Answered6 years ago
Which is the better option for staying long-term in Thailand: STV or tourist visa?
I want to have the option to stay in Thailand as long as I can.
STV vs tourist visa and then extent to...?
Which option do you suggest?
I know you can't extend STV which worries me if I'd like to stay in Thailand for longer than 270 days.
STV vs tourist visa and then extent to...?
Which option do you suggest?
I know you can't extend STV which worries me if I'd like to stay in Thailand for longer than 270 days.
Answer summary
The original poster seeks advice on visa options for a long-term stay in Thailand, comparing the Special Tourist Visa (STV) and the standard tourist visa. Concerns are raised about the inability to extend the STV beyond its initial validity of 270 days. Several comments clarify that the STV cannot be converted or extended, emphasizing that travelers must leave the country after the visa expires. One commenter suggests using a tourist visa with possible extensions under Covid regulations, while another inquires about a flexible student visa.
18 repliesnewest first
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Lee ****
Just come on an exemption and extend it until the covid extensions stop (could be a long time) then transfer to another visa. I dont understand why people are bothering with the stv
Lee ****
I came on an exemption, I get one 30 days extension then after i can get 60 day covid extensions, this is in chiang mai, in pattaya they have been giving both at once so 90 day extension immediately
Justin *********
@Lee ***
My understanding that’s not how it works. I believe only foreigners who were in the country already before March last year are eligible for the Covid extensions. Lee ****
@Justin ****
no I arrived last month, its available for anyone JD ********
@Lee ***
thank you sir! I commented on 1 of your previous posts that I really needed & have been looking for👍🏼 I had another ?’sMay I please PM you sir?
Lee ****
@JD *******
you go to immigration like any other extension, you dont need an agentJD ********
@Lee ***
hows this?Where did you go to get this... respectfully as I know some who do... immigration or fixer/ scammer?
Did you come in on a regular TV for 30 & then get an extension b4 end?
Thought you could get extension to 60 days immediately
Michael *****
OPIs there a student visa that allows for flexibility so you can still live around the country
Darren *******
@Michael ****
no, you're expected to attend classes and it's been massively clamped down on so only certain schools qualify for sponsorship. You don't turn up your visa gets cancelled and you'll find yourself on a plane back home.Astrid **********
STV can not be converted nor extended after the 3x90 days are expired. You have to leave.
Tim ***********
@Astrid *********
is the STV visa 90 days or 270 days?Astrid **********
@Tim ********
3x90
Bob **********
You cannot change a STV inside of Thailand you have to
Leave
Leave
Michael *****
OP@Bob *********
what are the options to change with a tourist visa without having to find work, marry or leave?
Phill ******
@Michael ****
look at elite visas .Bob **********
@Michael ****
Education or Volunteer 
Ernesto ********
@Michael ****
seriously? How many ways to say no?Michael *****
OP@Bob *********
thanks. Anyone know good volunteer opportunities thta qualify to stay? I was hoping to spend 3 or 4 months in each major areaActivity
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