What is the best way to stay in Thailand for 12 months: Should we start with a tourist visa or go for an ED visa?

ED Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Thailand Visa Rules Canadian Expats Visa Advice Non-Immigrant Visa

August 8, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

whats the best way of going about this, we want to stay in Thailand for at least 12 months or more, we are looking into ED Visa, is it best to just come in on a tourist single entry and extend the 30 xtra days, or is it 28 days, were from Canada

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best approach for staying in Thailand for 12 months or more could include initially entering the country with a single-entry tourist visa or a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which allows for longer stays. Comments mention the importance of securing a visa from a Thai consulate in Canada to avoid travel issues, especially with airlines requiring proof of onward travel. Additionally, proof of sufficient bank funds is necessary when applying for certain visas, with recommendations of having at least $8,000 CAD. For those considering studying, the ED visa (Education Visa) can be pursued after arriving in Thailand.

Trevor ******

just show proof of exit pqsport photo the paper for the visa 8000$ in bank statement within 2 months of sending in the application and when you apply do it like 2 weeks prior to your trip or you lose days like me I did mine in April and didn't get here till June lol litterly takes them 5 days to have it done and mailed back to you and I was living in rural area in bc

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Col****

, you're going to have far more trouble checking in with your airline comin' here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate before hand because some airlines require proof of onward travel during the 30 days you'd get stamped in for. That's because IF by some reason you were denied entry on a 30 day visa exempt entry the airline would have to lug you back on their dime.

I would say at the very least get a single entry tourist visa from one of the thai consulates in Canada before you wing your way here.

6 years ago

Tod *********

IF you wing your way here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate before hand you will not be entering the country on ANY visa :O

You will be comin' in on what's known as a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp.

6 years ago

Tod *********

Tamara meet the requirements and you shouldn't have any problem getting a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in Austria

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6 years ago

Tamara *****************

@Tod ********

is it easier to get the 60 day from a bordering country vs, say, Vienna Austria where we currently are? (We are US citizens)

6 years ago

Dave **********

But be aware that you can only border bounce twice per calendar year. It is best to get an actual visa from a consulate.

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Col****

^what

@Da**

said ;) You can extend a 30 day visa exempt entry ONCE for 30 days for 1900baht at the immigration office

When that runs out you're done and you either border bounce (go to a border, stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of another country and back into thailand) to get a new 30 day visa exempt entry

OR

You go to a thai consulate in a neighboring country and BUY a tourist visa for thailand.

6 years ago

Dave **********

Yes, for 30 days then you NEED to exit the country and get a new visa or new entry.

6 years ago

Colette ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

am I allowed to extend that 30 day visa exempt

6 years ago

Reply to

Colette ***************

Tod *********

Here's the link to the thai consulate in Vancouver for the single entry tourist visa and the 6-month METV (multi-entry tourist visa)

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6 years ago

Robert *******

For the METV you appy in your country of residence before you make your way to Thailand at the Thai Embassy.

6 years ago

Colette ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

how much do I need in the bank for that? I apply out of the country fr that?

6 years ago

Trevor ******

I needed 8000$ Canadian but I had 10 to be safe

6 years ago

Reply to

Trevor ******

Robert *******

Best option is to get the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, which gives you when correctly used almost 270 days of stay inside Thailand. During that time you can search for a school where you like to go and study, to get later the ED visa

6 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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What are the best visa options for an extended stay in Thailand while planning to travel to neighboring countries?

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