Thai METV in 2023 then SETV + METV in 2024

[Jsay2]

First post, but have been reading for some time. I have a question about the feasibility of my plan and would appreciate any thoughts. I'm up to speed about the challenges in certain airports (DM and BKK) and limitations of entries per year, land vs. air, red flags for IOs, etc.

 

My situation: US passport, over 50. Relatively unused passport until I first came to Thailand in 2022. I generally have stayed in Thailand for about six months each year for past 2 years -- all on visa entries via BKK or CM. In 2023 I stayed for just under six months (left in November) on an METV that I got via evisa (NYC embassy) while back in the US. 2022 had been two SETVs. (I will likely try to get a retirement visa this year or next. My GF lives in Thailand, works in government and cannot travel much.)

 

I've been out of the country for two months (HCMC / KL and now Penang). I am planning to apply for a single entry tourist visa this month or next here in Penang -- I planned to air things out for about 90 days, but want to get back to Thailand!

 

Can anybody offer their opinion of the likelihood of getting another single entry tourist visa soon followed by an METV evisa from the US later this year (after a couple more months out)?  (So, it would be 60 days start in Feb maybe extend until May then back to the US for 2 months or so before applying for another METV in July / August. I prefer to enter on visa vs. the 30 day.)

 

I hadn't been too concerned about this until I saw an article, referenced in one of the posts here also, about Penang only allowing one tourist visa per year. That seems odd to me given that I got a second tourist visa in KL in 2022. I also have general concerns about backing up tourist visas with two months space in between, but have gathered that some significant time in between helps (hence my plans).

 

All of my entries will be through air In Chiang Mai. I had no problem there last year each time I returned from METV bounces (I never extended).

 

Any thoughts on the semi-back-to-back-TR question or this Penang limitation (or rumor)?

Edited January 21 by Jsay2

[DrJack54]

Hope you obtain the advice you are asking.

I do not regard your OP as credible 

[Jsay2]

Not credible question or not credible plan? The question is sincere. The plan is what I am considering adjusting.

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, Jsay2 said:

Not credible question or not credible plan? The question is sincere. The plan is what I am considering adjusting.

Your plan is possible however think after the METV best to use border visa exempt entries after that.

 

Still better since you are over 50..

Enter visa exempt or tourist visa and obtain non O and subsequent extension.

If you don't have the financials use an agent

[Jsay2]

Thank you. I have been reluctant to go all-in with the retirement $ requirement (or via agent), but probably best to make that happen next time in.

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, Jsay2 said:

Thank you. I have been reluctant to go all-in with the retirement $ requirement (or via agent), but probably best to make that happen next time in.

If yor  pp country provides embassy income letter then then is no issue.

 

Income method 65k per month is hardly enough to live on..

[DavidH51]

He has US passport - USA Embassy won't certify income.

[Presnock]

13 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

If yor  pp country provides embassy income letter then then is no issue.

 

Income method 65k per month is hardly enough to live on..

one is not limited to 65k oonly per month, just a minimum of 65k each and every month of the 12 months.

[Jsay2]

Thank you for the responses. It was confirmed to me by a local agent (and another online source) that indeed getting a second TR in Penang is "highly unlikely" to be approved within a 12 month period. The online source suggested the same for any neighboring country. Still seems hard for me to believe, but I'm (finally) going the retirement visa route. Had been hedging too long!

 

I'm consuming a lot of online info from different resources, but can anyone offer a next step (and perhaps next) of what happens immediately AFTER returning to Thailand on a fresh/new 90 day visa for retirement purposes? I assume I should get the 800K Baht into Thai bank asap so it can sit for the 60 days and then go to extend at 90 days (with statements and place of residence / TM30). Do I have that about right? At this point not going the agent route (could change). Perhaps my question is simply: "what did you do at the same juncture?"

 

I realize this has likely been covered prior and will keep researching. I just get a little confused between non-immigrant visa classifications and requirements. Again: US passport, age over 50.

 

Kop khun mak kap.

Edited January 23 by Jsay2

[DrJack54]

15 minutes ago, Jsay2 said:

AFTER returning to Thailand on a fresh/new 90 day visa for retirement purposes? I assume I should get the 800K Baht into Thai bank asap so it can sit for the 60 days and then go to extend at 90 days (with statements and place of residence / TM30). Do I have that about right?

 

That sums it up.

The very first step after entering Thailand with the Non O retirement is to open a Thai bank account in your name only (if you dont already have one.

Deposit 800k in the account and after funds have been in the bank for 2 months you can apply for 12 month extension.

 

Be aware that it's also possible to enter visa exempt or tourist visa and apply for the Non O at Thai immigration office.

This route would require an agent just do assist with bank account. 

[Jsay2]

Thank you very much, DrJack. Really helpful.

 

I was actually able to open a bank account a couple years back on a TR, so that step is done. Now just gotta find a whole lotta loose change!

 

Thanks again!

[Jsay2]

One more question... I know having a visa makes the issue of onward ticket moot, but some airline agents (especially Air Asia, my main option) have asked me before for a return ticket even with a visa. Anyone have any tips as to "education materials" to show the agent if they ask me for a return ticket even though I have an O visa? I have the embassy checklist, but just prepping to make it clear that I don;t have to buy another ticket just for show.

[DrJack54]

48 minutes ago, Jsay2 said:

I know having a visa makes the issue of onward ticket moot, but some airline agents (especially Air Asia, my main option) have asked me before for a return ticket even with a visa

 

Don't quite follow what you mean by "airline agents".

In you example book flight directly with airline.

Obtaining boarding pass at check in the airline should not ask for an onward flight if you have a Visa or reentry permit.

 

In any event if there is any issue step away from check in and either book a rent a ticket with company such as "onward ticket.com" (15usd)

Or buy a throw away ticket eg Bangkok to Saigon (2000b)

 

[Jsay2]

I just meant the ticket agent when I drop my bag and get boarding pass. I've had some Air Asia agents (I assume people not aware of the rules) ask for onward travel even when I had a visa in the past, so just trying to come with something to show them in case...

 

Have bought cheap tix before, but so prefer to not go that route (excuse the pun). Even made the mistake last time of buying extra baggage even when I knew I would likely toss the ticket (doh!)