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What Is the Limit for Staying in Thailand Using the METV Yearly?

METV Visa Rules Immigration Guidelines

Mar 5, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys

Is there a limit of how many months a year you  can stay in Thailand using the METV if you do it year after year. I know you can theoretically stay up to 9 months. 

However what is people’s existence if you do it on a yearly basis? I hear something like they will look at how many days you stay within a year and that unofficial limit is closer to 6 months? 

Could be nice to hear what people have experienced before commenting is closed.

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The multiple entry tourist visa (METV) allows a theoretical maximum stay of 9 months in Thailand per year, but experiences shared by users suggest there may be an unofficial limit of around 6 months. Immigration officers may consider the overall pattern of stays and exits, with the recommendation that one should spend more time outside of Thailand than inside per year. Different methods of entry (air vs. land) and the applicant's history can influence the officer's decision upon arrival.

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The multiple entry tourist visa is designed for people who have longer period off in their home country and like to use this longer period to travel around South East Asia. With the multiple entries during the 6 months you can make Thailand a base and visit other counties.

With the new definition of Tourist and short or longer holiday has changed it is hard to tell what is what. .

Thai Immigration still thinks a tourist is a person who has free time and some savings to spent on a holiday. Then he goes back to his home country and work again to gain income.

If you are a tourist who live all year around in Thailand, there might be a day that Immigration ask how you fund your living and travelling.

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James ********

There is no official # of days allowed to stay/live in Thailand.

If you have a history of entries using various means of entry...visas of different types, exempt visa entries, extensions of stay and border runs...its totally up to the Immigration Officer you see upon arrival.

Flying into Thailand vs land border crossings greater risk for one with extensive history.

Good luck...

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Milan ********

Im here on metv since 2015

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Klaus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for info

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Klaus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

And how many months do you stay per year?

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James ********

and while that's been good for you...recent reports of denied entry from people trying to use METV back to back.

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James ********

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Zorrow ********

Up to the immigration officer no "real" number the rule of thumb is live outside of the Kingdom longer than you are in it per year..

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Klaus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, thanks

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Klaus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah that is why I try to get a feeling about how it is approached in most cases

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Klaus ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nekolas *********

Ok, calendar year or last 12 month? If you know how they approach it?

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Klaus ******

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