What visa options are available for staying in Thailand for 8-9 months from September 2022 to May 2023?

Thailand STV Visa Thailand Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Long-term Stay in Thailand Thai Immigration Rules

May 25, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

This may have been asked before but I've checked and cannot find the answer. 2 of us want to try Thailand with a view to making a permanent move in the next few years. We want to stay Sept22 until May23 8/9months in total. I'm aware that the special STV is valid until the end of September, if we applied and travelled mid Sept  (example) would this STV visa be valid and acceptable (without leaving the country / border runs - does the StV need immigration checks / stamps)

 If that visa isn't the best way would it be better to get a 60day visa (x2 extensions) allowing 6months (or even x3 for 8months) or would we need to leave after 6months.. I am assuming covid restrictions are lifted... thank you for any advice. We don't want to open a bank account as yet and will try different areas, renting accommodation (agent/airbnb/asking while there). 🙂

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The STV visa is set to expire at the end of September 2022 and would only allow a maximum stay of 90 days, meaning after that period, a departure from Thailand is necessary. Alternatively, acquiring a 60-day Tourist visa, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days, is suggested. This option enables a stay of up to 90 days initially. After that, potential options include a border run for a new Tourist visa or considering an ED visa for Thai language studies. Long-term residency options are limited, especially for individuals under 50 without marital ties to a Thai citizen.

Steve *******

Only one 30 day extention on a 60 day Tourist visa.

2 years ago

Moon ******

Come in with a TR visa 60 days extendable for 30 days for a limit of 1 time. Then just border bounce until you're satisfied Thailand is for you.

2 years ago

Lisa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Moon *****

thankyou that's great for our starting out plans 👌

2 years ago

Moon ******

@Lisa *******

Land borders have a limit of 2 entries per year, but by air there is no limit 🙏

2 years ago

Reply to

Moon ******

Paul *********

@Moon *****

this ^ you can do cambodia run together or weekend to singapore after the 3 months. Come back and get 2 then another trip. That will be suffice for 9 months stay.

2 years ago

Reply to

Paul *********

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

The STV program ends in September. If they don't renew it, that means you'd only get maximum 90 days out of it and then you'd have to leave Thailand as the STV cannot be changed to another visa.

You're probably better off getting a tourist visa for 60 days which can then be extended for another 30, and then either do a visa run to get another tourist visa, or look into getting an ED visa for studying Thai language or something.

If you're under 50 and not married to a Thai, there's not a lot of options for living long term inside of Thailand, but this goes for every country, you can't just decide to live there.

2 years ago

Lisa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thankyou that confirms what I was confused over....we are actually both over 50 and will look at more permanent visas once we've found our feet. I'm a Brit ,left a few years ago and country hopped but spent most of the last years in Mexico but Thailand was the aim as Covid happened so now hopefully we can plan.

2 years ago

Wayne ********

@Brandon ***********

that’s the answer your last sentence says it all … people want to move and live in countries but don’t want to follow the same rules as we must follow to live here

2 years ago

Reply to

Wayne ********

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