Hi All,
I have been staying in Thailand for the past 3 years, going in/out on tourist visa and visa-exempt border runs, but this strategy is no longer viable.
I have always wanted a more long term appropriate visa solution, but never seemed to quite fit any of the categories.
I am not working. I am effectively retired with enough savings to live a modest life. I will shortly turn 50, and in a few months time will be ready to apply for a retirement visa.
The problem is what to do in the intervening months? If possible I would like to stay in Thailand. My life is here. Otherwise I either have to clear my apartment, or keep paying rent for it while living elsewhere for a few months.
Here is my in/out history this past year:
December 2018 - entered with a Tourist visa from London. (I originally from England and hold a UK passport)
March 2018 - visa exempt border run to Myanmar
May 2018 - second visa exempt run to Myanmar
July 2018 - attempted a Laos visa run hoping to get a new tourist visa. In previous years this was possible, but it seems they have now cracked down. They instead gave me a *transit* visa. This expires August 28th.
I have already used my yearly quota of two visa-exempt land border runs. Could I try flying out and in with no visa? I see from another post that immigration officers at airports may object to too many in/outs and over 120 days already here this year. What would my chances be if i attempted this?
I get the impression that I wont be able to get another tourist visa? Are there any other visa options available that would enable me to remain in Thailand until I am ready for the retirement visa?
Thanks in advance,
Robert
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges of obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand, specifically for an expat who has been living in Thailand for three years on tourist visas and visa-exempt border runs. The user is seeking advice on remaining in Thailand until they qualify for a retirement visa at age 50, considering options like a Non Immigrant visa, Education Visa, or another Tourist Visa before the retirement application.
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.
