Visa run limits

[wornoutcowboy]

I am planning on a move back to SE Asia.  The plan would be to travel often but to set up a small apartment in Thailand and use it as a base.  I would probably spend a month or two in Thailand then head off for another month or two before returning.  I do qualify for a retirement visa but would prefer to avoid the bureaucracy and the moving the 800K over.  I know there is so no certain rule but has anyone had experience doing this?  Is it possible to do this?   I have a USA passport if it matters. 

[DrJack54]

11 minutes ago, wornoutcowboy said:

.  I would probably spend a month or two in Thailand then head off for another month or two before returning.

You plan to visit these other countries via air and reenter via air? 

How long is the time frame? 

Meaning total stay in SEA over next 12 months? 

Sounds like 6 months in and 6 out. 

Currently borders closed with Cambodia however that should resolve at some point.. 

For a Non O in own country the 800k does not need to be in Thai Bank .  For 12 month extension it does. 

[BrandonJT]

Certainly not a risk I'd be willing to take right now given how many people are being pulled up at the airports and how many are being denied entry for not having a long-term visa.

[GanDoonToonPet]

I agree with above that it's not a good time for your plan.

 

You'll be OK for the first 1-2 months but returning is a major problem now. Firstly, the Cambodian borders are closed so there's no quick, easy land border runs available.

 

Secondly, if you fly back in you'll have a high risk of being denied entry. This is because corrupt officials at the airports benefit from a 'safe entry' scam, which costs ฿5000+, so gives them all the reasons they need to deny you entry.

 

I spent 6 months here last year, as a tourist on VE, followed by 6 months back in the UK. Upon return, I was grilled at immigration about how long I was staying, what I was doing here (doh!) and told 'you can't keep doing this'.

 

If you want my advice, enjoy your short stay in Thailand and never come back.