What visa should I choose if I plan to work in the UK but also want to spend time in Thailand?

Question

Which visa?
I was going to get a retirement visa, but may be returning to the UK on a regular basis for work for a year or do, so would a retirement visa be the best way to go and try to work it so I’m in Thailand when I need to do my 90 day reporting or is there another visa I could go for? TIA.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is considering a retirement visa but is unsure if it's suitable due to frequent returns to the UK for work. Commenters clarify that 90-day reporting is only required when in Thailand continuously for 90 days, and the clock pauses when the user leaves the country. They suggest that a Non-O visa might be a better choice, allowing for work outside Thailand and flexibility with re-entry permits, as well as clarifying requirements such as maintaining a balance in a Thai bank account. Other alternatives like a DTV visa or visa exemption are mentioned depending on the length of stay.

Dean ************** · Answer

Thanks all for the info.

Ian ****** · Answer

Depends on how long you are staying in the UK, and how many trips and how long to Thailand. If you plan to stay in TH longer than 60 days at a time, then yes but if not just get a visa exempt stamp on every visit

Malcolm ********** · Answer

I'm no expert but here's my take on it.  If you qualify for the retirement extension on a non-O visa (over 50 and have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank or bring in 65,000 Baht each month) then there is nothing stopping you from getting it.  You only have to do the 90 day reporting while you are in Thailand and can come and go as you wish so long as you have a re-entry permit (single or multiple).  I have friends that live about 6 months in UK and the other 6 months in Thailand and they are on the non-O visa retirement I also have a friend who used to return to Austrailia 4 or 5 times a year on the same non-O retirement and if you are intending to spend more than 180 days a year in Thailand then this is the right visa/extension.  The only time you would HAVE to be in Thailand is when you renew it, you only do the 90 day when you say 90 days in thailand and it stops/resets as soon as you leave.

Sean ********** · Answer

I am on my retirement Visa. I only do one 90 day report because I am in US for 6.5 months and 5.5 months in Thailand.

Colin ******* · Answer

Can not work on a Retirement Visa

Chris ******* · Answer

I am in a similar position to you and decided on the DTV, very straightforward, never in the country long enough for 90 day reporting yet so technical never needed the DTV but it’s a good security net incase I need it.

Michael ******** · Answer

I have retirement visa and because of work have never had to do 90 day reporting

Dean ************** · Answer

Thanks both, I didn’t realise that. 👍

Peter ********* · Answer

As I understand it you only do 90 day reporting if in the country

Jan ****************** · Answer

You don't have to do a 90-day report while you're not in Thailand. The 90-day clock only starts ticking when you're in the country consecutively. If you leave, the clock pauses and resets upon re-entry.

A Non O visa with an extension of stay and multiple re-entry permits works fine, but you’ll need to maintain 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account, at least during the first year or two.

What visa should I choose if I plan to work in the UK but also want to spend time in Thailand?

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