Person over 50, from Europe.

What's the best and easiest way to spend four months a year, every year, in Thailand?

One option could be a retirement non-O visa obtained in his country and at the end of 90 days leaving Thailand and re-entering without a visa to have another 60 days (or 30 if they will be reduced)?

In this way could he run into problems over the years?

Any other suggestions?

4 months in a row? Actually no best way. Border hops is one way.

Could do it on an annual extension. There is no minimum time required in Thailand. Plus you have complete flexibility on how long you want to stay each year.

6 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Could do it on an annual extension. There is no minimum time required in Thailand. Plus you have complete flexibility on how long you want to stay each year.

He prefers to avoid the bureaucracy and documents necessary for the annual extension, and is looking for alternatives.
It seems that obtaining the non-O in his country is rather simple.

58 minutes ago, federicoP said:

It seems that obtaining the non-O in his country is rather simple.

There are a few options.

My pic would be Non O with annual extensions + reentry permit.

However that ties up money in a Thai bank. Also you mention he wants to avoid annual extensions.

He could check out a DTV.

27 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

He could check out a DTV.

I think it would be difficult for him to be qualified for DTV.

He just had his first annual extension based on non-O, and he is astonished from all the paper and time involved in this.

Maybe he's not so familiar with Thai bureaucracy.......

So now he's looking for a simpler process, and he's saying that it is easy for him obtaining the non-O in his country, and would like to find the way to increase his staying from 90 to 120 days.

13 minutes ago, federicoP said:

He just had his first annual extension based on non-O, and he is astonished from all the paper and time involved in this

Possibly not his thing however in reality extensions retirement are very straight forward.

He could enter with Non O eVisa and use an agent each year for annual extensions.

The agent would also attend to reentry permit.

Where would he be based. Which immigration office

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Where would he be based. Which immigration office

Phuket.

Every year I am doing, in Phuket, my extension without agent and without any problem, but everyone has their own way of measuring the difficulties......

What about a non-O obtained in Europe for 90 days and a subsequent re-entry for 30 (or 60) days visa exempt ?

1 minute ago, federicoP said:

What about a non-O obtained in Europe for 90 days and a subsequent re-entry for 30 (or 60) days visa exempt ?

Yes however seems some changes for visa exempt entries particularly if tagged onto an existing visa stay be that SETV, METV, or even a Non O + bounce for visa exempt etc.

Better options IMO.

Especially if the plan is to be ongoing.

There was a post recently where a guy had idea of Non O (marriage) + 60 extension "to visit wife"

After some reluctance from the io he obtained the 60 extension and io stated clearly that next year Non O + 12 month extension.

Just one persons opinion but I believe the snowbirds and similar are best off with ongoing extensions from a Non O + reentry permit.

Come and go as you please.

If he just doesn't want to deal with immigration then agent can assist.

Think @ThaiVisaCentre can deal with Phuket folk

If he can get a non - O 90 days , and combine that with a short holiday ( 7-10 days ) in a neighbouring country, get a SETV ,or even come in VEE , that could work. It's what I did - not too difficult.

49 minutes ago, persimmon said:

If he can get a non - O 90 days , and combine that with a short holiday ( 7-10 days ) in a neighbouring country, get a SETV ,or even come in VEE , that could work. It's what I did - not too difficult.

Suggest that the Non O was not designed for what you outline.

Suggest there would eventually be push back from immigration.

Rightful so... IMO

On 2/15/2026 at 7:23 AM, Upnotover said:

Could do it on an annual extension. There is no minimum time required in Thailand. Plus you have complete flexibility on how long you want to stay each year.

If you have the money, then the annual visa is the best. As has been stated, you do not have to live here all year long, and as long as you have the money in your account, this is the best way, as it removes any worries about policy changes.

9 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

If you have the money, then the annual visa is the best

For sure. The 800k locked up in a Thai bank is a negative however with the extension and reentry permit in the passport you can come and go as often as you like and stay in Thailand as little or as much as you like. Zero issues.

In fact the 800k doesn't concern me now since changing to income method

24 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For sure. The 800k locked up in a Thai bank is a negative however with the extension and reentry permit in the passport you can come and go as often as you like and stay in Thailand as little or as much as you like. Zero issues.

In fact the 800k doesn't concern me now since changing to income method

Yeah it is good just hoping that they clarify the 65k by removing the need for letter from embassy from the rules and change it with letter from bank and statement showing deposits

On 2/15/2026 at 1:16 AM, federicoP said:

Any other suggestions?

The so-called "retirement visa", non-immigrant O-A. You can keep your funds in your home country and you have unlimited entry within the visa's duration period. Only downside might be that you need an approved health insurance. However, health insurance – and if not living permanently in Thailand, also repatriation – is always a good option to include in travel plans.

The "normal" non-im migrant O-type, based on retirement, with annual extensions stay: You need to deposit funds – 800,000 baht – in a Thai bank and be in Thailand around the time for annual extension of stay; the benefit is freedom to select health insurance, you might be able to use a travel insurance with repatriation instead. The income method for extension of stay with transfers of minimum 65,000 baht every month might not be of interest for you, unless you plan to spend 800,000 baht or more during your four months' stay in Thailand.

3 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

Yeah it is good just hoping that they clarify the 65k by removing the need for letter from embassy from the rules and change it with letter from bank and statement showing deposits

Hasn't that been clarified for years? The income method on a category O visa within Thailand based on retirement, requires 12 months of transfers no less than 65k from abroad into a Thai bank account, OR an income letter from the embassies who still provide those.

Without an income letter, 800k in bank is your only option until you can provide your 12 months of transfers. Unless you're using an agent, who covers the financial requirement.

METV (multy entry tourist visa) would be the way to go, would involve a border hop

DO an elite visa, cheapest now , bronze, 5 years, only 650000 baht. However Limited Time Offer (Applications close March 31, 2026)

5 minutes ago, xtrnuno41 said:

DO an elite visa, cheapest now , bronze, 5 years, only 650000 baht. However Limited Time Offer (Applications close March 31, 2026)

So 130k per year for someone wanting 4 month stay each year.

Not April 1 on my calendar.

22 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

So 130k per year for someone wanting 4 month stay each year.

Not April 1 on my calendar.

• Membership Fee: 650,000 THB (approx. $19,000 USD)

• Visa Validity: 5 Years

  Each time the holder enters Thailand, they are limited to a stay of 1 year, after which time the visa holder must leave Thailand and return to restart the stay period. Alternatively, members can apply for a 1-year extension at the Immigration Office. Yes you still need to do 90 day report. And yes , it costs you 130kB/year.

• Maybe he would stay longer in this way? He wants now 4 months and combine, but is that possible? After all IO decides.

• If you have non O and want extension, you need 800 kbaht in bank, which is difficult to get. Technically that is always your money, but you cant use (if you are wise). OK , you can do income instead, but still need bank. And then you have to plan when to leave , when to come back with then a visa re entry permit, you must have.

  It is just an option OP asked for, customer, you decide(s). If you can, want, spend money for it.

  It is not like a Trump goldcard or platinacard for USA.

Ah, ok see METV is still running, thought it was gone. So also good option, though doing every 2 months border runs.

Had that one some years ago. No idea how I got the idea it was gone.

So I visited e- visa to make visa, but already was "busted" right away, Though I could continue.

No idea what it could mean for further filling. Was trying to go for METV, to see if it is still there.

I could fill in tourism and multiple, indicating METV.

However Im sure, Im not in Thailand !! Someone used my identity? Log in credentials?

I didnt see in my application list any older or new ones that were made. Weird.

Yes, as i was in beginning fase and go out, all was set in an incomplete request.

Checked and deleted it. But before, nothing was in list, did a check.

What would it mean for making one? Accept it or all down the drain, of course then with money? Rejected then ?

If it’s only a one off stay, then an SETV or an METV will work fine , not much cost or trouble , if the rules don’t change ! But that’s what immigration are apparently cracking down on. If he wants to stay as he wishes he’ll have to use the other options above.

Depending on your friends situation financially, he/she could look into the LTR visa. There are several categories that might work. The plus ito the visa is a one time application for 10 years (one timepayment), no 90 reporting, for some categories there is no need to have money in Thai banks, unlimited entry and exit and no taxes on remittance money. It is not for everyone (must be eligible), but we live in Thailand 6 months out of the year and it is perfect for US. Something to look into maybe.

5 hours ago, Issan girl said:

Depending on your friends situation financially, he/she could look into the LTR visa. There are several categories that might work. The plus ito the visa is a one time application for 10 years (one timepayment), no 90 reporting, for some categories there is no need to have money in Thai banks, unlimited entry and exit and no taxes on remittance money. It is not for everyone (must be eligible), but we live in Thailand 6 months out of the year and it is perfect for US. Something to look into maybe.

Technically 2-time application, since you have to requalify after 5 years. But still only one payment and still the best visa currently available.

I have a college class mate (in his 70s like me) who (unlike me) lives in North American with his Thai wife, who came to Thailand with an intent to stay ~4months. He mistakenly went for an METV, and was disappointed to only get a 60-day stamp. Toward the end of his 60-days, he elected to go to Vietnam and re-enter Thailand again, although that would not have been his first choice.

I am kicking myself for not recommending a Type-O visa to him.

Putting 400,000 THB in a new Thai bank account would not have been an issue for him. He could have shown up on a 90-day Type-O visa (for marriage to Thai (he already has his marriage to his Thai wife registered in Thailand)), opened a Thai bank account, and deposited 400k THB in the account. Then he could saunder down to immigration and obtain an extension for reason of marriage to a Thai. Unfortunately, he showed up on an METV.

Of course not wanting to put any money into a Thai bank, and stay in Thailand for months, is not something the Thai government are particularly keen on hearing. They want foreigners to help generate more money in Thailand. For certain as a foreigner, having disposable income presents many more solutions.

Best wishes to the OP in your ultimate approach.

1 hour ago, oldcpu said:

I am kicking myself for not recommending a Type-O visa to him.

Seems your friend was doing a 4 month visit perhaps not as ongoing thing. Non O + extension most likely not best option

Many other easy cocktails for 4 month stay esp for married to Thai folk.

Yes METV provides 60 day stamp.

He would have needed to exit and reenter as you outlined.

Each entry can be extended by 30 days (60+30).

3 hours ago, oldcpu said:

I have a college class mate (in his 70s like me) who (unlike me) lives in North American with his Thai wife, who came to Thailand with an intent to stay ~4months. He mistakenly went for an METV, and was disappointed to only get a 60-day stamp. Toward the end of his 60-days, he elected to go to Vietnam and re-enter Thailand again, although that would not have been his first choice.

I am kicking myself for not recommending a Type-O visa to him.

Putting 400,000 THB in a new Thai bank account would not have been an issue for him. He could have shown up on a 90-day Type-O visa (for marriage to Thai (he already has his marriage to his Thai wife registered in Thailand)), opened a Thai bank account, and deposited 400k THB in the account. Then he could saunder down to immigration and obtain an extension for reason of marriage to a Thai. Unfortunately, he showed up on an METV.

Of course not wanting to put any money into a Thai bank, and stay in Thailand for months, is not something the Thai government are particularly keen on hearing. They want foreigners to help generate more money in Thailand. For certain as a foreigner, having disposable income presents many more solutions.

Best wishes to the OP in your ultimate approach.

He wouldn't even need to put 400k in the bank.

Get 90 days from non-O entry, and then apply for the 60-day "visiting Thai family" extension with his wife. No money required.

On 2/16/2026 at 2:15 PM, thaibreaker said:

Hasn't that been clarified for years? The income method on a category O visa within Thailand based on retirement, requires 12 months of transfers no less than 65k from abroad into a Thai bank account, OR an income letter from the embassies who still provide those.

Without an income letter, 800k in bank is your only option until you can provide your 12 months of transfers. Unless you're using an agent, who covers the financial requirement.

Actually, it has not. I also thought it had, but I was recently told I would need an Embassy letter next year. I have seen and heard that the bank statement is all you require, but then again, until all immigration centers realize it, it can still be a problem.

23 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

I also thought it had, but I was recently told I would need an Embassy letter next year. I have seen and heard that the bank statement is all you require, but then again, until all immigration centers realize it, it can still be a problem.

Think this is down to incorrect advice from the person that told you that.

The rules state embassy letter OR Statement showing 12 monthly transfers of 65k + per month.

This of course is how the pp holders of countries such as USA, UK, AU, Canada, etc are able to use income method.

Would be unfair to be required to show both forms of proof.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Think this is down to incorrect advice from the person that told you that.

The rules state embassy letter OR Statement showing 12 monthly transfers of 65k + per month.

This of course is how the pp holders of countries such as USA, UK, AU, Canada, etc are able to use income method.

Would be unfair to be required to show both forms of proof.

Fully agree my point was that at this stage it is just getting all the IO's to understand LOL

The other side of it is that if you go to a lot of agents, they will tellyou there is only the 800k baht rule

11 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Fully agree my point was that at this stage it is just getting all the IO's to understand LOL

The other side of it is that if you go to a lot of agents, they will tellyou there is only the 800k baht rule

There IS only the 800k baht in bank option, until you can show 12 consecutive transfers from abroad into a Thai bank account of no less than 65k baht a month (for countries/embassies which do not provide income letters).

All agents know this. It's their job to know this. Either you have misunderstood (the agent or the immigration officer), or you couldn't provide proof of the above.