What is the best way for my family to move to Thailand and secure long-term visas?

Dec 17, 2020
4 years ago
Michael *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
My family and have been in Taiwan since covid hit and we've been looking to move to Thailand. First we were trying to get the special tourist visa (we meet all of the requirements) but since we're not Taiwanese residents, the Thai embassy here won't help us with that and the Thai embassy in the US says we would need to go there in person to get a stamp. Too much of a hassle so we're looking to get a tourist visa and then figure out a way to stay in Thailand. Does anyone have any advice for this? We have 2 kids that go to school so maybe we could switch to an education visa once we're there? Thanks for your help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A family currently in Taiwan is seeking advice on how to move to Thailand amid travel restrictions. Initially considering the Special Tourist Visa (STV) but facing obstacles since they aren't Taiwanese residents, they're now exploring the option of obtaining a regular tourist visa. They inquire about potentially switching to an education visa for their children once in Thailand. Responses suggest applying for single entry tourist visas for the family, which would allow for a 60-day stay with a possible 30-day extension. Additional suggestions include checking services like Thailand Elite for various visa options.
Ronald *****
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Richard *****
Check with Thailand Elite as they have many ways of getting people moving to Thailand .
Tod *********
You are now able to come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry BUT I would say the best way right now would be for ALL of you to get single entry tourist visas, come in get thru quarantine, THEN get your shit together, enroll the kids in school and apply for the ED visas for them, and you guys figure out your long term visa strategy after that.

Coming in on a tourist visa will get you stamped in for 60 days, AND you can extend that for 30 more days as well. If you can't find a long term visa option in that time there's something wrong
Michael *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
great thanks. I think that's the plan but I hesitate to pull the trigger on the cost to just get in the country and quarentine (about $8000 Usd for us) and then get there to find out we can't figure out a longer term solution. I was hoping there would be someone here that could tell me with high amount of certainty that there are some good options
Ray *****
@Michael ****
there would be options 100% sure. Either you would sort it yourself or get an agent to do it for a fee. Always a way
Garrett ***********
The Thai Embassy in the US told you to go in person? Thats odd because they're all closed, you can only mail your documents to them right now.

You might be able to mail your passport to someone in the US, apply for the STV online, and have them mail your passport to the embassy.
Nick *******
well documented on past posts but new people joining all the time -
@Michael ****
the STV will force you all to leave the country to change to a new long stay visa - impossible to convert that one in country. Seems to be aimed specifically for gap year travelers who are happy with 9 months and then go home.
Michael *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
my wife is telling me that the issue was that we get a sticker on our passport to be able to disembark from the US to Thailand but that doesn't work for us since we're in Taiwan.
Tod *********
@Michael ****
and you have emailed the Thailand Trade and Economic Office (there is no thai consulate in Taiwan) and that's where you get visas from there
@https://www.facebo******************
Michael *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
yeah we've been there in person multiple times and have messaged them on Facebook. Everytime they tell us that they're not able to help us with the STV since we're not Taiwan residents. But we'd be able to get a tourist visa from them. I'm not sure why the STV comes with the residents requirement but the tourist visa does not.
Tod *********
@Michael ****
Right DON'T get the STV, get the regular tourist visa
Michael *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
I'll check on this option again just to make sure. Thanks for your advice
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