Answered2 years ago
What visa options are available for long-term expats in Thailand considering a six-month rotation?
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.
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.
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.
21 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Michael ********
As mentioned, DTV is perfect for you.
Jerry ********
Seems to me the DTV visa is best if you are on a 6 month rotation. No insurance required.
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.
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.
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.
Al *******
OP@Robert ******
I suspect this would require the 800 thousand baht in a Thai bank, in my name?Robert *******
@Al ******
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.
Ellie *******
@Al ******
, 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.
Peter ****************
@Al ******
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.
Al *******
OP@Peter ***************
the non imm o-a health insurance requirement began after we finished our annual visits.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
Brian *********
@Al ******
yes…but only because I bought the ticket…I think a land crossing works also
James ********
@Brian ********
it does...but AVOID the POIPET BORDER CROSSING. It's PROBLEMS FOR FOREIGNERS.Al *******
OP@Brian ********
are you required to fly into Cambodia for the new 60 day exempt vs a border run?Brian *********
@Al ******
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
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.
Al *******
OP@Lloyd *******
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.
Graham ******
@Al ******
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.Al *******
OP@Lloyd *******
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.Brandon ************
@Al ******
No border run, you just apply for the extension at your local immigration office.Brandon ************
@Al ******
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.
Richard *********
@Al ******
or even enter visa exempt 60,apply for 30 days extension then extend further 60 visit thai wife total 150 days.Activity
13 joined13
people
Related
25What should I know about applying for a DTV visa with overstays and its validity?
4164213d
Should I apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa or a Tourist Multiple Entry visa for my stay in Thailand?
7615112mo
Is a Notice Deposit Account Valid for Proof of Funds for Visa Applications in Thailand?
404244mo
What should expats expect during re-entry to Thailand near the 180-day mark?
326144mo
Is it feasible to apply for a Thai ED visa while saving for a retirement visa or a DTV visa?
4.2k43284mo
What are the experiences and requirements for extending a DTV visa at Bangkok Immigration?
3.9k71065mo
What are the requirements for applying for the DTV visa regarding accommodation and flight reservations?
827566mo
Are 500,000 THB proof of funds required upon arrival in Thailand for a DTV visa?
4.7k35618mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV (Workation) visa?
1.4k1289mo
What visa options are available for my elderly UK parents who wish to live with me in Thailand?
6.5k351121y
What type of Thai visa should I apply for as a retired expat with health issues?
4.5k35481y
Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O visa and can I open a bank account with it?
4k36311y
What is the best country to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while traveling from Thailand?
591212y
Will my previous 6 months in Thailand affect my DTV application approval?
1.1k552y
What are the pros and cons of choosing between the ED visa and DTV for learning Thai while working remotely in Thailand?
3.1k19182y
What visa options are available for a 40-year-old Australian wanting to stay in Thailand with a Thai partner?
5.5k46482y
What additional requirements are needed for a Muay Thai DTV visa in Thailand and what common reasons might lead to application rejection?
2.4k18112y
Can I be attached to my husband's 3-month Non-B visa as a dependent while working remotely in Thailand?
1.3k1032y
What are the options for retiring in Thailand if I cannot qualify for a retirement visa?
6.8k55712y
What visa options do I have while traveling to Thailand for a scuba instructor course and other activities?
3.8k30172y
Will immigration officers in Thailand ask for an updated letter regarding my Muay Thai training upon re-entry with a DTV?
4.7k23822y
What are the best visa options for a remote worker and student looking to live in Thailand?
12.7k991532y
Can I extend my Non-Immigrant O/spouse visa for an additional 30 days in Thailand?
2.5k23145y
What are the options for the longest stay in Thailand on a tourist visa or with a non-immigrant O visa?
39425y
What should I do about my 90-day report as a non-immigrant O visa holder in Thailand?
5.3k34795y
Resources
Need help with 90-day reporting?
Trusted service that gets people to a real agent fast