runs" i just use it as an excuse to go travel around all over SEA, and beyond.
Get a METV, come here, and see how you feel - overthinking it a bit with the year plan (then again some people are over planners). Example, to Vietnam, it's $50 usd one way. Very easy to pop out and back in. Go travel and see where you like best.
Bangkok/Thailand is an excellent hub to be based out of, and low cost flights all around Asia. The visa "runs" i just use it as an excuse to go travel around all over SEA, and beyond.
Get a METV, come here, and see how you feel - overthinking it a bit with the year plan (then again some people are over planners). Example, to Vietnam, it's $50 usd one way. Very easy to pop out and back in. Go travel and see where you like best.
Brandon ***********
OP@Rogerio *****
In the application it asks for my accommodations. I was planning on renting something once I have arrived and have a chance to check them out. Do I just book a hotel for a few days or how do I get around that? ThabksBrandon ***********
OP@Rogerio *****
they ask for proof of onward travel for the METV but I'm not too sure where I want to head next and I would like to extend the visa once I'm here. How do I avoid or solve this situation when applying? Thanks for the replyRogerio ******
@Brandon **********
My current METV I was in Portugal, applying online to submit to the embassy in Los Angeles. I bought an onward ticket from US to BKK, and an outward ticket from BKK back to the US. I haven't been to the US in 4 years. Typing this from BKK.
Rogerio ******
@Brandon **********
Depending on your passport you can apply via e-visa online. You just buy a onwardticket.com ticket back to your home country after 60 days. They don't care - it's literally paper pushing. Once you're in country you can leave to wherever.Brandon ***********
OP@Rogerio *****
much appreciated!Charlie ********
Just a thought and maybe not helpful but I’ve been coming to Thailand for two years now. Usually stay two months on visa exempt plus extension sometimes tourist visa ( 2 months plus 30 days extension) when I leave I’m always away for at least 3-6 weeks. Never had an issue coming back and due to having to cut a couple of Thai stays short I’ve entered Thailand 5 times this year by air and never had a problem. So if you plan is to explore Asia and leave and return by air why not use Thailand as a base for 2 or 3 months at a time and visit surrounding countries for a month or two at a time not a few days, then you will look like a traveller / explorer not someone trying to stay long term without the correct visa. Just a though feel free to ignore me but please…keyboard warriors don’t reply to this honest suggestion with banal and insulting posts. Sorry but there are a lot of bored people who live to make a snide remark. 🙏👍
Brandon ***********
OP@Charlie *******
That's definitely something I've been considering. That's why I was wondering if I get denied entry because I may keep some of my belongings in Thailand and would like to retrieve them if possible. If going away for a month or so at a time works, then that would be perfect. I don't necessarily need to stay the whole time in Thailand it is just cheaper to have a base and I love exploring. This post isn't to learn how to stay in Thailand the longest I genuinely want to travel, in the cheapest and most stress free way. Appreciate the info from your personal experience. Enjoy your day!Charlie ********
@Brandon **********
I rent a house in Thailand all year round and have lots of belongings there. I would get a retirement visa but at the moment I need to keep going back to Uk to work.Charlie ********
@Brook *******
yes I know that but I don’t see the point of tying up 800,000 baht in a Thai bank when I’m going backwards and forwards between Uk and Thailand.
Brook ********
@Charlie *******
You can work outside Thailand on a retirement visa.Henrik *****
Education visa is for - - - education! and you have to attend to classes, and after corona, the rules are administrated stricter than before, so get the right visa for the stay in Thailand, without cutting corners of convenience, if wanting to be able to go to Thailand in the future.
Brandon ***********
OP@Henrik ****
I'm very interested in getting educated in Muay Thai or Thai language so that's not the issue. If I pay for an Education Visa I will be using it. My concern is being able to stay in Thailand stress free for about a year at the cheapest cost without hurting my chances of returning in the future.
Colin *********
@Brandon **********
from reading a lot of other posts in this and one other Thailand related Facebook group, I would say that you're "very interested in getting educated in Muay Thai or Thai language", because that's what you've read that others have done that, or suggested that, as a way to stay longer in Thailand than on true Tourist Visas or Visa Exempt. I've been reading in the couple of groups I've followed for almost a year now, that ED Visas are being clamped down on because of misuse, or people who've had one in the past, are heavily scrutinised or refused by Immigration when trying to enter the country as tourists at a later date.Try the METV
Henrik *****
Visa for a year has a lot of requirements, and can not be obtained by everybody.
Start with finding out which visa is available with acceptabel requirements, and adapt the travel to that, instead of doing it the other way around.
Start with finding out which visa is available with acceptabel requirements, and adapt the travel to that, instead of doing it the other way around.
Alistair **********
Get the METV. So there's no limit on visa exempt entries, but it's issued for tourists. It's not designed for living here and that's why you'll encounter issues eventually.
So whilst there's no law, 6 months staying here is a good general guide for when you might encounter issues. Probably some questioning and a warning to get the correct visa or you'll be denied entry next time, rather than being denied straight away. But it's up to the IO, so no guarantees. Land border crossings, with a border run company is the safest method. They will check everything and won't stamp you out unless you will get stamped back in.
So whilst there's no law, 6 months staying here is a good general guide for when you might encounter issues. Probably some questioning and a warning to get the correct visa or you'll be denied entry next time, rather than being denied straight away. But it's up to the IO, so no guarantees. Land border crossings, with a border run company is the safest method. They will check everything and won't stamp you out unless you will get stamped back in.
Grzegorz ***********
There is no written limit on flying in, but if the immigration officer decides you have a pattern of visa runs (and yes, staying 2 months and leaving for a week for a year can be it), they may either deny you entrance or let you in with a warning. If they deny you you can go to another airport and try again, but the record stays and it’s not that likely you will be let in for some time.
Right now there is definitely some tightening in regards to attempts to stay longterm in Thailand, doing a year on visa runs would be too stresful for me.
METV is a good compromise and you can stretch it almost to 9 months. Education visa should be OK if after it you will take longer break from Thailand and come back after a year or so for tourist stuff. Elite visa may be unnobtainable after it too, but it’s not really clear why and how.
Right now there is definitely some tightening in regards to attempts to stay longterm in Thailand, doing a year on visa runs would be too stresful for me.
METV is a good compromise and you can stretch it almost to 9 months. Education visa should be OK if after it you will take longer break from Thailand and come back after a year or so for tourist stuff. Elite visa may be unnobtainable after it too, but it’s not really clear why and how.
Us *****
Yup get the METV which will give you up to 9 months and you don't have to spend a week at immigration extending your visa lol
Felix *******
Not official advice because I don’t know your history, but if you truly are just going to be traveling like u claim, practical advice is to get METV. Stay 8-9 months, do a Tourist visa run and get 2-3 more months. For real travelers, that’s simple and will keep your record straight enough.
Activity
11 joined11
people
Related
25What type of visa should I apply for a 90-day stay in Thailand for tourism after recent rule changes?
1.6k1481mo
What are the new visa rules for Thailand effective September 15, 2026?
29.7k2014822mo
What should I do if I'm denied a visa and need to enter Thailand with an educational visa?
2k644mo
What should I list for accommodation when applying for a DTV visa from the US if I haven't booked a place yet?
585455mo
What is the best time to apply for a visa before my flight to Thailand?
448329mo
How can I apply for a Non-O (marriage) Visa in Thailand if I can't open a bank account?
3.5k29321y
What is the easiest way to get DTV approval through cooking classes in Thailand?
787471y
Can I activate international transfers on my Thai bank account opened with an ED Visa now that I have a DTV Visa?
3.6k30321y
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand as a remote worker for a year?
1.7k11151y
What are the requirements for an American native English speaker to teach in Thailand long-term?
20.5k1612552y
What visa should I use for scuba diving courses in Thailand, and how can I extend my stay legally?
3.3k22282y
Why can't I open a bank account in Thailand with a Workcation DTV?
688362y
What are the steps to apply for a DTV visa via an education visa in Thailand?
1.9k12162y
What is the best visa option for a 3.5 month trip to Thailand?
2.1k17133y
Will my visa history affect my future entry into Thailand on an education visa?
16.8k1212384y
Which Thai embassy outside of Thailand is the easiest for applying for an education visa?
1.2k7114y
What are the best options for a visa run from Chiang Mai, considering the current immigration situation with Myanmar?
7.6k57934y
What is the best visa option for a family moving to Thailand for a year with a child?
1.8k7284y
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for one year if I'm under 50?
11k941145y
Does the departure date need to be exact when applying for a re-entry permit in Thailand?
1.9k1675y
What is the process and timeline for changing a tourist visa to an education visa in Thailand?
2.2k2076y
What are the benefits of using a visa run company for border crossings to Penang, and how does a history of multiple visa stamps affect my entry?
2.2k16217y
What are the best places to convert a student visa in Southeast Asia besides Vientiane?
825547y
What is the procedure for traveling on an education visa in Thailand?
576238y
How can a US citizen stay in Thailand for 2-4 months after using a 30-day visa on arrival?
1.3k879y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served