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What visa is suitable for someone visiting Thailand for short holidays four times a year?

Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Gary ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wondering which visa would be suitable just for say 4 3 week holidays a yr ive never had any issue until just before xmas when i got pulled by immigration luckily i do have a thai gf who i managed to call as she was in the airport waiting in the past ive been here 3 months with extentions been in and out to cambodia malaysia vietnam etc over a 12 yr period never a problem i no they are getting stricter but im working fir the next 2 yrs then i will be retiring hopefullh to live in thailand with my gf at her home just dont want refusing entry when just looking for a 3 week holiday
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is inquiring about suitable visa options for making several short trips to Thailand, specifically four holidays of three weeks each per year. Their concern arose after experiencing increased scrutiny from immigration during a recent visit. Community responses suggest various options: applying for a Non-O Visa (which allows for longer stays and is suitable for those over 50), obtaining a tourist visa for each visit, or ensuring compliance with the visa exemption by having a return ticket. Previous travelers shared their experiences and emphasize the importance of following the rules to avoid immigration issues.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Wannikea *********
No problem entering Visa exempt just make sure you have a ticket back home within 60 days to show them if they question you.
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Lina *******
I visit Thailand as a tourist every 3-4 months for a month. On visa exempt. I have done this for 20 years and never applied for an extension. The 60 day visa exemption is in place for legitimate tourists.
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Marc ************
I don't understand a word of what you say. Probably translated from a language with no punctuation. [For example... Thai, Arabic and Chinese etc]

Maybe first ask someone to check your English sentences.

Then we can give a decent answer.

But anyway.

Follow the rules.

You come as tourist. Ask tourist visa.

Come as student. Ask study visa.

Come to retirement. Ask retirement visa.

I really get sick of people posting problem or complaining when they started by not following the rules.
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Yo***
Marc De Groote I feel really sick too of people who wanted to teach english here. even they are not able to do this. 🤣🤣🤣
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Billy ********
Marc De Groote Check your english it is shite. I followed the rules but the rules are interpreted by individual officers. Go figure that out
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Marc ************
Billy Davies some people can't handle criticism and are blind for reality or their shortcomings. But...

I rest my case.
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Simon ********
Marc De Groote blind for reality/puzzled out/come as tourist isnt English I'd ever speak. Your English is good and comprehended but not "nothing wrong". Surely better than my Dutch though lol
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Simon ********
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Nigel ********
Marc De Groote just an observation, and some friendly advice, but I think you should check your own English, before you criticise others.
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Marc ************
Nigel Bunney as a non English native speaker, there is nothing wrong with my English. At least my comment doesn't need to be puzzled out before understanding.
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Marc ************
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djfre*****
This is the new Norm for Thailand ,I won't be coming back for awhile until immigration stops this strict rigid enforcement of the rules

Punishing the wrong people in my opinion , land of smiles 😁 not anymore just interrogation n scows to meet you at the airport,in s few months see how tourist entries decrease ,people will not come where they are not welcome n get treated like criminals.just for the record I have never done a border run in n out of Thailand n always get a Evisa.
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Lynnette *******
djfree1510 tourists will still come. There's no issue coming here several times. It's the extensions and border bounces that create issues because that's a sign they are trying to live in Thailand without a visa.
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Lynnette *******
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Graham ******
This is your problem " in the past ive been here 3 months with extentions been in and out to cambodia malaysia vietnam etc over a 12 yr period never a problem". The fact that you intend in the future to stay just 3 weeks about 4 times a year makes no difference, it's your history that counts and your history is the type of visitor they are targeting. As said, you will need a relevant visa for future visits.
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Billy ********
I applied online for 60 days. Now you try it
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Alan *****
This sickens me
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John **********
Since it sounds like you are over 50 it might be worth looking at a Non-OA visa. It's good for 12 months and allows you to enter and exit as much as you want in that period but does require insurance and a police check.
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Billy ********
Same for me I was told get a Visa and the lady called her boss. I was taken back to some offices and 2 ladies asked me what I was here for and why didn't I have a Visa. I tried to get a 60 day visa in Australia but they wouldn't give me one as you get visa exempt on arrival. She looked at me and said I will allow you this time don't come again without a visa. I said thanks and Vietnam looks good.
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Simon ********
Billy Davies the visa exemption on arrival for 60 days is single trip, and 60 day visa is multiple entry.
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Billy ********
Simon Barker Cheers i will check this out when i am home
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Billy ********
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Atrustwor*********
Billy Davies of course they will give you a tourist visa if you go online and apply. People are still getting them. They may say not needed but if you apply and pay you will get it
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Atrustwor*********
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Phil ******
43 week holiday or 4x3 week holiday
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Ian **********
Phil Beer or 4 to 3 weeks :D
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Phil ******
Ian Morrison ok I recommend getting a NON O Retirement visa with multiple entry for you as it will probably turn into more visits
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Phil ******
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