Best Place To Get Triple Entry Visa?

[godforhire]

I've been in Bangkok for about 6 months now on a triple entry visa, but it will expire soon. I've heard that it's difficult to get another triple entry visa in the surrounding countries and that the best chance -- other than returning to Europe -- is to go to Penang. Apparently they are most likely (on a good day) to issue one, or at least a double entry. Is that true? What other alternatives are there of assuredly getting a triple entry visa?

Also, is there a limit of triple/double entries that will be issued to you, even in Europe? I'm financially independent so to say and I plan to stay here in Thailand for at least several years, most likely on tourist visas. I can imagine that immigration might get suspicious, possibly thinking I work here. Anyone experienced this? If it's a matter of showing a (Thai) bank statement with sufficient funds that would be no problem.

Thanks.

[lopburi3]

Money in the bank would surely help your case. There have been several reports that Penang can issue a multi entry O visa valid for one year if you can show a Thai bank account over 200k. Might be just what you need. It would allow 90 day visits before a border crossing required.

[godforhire]

Money in the bank would surely help your case.  There have been several reports that Penang can issue a multi entry O visa valid for one year if you can show a Thai bank account over 200k.  Might be just what you need.  It would allow 90 day visits before a border crossing required.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks. Sounds promising. I'll be sure to bring my little Kasikornbank deposit book

[scatalyst]

I'm in a similar situation to godforhire. Except don't have over 200k in Thai bank account. Have plenty of money in overseas account, which I access with ATM. Plan to stay here for an extended time (several years?) but won't be working. The only "work" I would do would be to volunteer, such as teaching English in a village. Not associated with any organization and not accept any money.

I want to be legal about it all. Suggestions?

Are tourist visas the best option? only option? What's the likelihood I would be refused after a few of these?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I'm in a similar situation to godforhire. Except don't have over 200k in Thai bank account. Have plenty of money in overseas account, which I access with ATM. Plan to stay here for an extended time (several years?) but won't be working. The only "work" I would do would be to volunteer, such as teaching English in a village. Not associated with any organization and not accept any money.

I want to be legal about it all. Suggestions?

Are tourist visas the best option? only option? What's the likelihood I would be refused after a few of these?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Apply for a multiple entry non-immigrant 'O' visa before you leave home. You can apply at the Thai Consulate-General at Houston by mail. Be aware that even doing voluntary work is technically illegal without a work permit

[godforhire]

Money in the bank would surely help your case.  There have been several reports that Penang can issue a multi entry O visa valid for one year if you can show a Thai bank account over 200k.  Might be just what you need.  It would allow 90 day visits before a border crossing required.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'd have to be over fifty, right, to obtain a non-immigrant 'O' visa? I'm still a long way from that so I guess having 200k+ in the bank won't help me there. Too bad. I'll just go for the multiple entry tourist visa.

[lopburi3]

Money in the bank would surely help your case.  There have been several reports that Penang can issue a multi entry O visa valid for one year if you can show a Thai bank account over 200k.  Might be just what you need.  It would allow 90 day visits before a border crossing required.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'd have to be over fifty, right, to obtain a non-immigrant 'O' visa? I'm still a long way from that so I guess having 200k+ in the bank won't help me there. Too bad. I'll just go for the multiple entry tourist visa.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Obviously God is a lot younger than I had expected.

But I would ask the visa agents on Chula before I gave up. It is much better than a tourist visa if you can obtain it.