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What visa options do I have for staying in Thailand for 6 months to a year?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme Visa Types UK Expat Travel Planning Long-Term Stay in Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Border Run

Sep 2, 2025

12 days ago

Perry **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

huge travel noob here, I'm from the uk, last month i went to thailand for 2 weeks on holiday, i loved it so much im now planning travelling around thailand in 2026 and i want go for around 6 months to a year, i understand that i can go for 60 days with the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme and then extend for another 30 days, 90 days in total, obviously i want to stay longer than that, so what type of visa should i apply for?, or is it easier to leave thailand for vietnam or somewhere for a certain period and then come back for another 60 + 30 days and if so how long would i have to be in vietnam before i would be allowed back on the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme?, i have no idea what im doing as you can tell, any help appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is exploring visa options for an extended stay in Thailand after previously visiting. They inquire about the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme, seeking to stay beyond the allowable 90 days and considering a border run to Vietnam for resets on visa days. Suggestions include applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) while in the UK, which could allow for a stay of up to 9 months with border runs and extensions. Community members have advised on utilizing border bounces and extensions for managing visa stays.

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Phil ******

@Perry *********

maybe do 2 Visa Exempt entries both with 30-day extensions. Use a border bounce service to get the 2nd entry stamp

11 days ago

James ********

@Phil *****

wise advice ✅

11 days ago

Reply to

James ********

Roger *******

I personally think it's worth a try to just leave and come back in as you are thinking. Head to Vietnam or another place for a few weeks.

12 days ago

James ********

Suggest you apply for the METV multiple entry tourist visa while in the UK.

With planning, that can get you up to 9 months stay with a couple simple border bounces or flights out and back to Thailand.

Use the Evisa online application system for your application.

12 days ago

Perry **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

how would I get 9 months on a 6 month METV? And also what does a border bounce entail? Just simply walking out of Thailand turning straight back around and walking back in getting my passport stamped and I’m done or do I have to leave for a certain amount of time? Thanks

11 days ago

James ********

@Perry *********

the METV multiple entry Tourist Visa is valid for use for 6 MONTHS from the date it's issued.

Therefore don't apply for it too soon.

Upon your arrival into Thailand...

You are stamped in for 60 days...

That can be extended for 30 ADDED days at your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht...

OR...

do a border bounce by land, sea or by Air.. getting a New 60 day stamp on arrival.

That can be done on the same day return...with planning. As not all Land border crossings allow for same day return. One or two nights stay in the visiting country may be required.

Repeat the process...get a NEW 60 day STAMP with one 30 day extension of stay.

2+1+2+1+2+1 = 9 months maximum.

Be sure to leave Thailand a day or two prior to your stamped ending date each time.

If you are going to use a BORDER BOUNCE, use an experienced border run service company to take you with a same day return. They arrange for your exit and re-entry same day. There's several fine companies who offer the same day BORDER BOUNCE services.

At this time, All Cambodia land border crossings are CLOSED.

AND All Myanmar land border crossings are CLOSED.

There's a BORDER BOUNCE service company in Ranong, South Thailand which makes a same day BORDER BOUNCE to Myanmar and back.

Flights ✈️ are low prices to several SE Asian locations... Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, Phnom Penh Cambodia, and Singapore...to name a few. Again, with flight ✈️ schedules, same day return is possible.

When you apply for the METV...show a trip departing Thailand within the first 60 or 90 days... which demonstrates the need for the METV multiple entry tourist visa. Just show desired flight date, destination and airline. No actual ticket needed.

@Tod ********

is the expert on the METV multiple entry tourist visa, in my opinion.

He's advised MANY of it's use on this Thai Visa Advice forum.

11 days ago

Perry **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thank you so much! 🙏

11 days ago

Reply to

Perry **********

Paul *******

@James *******