What visa should I apply for if I plan to visit Thailand 12 times a year on a FIFO job?

Mar 1, 2024
9 months ago
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi , newbie here , just started a FIFO job in Australia 2 on 2 off and have made the decision to rent out the house and fly in and out of Thailand, my question is (& I’ve asked it in other pages ) what visa should I get ? Someone told me just go EOA , but than someone told me I can only do that 6 times a calendar year and I’ll be visiting 12 times a year , but only 12-13 days at a time , ideas please
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A newcomer on a FIFO job in Australia is seeking advice on the best visa option for frequent visits to Thailand, aiming to visit 12 times a year for 12-13 days each time. Feedback suggests considering the OA or OX visas for those over 50, which allow multiple entries without scrutiny. An alternative mentioned is the multi-entry tourist visa (METV), which permits unlimited entries of up to 60 days each within a six-month timeframe. Concerns about visa restrictions and potential denial of entry due to frequent visa-exempt entries are noted.
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Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry all , yes should have mentioned I’m 54, with the hopes 🤞of full time retirement in 3 years ,
Tod *********
@Jason ******
get after that visa quickly because Sydney will only accept applications the "traditional way", the way they have been doing it (by email, then get approved, mail in your passport and they mail it back) until March 9th

Then on the 19th they will go to the eVisa online system AND only do people who live in NSW so if you're going to go for one of those visas thru sydney DO IT NOW
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
cheers Tod , I’m in Perth , so it might be a quick trip to Sydney for a domestic holiday
Tod *********
@Jason ******
go to the website and READ how you apply now,

they don't do walk up,

you apply by email, get approval and then it;s usually done by mail.

They MIGHT allow you to show up and get the visa stuck in the passport but I'm not sure
Peter *********
If over 50 ox
James ********
No answer yet...

WHAT IS YOUR AGE ?
Tammy **********
I use to do the same - you need a 6 month multi entry visa 👍
Jim ********
What age are you?
Tod *********
@Jim *******
good question, if he's not 50 yet his visa options are much more limited 😕
Jim ********
@Tod ********
Always like to establish age and nationality, as you know changes the options significantly
Russell ********
You might have to rethink part of your plan; TH is not open season for anyone and any number of entries.

There are restrictions same as any other country really. But its a multi layered system, just depends what you can compromise on/how much money you want to throw at it.
Tod *********
Now now
@Russell *******
There are more than a few viable visa options for people who choose to make thailand their home and who work rotation jobs.
Russell ********
@Tod ********
sure thing, but the ones quoted here wont accommodate 12 entries in a year unless he buys an Elite ?
Jim ********
@Russell *******
OA and OX will work if he's over 50
Willem ****
I know a guy who is working in the oil industry, living in Thailand and had bought himself a Elite visa. He told me that was the only way to get in and out Thailand without any restrictions.
Tod *********
@Willem ***
good option as well
Mark **********
Im on an OA visa from Australia I purchased a multiple entry FIFO 6 times a year
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *********
, yes but I’ll be doing 12 times a year ,
***
roster
Mark **********
@Jason ******
I’ve been doing it since 2016 a multiple entry is exactly that, in one year I had 9 stamps no issues.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *********
cheers Mark appreciate it , might be the option
Tod *********
@Mark *********
yep, good option (y)
Tod *********
It is highly unlikely you will be able to do any number of visa exempt entries (even with proof you're flying out in 2 weeks) before you're denied entry to the country

I'd say see if you can qualify for an OA or OX visa from the thai consulate in Sydney based on being over 50. Those visas are multiple entry and you'd be able to come in/out all you want without any scrutiny

OR

Worst case get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa, which is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued and good for unlimited entries of 60 days each during that time.. That'd get you in/out fairly easy,
Dan *********
@Tod ********
thanku for your great advice Todd, how much do the OA and OX visas cost mate ?
Ellie *******
@Dan ********
, you need to check the website of the Thai embassy/consulate where you apply for your visa at. Thai consular sets the standard fee as 5,000 baht for Non-OA and 10,000 for Non-OX. Every embassy/consulate sets the fee equivalent to them in local currency based on their own exchange rate.
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