What visa options are available for staying in Thailand before applying for a retirement visa?

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