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What visa options are available for long-term expats in Thailand considering a six-month rotation?

Thailand visa Non-Immigrant O visa DTV visa visa options for expats Thailand immigration rules medical insurance for Thailand visa retirement visa Thailand visiting Thai family visa visa exemptions Thailand

Oct 21, 2024

15 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello there. 

It has been a while - five years since we ended our six months in Thailand, six months in the US routine. 

I will be traveling to Thailand next month using the 60 day visa exempt option to join my Thai wife who arrived last month and we will depart to the US, together, prior to the 60 days ending.

We are considering returning to our six month/six month return next fall,  and realize that things have changed. Previously I would get a non imm o-a visa each year through the LA Thai Consulate - it was straightforward and worked well.

Now I see that mandatory medical insurance has been added to the mix, and as a 74 year old guy, while not a deal breaker, it ain’t cheap.

It seems like the only alternative is to spend 90 days on each visit.

Does this fine group have a solution for me? I am not interested in border runs etc - I just want to get to Thailand each year and enjoy life.

Thank you for all you do.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on visa options for spending six months in Thailand annually, noting changes in requirements such as mandatory medical insurance. Various responses suggest options including applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa based on visiting Thai family, getting a one-year extension after a 90-day entry, and considering a DTV visa which offers multiple six-month entries without insurance requirements. Discussion also highlights the possibility of using a 60-day visa exemption followed by extensions. The community offers practical solutions to avoid border runs.

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Michael ********

As mentioned, DTV is perfect for you.

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Jerry ********

Seems to me the DTV visa is best if you are on a 6 month rotation. No insurance required.

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Pete *******

Apply for the 5 year DTV multiple 6 month entries based on soft power, Thai culture activity. It’s even been reported a single dentist appointment was accepted.

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Robert *******

Option:

Apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on visiting Thai family (longer than 60 days).

Get 90 days on entry, after 60 days apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay based on visiting Thai family, with a re-entry permit.

When stamped in the passport, just make sure that you plan to be inside Thailand before the last date and stay at least 2 months to apply for a new 1 year Extension.

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Al *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I suspect this would require the 800 thousand baht in a Thai bank, in my name?

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Robert *******

NO, IF the visa is based on visiting Thai family, you need a minimum of 400.000 Thb into a Thai bank OR monthly deposits of minimum 40.000 Thb,

PLEASE be careful, others are talking about retirement which is TOTALLY different than visiting Thai family.

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Ellie *******

, yes, you need to have 800k baht in a Thai bank account for a 1-year extension based on retirement if you are US passport holder.

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Peter ****************

Sorry, maybe I'm wrong, you say 5 years ago, but I thought also then a health insurance was mandatory for a non imm O-A ?

This normally is y'r local home country one.

The only change is that nowadays you need a Thai one for extensions.

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Al *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Peter ***************

the non imm o-a health insurance requirement began after we finished our annual visits.

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Al *******

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Brian *********

I arrived here on October 8 with a 90 day Non-O from Los Angeles… my return ticket is for March 11th. No problem with Thai but I bought a one way ticket to Cambodia Jan 3rd which the Airlines in America have to see….my Thai wife and I want to stay just under 6 months each year…I was going to get a 1 yr extension on retirement (77yo) but after seeing many comments I’ve decided to go to Cambodia and return in a couple days to get a 60 exempt plus an extension of 30 for 1900 baht …I’d rather keep 800,000 baht in my own bank…..unless I were to live here permanently

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Brian *********

yes…but only because I bought the ticket…I think a land crossing works also

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James ********

@Brian ********

it does...but AVOID the POIPET BORDER CROSSING. It's PROBLEMS FOR FOREIGNERS.

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James ********

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Al *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brian ********

are you required to fly into Cambodia for the new 60 day exempt vs a border run?

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Brian *********

I have a 1 way flight to phnom was going to stay 2 days and either fly back or take a bus but not sure which one is best…thank you

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Brian *********

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Lloyd ********

A single entry Non-O (no insurance needed) will give 90 days, you can then get a 60 day 'visit wife' extension. That gives you 150 days.

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Al *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

would I be able to buy my round trip airline ticket based on my forecasted 150 day stay? Also, are you referring to this visa? - Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement.

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Graham ******

You appear to qualify for Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement (over 50) or Non-Immigrant Type “O” Marriage (Thai wife) so the choice is yours. On a Non-O visa you can get a 150 day return ticket and get no issues with your airline or at Immigration.

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Graham ******

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Al *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

that sounds perfect. Would this require a border run prior to the end of the 90 days, and if so, must that be done via an airline flight? Thanks.

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

No border run, you just apply for the extension at your local immigration office.

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

if you have a non-O visa there should be no requirement to show a ticket out of Thailand as non-immigrant visas are considered long term visas.

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

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Richard *********

or even enter visa exempt 60,apply for 30 days extension then extend further 60 visit thai wife total 150 days.

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Richard *********

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