Longest I can stay on tourist visa

[CraigLondon]

Hi guys,

My job might end soon here in the UK and was wondering what the maximum amount of time I can stay in Thailand.I essentially want to stay out of the UK and in Thailand for at least 12 months if possible.Is this feasible? I have no intention of working and will have enough money to support my stay.I am aware that I will have to do border runs but what's the best way (if it is indeed possible) to stay a year? Which visa do I need I guess is what I'm asking

Thanks for any advice/wise words

Craig

[paz]

12 months is no issue. Some people has been staying for years. They mainly use dual entry tourist visa from Vientane Laos, each 60 days entry is extended for 30 days at immigration. You can read the many reports by just browsing few pages here.

[CraigLondon]

Thanks for your reply Paz
so just getting a double entry visa from the UK will be fine? I read that I'd get 60 days then have to go to immigration for another 30 days,then leave and repeat? Then go to Laos and get the same visa and do again? Just wanted confirmation Doesn't sound like too much trouble,though travelling from KP might be an epic journey over land so can I fly up from Samui and back or is this just doable by land?

Thanks

[paz]

Yes, that's it. You can fly with, e.g. Air Asia to Udon Thani then cover the remaining distance by bus. That is cheaper than direct flights to Vientane.

[paz]

Forgot to say, since you're in the UK you should get a triple entry tourist visa. That gets you covered for 9 months before needing a new one.

[CraigLondon]

Thanks for all the info Paz,great help indeed.Guess with a triple entry on arrival,I can still get another double to stay 15 months?...if I haven't spent everything in first year

[paz]

Yes.,. don;t worry really. Other things are more important!

[ukrules]

Triple entry tourist visa from UK Consulate and take it from there.

[CraigLondon]

Thanks for all the help guys.Screw you work/England,I'm off to the sun for a bit!

[Suradit69]

Triple entry tourist visa from UK Consulate and take it from there.

Get the visa just before you depart. It will be good for six months, which mean you will have to be sure to do your 3rd border crossing to activate the third entry six months or less from the date the visa is issued ( not six months from your first entry into Thailand).

You will be given hand stamps at border crossing, the airport and when getting 30 day extensions at immigrations that show how long you have permission to stay IN Thailand, but you still have to make the last border crossing on or before the "use by" date printed on the visa sticker you get at the Thai embassy or consulate.

[ray richards]

Just get a multiple entry visa from Hull/London that would give you 15 months stay if you want to? do a visa run after first 90 days etc & make sure you do the last run a few days before your 12 month visa from u.k expires & that gives you 3 extra months. Ive been doing this for years piece of cake not 800,000 baht needed in a bank, you can go home & return in that time. Visa runs are a pain in the butt,but its only 3 times a year & 2,300 bahts a time & being here is worth the money & pain. I could get a retirement visa as im 70 yr old but if i lived alone & died over here my family would have no chance of getting the 800,000 baht from a Thai bank account or it could take years & many visits to prove they are my u.k family so im happy doing the multiple entry's.

[paz]

Just get a multiple entry visa from Hull/London that would give you 15 months stay if you want to?

I think the OP is younger than 50 and wouldn't qualify for that.

[BuckBee]

triple entry from UK will get you 8 months & a bit over if do extensions, then just get double entry in savanakhet laos & perhaps even return to savannakhet if need more, If do some travelling to say Singapore, cambodia etc you can do this near tourist entry expiry as saves border run & possibly 30 day extensions.

30 day extension is not cheap or fun so would be best looking at tourist visas over extensions as they better value for money & more fun travelling a bit.

[CraigLondon]

Just get a multiple entry visa from Hull/London that would give you 15 months stay if you want to?

I think the OP is younger than 50 and wouldn't qualify for that.

Paz is correct,still under 50 by a couple of years

[CraigLondon]

so triple entry visa from UK then fly up and get another visa in Laos.Think that clears it up.Cheers all

[BuckBee]

so triple entry visa from UK then fly up and get another visa in Laos.Think that clears it up.Cheers all

Yes start with triple entry from UK, then look at savannakhet for a double as they one of only few options on obtaining a double easily. Link below to get u sarted on Savannakhet >

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/791124-savanakhet-trip/

I would look at doing some trips between entries to other countries as extends visa in a way as next entry activated when you come back (do be sure be up to speed on yor visa expiry time though)

Flying abroad is cheap if shop about & plan ahead, I have had returns to Singapore for £40 (Tiger Air) * flew one way to Cambodia for £50 & made my way back via land - Siam Reep - Poipet. It more fun than wasting a day & £50 (inc commute cosfs) at changwattana immigration for a measly 30day extension ...