Every year is a new application for a new yearly extension. Requirements are the same each year, bar maybe some small differences. But you have to show the money each and every time yes.

@Peter *********

only two months before. But a few immigration offices insist on a month after too. If they do, they will give you a document stating that. My local immigration only want the 2 months before.

The kind of business you'd start anywhere, because you are skilled enough. If you can't do it back home, don't try it when out.

@Cody ********

btw in my current job I have around 2 months of vacation per year. That's not too bad. All considered. Plus a lot of holidays etc..

@Cody ********

anyway just do your thing. But be aware that immigration doesn't care how many months per year you can afford to travel if you keep showing up without a visa, and clearly trying to stay long term without one.

@Cody ********

for example a multi entry tourist visa. That will get you up to 9 months of stay in Thailand if timed correctly. There's also the elite visa. Or the LTR if you are old enough.

@Cody ********

well it is not me that makes the rules. But if you are in Thailand for more than 180 days out of a year, you are legally a tax resident here. Coincidentally that's what you can get from 2 regular 60 day tourist visas plus their extensions.

There are several visa options for long term tourism though. You could just get one of those.

The visa exempt scheme is not intended for people to stay here long term. Ask any immigration officer you meet anywhere. Or ask an embassy. You will get the same answer more or less.

@Aaron ***************

in other words "a proper visa" = any visa that you applied for and got from either a thai embassy/consulate, or bought from immigration inside Thailand after already entering.

They don't sell visa at the airport other than for a few countries that have to buy visa on arrival, 14 days visa only.

Those do not apply to you, because of your nationality

Instead they will let you in for free, for 30 days, with no visa at all. But only for so many times if you keep doing it back to back.

@Aaron ***************

it doesn't have to be a long term visa. But an actual visa. One that you apply for, pay for, and receive, before you even leave your home country. Or in some cases that you buy at immigration inside Thailand. You can't get a tourist visa inside Thailand though. Only long term visas of different kinds

@Aaron ***************

if you have an actual visa, you have already been vetted by a Thai embassy. Hence why immigration will be more relaxed about that.