Long Term Visa Needed In Thailand

[PJohn]

Hi all,

Need guidance to get a long term visa to stay in Thailand. Currently I am 40 years old this year and from Singapore. I am interested and looking to grow my small fund in Thailand, about USD150,000.

I do not know many people in Thailand with regards to business, still looking around.

I have few genuine interests:

1) Interested to do trading stock and shares trading in Thai SET

2) To do humanitarian charity work

3) I wish i can do property investment but lack the opportunity

Other than that, which is the best visa i should apply for,

- business O

- education visa?

Thank you.

P John

[moe666]

You can trade in the set from Singapore. You have to have a long term visa and a Thai address to set up the account.

[Soutpeel]

You have no basis for applying for a Non-imm B unless you intend to set up a company or get a job, therefore the only real option would be an Ed visa

[Mario2008]

Point 2 could qualify you for a visa and yearly extensions of stays as a volunteer.

If you can find a registered charity(or government agency, like a school) that will welcome you to volunteer for them for at least 4 hours a week you can stay in Thailand as a volunteer. But you must first find a registered charity, wiling to help you with applying for a work permit etc. They are there, but you will have to look for them. Most won't bother with helping you with a work permit, making it illegal to volunteer for them or get an extension of stay.

[PJohn]

Hi all, many thanks for the suggestions.

One quick question, is it necessary to get the visa prior to reaching the kingdom or there is another extra of applying the visa while in the kingdom?

[Mario2008]

You cannot apply for a visa inside Thailand itself.

Without a visa, comming by air you can stay for up to 30 days.

[PJohn]

Thanks Mario again. By the way, in applying for business visa. How big should the business be for the invitation?

Say I have a friend's wife who have a minimart. Is it sufficient for her to write a letter to invite me to be a potential investor?

Thanks and have a great Sunday.

[Mario2008]

I can't say, as that very much depends on the Thai consulate in question. Normally Singpore is not he most easy one to apply, but your being from Singapore will matter a great deal and be a great advantage.

Contact the consulate and see what they say, or just apply. if not you can get a tourist visa, good for 60 days and extendable with 30 days.

[PJohn]

555,sounds like you are from Singapore too?

[PJohn]

I also think it is not easy for to apply for the volunteer visa type. But my best option is still to try for business or education.

Still, when I am there, I will participate in more on donating on a regular basis when I am there as I would be busy doing my trading and internet biz. If that helps in another year of visa, that would be great. If not, just not my fate.

[PJohn]

Moe, the reason is I am going to rent out my house to move to a cheaper place to stay.