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What is the process and requirements for obtaining a METV in Thailand for long-term stays?

METV Visa Thailand Visa Rules Immigration to Thailand Long-term Visa Options Tourism Visa Visa Run Red Flagged Passport

Mar 28, 2025

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

METV Visa Question:

Hi...I'm Ken - a traditional 6 month tourist visitor to Thailand.  Had to pay a 10k bribe to BKK immigration recently to come in from a recent visa run or they would send me back to where I'd come form.  They said they Red Flagged my passport for needing a long-term visa the next time I visit.

- The Retirement Visa doesn't work for me because I'm rather mobile and after getting one I'd be forced to return to TH in person to renew at a certain time each year.

Been looking into the METV....

If I understand it right

- It allows for a 6 month stay.

- I'm allowed to stay the first time 60 days...which can be extended an additional 30 days.

- Then I can return after a visa run and start the process over.

Questions:

- Has anyone in this group ever gotten one of these?

- Do I understand it right?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Ken is seeking advice on the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) after experiencing issues with immigration in Thailand, including being red flagged following a visa run. He understands that the METV allows for a 6-month stay, with an initial 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension, but is unsure about its suitability for his situation. The community responds with insights about the risks of being red flagged, implications of using a tourist visa, and alternatives such as the DTV visa.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Steve *******

Ask in Thailand Visa Advice | DTV | Retirement & More instead.

This group is dedicated to DTVs

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Bob **********

You can get up to 9 months if done right but I believe you have to apply in your home country

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David ********

Don't do multiple, do DTV

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Kool *******

Just because you buy a tourist visa in no guarantee they will let you in.

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James ********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Brandon ************

If you're already flagged in the system, a multiple entry tourist visa still isn't going to do much to help you get in. They've already basically told you they don't consider you a tourist anymore, so coming back with a tourist visa isn't likely to help

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Pascal ***********

@Brandon ***********

don’t agree. I’m in a similar situation where I usually stay about 4-6 months a year in Thailand since 2012.

Before I received my DTV, I was using the METV for several years. And never had a problem with that as you need to prove you have the necessary funds when applying for the METV.

I was too young for the “retirement” visa and I wanted to keep my residency in my home country. So METV was the only option.

But I had never “abused” the visa exemption before.

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Brandon ************

@Pascal **********

your situation has nothing to do with the op. They've ALREADY spent 6 months in Thailand and now want to get an METV and immediately return after they've ALREADY been warned that they need a long term visa.

Not to mention there have been reports of people being pulled out of line and interrogated for trying to enter at the end of their 6 month METV validity after already entering Thailand twice and applying for extension, meaning they've been in Thailand almost 6 months already.

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Brandon ************

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James ********

@Brandon ***********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Bunny *****

Vip entry is only 3000 baht. Lols

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Tim ***********

At BKK airport immigration they took 10k from you to let you in ? On which legal base they did that ?

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Dca *****

Well, this is a DTV E–Visa Centric Facebook Group, and with that 10k Baht already paid, which is nearly the DTV E–Visa Fee, so if you have 500k Baht (or equivalent)+ in a bank account, then perhaps apply for a DTV E–Visa, as it is Multiple Entry for 5 Years vs. just a 6 Month Multiple Entry Tourist E–Visa

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John **********

Yes you understand it but it's purpose is tourism. If you are not using it for that purpose its not going to help, and you will struggle to get it multiple times

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James ********

@John *********

Agreed ✅

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James ********

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Raed ****

Yes it's easy and simple i didn't alot of times but i wasn't red flagged before,,,

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James ********

it's apparent that since July 2024 Thai Immigration Officers are now more strict than before with one's entry into Thailand history along with use of Thai Visas and extensions.

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James ********

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