Visa options for 4-5 month snowbird stay for winter 2025-2026

[ultramarine]

As usual, I'm thinking of coming to Thailand for the period of November 2025 to March 2026.  Previously, I have either used the METV, or consecutive/extended SETV and/or 60-day Visa Exemption.  Last year, I entered on a 60-day VE stamp and then did a land border bounce to Cambodia with a visa run company out of Pattaya.  I then extended that second VE at my local immigration office.  It worked out well for staying from November to March. 

 

But the current closing of the Cambodian border changes the calculation somewhat.  Any land border bounce is going to take longer and cost more in order to go to Laos or Malaysia.   The land border bounce to Laos via a grueling 9-hour minivan trip isn't very attractive in this scenario.  But based on what I'm reading here traveling by air to a nearby country such as Vietnam and staying a few days and then re-entering Thailand for a second consecutive 60-day VE stamp is not advised and may require hiring a safe entry company.  

 

I have only ever come to Thailand during the winter and have never stayed longer than 6 months per year.  I have done this for the past 10 years or so.  And yet it seems that tourists wanting to stay any longer than 90 days (60 VE + 30 days extension) may have problems since border bounces from BKK/Pattaya to land borders must now go to Laos.   In terms of maximizing comfort and speed, one alternative solution would be to travel by air to Udon Thani or Nakhon Phanom or some other town near the Lao border and then take a border bounce minivan across the Lao border in order to obtain a second 60-day VE stamp.  But I would still have to stay in Laos for a couple of nights regardless if I understand the new rules correctly.   How risky would it be if I crossed the Laos border myself and re-enter with another 60-day VE stamp?

 

Of course, this assumes that the 60-day visa exemption will still exist early next year.  No guarantee of that.  

 

 

[soi3eddie]

 

I do broadly same from end of October to just after Songkran each-year. A good time to be in Thailand and away from northern hemisphere winters. If I was you, I would do 60 days on VE, then go to Vietnam or Cambodia for 2-4 weeks and then fly back in to Thailand either VE or TR for another 60 days.  Then extend for 30 days. You should be OK with this. Just be sure to have 20K cash, onward ticket and accomodation confirmation.

 

[ultramarine]

2 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

I do broadly same from end of October to just after Songkran each-year. A good time to be in Thailand and away from northern hemisphere winters. If I was you, I would do 60 days on VE, then go to Vietnam or Cambodia for 2-4 weeks and then fly back in to Thailand either VE or TR for another 60 days.  Then extend for 30 days. You should be OK with this. Just be sure to have 20K cash, onward ticket and accomodation confirmation.

 

Thanks for the ideas.    Canadian winters are best enjoyed while still young.  I'm not anymore. 

 

It seems that the longer you stay outside of Thailand in between VE stamps, the less likely you are going to run into problems the second time around.  A direct correlation maybe.  So if I stayed 2-4 weeks in Vietnam or Cambodia, then there would be less need to hire a safe entry company for the second entry.   I'm not sure if my gf will go for that, however,  Unless I take her along to VN of KH,  Wasn't planning on it though. 

 

How will you be arranging your visas this winter?     

[gargamon]

I used to just get a “retirement visa“ for just this purpose. A bit of paperwork each year to keep it active and bob's your uncle. You do need the extra 800k to leave in the Thai bank though. Now I've gone to a DTV which works even better.

[ultramarine]

8 minutes ago, gargamon said:

I used to just get a “retirement visa“ for just this purpose. A bit of paperwork each year to keep it active and bob's your uncle. You do need the extra 800k to leave in the Thai bank though. Now I've gone to a DTV which works even better.

While I have 800K, I would rather not have to leave it in a Thai bank.  Especially since I don't have a Thai bank account and it seems its getting harder to get one.  

 

How did you get a DTV?  I have heard they have a high rejection rate?  

[gargamon]

30 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

While I have 800K, I would rather not have to leave it in a Thai bank.  Especially since I don't have a Thai bank account and it seems its getting harder to get one.  

 

How did you get a DTV?  I have heard they have a high rejection rate?  

DTV with a letter from Bumrungrad. They actually contacted the Thai embassy/consulate in Vancouver. It was approved in hours.

 

As for the 800k, that's a personal choice. For me it was worth it for over a decade to not have to be concerned with border bounces, etc. At least with the DTV that money is no longer in a Thai bank. 

 

I've had Thai bank accounts since the early 2000's so can't comment on opening one now. I'm sure with a bit of ingenuity it can be done though.

[ultramarine]

21 minutes ago, gargamon said:

DTV with a letter from Bumrungrad. They actually contacted the Thai embassy/consulate in Vancouver. It was approved in hours.

 

As for the 800k, that's a personal choice. For me it was worth it for over a decade to not have to be concerned with border bounces, etc. At least with the DTV that money is no longer in a Thai bank. 

 

I've had Thai bank accounts since the early 2000's so can't comment on opening one now. I'm sure with a bit of ingenuity it can be done though.

I think Vancouver is more responsive than Ottawa, tbh.  Ottawa seems overworked and have missed their own deadlines more than once with me.   It's one reason why I'd prefer the VE stamp.  But how did you get Bumrungrad to write you a letter? Are you an out patient there?  

 

 

[gargamon]

5 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

I think Vancouver is more responsive than Ottawa, tbh.  Ottawa seems overworked and have missed their own deadlines more than once with me.   It's one reason why I'd prefer the VE stamp.  But how did you get Bumrungrad to write you a letter? Are you an out patient there?  

 

 

Yes, I've used Bumrungrad for a couple of things in the last few years. Getting old is a bitch. 

[ultramarine]

4 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Yes, I've used Bumrungrad for a couple of things in the last few years. Getting old is a bitch. 

Wow.  I didn't realize they could write a letter in this situation as just an out patient as opposed to something more serious or life-changing.  

 

Alas that option isn't open to me. 

 

I suppose I am a bit of a digital nomad but don't derive enough of an income from my websites to meet the DTV criteria.   

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, ultramarine said:

So if I stayed 2-4 weeks in Vietnam or Cambodia, then there would be less need to hire a safe entry company for the second entry. 

From your posts you appear very aware of your options. 

Cambodia borders closed has thrown spanner in the works. 

For me the visa exempt entry + extension followed by a bounce or mini holiday (Saigon) is an option. 

If just a bounce then flight to Udon Thani and couple of nights in Vientiane would be possible. 

[ultramarine]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

From your posts you appear very aware of your options. 

Cambodia borders closed has thrown spanner in the works. 

For me the visa exempt entry + extension followed by a bounce or mini holiday (Saigon) is an option. 

If just a bounce then flight to Udon Thani and couple of nights in Vientiane would be possible. 

Thanks.  I'm assuming a similar flight to Nakhon Phanom and a couple of nights in Thakhek would also work.  I'm not really a fan of Vientiane.  If I opted for Saigon, how long a stay would suffice before attempting to re-enter at DMK for another VE stamp?   

[DrJack54]

10 hours ago, ultramarine said:

If I opted for Saigon, how long a stay would suffice before attempting to re-enter at DMK for another VE stamp? 

From your posts it seems you pretty much stay approx 5-6 months per year. 

True snowbird.. Can not imagine why there would be an issue for second visa exempt entry via year. 

If it were me I would spend a week in Saigon, however I'm biased as love that joint. 

Be aware that airline at departure flight to Thailand may want to see onward flight. 

[sapson]

Have been on a retirement visa for many years now, which is up for renewal very soon however Im not renewing it due to a change of circumstances. i will however need

another month or so here until my exit.

 

A border run to Nong khai would do the job, but can i go across and come back

the same day or is their an actual official stipulation you must stay out of country

for a night ?

 

Also i wish to do this a few days in advance of my extension expiry date and return

within that expiry date but with a 60 day VE stamp.

 

As i have a re entry permit unused will the immigration officer insist on stamping me

back in for just a few days of the remaining  extension validity which would be a

hopeless scenario or use common sense and apply the VE exempt 60 days?

 

Thanks for any advice

[NanLaew]

I believe a minimum one-night stopover outside the country won't be challenged.

 

The IO will stamp you in on the re-entry permit with whatever remains of the extension as the extension is still "alive". Better to let it expire during your two-day Vientiane stopover, and get the 60-day VE on your return entry.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, sapson said:

As i have a re entry permit unused will the immigration officer insist on stamping me back in for just a few days

of the remaining  extension validity which would be a hopeless scenario or use common sense and apply the

VE exempt 60 days ..

The immigration officer can "overlook" the remaining couple of days remaining on your reentry permit and stamp you in 60 days visa exempt entry. However hit and miss. 

 

Frankly don't see the point. 

You could exit at end of your current stamp and reenter Thailand after couple of days in Vientiane. 

You mention only one more month required. 

To reenter visa exempt, proof of flight out of Thailand within the 60 days would be advisable. 

[sapson]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The immigration officer can "overlook" the remaining couple of days remaining on your reentry permit and stamp you in 60 days visa exempt entry. 

Frankly don't see the point. 

You could exit at end of your current stamp and reenter Thailand after couple of days in Vientiane. 

You mention only one more month required. 

To reenter visa, exempt proof of flight out of Thailand within the 60 days would be advisable. 

 

The point is, having had the relaxing luxury of an visa extension renewed usually a few weeks in advance

for many years, the idea of waiting till the actual day of expiry to do a visa run is very stressful due to

health issues that unfortunately fluctuate.

 

This is also why i would wish to go over the border and come straight back if its allowed ?

 

Thanks

 

 

[DrJack54]

27 minutes ago, sapson said:

The point is, having had the relaxing luxury of an visa extension renewed usually a few weeks in advance

for many years, the idea of waiting till the actual day of expiry to do a visa run is very stressful due to

health issues that unfortunately fluctuate.

Are you currently in financial compliance with requirements for next extension? 

Seems overkill however have you considered obtaining another 12 month extension even though you only require one month. 

As you are aware extension is only 1900b. 

You could then leave anytime that suits. 

Which immigration office? 

[KhaoHom]

Double TR, border hop. Extend if needed

 

Extend 2nd TR if needed

 

58+29+60+

[sapson]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Are you currently in financial compliance with requirements for next extension? 

Seems overkill however have you considered obtaining another 12 month extension even though you only require one month. 

As you are aware extension is only 1900b. 

You could then leave anytime that suits. 

Which immigration office? 

 

Current  circumstances unfortunately dont facilitate another extension.

 

Thanks, not aware i could extend my current visa extension for 1900 baht at local konkhaen immigration.

 

What are the stipulations how long do you get? that could be an ideal solution, no travel of border dealings.

 

Thankyou

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, sapson said:

Thanks, not aware i could extend my current visa extension for 1900 baht at local konkhaen immigration.

 

What are the stipulations how long do you get? that could be an ideal solution, no travel of border dealings.

You have misunderstood my post. 

I was referring to NEW 12 month extension. 

You would be aware of the financial requirements having obtained annual extensions in the past. 

[sapson]

Yes, did misunderstand thought that was too easy and yep Im aware of all the12 month visa extension

requirements.

 

So do you know ?perhaps no real definitive answer being Thailand, can i go across the border and come 

straight back to Nongkhai on the same day?

 

Or is their an official requirement you must stay out of country for a night?

 

 

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, sapson said:

So do you know ?perhaps no real definitive answer being Thailand, can i go across the border and come 

straight back to Nongkhai on the same day?

Don't see that possible without using an agent. 

Most likely require 1-2 nights. 

You could try contact agents in KK to see if they can assist.. 

 

[sapson]

Thanks, 

             yes my local agent will be contacting me shortly re visa renewal or not as is the case.

 

She should know the current legal situation re the possibility of a same day in out crossing and the 

query re being a few days within the current extension validity.

 

I have been spoilt with the previous years of sadly departed Ubon Joe on here whos knowledge was unmatched.

 

Thanks for your responses.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, sapson said:

 yes my local agent will be contacting me shortly re visa renewal or not as is the case.

Don't mean to harp... However if you have been using an agent for extensions then why not obtain another extension (12 months)

 

[sapson]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Don't mean to harp... However if you have been using an agent for extensions then why not obtain another extension (12 months)

 

 

Have clarified that as unfortunately not being an option under current circumstances,

[ultramarine]

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

From your posts it seems you pretty much stay approx 5-6 months per year. 

True snowbird.. Can imagine why there would be an issue for second visa exempt entry via year. 

If it were me I would spend a week in Saigon, however I'm biased as love that joint. 

Be aware that airline at departure flight to Thailand may want to see onward flight. 

Is that a typo "can imagine"?  You meant "can't", no?  Yes, proof of onward flight.  How about 20,000 THB in cash too?  Seems they are tightening the screws these days and finding ways to refuse people.  

 

Yes, I have stayed between 4 and 6 months every year except during Covid.  Hopefully that is still considered OK.  

 

I'm just trying to understand the conditions where using border bounce and safe entry companies becomes advisable.  Of course, if you've been here for a long time (more than 6 months) with many consecutive visa exempt entries.  And they would also facilitate same day re-entry for VE on land borders.   If you stay 2 or more days in Laos, then that makes the border bounce minivan companies unnecessary? 

 

 Thanks again for your advice.  You're an all-star.  

 

 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, ultramarine said:

If you stay 2 or more days in Laos, then that makes the border bounce minivan companies unnecessary? 

Staying outside for few (2) nights would avoid agent requirement. 

You still may be asked for onward flight, accommodation rubbish etc. 

 

Yes I made typo was meant to be "can't" 

Will change my post. 

Correction in bold type. 

 

[ultramarine]

20 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Staying outside for few (2) nights would avoid agent requirement. 

You still may be asked for onward flight, accommodation rubbish etc. 

 

Yes I made typo was meant to be "can't" 

Will change my post. 

Correction in bold type. 

 

OK great.  

 

On the accommodation requirement, would this be proof of a paid hotel reservation or would a rental agreement in an apartment suffice?  

 

So it seems the informal rule of 2 visa exempt entries per calendar year is still OK and won't raise any suspicions.

 

 

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

So it seems the informal rule of 2 visa exempt entries per calendar year is still OK and won't raise any suspicions

That is no longer a rule.. 

No stated limit.. 

The accommodation could be simple eg agoda booking fully refundable booking. 

Rental agreement does not indicate tourist. However if you have one then yes provide that 

[ultramarine]

19 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

That is no longer a rule.. 

No stated limit.. 

The accommodation could be simple eg agoda booking fully refundable booking. 

Rental agreement does not indicate tourist. However if you have one then yes provide that 

OK cheers.  "No stated limit" which means take your chances at the border with a grumpy I/O officer who doesn't like the looks of you.  Thailand visa policy is a reflection of the concept of impermanence and constant change.  I guess we Westerners would do well to embrace it.  And be frequent readers of this forum.   

 

An Agoda reservation it is then.