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What visa options are available for a friend of my daughter wanting to stay with us in Thailand for six months?

DTV visa Thai visa rules dependent visa tourist visa medical decision authority expat life in Thailand

Sep 30, 2025

8 days ago

Ariella ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Probably a bit of a strange request here! Partner and I are on DTV and each have two children attached to our visas. 

My daughter’s best friend wants to come and live with us - which is fine for us and for her parents, of course! 

The two teen girls will be traveling with us for at least half a year without school enrollment - and as her parents will not be joining us (except maybe for a couple of short visits), how do we go about her visa? 

Should one of her parents get a DTV and then just leave her with us when they go? What other kind of legal caregiver documentation should we have in place, like in case she gets hurt and needs a hospital? 

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry is about the proper visa arrangements for a friend's child who wishes to stay with an expat family in Thailand for at least six months without being enrolled in school. Various suggestions include having a parent apply for a DTV visa and making the child a dependent, or using a tourist visa with a boarder bounce. Additionally, legal documentation such as a signed letter from the parents granting permission for medical decisions, along with copies of ID and insurance details, is recommended for emergencies.

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Ally ************

You don't mention the age of the child.. which could have a bearing on matters.. depending on what country/s you will be visiting whilst she's in your care.. but as mentioned elsewhere a parental letter of authority is essential.. and in addition to copies of the parent's passports.. take copies of any national ID cards.. and a copy of the child's birth certificate naming said parents!

8 days ago

Clare *****

Re: paperwork. I would have thought a signed letter from the parents stating their child is in your care and they give permission for you to make medical decisions on their behalf. Alongside photocopies of both parents & child’s passports also signed will be enough for all possible situations.

Make sure this teen has correct insurance and you having the details will be vital.

Maybe make sure parents tell insurance company that you are ‘in charge’ and to accept your calls etc.

Hope you all have an amazing time!!!!

8 days ago

Clare *****

If she wants to stay with you for 6 months she could enter on a pre-arranged tourist visa or visa exemption on arrival.

She would only need to do 1 boarder bounce half way through (alongside extensions)

Sounds like her parents could time their visit to assist with her leaving the country at 90 days. .

Seems like a lot of unnecessary paperwork and money to get 2 DTVs for this scenario.

8 days ago

Graham ******

Yes that would work, get her as a dependent on a parent's DTV

8 days ago

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Graham ******

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