What visa options should my friend consider for a six-month stay in Thailand, including a family break?

@Bart *************

it is, but the guy wants to stay around 6 months. Doesn't need that last portion so this visa works the very best.

@Stephen *******

that is not correct, a re-entry permit is entirely possible on the last entry to keep it active. But, with the extra hassle and cost involved, you probably don't want to go that way. Hence my advice.

My terminology doesn't confuse anyone; it's your inaccurate beliefs that confuse you. I've used the terms "multiple entry tourist visa" and "re-entry permit" entirely correctly throughout this whole saga.

Yes, I understand. I understood from the beginning. And even now, after all the explanation, YOU still don't.

I would not advise anyone entering visa exempt after competing nearly six months in Thailand on a multiple entry tourist visa. It may work but it may also not, and you probably don't want to risk the latter as it's an expensive joke. Better get the re-entry permit to keep the last entry active. And even better than that: don't get the METV at all but another, more suitable visa.

@Bart *************

once the visa has expired, you cannot get a reentry permit. You'd need a new visa or enter on visa exempt. Your terminology is what is confusing the issue. You cannot get a reentry permit for an expired visa. New visa or visa exempt stamp. Do you now understand? I see you are now talking about the the final entry stamp of 60 days, then the visa is expired. At that point he could leave to the UK and reenter on a visa exempt as there would be no point in getting a reentry permit for a time period less than the 60 days they would get entering by visa exempt 🤷‍♂️

@Stephen *******

how many times do we need to repeat that AFTER the six months validity you cannot enter anymore on that visa, until you'll understand?

If you time the last entry right for 60 additional days after the six months are up, and you want to keep those active while going to the UK you DO need a re-entry permit. Your visa isn't gonna cut it.

@Bart *************

no you don't need a reentry permit witt a valid multiple entry tourist visa. That visa has a multiple reentry permit attached 🤷‍♂️

@Stephen *******

you can, but you need a re-entry permit for that. That's the whole point I'm making. Please read.

And since that's exactly what the OP plans, he does need the reentry permit indeed.

@Bart *************

you cannot reenter once the METV expires, but that's normal for any visa that expires. The OP wants to stay around 6 months before returning to the UK for a short period. If they time the METV correctly, they could return from the UK on the last day of the visa and get the last 60 days from it with no questions asked. I'm really confused what you mean by needing a reentry permit for this visa choice. And yes, it's all about timing.

@Stephen *******

the multiple entry tourist visa only allows multiple entries for six months. You can stay beyond that, with the nice little trick that we both know, but you cannot re-enter. To be allowed to re-enter also then, you need a re-entry permit.

The OP is going back to the UK around the six months mark, so won't be back within the visa validity dates. Also keep in mind that the counter starts as soon as you get the visa, and it's 180 days, not 6 months. It'll hence expire sooner than 6 months after entry.