5 Month Stay In Thailand - Visa Options

[sunLvr]

Hi All,

I am planning a 5 month trip to Thailand and wanted some clarification on what my Visa options are. I am a US citizen under the age of 50. Here is my understanding so far:

Option 1: Get a visa on arrival which lasts for 30 days; every 30/15 days exit Thailand by air/land and return.

Option 2: Get a multiple entry tourist visa which last for 60 days. Go to an immigration office before 60 days and get a 30 day extension. Before I hit 90 days leave Thailand and return. This requires dealing with Visa related issues 2 times.

Option 3: I have looked into Non-O Visas but I don't think I meet the qualifications. This law firm claims to be able to grant a 1 year multiple entry Non-O Visa (Siam Legal - Sorry cant post links yet). If I went this more expensive route it seems I would only have to leave Thailand after 90 days – which means dealing with immigration only 1 time. In addition I would be free to stay longer if I wanted. Has anyone dealt with this type of service? It seems they either found a loop hole or are providing questionable documents. Last thing I would want is to use this service and get to Thailand only to be questioned by immigration.

Thanks for you help!

[WilliaminBKK]

Another good option is an Education Visa, at least you can pick up Thai and avoid the 90 day visa runs. Walen School and advertiser here lists all of the programmes they offer.

[sunLvr]

Another good option is an Education Visa, at least you can pick up Thai and avoid the 90 day visa runs. Walen School and advertiser here lists all of the programmes they offer.

I didnt think about going that route! It would be nice to avoid the visa runs.

I am trying to understand the visa validity. From what I understand a tourisit visa is valid for 90 days, and a non-o could be valid for 6 months to a year? If I got a tourist visa 60 days before I entered Thailand would that mean I can only stay for 30 days? Or is the validity the amount of time I have to enter Thailand for the first time? i.e. I could actually stay 60 days and extend for another 30 on 1 entry. My probelm is I will be traveling in other countries over 90 days before I will enter Thailand so I would need to get my visa 120 days or more before entering - any suggestions of what I should do?

Your feedback is much apreciated!