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Which visa should I choose for a 3-6 month stay in Bangkok: the destination Thailand visa or the multiple entry tourist visa?

Thailand Visa Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Destination Thailand Visa Border Run Muay Thai Training Visa Extension Immigration Rules Expatriate Information

Nov 3, 2024

a year ago

Devon *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all! I'm planning to visit Bangkok for 3-6 months. Should I go with the destination thailand visa or the multiple entry tourist visa? 

I'm coming to train muay thai, work on some personal projects, and try to make my savings last as long as I can. 

If I went with the typical ME tourist visa, how much would a typical border run cost? Also, can I get 60 days + 30 extension, then do a border run and come back and do the same 60+30 days? Or is it only 60 days?

Any information is greatly appreciated! I'm getting a headache looking online so I figured I'd just make a post here haha

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses options for staying in Bangkok for 3-6 months, comparing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) with the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). The METV allows for multiple entries with a 60-day stamp plus a 30-day extension, potentially adding up to 9 months total if border runs are utilized. The DTV provides a flat 180-day entry and is more costly and requires proof of funds. Various comments elaborate on costs and specific requirements for each visa, along with considerations for visa runs.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Luit *****************

If 3-6 months visit is all you want, you canb choose between visa exempt or METV.

DTV is for 5 years, more expensive and more requirements, but has advantage you get a stay of 180 days each time you enter.

Visa exempt is free by itself and valid for 60 days if your nationality is eligible.

After 60 days you can choose between getting 30 days extension at immigration for 1900 baht or do borderrun and get new 60 day stamp. How long this scheme is working depends on the immigration officer.

When you apply for METV you get 60 days each time you enter during the period the visa is valid, you only have to get out and back in each 60 days.

This method has far less risk of getting stopped by immigration.

a year ago

Jade *************

Do not get the multiple entry unless you plan on leaving every 3 months.

Why not get an education visa?

a year ago

Frank **********

@Jade ************

if he plans on traveling in Thailand or other countries an Ed Visa will not work.

a year ago

Jade *************

@Frank *********

if he plans on travelling Thailand he can do it the classes via zoom

a year ago

Frank **********

@Jade ************

you are supposed to attend classes. You can use Zoom from his own country.

a year ago

Reply to

Frank **********

Bob **********

You’ll need 500k baht in a bank account in your name to be eligible for the DTV

a year ago

Brandon ************

METV can get about 9 months in Thailand. Each time you enter Thailand you can get a 60 day entry stamp and a 30 day extension. You can do this 2 times then just before the visa expires you can do it one last time and get another 3 months for after the visa is done.

That's 60+30, 60+25ish, 60+30.

If you only need 6 months that should be plenty, but as you stated you will need to do at least one border bounce. They run about 3-4,000 baht if you use a land border bounce agency to drive you there and back. Or if you can find a cheap plane ticket to somewhere that doesn't charge your nationality for visa on arrival, you might be able to do it cheaper yourself.

A DTV would get you a flat 180 day entry stamp on each entry and it costs 10,000 baht.

a year ago

Devon *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

You're a life saver Brandon, thank you! Do you happen to know the names/websites of any of the land border bounce services?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Devon ********

I only know of one because they seem to be mentioned a lot

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a year ago

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