Which Visa Is Right For Me?

[ScubaTys]

Hi guys, I've been looking at all the options for getting a Thai visa and to be honest I'm overwhelmed! Maybe some of you could help me out.....

This is basically the plan for me....

Me and my girlfriend (me from Canada, her from Italy, if that makes a difference) are planning to live and work in Thailand (most likely Koh Tao) for hopefully at least 6-12 months. We both plan on looking for work once we're on the island. I have read that many people arrive on non-immigrant tourist visas and then once employed fill out the necessary paperwork to get a work visa. Is this possible??? Relatively straightforward and easy???

Our plan is very simple but somehow with all the options available I've made this quite complicated on myself hehehe anyways I would really appreciate any advice or helpful suggestions you may have. Cheers! -Tyson

[MJo]

Double entry tourist visa gives two times 90 days. 60 days stamp on arrival and extend for 30 days in immigration. Do visa run and repeat.

If you manage to find work, trip to say Malaysia and non-immigrant business visa with the paperwork from your employer.

[ScubaTys]

Thanks for info, much appreciated!

[ScubaTys]

Sorry one more thing, for the plane ticket... since I'm not sure how long I will be staying I was thinking of just buying a one-way ticket. Does that matter? Is proof of your departure date mandatory? Thanks.

[elliss]

Sorry one more thing, for the plane ticket... since I'm not sure how long I will be staying I was thinking of just buying a one-way ticket. Does that matter? Is proof of your departure date mandatory? Thanks.

dont sound like a good idea , the thai consulate that issue your double entry visa,

may ask to see your flight tickets , to confirm your doubler dates , are in order .

hope i havent pissed on your chips .

[ScubaTys]

Hahaha no worries mate, thanks for head up. So if you think thats a risky idea, any suggestions for the plane ticket? What about a one-year open ticket? I really want to stay for long period of time, I'm a scuba diving instructor, and plan to hopefully find work in one of the numerous shops on Koh Tao. I don't want to be held down by a return date.... Any advice is always appreciated:) Cheers!

[MJo]

Shop around for tickets that allow free date change.

2 x one way is usually more expensive than buying return.

[CharlieH]

A double or triple entry Tourist visa bought BEFORE you travel will ensure no problems with the airline. Having a valid visa you could just buy a one way ticket if you wanted. Without a valid visa and no onward travel within 30 days you could run the risk of not even getting on the flight. The whole ticket thing is nothing to do with immigration its an airline thing.

If you can get a triple entry and use it right then you can get 9 months out of it. 60 + 30 day extension on each entry. The trick there is to get to Thailand as soon after you get the visa as you can, dont get the visa and wait a month or more before traveling.

Best of luck.

[ScubaTys]

Thanks for the informative input guys! much appreciated!