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Which visa is better for a long-term stay in Thailand: Student Visa or STV?

Student Visa Special Tourist Visa (STV)Long-term Stay Visa Requirements Accommodation Visa Switching

Dec 14, 2021

4 years ago

Joe ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am planning to apply for a Student Visa but I just heard about an STV. 

Which visa is better for someone wanting to stay for a long time (9-12 months?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion compares the Student Visa and the Special Tourist Visa (STV) for long-term stays in Thailand (9-12 months). It highlights that a student visa is primarily for university or international school admissions and can be switched to from a tourist visa, but not entered on directly. The STV, while perceived as burdensome due to its strict requirements, allows for an extended stay of 90 days, which may be extended under certain conditions. However, transitioning to another visa once on STV is not possible.

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Ammar **********

I want call my mother on Non-O visa because I’m Thai but they only give dependent visas to wife and children not parents.

She can come on Special Tourist Visa (STV) for 3 months. I want to know if we can extend to another 3 months here without her traveling back.

4 years ago

Charles ********

The STV is not as bad people make it seem, most people that say this were never on the visa. I did the STV. The requirements in your local embassy regarding background and health check might make it easy or difficult (in Taipei they didn't require).

It is a little less flexible, because you do need your accommodation planned out each 90 days, so it's not good for travel.. But if you just going to stay in the same spot, no issue.

4 years ago

Jessica *********

You also can’t switch the STV to any other visa once you are here

4 years ago

Stuart *********

A student visa is not going to work for entry into the kingdom unless it’s for a university or international school. You can switch to one from a tourist visa in country, but not enter on one. STV is a nightmare for many. It’s onerous to get, you need mandatory insurance and fully paid up accommodation for the entire length of stay.

4 years ago

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Stuart *********

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Should I get a regular tourist visa or an STV for my trip to Thailand?

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