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What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand after multiple 60-day entries?
Thai ImmigrationVisa RulesTourist VisaBouncingNon-O VisaVisa RequirementsVisa Exempt EntryTravel RegulationsLong-term Stay
Apr 17, 2025
a year ago
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTERHi. I came to Thailand 10/11/24. Got 60 days on arrival, I then went to laos 4/1/25. Came back to Thailand on the 10/1/25 got another 60 days on arrival left Thailand 10/3/25 to go back home
I got back to Thailand on the 14/4/25
But when I went to immigration they took me in the office & told me that I had been in Thailand for 4 months. They let me go. & gave me 60 days. But I’ve been told that after the 60 days I won’t be able to come back this year. 🤔🤔🤔
I got back to Thailand on the 14/4/25
But when I went to immigration they took me in the office & told me that I had been in Thailand for 4 months. They let me go. & gave me 60 days. But I’ve been told that after the 60 days I won’t be able to come back this year. 🤔🤔🤔
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has been warned by Thai immigration about their frequent entries into Thailand without a proper visa. After multiple 60-day visa exempt entries, they were informed that they might not be allowed to return unless they obtain a proper visa. Community comments suggest that frequent short stays can lead to stricter scrutiny and that obtaining a longer-term visa is advisable for those wanting to stay in Thailand for extended periods.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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- 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.
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Pauline ********
We would happily pay for a longer stay of 5 months but not prepared to have £36,000 uk pounds sat in an instant access account (with no interest) for 8 months (5 months plus 3 before). We’re both over 50 and not working.
Steve **********
Get non o visa
Apple ***************
They always do that even having a proper visa. My uncle is married to a Thai lady for 20 yrs now but still gets questioned everytime they comeback here from vacation in Sweden. And his nephew is studying here and have an Education Visa was held and denied entry at Suvarnabhumi but then allowed to enter after he was fined 7k baht with no receipt! And a friend of ours was held and not allowed to enter even having DTV visa and later on he was allowed to enter after being fined.
So yeah it's a thing now in Thailand, it can happen to anyone even if you have a proper visa or just a tourist! 🤦🏻♀️
So yeah it's a thing now in Thailand, it can happen to anyone even if you have a proper visa or just a tourist! 🤦🏻♀️
Sarah ******
@Apple **************
Wow my God didnt know this.. thanks for sharingReply to
Sarah ******
Reply
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTERIf I applied for a 60 day visa in the uk would they give me one even if I’d previously had 3 60 days
Greg ***********
@Alan ****
you could get a 60-days tourist visa issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate, however this is no guarantee that an Immigration officer allows you to enter. If after your previous experience you got "flagged" in their Central Computer (and I strongly suspect this happened!), you can be denied entry even on a tourist visaAlan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
ok thanksReply to
Alan *****
Reply
Sarah ******
Oh dear I am concerned because I thought I could just come back in June to collect my adopted stray Cat... I am a kind person.. who was saved by me and is in a cat hotel having all the vaccinations but now has a 3 month min wait before flying to Europe let alone the UK.. so I was coming back for 6 weeks.. I am worried after already having a 60 day visa I may face a problem. I am not working there. Also not near retirement or going back for a Thai husband.. ah ha.. so I worry about new visa rules. Do you suggest do get a visa before
Ron ********
@Sarah *****
bring along any paper work for the cat and generally you shouldn't have any issues. Even without it you should be okay. This person was "border bouncing" and Thai immigration catches on to those kinds of things.Sarah ******
@Ron *******
Hi Ron so nice of you to reply.. Yes I have all the docs.. and the vets number and proof etc... I was being kind to to take the cat on.. Must Thai say that about me. THANKs for putting my mind at rest.Reply to
Sarah ******
Reply
Carlos *********
Lucky you got in that time. Everything sounds accurate, so whats the question?
Get the appropriate visa for what you are going to use it for is the simple message they gave you, and you didnt recieve!?!
Get the appropriate visa for what you are going to use it for is the simple message they gave you, and you didnt recieve!?!
Hal ********
Thailand has a Law for EVERYTHING and it’s there for them to use ANYTIME
They are Sort of Popular to use sometimes and then Not so popular to use Not always consistent
They are Sort of Popular to use sometimes and then Not so popular to use Not always consistent
Anna *********
Yup This has been happening for a while now, you need a visa of some sort.
Maxim ***********
They want people to use agent or be on long term visa. it's more lucrative for them. You can get in anytime you want for 4k baht with gent.
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTERIt’s because they are losing money on the 60 day visa exemption
The immigration officer said to me that the Thai government is very poor & I should go for a DTV or a retirement visa I have a Thai bank account, a thai driving license & I own a condo
The immigration officer said to me that the Thai government is very poor & I should go for a DTV or a retirement visa I have a Thai bank account, a thai driving license & I own a condo
Ronelle ********
Guys, your advise then if I want to stay for 4 months ( plus), is ?
Ralf ********
3x 60days = 180days. Maximum allowed time per year to stay in any country.
Aaron *********
@Ralf *******
you can get a one year visa on arrival in GeorgiaRalf ********
@Aaron ********
after 180 days your tax home will change, what can result in trouble.Aaron *********
@Ralf *******
ah, sorry - I misunderstood. yes - 180 max before t** becomes an issueReply to
Aaron *********
Reply
Adam *******
I thought the 6 month maximum (60+30, exit, 60+30) was from Jan - Dec. I guess I wrongly assumed that it would reset the next year. Are the tourist visa exemption on a rolling 12 months?h
Todd *********
@Adam ******
there is no 6 month limitAdam *******
@Todd ********
that’s a relief to hear. I’m heading back in 10 days time and plan to do an ED visa once there but I wanted to check out the local language schools first. I was worried as I’ve already been there 6 months in total from 11 Sept 2024- 6 March 2025. I’ve booked a cheap flight out for 59days after I arrive this time. Just hope I get a happy Immigration Officer 😅Todd *********
@Adam ******
be prepared as they may well question you for details. And rightly so. It’s a long time. They just want to ensure ur not working and truly there for tourism. Wise to sort out the ED visaReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Vincent **********
@Adam ******
oui moi aussi je pensais que c'était 6 mois roulant sur la même année, donc ça prouve bien que les lois sont un peu aléatoires ou alors ça dépend du douanier qui reçoit !?Reply to
Vincent **********
Reply
Douglas ************
Buy a visa from Thai embassy online.
Rkd ********
Yes... and? They didn't tell you why? And you didn't ask?
Kevin ******
I’m guessing you got a sixty day exemption vs sixty day on arrival. Be that as it may, they likely were telling you that you are welcome to come back, with an appropriate visa.
Tae'lur ********
@Kevin *****
yes, that’s what I think as wellReply to
Tae'lur ********
Reply
Michael ********
The Thai immigration are quite correct, and soon back to 30 days visa exempt !
Mark *******
I suggest that has not been finalized by any means!
Mark *******
Maybe I was fortunate,but after my initial arrival in Thailand on the 2nd June 2024,where I received 30 days,( as was the rule then),I received 60 days at the beginning of July,60 days at the end of August,60 days at the end of October,and another 60 days at the end of December. I departed Thailand on the 11th February 2025. This was using a visa exemption stamp. I have been in contact with TVS and asked if I would be able to return soon.My contact seems to think so,as long as I explain everything to the Immigration Officer; but with the intention of applying for a retirement visa. I'm 66 years old.
Thailand does need tourism being their 5th largest industry,though I understand the need for control. I'd imagine that they don't want 'their' tourists heading for neighbouring countries! And no comment on the amount of " undesirables " being allowed in! I witnessed some of their behaviour at locally run Thai bars,whilst sharing drinks ! A Thai bar owner I know used to deny them entry into her bar!
Thailand does need tourism being their 5th largest industry,though I understand the need for control. I'd imagine that they don't want 'their' tourists heading for neighbouring countries! And no comment on the amount of " undesirables " being allowed in! I witnessed some of their behaviour at locally run Thai bars,whilst sharing drinks ! A Thai bar owner I know used to deny them entry into her bar!
Sean *****
@Michael *******
evidence of return to 30 days ?Reply to
Sean *****
Reply
Bernie **********
Why don't you get a visa.. problem gone...you just need to pay for it
Todd *********
@Bernie *********
because he doesn't need a visa for his plan. Just a waste of timeDouglas ************
@Bernie *********
I agree. Too many people trying to kick the arse out of the system.Reply to
Douglas ************
Reply
Leroy *******
But if we are tourists + want to holiday in thailand for 7 months of the year...leaving for awhile + then coming back....what visa should we get??
Since we are tourists and that is the purpose of our visit.
Since we are tourists and that is the purpose of our visit.
Martin *****
@Leroy ******
a tourist i someone for short time and not someone for 7 months . Go away for Short time and then come back for 7 months thas Why Thailand Sharpen the rules. Its misuse the system trou you.Todd *********
@Martin ****
luckily you don't get to choose the amount of time for tourism. There is no limit.Leroy *******
@Martin ****
wrong my friend...and u also didn't understand me.."leaving for awhile then coming back" I Come for 2 month-leave for 2 week, then come back.This day and age we tourists travel alot.
I work 4-5 months/ year
...then I travel for 7-8 months and do NOT work.
Sooo yes im still A tourist.
U DONT EVEN LIVE IN THAILAND!!! 😅🤣🤣🤣
Reply to
Leroy *******
Reply
Martin *****
Dont misuse the system and use a normal visum.
Bent *************
@Martin ****
Explain misuse pleaseTodd *********
@Bent ************
lol. Exactly. It's called using the system they createdReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
Then go to Vietnam and enjoy. See ya next year.
If you really want to get back in, use a border bounce agency for your next border bounce. No worries
If you really want to get back in, use a border bounce agency for your next border bounce. No worries
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I’m going to get a retirement visaKevin ******
@Alan ****
good idea 👍Todd *********
@Alan ****
good idea. Easy to do. Would have saved you the headache at immigration this time if you already had it. EnjoyReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Brad *******
I've been here 60 days Feb-April. Went to Cambodia long weekend. Came back another 60 days. No issues.
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brad ******
that’s basically what I did, but when I came back a couple of months later that’s when I got pulled.Brad *******
@Alan ****
random screening maybe. Who knows?Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brad ******
I wouldn’t mind. But it’s difficult finding the previous stamps in my passport. They just stamp it on any page 🙄Reply to
Alan *****
Reply
Nigel **************
@Brad ******
try it again and see what happensSarah ******
@Nigel *************
Thanks for the warning. I did a 60 days.. left on 58 day.. but must come back to Thailand to pick up the stray cat I adopted.. due to regulations she has this long quarantine as 3rd country import to the UK.. I was thinking I would be ok... now all these posts make me nervous... The Cat is waiting for months in a cat hotel.. due to all the paper work.. would be terrible if they refused meTodd *********
@Sarah *****
on what basis do you think they might refuse you? It’s highly unlikelyReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Nigel *************
Nothing. there are literally people doing this for years on end.Nigel **************
@Todd ********
not true now. Things have changed radically since the DTV arrived.Todd *********
@Nigel *************
yes, now people know how to use the internet. Otherwise no partícular changeReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Neil ********
Yep. They are cracking down on people who want to bounce around and not get the correct visa
Todd *********
@Neil *******
lol. 'Cracking down'.... are they? IO's asking questions are just doing their job. Business as normal.Martin *****
@Neil *******
thats a good reason. Use a visum.Neil ********
@Martin ****
had to look that one up 😂Reply to
Neil ********
Reply
John **********
You were lucky they didn't just deny you entry. Listen to the warning or get a proper visa (not a tourist visa)
Lynne *******
We went to Thailand 26th November 2024 came back 26th March, we got 60days stamp at airport, 30 days at immigration and a further 60 days on a day visa run. No problem at all.
Richard ******
@Lynne ******
unfortunately so much has changed now 2004 I went to Thailand for the first time Christmas time started in Bangkok looked out my window and said to myself I’m home, well everyone knows what happened the next day down south. I found out I could do border runs to Cambodia so I stayed for 3 months and went home. Went back again 2005 / 2006 met a young lady but they stopped the border runs so couldn’t stay more than the visa exemption would let me. Got married 2008 stayed 4 months that was a lot of hard work I first had to go to the Thai embassy in London for the first part get a visa go out of the country to Vietnam go to immigration Bangkok so she came here to the the UK with me now I’m old and would love to come back but it scares the pop out of me. Maybe I should have done it when it was easySarah ******
@Lynne ******
Hi Lyn I had a 60 days Dec to Feb.. going back to pick my Cat.. not sure if I should chance it now..Nigel **************
@Lynne ******
yes and if you try it again there might be problemsReply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Paul *******
Thai Immigration consider that one 60 day entry (plus a possible 30 day extention) on a visa exempt stamp is suitable for tourists. However Immigratin consider thyat if you attempt another 60 day visa exempt entry within a short period that you are no longer a tourist. After one 60 day visa exempt entry get a longer term (actual) visa for the reason of your stay in Thailand.
Duncan *******
If you want to live in Thailand, get a visa. You can't live in Thailand forever on visa exempt entries.
Mervyn ********
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Duncan ******
I don’t want to live in Thailand I want to spend around 5 months a year. If thatTodd *********
@Duncan ******
you also can't live in thailand forever on visas either...Bridget ************
@Duncan ******
agreedReply to
Bridget ************
Reply
Christopher ********
Since the popularity and millions of DTV applicants they are pushing anyone staying over 4 months a year to have a visa ... Says the rumorville.
Robert *********
@Christopher *******
mill not ville!Dave *******
@Christopher *******
so what about multi entry tourist visa . Can do upto 6 months . They can’t pull you with this ??Hal ********
@Dave ******
border control Always have the right to Refuse Entry. Of course you can appeal from outsideChristopher ********
@Dave ******
no as long as you get a visa you'll be fine.Reply to
Christopher ********
Reply
Abhishek *******
@Christopher *******
I do 5 -6 months a year one month at a time no worries so far always smooth entry and exitAnna *********
@Abhishek ******
just wait your turn will come 😀Abhishek *******
@Anna ********
i dont think so . I am real defination of quality touristReply to
Abhishek *******
Reply
Peter ******
and ?
Ruud ******************
So that’s clear
Graham ******
They probably told you you cannot enter again without the proper visa
Alan *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
no he said that the Thai government was poor & more or less the government was losing money on the 60 day visaGraham ******
@Alan ****
Where?Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
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