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What type of visa should I choose for a 6-12 month stay in Thailand for leisure and potential side work as a musician?

SETV (Single Entry Tourist Visa)METV (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa)Thai visa rules Tourist visas Visa extension Working and volunteering in Thailand

Sep 6, 2019

5 years ago

Matt **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys, I'm certain there's a similar post on something similar here but after going through more than a dozen I start getting dizzy...

I'm a Polish and British national. Planning to go to Thailand for 6-12 months. I'd like to do a little bit of work on the side as a musician but mostly chill out, hopefully learn some Thai and if possible do some volunteering.

I'm not sure which route will be more sensible: SETV (60 + 30) - I don't fully understand how many times can I get in and out to renew (there's the 2 times per year rule);

METV (90 + 30?) - can I get a SETV after? Doubt I can get the second METV... 

Also, as I have two passports, can I maximise by using these (in order not to have too many stamps in one? 

Please explain like to an idiot...

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Polish and British national seeks advice on the best visa option for a 6-12 month stay in Thailand, aiming to relax, learn Thai, and do some side work as a musician. They are confused about the Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) and Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) and whether multiple entries can be maximized with their dual nationality. Responses emphasize that working on a tourist visa is illegal, recommend getting a METV for maximum stay duration, outline the rules regarding extensions and entries, and clarify that the two-entry limit applies to visa-exempt entries.

Matt **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks all for replying. So, clearly working or volunteering is not an option, understood.

Should still have enough funds to stay for around 6 months. In this case SETV, extension after 60 days border after another 30 months and another one more SETV shouldn't be a problem, right?

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Tod *********

If you're not gonna get a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in your country before you come here, then your plan sounds okay for a tourist visa an extension, then go get a new tourist visa and an extension on that too

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Tod *********

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James ********

Get a Multi-entry Tourist Visa from your home country. With planning it will give you up to nine months stay in Thailand. Its illegal to work in Thailand without a work permit. And cannot legally work with a Tourist visa...single or multiple entry.

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Sammy *******

as pointed out, illegal to work on a tourist visa and without work permit, but, unfortunately, thsi regs also prohibit volunteering without appropriate visa and work permit. unfortunate waste if people's talent snd skills, but those are the rules.

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Thomas ********************

As for the OP. Yes, get a METV. Check here to start

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Thomas ********************

And it's described here

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-Tourism,-Medical-Treatment.html

What do you mean you "can't get it in the Netherlands"?

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James ********

@Dimitri *******

we are talking about a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. METV.

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Dimitri ********

You're right. I quickly checked. Only Non-Immigrant O Visa multiple entry...

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James ********

Dimitri Visser there is NO SE Asian nation which will issue a METV unless you have RESIDENCE statue in that country. And before one goes to Perth its best to chat with them by email. Be sure to vice them your nationality and passport nation.

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Dimitri ********

I never understood why rules in different countries are so different.

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Dimitri ********

In Netherlands it is a problem. No ME visa. In the Thai consulate in Belgium they still have ME visa. But they only help people who can prove that they are residents in Belgium. Maybe Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia can work, but it makes it much more difficult for me.

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James ********

@Dimitri *******

that is true. But Perth Australia still does for some nationalities....along with your home country.

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Dimitri ********

In a LOT of countries you cannot get Multi Entry visa anymore. Single Entry 2 months is everything you can get.

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Dimitri ********

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Dominic *****

And working under visa exemption or tourist visa is illegal.

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James ********

Thai Immigration will match your passports. They now use facial recognition and fingerprinting all who enter and leave.

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Dominic *****

The 2 entry limit refers to visa exempt entries by land. Both SETV and METV give you a 60 day stay per entry which is extendable once per entry for an additional 30 days, which you do at Immigration for 1900 Baht.

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Dominic *****

Obviously, SE gets you one entry (enter within 90 days of it going into your passport) and ME gets you unlimited entries (enter within 6 months of it going into your passport).

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Dominic *****

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