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What type of visa should I apply for if I want to stay in Thailand for a year without working?

Thailand VisaNon-Immigrant VisaED VisaDTV VisaTourist VisaExpat Life in ThailandVisa RegulationsLanguage School in Thailand
Jun 10, 2025
2 days ago
Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello I am from Australia and am 41 and im looking to spend a year living in Thailand to test the waters before I fully commit to selling up and coming over full time. I'm not looking to take on and work and have enough funds to support myself during my stay. What visa will I need to do so? Sorry in advance for being uninformed on the subject!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An Australian considering a year-long stay in Thailand without working has several visa options. Community suggestions include enrolling in a Thai language school for an Education (ED) visa or pursuing a Development Visa (DTV) through activities like Muay Thai or cooking classes. Another option is the multiple-entry Tourist Visa, which can allow for a longer stay with visa runs. It's advised to learn the language and understand the local culture, along with exploring financial considerations for living in Thailand.
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Mark **********
Ed visa is the quickest way to end up with trouble at the border if you’re trying to just live here and not actually focus on school. Do things right and you’ll have less problems than the people who can’t afford to do it right. Get a long term visa if you plan to live here long term.
a day ago
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Johnny *********
Tourist Visa
2 days ago
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Carlein *******
Do ed visa learn thai if u want to live it very good idea to know how to speak Thai anyway, so kill two birds with one stone!!! 😀
2 days ago
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Heath ***********
Hey mate, fellow Aussie here, my wife and I got the 10yr Elite visa it’s costly but so easy to come and go as you please
2 days ago
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Derek ********
Why don't you just visit a few times on the tourist visa, that will give you more than enough time to see if it's what you want.
2 days ago
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Karyn *******
Im Australian and I lived there for a year. It was 30 days expiry last year but i think it's 60 now. At the expiry of my visa I'd just take a quick run into Laos( a beautiful place and cheap to get to ) or even Cambodia. This automatically starts your 30 ( or 60 now) days again when you return.

If not, down to an agent who would get you to the front of the queue at immigration and for a few hundred baht fix you up in no time. Easy as :)
2 days ago
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Bonnie *******
Come stay leave for a while. Go to Vietnam or Malaysia for a few days.
2 days ago
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Jon **********
Multi entry tourist visa will give you about 9 months if you plan your visa runs
2 days ago
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Sonja ******
To stay long time in thailand.stay away from Thai girls.they only want but will give nothing to you back
2 days ago
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Sylvia ********
Educated ladies outside night entrance are totally different. Find one with a permanent job with a car, then you cracked it. Friend from NZ just done that found a lovely 50 year old business lady online
2 days ago
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Sylvia ********
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Coby **********
Also keep in mind that getting a bank account is almost impossible over here for short term visas.

If you have wise or some other options, sweet. Just calling it out so you aren't surprised when you get here and get the rude shock.
2 days ago
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Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Coby *********
 have the bank account already,just got in before all the current hassles haha
2 days ago
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Coby **********
@Ben *******
 well played. Thats the hard part out of the way
a day ago
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Coby **********
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Kal *********
At 42 u need to buy an elite visa and forget the headaches ...
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Kal ********
 Elite is throwing money straight out the window, imo.
2 days ago
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Kal *********
@Mari****
 I know 2 people with elite visa and they say it's money well spent ... to each his own ...
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Kal ********
 for 1 year of testing the waters?

Hardly worth it for that initial period.
2 days ago
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Kal *********
after when he decides to be full time in Thailand
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Kal ********
 Thailand is not for everyone.

The Elite can come when he has figured out if it is for him
2 days ago
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Kal *********
I'm with u there , not knowing much and asking Facebook for important information is probably not gonna end well ...
2 days ago
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Kal *********
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Us *****
So I went to the same journey that you will most likely go through 2 years ago. Did the 1 year ed visa, best thing ever, because the Thai girls love my Thai now. Now I am on dtv. But you have to be careful. Once you live here then you can never move back. The east is where the action is right now. Also, I am stupid so I spend about 5k usd a month living here. You can get away with 2k a month but it is not the same. If you don't have over half a mil usd saved up then I recommend you work a few more years. Message me if you have any questions.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
Contact Thai Visa centre! So good.. ask them the Questions! Don't ask people here.
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Peter ********
 Plenty of knowledgeable people here.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
@Marianne *******
 oh really?? Dont be fooled!
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Peter ********
 I see plenty of good advice on this thread, coupled with some lived experiences.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
@Marianne *******
 No No, get expert advice, if you want to live, or stay for a long time. People's ages, and financial status have a lot to do with it.
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Peter ********
 All the information is in the post.

Now, I don't know the exact numbers on his financial situation, but I trust his confidence when he says he's got enough to get by while here.

His only options are being repeated in this post.

ED and DTV, with some sprinkle of MTV mentions. And then it is up to him to do research on which one fits the bill for him. I see Elite mentioned too, but that is a total waste for someone just wanting to test the waters.

Doing further research based on the comments on this post is not magic.

And a agent can't really give him any other legal options.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
@Marianne *******
 Nonsense! Agents can !
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Peter ********
 Which options can they give to this gentleman outside of whatever mentioned in the comments?

Legally.
2 days ago
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Peter *********
@Marianne *******
 its not opinion! It's fact. FACT. ! Here is one opinion. You just don't understand, nor do you wish to understand!
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Peter ********
 Your facts are lacking a whole lot of substance when you are unable to mention even one visa a agent could legally sort out outside of the ones already mentioned.
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
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Michael ********
Do a DTV but also enrol in good language course
2 days ago
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Tiphany **********
DTV is much cheaper and convenient than ED visa. Enroll for cooking class, just had a meeting with an agent. 36k all included and you are good for 5 years. It will be more than that for ED visa and more things to do.
2 days ago
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Peta ********
@Tiphany *********
 can you please share the details of the cooking school you have enrolled in for the FTV? TIA
2 days ago
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Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tiphany *********
 can you point me in the direction of the cooking class 🙏 how much time is involved in the class?
2 days ago
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Tiphany **********
@Ben *******
 I did not enrolled. It's what the Issa agent told me and what their package offer. I suggest you plan a call with them, it's free and they will explain. They also told me you don't have to attend the class.
2 days ago
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Tiphany **********
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Ariana **********
@Tiphany *********
 that is good for one person I agree. I have 3 adults and 1 child needing visas and on top you have to have the savings requirement. It gets expensive
2 days ago
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Ariana **********
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Baz *********
With a multiple entry tourist visa you can stretch your stay to around 9 months so that's about the best option
2 days ago
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Reinhard ********
@Baz ********
 This Visa doesn't exist any more!There is now the DTV Visa for 5 years.But it reqires about
*****
Australian Dollars in a bankaccount in your homecountry and you have to do a visarun every 180 days.Every 90 days you have to visit or do it online an Immigration Office.
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Reinhard *******
 multiple entry tourist visa is alive and well.

But it can only be applied for in your country of residence as far as I know.
2 days ago
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Baz *********
@Reinhard *******
 From what I can see online on Thailand government websites the 6 month multiple entry tourist visa is still available
2 days ago
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Baz *********
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Andrew ********
You can do a multiple entry tourist visa or come here on visa exempt and take culture classes that will allow you to study for 1 year but you have 3 month visas ( what im doing ) every 90 days you renew your visa at check in

Thai boxing

Cooking

Language classes
2 days ago
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Chris ********
@Andrew *******
 Hi Andrew, is this legit? I am living since over 10 years in the Dominican Republic and consider Thailand or Philippines as my next stay. I am looking to get a hassle free visa. We just pay the overstay fees in the Dominican Republic when we leave and enter the same day again even after years of overstaying
2 days ago
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Andrew ********
@Chris *******
 yes this is what I'm doing now. I came here knowing what school i wanted to goto for what i wanted to learn. Came here on visa exempt then enrolled.in the school they are doing my student visa. I just show up to immigration. Im here for spiritual growth and development. Yes sire I still go see places and enjoy as well my reason for coming here is for learning
a day ago
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Chris ********
@Andrew *******
 thanks for your information. We may chat again in private. Enjoy
a day ago
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Andrew ********
@Chris *******
 I wouldnt mind helping where I can.
a day ago
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Chris ********
@Andrew *******
 thank you
a day ago
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Andrew ********
@Chris *******
 I can send you info for the school im going to the owners are great and all speak English
a day ago
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Andrew ********
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Beatrix **********
ed visa to study thai or you could do the dtv to study muay thai or cooking or if you have an online business. its good for 5 yrs but its a nice option
2 days ago
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Craig *******
Great idea to test the waters. Lots of people pile in then it might get really wet for months. Others hit the bottle and become full on Alkys.

Some farang maintain good health, learn, socialise and thrive. Good luck.
2 days ago
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Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
 definitely not interested in hitting the bars frequently thats for sure! 😂
2 days ago
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Craig *******
@Ben *******
 I drink a few once a week. Hit the gym and the swimming pool 5 days a week. Lots of tasty fruit around. One thing I have found a bit frustrating is dealing with Thai bureaucracy. I try and approach things with ample time to spare and a bucket load of patience. I am fully aware that the authorities can be tricky to deal with too. But its always nice to meet new people right ? Learn some Thai language mate. 100 words or so will help you.
2 days ago
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Craig *******
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Ariana **********
Which agents do ED visas?
2 days ago
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Andrew ********
@Ariana *********
 most schools will do it for you with their school fees
2 days ago
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Ariana **********
@Andrew *******
 ok. I heard there are a couple that will let you do classes on line as well. That would be my goal
2 days ago
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Andrew ********
@Ariana *********
 not that I know of for soft education in person attendance is required from what I know
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Ariana *********
 does not legally qualify for an ED visa. You can do that from home, you don't need a visa to be in Thailand for that.
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
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Marianne ********
I would 100% recommend enrolling in a decent Thai language school, and spend your first year here learning about the language and the culture.

You will need to attend classes, and the visa will have to be renewed every 3 months or so, iirc. But learning the language can be so beneficial it would be worth the time and effort invested into it.
2 days ago
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Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 i am Interested in this option to be at least conversational in thai as currently I only know a few basic bits and peices. Do you know how many/how often classes are and or the cost involved?
2 days ago
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Sylvia ********
@Ben *******
 in one pattaya school it's 30,000 to enrol then 5000 baht every 90 days. My friend classed are just 2 mornings per week
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Ben *******
 Sadly, no.

I didn't go this route, but really wish I had.

But look for a school in your desired area and reach out to them. They will be able to give you more detailed information.

Just make sure their courses are eligible for the ED visa.
2 days ago
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Marianne ********
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Jonathan **********
@Marianne *******
 best one so far. I decided to study Thai and it’s paid off quite a lot imo
2 days ago
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Jonathan **********
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Jamie *******
You can study meditation for an ED visa and it will give you an amazing resource for life.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
Not a year ,but an easy 9 months with multiple entry tourist visa .
2 days ago
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Reinhard ********
@Robert ********
 Doesn't exist anymore.
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Reinhard *******
 off course it does .

So many people might just call there embassy for correct info
2 days ago
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Johan ********
@Reinhard *******
 What do you mean doesnt excist anymore ? From Sweden we can apply for Multiple TR anyway?
2 days ago
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Robert *********
@Johan *******
 I just called the embassy .

It's on still .
2 days ago
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Robert *********
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Jeremy ********
Don’t be fooled by the $800 a month myth of living in Thailand, if you live in a city you will spend more than that
2 days ago
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Steve **********
A few expats have told me..' do not burn your bridges" .I thought was wise and will secure small place in Melbourne and rent it out. Each to their own But good idea to visit for a while first..Doing the same in October after many shorter visits
2 days ago
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Tony ******
Let me ask when you say sell up you mean house etc

Don't know your financial situation. But I would sell anything in Australia .
2 days ago
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Ben ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *****
 selling the home would be only way for me to get over there if I decide on it full time and even then I'd still have to try and make a few pennies to not eat into the mo ey from it
2 days ago
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Tony ******
@Ben *******
 mate I lived there 8 yrs straight it's not that cheap especially when the Ozzie dollar rubbish and to live a good life there and you need medical insurance to rent 15 to 20 K for a modern good condo plus a bike is 60 to 70 K for a nice scooter

You'll need around
*****
b to live ok and if you get a girl put another 30k

Better off work her for another 10 yrs hopefully the house have grown another 50% then you can retire nicely
2 days ago
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Tony ******
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Tony ******
Yes wouldn't
2 days ago
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Kenneth *******
@Tony *****
 be careful about assets like super your home or a prospective pension entitlement
2 days ago
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Jeff ******
@Tony *****
 I think should say ‘wouldn’t’
2 days ago
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Adam ********
@Jeff *****
 I recon best keep ya bit of dirt in Oz for sure
2 days ago
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Adam ********
@Jeff *****
 haha yeah thought the same mate
2 days ago
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Adam ********
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Adam ********
@Tony *****
 why would you sell anything in Oz? 🤔

I’ve kept my place over there as the market is off its head
2 days ago
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Dwayne ********
@Adam *******
 keep the house, never know when the Chinese may launch another global pandemic. You’ll need a sanctuary in your homeland.
2 days ago
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John *******
@Dwayne *******
 My sanctuary hasn’t been in my homeland for over 40 years. It depends on one’s circumstances.
2 days ago
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John *******
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Andy **********
As Brandon said the Ed Visa is the best for your situation. Hassle free. If you get an agent you don't even have to show up usually. In most cases you have to get the initial visa from outside the country unless you're in Phuket. I think there may be one other location in Thailand where you can do it from inside the country but I don't remember where.

If you're planning on making the move it's best to know the language anyways.
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
Not many options. Sign up for a Thai language school and get an ED visa. Or sign up for Muay Thai and get a DTV
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
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