Options For Long-Term Stay In Thailand

[emh]

A few years back, I spent a month in Chiang Mai and really liked the city. I've been thinking of moving there and living for at least 2-4 years. I'm not sure what my options are. My basics...I'm 42, from the US, and have about $80-85,000 in the bank.

I'd prefer not to do endless border runs and (correct me if I'm wrong) that only gets me 270 days in a year. Obviously getting a job teaching english and getting a work visa would be one option. Marriage? Well, that's not going to happen anytime soon. I'm too young for the retirement visa.

Are there other options?

Thanks!

[Mario2008]

You could go and study in Thailand. It is not limtied to Thai language. For staying 2 to 4 years that seems the best alternative.

[emh]

You could go and study in Thailand. It is not limtied to Thai language. For staying 2 to 4 years that seems the best alternative.

Thanks Mario, I appreciate the input. So what could I study besides the Thai language? I'm not necessarily opposed to studying Thai, I'm just curious.

[necronx99]

You could go and study in Thailand. It is not limtied to Thai language. For staying 2 to 4 years that seems the best alternative.

Thanks Mario, I appreciate the input. So what could I study besides the Thai language? I'm not necessarily opposed to studying Thai, I'm just curious.

Kickboxing?

[lopburi3]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

[CharlieH]

There are a number of other alternatives, MMA, Cooking, Diving, why not try surfing the Universities to see what courses are available, the only real criteria is that the school is registered and able to complete the required paperwork. You will be required to "study" a minimum of 4 hrs per week for Visa purposes.

A double entry tourist visa would be a good start, that will give you 6 months to start and the chance to fully explore whats available.

Good luck

[emh]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

Thanks Lopburi3. I was basing the 270 day comment off of the first response to a recent thread. Unfortunately it seems I can't attach links so I'm not sure how to direct you to the thread. The OP was from the UK and wanting to stay in Thailand for a year. Here's what he was told:

"You can do 270 days with a multiple entry tourist visa but this does involve border runs."

Is this not accurate? If not what is?

[emh]

There are a number of other alternatives, MMA, Cooking, Diving, why not try surfing the Universities to see what courses are available, the only real criteria is that the school is registered and able to complete the required paperwork. You will be required to "study" a minimum of 4 hrs per week for Visa purposes.

A double entry tourist visa would be a good start, that will give you 6 months to start and the chance to fully explore whats available.

Good luck

Thanks CharlieH. That sounds like a good plan, particularly since I am a perpetual student.

[LivinLOS]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

Thanks Lopburi3. I was basing the 270 day comment off of the first response to a recent thread. Unfortunately it seems I can't attach links so I'm not sure how to direct you to the thread. The OP was from the UK and wanting to stay in Thailand for a year. Here's what he was told:

"You can do 270 days with a multiple entry tourist visa but this does involve border runs."

Is this not accurate? If not what is?

Thats using a triple entry tourist visa..

Other options are suggesting a non immigrant ED visa..

Theres multiple ways to skin a cat.

[lopburi3]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

Thanks Lopburi3. I was basing the 270 day comment off of the first response to a recent thread. Unfortunately it seems I can't attach links so I'm not sure how to direct you to the thread. The OP was from the UK and wanting to stay in Thailand for a year. Here's what he was told:

"You can do 270 days with a multiple entry tourist visa but this does involve border runs."

Is this not accurate? If not what is?

As said that was for using one visa prior to entry - but there is nothing preventing you from a new visa/entry.

[emh]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

Thanks Lopburi3. I was basing the 270 day comment off of the first response to a recent thread. Unfortunately it seems I can't attach links so I'm not sure how to direct you to the thread. The OP was from the UK and wanting to stay in Thailand for a year. Here's what he was told:

"You can do 270 days with a multiple entry tourist visa but this does involve border runs."

Is this not accurate? If not what is?

As said that was for using one visa prior to entry - but there is nothing preventing you from a new visa/entry.

I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I definitely appreciate all the input I've received.

When you say "there is nothing preventing you from a new visa/entry", I'm trying to figure out what that means. CharlieH mentioned that I could get 6 months for a double entry tourist visa. Would I then leave the country after 6 months and come back in on a new double entry tourist visa?

[necronx99]

You could do university study. Also not sure why you say tourist visas or border runds would only provide 270 days per year as there is no such limitation.

Thanks Lopburi3. I was basing the 270 day comment off of the first response to a recent thread. Unfortunately it seems I can't attach links so I'm not sure how to direct you to the thread. The OP was from the UK and wanting to stay in Thailand for a year. Here's what he was told:

"You can do 270 days with a multiple entry tourist visa but this does involve border runs."

Is this not accurate? If not what is?

As said that was for using one visa prior to entry - but there is nothing preventing you from a new visa/entry.

I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I definitely appreciate all the input I've received.

When you say "there is nothing preventing you from a new visa/entry", I'm trying to figure out what that means. CharlieH mentioned that I could get 6 months for a double entry tourist visa. Would I then leave the country after 6 months and come back in on a new double entry tourist visa?

Yes, that's it. Instead of a border run you do an embassy run and pick up a new double or triple entry tourist visa which will give you another 180 or 270 days.

Rather than just crossing the border you need to go to an Thai embassy and apply there. The trip and visa can be done in a day if you plan it right.

[lopburi3]

You have the option for land crossing return for 15 days - air turn around for 30 days visa exempt entry or visit a Consulate for a new tourist visa or possibly a two entry tourist visa and return for more time on a visa.

[sikishrory]

i've been considering this as well but im wondering if your allowed to work while studying as well?

and if your not allowed im guessing many people do anyway right? .... not that i would

also i read a couple of years ago after staying here for 3 consecutive years you can apply for permanent residency? whats the deal with that?

[lopburi3]

You can not work without a work permit and that is not issued on an ED visa (but nothing preventing your study while here on proper B visa for work and work permit). Anyone working without a work permit risks arrest. Three years was just one of the requirements for application for PR - it does not provide PR by any means. One of the main requirements is working at 80k or more during that time. There is a dedicated thread on the subject available from the pinned topic at top of this section.

[emh]

Okay thanks! Hopefully my last question. When I was in Thailand in 2008, I came in on a single entry visa. That gave me 60 days. How many days would I get if I came in on a double or triple entry visa?

[lopburi3]

60 days. But each entry can be extended for 30 days inside Thailand. More than one entry would require leaving/return to obtain the next.

[emh]

60 days. But each entry can be extended for 30 days inside Thailand. More than one entry would require leaving/return to obtain the next.

Sorry now I'm lost. So regardless of whether my visa is single, double or triple entry, I can 60 days to start. Correct?

Beyond that I don't understand. The phrases "each entry can be extended for 30 days inside Thailand" and "more than one entry would require leaving/return to obtain the next" just aren't computing.

[stoneyboy]

It's quite simple,if you come on a single entry visa you get 60 days,this can be extended by 30 days giving you a total of 90 days,if you have a second entry ie double entry visa after the 90 days you must leave Thailand for a neighbouring country and upon your return you will be granted another 60 days which can be once again extended inside Thailand at any immigration,repeat process if you have a triple entry visa but be aware of the visa expiration date,careful timing and planing gives you 270 days in total.

[notmyself]

It's quite simple,if you come on a single entry visa you get 60 days,this can be extended by 30 days giving you a total of 90 days,if you have a second entry ie double entry visa after the 90 days you must leave Thailand for a neighbouring country and upon your return you will be granted another 60 days which can be once again extended inside Thailand at any immigration,repeat process if you have a triple entry visa but be aware of the visa expiration date,careful timing and planing gives you 270 days in total.

Then what? Getting another visa around Dodge is not exactly a walk in the park and I understand that the visas are on valid for 3 months, some will not issue if you have extensions and some refuse back to backs. Given the OP said 2-4 years stay would it not be better to do it via a 'B' visa? Open a business and never trade.

OP is in a position which all too many of us are finding ourself in. Well educated, worked hard and been successful, taken the odd calculated risk which has worked and ended up being able to retire in our 40's. 10 million for an investment visa is an option but the people didn't get the money thay have to do it by investing in something with such a high risk factor. 2 million as it was is taking a punt but 10 million is irresponsible. These people are going to Cambodia now.

[chris1970]

hi,

sounds like you got confused with some of the above information,

a double or triple entry tourist visa requires border runs, but when you live in chiang mai these are quite easily done up at mae sai. (4 hr drive and 10 pounds to enter burma).

if you can apply for a triple entry touist visa (with 6 months validity not 3) that is quite a good starting point.

triple entry 3000 baht

2 border runs - 3000 baht

3 extensions - 1900 * 3

you can stay for approx. 270 days and will cost approx. 12,000 baht

after 270 days you can goto a neighboring country and can only apply for a double entry tourist visa - max. 180 days in thailand

that's basically all you can expect from tourist visas, you can possibly keep getting double entries but most people if they just stay in thailand all the time get stopped from doing that.

if i were you is come here for a year and see how you get on .

[emh]

Thanks Stoneyboy and Chris1970. I think I finally understand it.

Notmyself: Not sure I'm ready for retirement just yet and I doubt my savings will last long enough for when I am ready.

[notmyself]

Thanks Stoneyboy and Chris1970. I think I finally understand it.

Notmyself: Not sure I'm ready for retirement just yet and I doubt my savings will last long enough for when I am ready.

I was just looking at your wish list. 2-4 years and few visa runs. Chris and others a quite right but once you reach around 15-18 months you could well hit a wall. You could be faced with having to return to the US for a new passport and triple entry to start the process again. This costs money, lots of it.

I've been doing the tourist saga (great name for a book) for a few years now and it's no bed of roses. The 'Ed' visa is a good option to begin with because you learn about Thai culture and the language which results in you being able to live here for much less but you still have to pay for the classes which is not cheap.

[ludditeman]

How about 'Womens Studies' at CM University, entire course in English.

[NancyL]

OK, I know I'm butting in with advice that is off-topic and probably unwelcome. Plus, we may not understand the OP's entire situation -- but, I'm having a Suzy Orman moment here. The OP says he is in his early 40s, has $80,000 - $85,000 in savings and wants to live in Thailand for 3 - 4 years. OK, that amount could support a single person here for 3 - 4 years, no real problem. But, is that the OP's entire savings? If so, he shouldn't be coming to Thailand and blowing it all.

For most people, the early 40s are their prime earnings years. This is the time to focus on your career, work overtime, etc, etc, to build your retirement savings so that you can retire early for-good, in your 50s. This is what Hubby and I did and now we can live a fairly comfortable life here and not have to touch the reserves we suspect we may need when we get to the point that we're not just "elderly", but "frail elderly". Those were reserves we built in our late 30s and early 40s.

[notmyself]

OK, I know I'm butting in with advice that is off-topic and probably unwelcome. Plus, we may not understand the OP's entire situation -- but, I'm having a Suzy Orman moment here. The OP says he is in his early 40s, has $80,000 - $85,000 in savings and wants to live in Thailand for 3 - 4 years. OK, that amount could support a single person here for 3 - 4 years, no real problem. But, is that the OP's entire savings? If so, he shouldn't be coming to Thailand and blowing it all.

For most people, the early 40s are their prime earnings years. This is the time to focus on your career, work overtime, etc, etc, to build your retirement savings so that you can retire early for-good, in your 50s. This is what Hubby and I did and now we can live a fairly comfortable life here and not have to touch the reserves we suspect we may need when we get to the point that we're not just "elderly", but "frail elderly". Those were reserves we built in our late 30s and early 40s.

Very much on topic along with being very true though I do think that one has to take into consideration the current economic climate. These are not exactly boom years so taking stock and living in a wounderful cheap place is not such a bad idea. I was going to retire at 35 but was told by too many of my peers that I should keep going until I saw a good sign that the bubble would burst. I carried on for another 3 years then dumped all my stocks etc. except for a few ventures which I knew I could hang on to and rid myself of quick time when the world economy threw its toys out of the pram. By the beginning of 2007 all I had was cash. Nail down the hatch and wait for the next crest to form, I may even come out of retirement to meet it.

[moe666]

Go to school get a teaching certificate, then get a job at a international school stay as long as you like. O forgot I couldn't come to Thailand on the cheap and have to jump thru hoops and compalin all day because I do not qualify for a long term visa.

[notmyself]

Go to school get a teaching certificate, then get a job at a international school stay as long as you like. O forgot I couldn't come to Thailand on the cheap and have to jump thru hoops and compalin all day because I do not qualify for a long term visa.

Some people do 6-7 hours of charity work every day, they object to having to PAY for a visa which allows them to give their time for the benefit of others. Some people help the local children with their maths and English for nothing. Some people fix the computers of local people and take time to explain how they can avoid it happening in the future. Some people provide internet service to people who just don't have the money to have their own. Some people bitch about others who spend a considerable amount of time helping the people of the Kingdom but object when told they have to pay to do so. Where do you fall?