Best Option For 6 Month Stay?

[TheTechChik]

I've been reading online for hours and I'm still confused about which visa I should apply for. I plan to stay in Thailand for 6 months but I won't be attending school and I'm not 50 years old.

Do I apply for a tourist visa with 3 entries or a non-immigrant visa with 2 entries?

[Ohyesuare]

If you are coming as a tourist then a double entry tourist visa will give you two entries for 2 months and you can extend each entry at immigration for another 30 days for an extra fee,

[SimonD]

Agree with Ohyesuare but to add a bit more detail, a double entry tourist visa will give you up to 180 days stay, broken in the middle by a visa run:

#1. First entry gives you 60 days then...

#2. Go to your local immigration office and get a 30 days extension for 1900 baht (and paperwork).

#3a. At the end of the 30 day extension you must exit Thailand (visa or border run) to a neighbouring country.

#3b. Re-enter Thailand the same day. This activates your second tourist visa. Use a visa run company for convenience.

#4. Your second entry is good for another 60 days, then...

#5. See #2.

That's it! Near enough 180 days. Fly home or go and get another 2x tourist visa outside Thailand and repeat.

[TheTechChik]

Thanks guys... and SimonD, thanks for the detailed explanation! That cleared up everything for me. They should place your post on the embassy website. :-)

[Colabamumbai]

Remember the Airline has the right to ask to see a ticket out of Thailand when you board.

[IMA_FARANG]

If you're sure you will stay exactly 6 months the best fit for that would be a double entry tourist visa.

That can effectively give you 180 days in Thailand.

You would get:

First entry....stamp into Thailand on arrival for 60 days

Extend that at the nearest immigration for 30 days. Fee is 1900 Baht.

Now do a border run to the nearest border entry place. Exit Thailand, making sure you're stamped on exit.

Then immediately return and enter Thailand...to activate your 2nd entry,

You'll get 60 days stay again...that too can be extended for another 30 days.

Total time in Thailand.....180 days.

Just be aware that the double entry tourist visa has an expiration date.....and you must use both entries before that expiration date.

Note: With a valid visa the airlines won't normally require a return ticket or out-of-country ticket. That requirement is normally for those who travel without a Thai visa and qualify for a non-visa stamp on arrival. (30 day stamp).

[Mario2008]

Small correction, total stay will be 179 days. (The last day of the first entry and the first day of the second enty are the same if one returns to Tahiland the same day).

[Thailand J]

Phnom Penh Thai embassy refused to give me double entry tourist visa two yrs ago, when i went to Penang and Vientiane i had no problems.

[ubonjoe]

Remember the Airline has the right to ask to see a ticket out of Thailand when you board.

Very incorrect information in your post.

He will have a visa. A return or onward ticket is not required if you have visa.

Edit: To OP I suggest you pay the 1000baht (local currency ??) for a 3rd entry as a just in case measure.