What s the way to stay in thailand 179 days per year?

(Non O visa, retirement purpose: i am over 50, eu passport, and my only option would be the 800k method. But.....the loss of interest on depositing the 800k, the taxation on the transfer of 800k and the monthly transfers for people who resides longer than 180 days per year, coupled with the hoops of obtaining a bank account/extension of stay, all of this and WISE changes, it s a lot of extra hoops and extra money)

Thank you all

"loss of interest on depositing the 800k"

Mere pocket change. If that's keeping you awake then you have larger problems.

Never stay 179 days, keep it to 176/177 in case of flight cancellation - or you're in the club.

This has been discussed ad nauseum.

If you are over 50, get a non-O visa.

If the 800,000 Baht stipulation concerns you, either

use an agent to extend, or

don't extend, just go and get another non-O visa. 2 non-O visas will cover you for 179 days.

Forget about tax. This is an order. Stop watching ridiculous podcasts about being taxed on remittances. This is an order.

Forget about monthly transfers. This is not for you.

Life is easy if you have belief and a modicum of persistence. Life is difficult if you wish it to be and embrace laziness.

Edited May 11May 11 by Briggsy

20 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

This has been discussed ad nauseum.

23 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

This has been discussed ad nauseum.

If you are over 50, get a non-O visa.

If the 800,000 Baht stipulation concerns you, either

use an agent to extend, or

don't extend, just go and get another non-O visa. 2 non-O visas will cover you for 179 days.

Forget about tax. This is an order. Stop watching ridiculous podcasts about being taxed on remittances. This is an order.

Forget about monthly transfers. This is not for you.

Life is easy if you have belief and a modicum of persistence. Life is difficult if you wish it to be and embrace laziness.

If you are over 50, get a non-O visa.

If the 800,000 Baht stipulation concerns you, either

use an agent to extend, or

don't extend, just go and get another non-O visa. 2 non-O visas will cover you for 179 days.

Forget about tax. This is an order. Stop watching ridiculous podcasts about being taxed on remittances. This is an order.

Forget about monthly transfers. This is not for you.

Life is easy if you have belief and a modicum of persistence. Life is difficult if you wish it to be and embrace laziness.

As this subject has already been discussed, can you point me to a link please?

25 minutes ago, giogio said:

As this subject has already been discussed, can you point me to a link please?

Not needed. Indeed this is, asked on weekly basis.

The reply from @Briggsy is spot on.

Use annual extensions from a Non O based on retirement.

Obtain a reentry permit.

If the 800k loss of income (opportunity cost) is an issue, then use an agent.

Approx 16k annually.

1 hour ago, Briggsy said:

Forget about tax.

I strongly suspect that his specific mention of 179 days per annum means that he is well aware of being able to be completely forgetful about tax here in LOS in any event!

13 minutes ago, OJAS said:

I strongly suspect that his specific mention of 179 days per annum means that he is well aware of being able to be completely forgetful about tax here in LOS in any event!

I dont understand what you wrote.

Can you rephrase it without using acronym please?

2 minutes ago, giogio said:

I dont understand what you wrote.

Can you rephrase it without using acronym please?

OJAS and LOS? Which do you not understand. 555

Edited May 11May 11 by wil iam not

36 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Not needed. Indeed this is, asked on weekly basis.

The reply from @Briggsy is spot on.

Use annual extensions from a Non O based on retirement.

Obtain a reentry permit.

If the 800k loss of income (opportunity cost) is an issue, then use an agent.

Approx 16k annually.

Being a frequently asked topic, that s why i asked to be pointed to a link, so i dont saturate the forum.

Thanx for yr reply.

3 minutes ago, giogio said:

I dont understand what you wrote.

Can you rephrase it without using acronym please?

Think means that as you mentioned 179 days you appear concerned about possible taxation.

First up I suggest ignore taxation concerns and even if that is a concern the option on ongoing annual extensions is best option.

2 minutes ago, giogio said:

Being a frequently asked topic, that s why i asked to be pointed to a link, so i dont saturate the forum.

There are many options to stay in Thailand for periods less than the more common expat majority of year in Thailand.

These include Extensions from Non O.

DTV....

METV...

Non O-A (renewed every two years)

Along with others.

Your question is too open with range of options that are discussed often. You did not mention if the stay in Thailand is continuous.

The reference to WISE is for?

I do seamless monthly transfers using WISE.

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Think means that as you mentioned 179 days you appear concerned about possible taxation.

First up I suggest ignore taxation concerns and even if that is a concern the option on ongoing annual extensions is best option.

I apologize for not researching enough the forum.

Though Before writing my post i make some research....in fact i research constantly....once out of the research comes a doubt, i try to ask someone who can help me.

And taxation is definitely an issue (regardless of what thailand will decide). And certainly the loss of interest on the 800k is another issue, for me.

I greatly appreciate your reply.

You basically suggest me to get the initial 90 days non O, then in thailand immediately tm30, certificate of residence, finding a kasikorn branch to open account, asking a visa agent to extend 1 year, get multi re-entry permit.

Is this a correct step by step procedure?

1 minute ago, giogio said:

You basically suggest me to get the initial 90 days non O, then in thailand immediately tm30, certificate of residence, finding a kasikorn branch to open account, asking a visa agent to extend 1 year, get multi re-entry permit.

Is this a correct step by step procedure

Yes. That is one option.

The extensions from Non O is best option IMO.

To exit and reenter Thailand as often as you wish you would require a multi reentry permit.

An agent would avoid the 800k requirement

Best to obtain the Non O prior to entering Thailand visa the eVisa platform.

Where would you plan to live in Thailand or at very least use as a base

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

There are many options to stay in Thailand for periods less than the more common expat majority of year in Thailand.

These include Extensions from Non O.

DTV....

METV...

Non O-A (renewed every two years)

Along with others.

Your question is too open with range of options that are discussed often. You did not mention if the stay in Thailand is continuous.

The reference to WISE is for?

I do seamless monthly transfers using WISE.

Thnx again dr jack

-my reference to WISE is to do with the changes WISE is carrying out, 6 August im reading (dont know exactly how it impacts). I mentioned it only because there are currently quite few changes going on, including taxation of which you already suggested me to use an agent to avoid the transfer of 800k. Difficulty opening bank account is another major change.

-my current post in fact regards me thinking of a way to "tackle" these hoops, that s why i asked how to stay less than 170 days in thailand.

-ideally, these 170 days i d prefer them continuously (no border run)

3 minutes ago, giogio said:

-my reference to WISE is to do with the changes WISE is carrying out, 6 August im reading (dont know exactly how it impacts). I mentioned it only because there are currently quite few changes going on, including taxation of which you already suggested me to use an agent to avoid the transfer of 800k. Difficulty opening bank account is another major change.

Just one persons opinion.

1 Ignore taxation concerns

2 ignore WISE as I have seen zero changes to that. My transfers from Oz using WISE are instant.

3 Regarding 800k consider option of using Income method after first extension. I use income method and only bring in monthly funds to live off.

4 Yes opening a Thai bank account has become more difficult and you must enter with a Non O and not Tourist visa. As you pointed out with a COR from immigration you should be able to open an account. Kasikorn a good option.

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes. That is one option.

The extensions from Non O is best option IMO.

To exit and reenter Thailand as often as you wish you would require a multi reentry permit.

An agent would avoid the 800k requirement

Best to obtain the Non O prior to entering Thailand visa the eVisa platform.

Where would you plan to live in Thailand or at very least use as a base

-if i tackle the "new hoops" and i go for staying 170 dd per year, i d stay the monsoon in chiang mai.

-(after your clarification regarding 800k) if i go for "non O", following the outlined procedure that you confirmed, that would be a great financial help if i could avoid the transfer of 800k. I woukd settle down in banglamung (jomtien immigration)

Question: according to the current situation and the changes of the past couple of years, what would be the risks of using an agent for the 1 year extension? And the non presence of 800k in the bank account?

Thank you

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just one persons opinion.

1 Ignore taxation concerns

2 ignore WISE as I have seen zero changes to that. My transfers from Oz using WISE are instant.

3 Regarding 800k consider option of using Income method after first extension. I use income method and only bring in monthly funds to live off.

4 Yes opening a Thai bank account has become more difficult and you must enter with a Non O and not Tourist visa. As you pointed out with a COR from immigration you should be able to open an account. Kasikorn a good option.

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just one persons opinion.

1 Ignore taxation concerns

2 ignore WISE as I have seen zero changes to that. My transfers from Oz using WISE are instant.

3 Regarding 800k consider option of using Income method after first extension. I use income method and only bring in monthly funds to live off.

4 Yes opening a Thai bank account has become more difficult and you must enter with a Non O and not Tourist visa. As you pointed out with a COR from immigration you should be able to open an account. Kasikorn a good option.

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just one persons opinion.

1 Ignore taxation concerns

2 ignore WISE as I have seen zero changes to that. My transfers from Oz using WISE are instant.

3 Regarding 800k consider option of using Income method after first extension. I use income method and only bring in monthly funds to live off.

4 Yes opening a Thai bank account has become more difficult and you must enter with a Non O and not Tourist visa. As you pointed out with a COR from immigration you should be able to open an account. Kasikorn a good optio

3) i only have one method: 800k. (I dont generate enough income).

So your suggestion of using an agent is interesting in my case. It has reactivated my interest towards "non O", rather than staying less than 179 days.

-i live in cambodia, my funds come from cambodia. In the next few year i should get a UK pension, but not yet there.

Thank you

11 minutes ago, giogio said:

what would be the risks of using an agent for the 1 year extension? And the non presence of 800k in the bank account?

Risk = 0.00001%

You would be one of tens of thousands in Pattaya alone doing this.

10 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Risk = 0.00001%

You would be one of tens of thousands in Pattaya alone doing this.

Thank you

Im just asking some pedantic doubts because my focus is on the changes of the past couple of years. (I used to live in banglamung on "non OA visa")

And although non transferring 800k would give me a mere 100 usd per month, it s still a nice help for better accommodation and food, plus my health expenses are big, unfortunately. And i d avoid any issue with "potential" taxation.

With dr jack, he corroborated an outlined step by step of what to do.

Thnx

If you truly only want to stay 179 days per year, and don't want to mess around with money in your Thai bank account, then a non-OA visa probably makes the most sense. You'll have to have insurance, and do some extra paperwork for the visa. This will give you a 1-year entry stamp.

It's a good option for someone who is planning on going back to their home country every 1-2 years, doesn't mind maintaining insurance that meets the OA requirements, and doesn't want to put money in a Thai bank or to deal with immigration at all.

You would just get a new non-OA visa when you're back at home each year.

But if there's a chance of ever trying to apply for the retirement extension inside of Thailand, the non-OA is not a good option since it's includes the worst requirements of the available options.

Edited May 11May 11 by BrandonJT

18 hours ago, giogio said:

I dont understand what you wrote.

Can you rephrase it without using acronym please?

On this forum, LOS means land of smiles.

Also I had to ask the first time I encountered it. According to acronym.com, it can mean 52 different things.

Less than 179 days means no taxation on funds coming in.

Choosing the 800k route depends on the interest you get on the

800k in your country.

Using an agent costs money.

Doing the non oa costs a lot of money for the insurance

and dealing with fickle embassies to get your visa.

Trolling post removed

Everything above good info. Also you can METV for 60 days . 30 days extension for 1900 baht. Then leave for a couple of days ( Laos , Vietnam) and return for another 60 days plus another 1900 baht 30 day extension.

Thinking of doing this myself . However the previous posters are much more knowledgeable than myself.

1 hour ago, Shwaman said:

Also you can METV for 60 days . 30 days extension for 1900 baht. Then leave for a couple of days ( Laos , Vietnam) and return for another 60 days plus another 1900 baht 30 day extension.

Your plan is a good alternative.

An METV can enable a stay of up to almost 9 months with the trips out that you outlined.

If possible it's best to stay out a few days rather than just a bounce.

On 5/11/2026 at 2:42 AM, giogio said:

What s the way to stay in thailand 179 days per year?

(Non O visa, retirement purpose: i am over 50, eu passport, and my only option would be the 800k method. But.....the loss of interest on depositing the 800k, the taxation on the transfer of 800k and the monthly transfers for people who resides longer than 180 days per year, coupled with the hoops of obtaining a bank account/extension of stay, all of this and WISE changes, it s a lot of extra hoops and extra money)

Thank you all

It's depending on your (present) financial situation.

As 50+ years old, your administrative easiest option is a non-immigrant type O-visa, a bank deposit of 800,000 baht and annual extensions of stay. You can place the deposit in a 12-months fixed bank account for best local interest, but do regard it as a deposit for your stay, not an investment for gain or dividend. You can withdraw the interest after each fixed period; the bank will withhold 15% interest tax.

If your money for the deposit was saved up before 1st Januar 2024, they can be transferred free on income tax — or, if you first long term stay in Land.of.Smiles is less than 180 days within a calendar year, which is same as tax-year, you are not eligible to report your income and pay local income tax.

With a bank deposit you don't need to care for monthly transfers and currency exchange rates, you are free to chose transfers and when to do it. You can for example do only a few larger transfers doing a year, when you thing that currency exchange rate is in your favour.

When staying more than 180 days in Thailand you are in priciple income taxable. However, check the Dounble Taxation Agreement (DTA) with your home country, of what you will be taxable for — some forum members comment that it is not all income that shall be reported in the tax return form — and also check what income is covered from double taxation.

The Thai tax return online-form is quite simple, and you can deduct foreign withheld taxes in accordance with your DTA. The first 150,000 baht are free of income tax. You have a 50% income deduction, but maximum 100,000 baht. You have a personal deduction of 60,000 baht. So, from any income, which has not been withheld taxed abroad — with a higher or similar tax level as Thai income tax — only income over 310,000 baht will be income taxed in Thailand. And still, all savings documented from before 1st January 2024 can be transferred taxfree.

At the risk of hijacking a topic but relevant to the 6 month issue:

I had a two month holiday in July 2025 to September 2025 - about 59 days and about 58 days ending early April 2026. I have booked starting June 2026 for 58 days as a tourist. Have tourist type bookings. Is it possible they will have an issue for this being too much for a tourist. Thanks.

Edited May 12May 12 by Fat is a type of crazy

At the moment I am a Snowbird who usually stayed between 180 and 190 days per year. Concerned I might be taxed bringing in a lot of money to build a house, I've kept it to 179 days for the last 2 years. But have extended it to my usual term by entering on a 90-day single entry retirement visa then doing 2 border hops enjoying a pleasant few days in Laos (easy for me as I live on the Mekong). This coming winter after my time in Thailand I plan to trial a couple of weeks in Da Nang and Hoi An. This is with a view to possibly stay there In the future for a couple of months to escape the very hot and polluted air from mid-March to mid May when it's about 10° cooler in Central Vietnam. From your point of view you could do something similar and possibly also visit the Philippines, or Malaysia and/or Cambodia ( not at the moment ), If you want to stay away from your home country the whole year.

Edited May 12May 12 by SunsetT

2 hours ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

Is it possible they will have an issue for this being too much for a tourist

Could be especially if your previous entries were visa exempt.

I would have suggested next visit obtain a SETV.

Most will suggest that you will be fine with history you outline.

For others soon be prepared to plan trips based on visa exempt entry being 30 days.

29 minutes ago, SunsetT said:

At the moment I am a Snowbird who usually stayed between 180 and 190 days per year. Concerned I might be taxed bringing in a lot of money to build a house, I've kept it to 179 days for the last 2 years

IMO, given building house in Thailand I would obtain a Non O with annual extensions.

With reentry permit you can travel as you wish.