Long-term Tourists

[jimbim]

I am sure this has been dealt with, ad nauseum, in the forum, but I can't seem to find precise references, so I beg patience.

My wife's daughter is coming to Thailand to work. She has an amazing offer (who knew teachers could make so much?). There is much joy in our household.

Her boyfriend, a writer of considerable talent, is coming with her, but he must enter on a tourist visa. He will work on a novel while she teaches.

I admit I haven't been following this as closely as some, but my question is: Can a tourist stay indefinitely in Thailand by using a tourist visa, extended to 90 days, then using exempt status up to the maximum of 90 days (three border runs), then get another Thai tourist visa in a neighbouring country, and so on?

My understanding is that exempt status is usually available up to 90 days in a six-month period. The same goes with a tourist visa.

Have I got this right?

If not, is there another way to do this?

thanks and cheers

[CyberViking]

I admit I haven't been following this as closely as some, but my question is: Can a tourist stay indefinitely in Thailand by using a tourist visa, extended to 90 days, then using exempt status up to the maximum of 90 days (three border runs), then get another Thai tourist visa in a neighbouring country, and so on?

What you suggest is possible *right now*, but the regulations governing visas are subject to change without notice at any moment. There's no saying what's going to be acceptable a month from now, a week from now, or even a day from now.

If he's in Farangland right now, he should be able to easily obtain a long-term non-imm O visa or multiple-entry tourist visa from a Thai consulate or embassy in his home country. That would see him through the next six months to a year with no problem. Check the Thai Royal Consulate/Embassy website for his home country for details on requirements and fees.

After that, assuming the current regulations are still in place, he would be able to do the visa-exempt runs (not to exceed 90 days of visa exempt status in a six-month period), or obtain short-term tourist visas (60 days, extendable to 90 for 1,900 baht) from a Thai consulate/embassy in a neighboring country (Malaysia or Singapore are the most user-friendly at this time).

I personally think the border runs for the 30-day visa-exempt entry permits should be avoided. Keep those visa-exempt days "in the bank", so to speak, for emergencies.

[Lite Beer]

Yes he maybe entitled to a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa by giving the reason to visit friends.

This will give him up to 15 months in Thailand.

Try phoning a Thai Consulate in his home country and ask.

Failing that a double or triple entry tourist visa should be possible.

Edited September 10, 2007 by Lite Beer

[torrenova]

12 months multi entry non imm "O" is the way to go. Good for 15 months with border trips every 90 days.

[Pattaya46]

Yes he maybe entitled to a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa by giving the reason to visit friends.

12 months multi entry non imm "O" is the way to go. Good for 15 months with border trips every 90 days.

Hi,

Why do you continue to give wrong information guys ?

Everybody on ThaiVisa knows that "Visiting friends" is not any more a valid raison to get a Non-Imm O Visa

Ok. If you are from UK you are big privileged because Hull consulat will accept this raison,

but the big majority of members here has not this availability...

Pattaya46

[Maestro]

..."Visiting friends" is not any more a valid raison to get a Non-Imm O Visa...

The “O” stands for other, ie any reason other than the reasons for which a specific category of non-immigrant visa exists. The consulate where one applies decides whether or not the reason to issue a non-O visa for the reason being applied for.

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Maestro