In my early 40's and I have no desire to work in Thailand as I have saving and occasional IT consulting contracts that takes me 2-3 weeks away outside of Thailand at a time.

I've been using the 60 days visa and extending it and I'd to stay in LOS for the long term.

What are my options? How many more tourist visa's can I get?

I am not getting married anytime soon to a Thai woman so that's not an option .

It's going to be 8 years away before I can do a retirement visa and I am not interested in an ED visa.

"What are my options? How many more tourist visa's can I get?"

1. Keep using Tourist visas. There is no limit. Although some Embassies/Consulates limit the number before requiring proof of savings/income to support your stay. It's perfectly legal to stay long term on TR's

2. Elite Visa. 500k baht. 5 Years. Multi Entry. 1 Year leave to stay on each entry. Enter/extend at the end of the 5th year and you get another 12 months meaning you can stay here 6 years if utilised to the full. Expensive but convenient.

The options are limited.

However...............A Thai Elite membership would suit your needs.

http://www.thai-elite.com/

There is no theoretical limit to the number of tourist visas but some Embassy's/Consulates will refuse to issue after a period of time.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

"Thailand use [sic] to be great."

I assume you mean it's gone downhill because you shifted to Cambodia? I wonder how many people noticed that seismic event.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

You're used to be. Probably a never was.Thailand or anywhere on Earth, life is what we make it.

Edited September 5, 201510 yr by nithisa78

I guess the OP is not a rich guy working a few weeks now an then so the Elite visa will probably be an expensive option for him.

As long as you can use unlimited tourist visas just continue with that, and since you leave Thailand for work now and then there will be no issues to get a new visa.

As well as breaking up your Thai torist visas with trips to cambodia you could also include Philippines. 30 days on entry, very easy to extend to 59 days and you can just keep extending pretty much as you want. They do encourage tourists to come and stay.

Versed in IT but not forum searching?

Search "long term under 50" revealed countless threads.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=924a4d8025dd27287fd8555dba9bb9b2&app=googlecse#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=long%20term%20under%2050

As far as tourist visa's go, I was under the impression that after a few, like 3 or more, not only are they difficult to obtain but even if you get one, you can be turned away when trying to enter.

My last one, which I got in Hong Kong, my 4th, they gave me a bit of a grilling. I also knew a chap who got turned back on his 3rd tourist visa from Penang. So, I think there is a limit to the amount of tourist visas you can get.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

"Thailand use [sic] to be great."

I assume you mean it's gone downhill because you shifted to Cambodia? I wonder how many people noticed that seismic event.

You may wish to ask Thai Visa that question. Ask them how many have left Thailand for hassle free Cambodia. Ask them if their demographic has changed. Ask locals in Siem Reap, Sihanouk Ville or Phnom Penh if there has been in influx of westerners since the crack down. That might be a good poll for TV to run.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

You're used to be. Probably a never was.Thailand or anywhere on Earth, life is what we make it.

Many have left, so that may tell you something. It would be an interesting poll for TV to try. Have you left Thaland and why ?

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

According to the above website the elite cared entry level is B500K for five years or B100K a year. Residency in Cambodia is around B12.5K per year. Is Thailand worth the extra B87.5K per year ?

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

According to the above website the elite cared entry level is B500K for five years or B100K a year. Residency in Cambodia is around B12.5K per year. Is Thailand worth the extra B87.5K per year ?

For me and many others the answer is yes. The only people leaving are the ones that find t difficult to stay here because they don't have much money or have visa issues. People aren't leaving because they prefer Cambodia. They are being forced to go live in their 2nd choice country.

Life isn't about moving to another country just to save a few bucks. Life is for enjoying. Why go live in Cambodia if you love Thailand. It's why hundreds of millions of people live in the West. It's expensive, but they like it there. It's not all about money.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

"Thailand use [sic] to be great."

I assume you mean it's gone downhill because you shifted to Cambodia? I wonder how many people noticed that seismic event.

Another inane post by the Premier Thai Sycophant. And a bonus opportunity to rub a spelling error in someone's face. Well done!

The deliberate and 'assumed' interpretation of the poster's intent was very clever also. If a counter-explanation might be received:

The OP's claim that Thailand used to be great is more likely based on his, and many others' experience of the ever-more-capricious and overtly hostile handling of Immigration matters by the entirely unprofessional Thai Immigration officers. Many threads on this exist, although they are generally polluted by the " I dress smartly, speak politely, and never have any problems at Jomtien, because I am wonderful, etc., etc." group.

Some people just don't [intend to] get it, do they?

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

According to the above website the elite cared entry level is B500K for five years or B100K a year. Residency in Cambodia is around B12.5K per year. Is Thailand worth the extra B87.5K per year ?

Yes, it is. I like Cambodia ... it's a nice place to visit ... but I like Thailand so much more.

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

"Thailand use [sic] to be great."

I assume you mean it's gone downhill because you shifted to Cambodia? I wonder how many people noticed that seismic event.

Another inane post by the Premier Thai Sycophant. And a bonus opportunity to rub a spelling error in someone's face. Well done!

The deliberate and 'assumed' interpretation of the poster's intent was very clever also. If a counter-explanation might be received:

The OP's claim that Thailand used to be great is more likely based on his, and many others' experience of the ever-more-capricious and overtly hostile handling of Immigration matters by the entirely unprofessional Thai Immigration officers. Many threads on this exist, although they are generally polluted by the " I dress smartly, speak politely, and never have any problems at Jomtien, because I am wonderful, etc., etc." group.

Some people just don't [intend to] get it, do they?

Interesting that you chastise the comment ... "And a bonus opportunity to rub a spelling error in someone's face. Well done!" ... and then continue with your own uppity and sarcastic comments.

Edited September 6, 201510 yr by HerbalEd

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

According to the above website the elite cared entry level is B500K for five years or B100K a year. Residency in Cambodia is around B12.5K per year. Is Thailand worth the extra B87.5K per year ?

For me and many others the answer is yes. The only people leaving are the ones that find t difficult to stay here because they don't have much money or have visa issues. People aren't leaving because they prefer Cambodia. They are being forced to go live in their 2nd choice country.

Life isn't about moving to another country just to save a few bucks. Life is for enjoying. Why go live in Cambodia if you love Thailand. It's why hundreds of millions of people live in the West. It's expensive, but they like it there. It's not all about money.

It is not all about money. It is about changes we do not appreciate. It is about being left alone to work and do business if you so choose. It is about options and opportunity. We have found operating in next store Cambodia helps us serve Thailand better and you can still enjoy the country without the hassles. B500,000 seems like an awful waste for the 5 year privilege of living in Thailand.

The OP has savings, and works outside Thailand occasionally, so best option would be the Elite card.

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

According to the above website the elite cared entry level is B500K for five years or B100K a year. Residency in Cambodia is around B12.5K per year. Is Thailand worth the extra B87.5K per year ?

For me and many others the answer is yes. The only people leaving are the ones that find t difficult to stay here because they don't have much money or have visa issues. People aren't leaving because they prefer Cambodia. They are being forced to go live in their 2nd choice country.

Life isn't about moving to another country just to save a few bucks. Life is for enjoying. Why go live in Cambodia if you love Thailand. It's why hundreds of millions of people live in the West. It's expensive, but they like it there. It's not all about money.

It is not all about money. It is about changes we do not appreciate. It is about being left alone to work and do business if you so choose. It is about options and opportunity. We have found operating in next store Cambodia helps us serve Thailand better and you can still enjoy the country without the hassles. B500,000 seems like an awful waste for the 5 year privilege of living in Thailand.

If you don't have much money I guess it is a waste. But it's a pittance to some people. I don't work here and don't want to, so I don't need the option of being left alone to work like you do. If Cambodia suits you, that great. It doesn't suit me, as I prefer Thailand. But there's nothing wrong with either of our choices. He person needs to live where it suits them best. What's not ok is people moving to Cambodia and then claiming others should as well. Let the others decide for themselves.

I haven't noticed any changes that have made my life worse here and there's nothing that I want to do that I can't. Perhaps you can be more specific about what changes you are talking about. Also, I know people that have a business here and I don't hear them complaining. If you want to set up a business I don't understand what's stopping you. You haven't explained what exactly has change or what business you can't start.

Edited September 6, 201510 yr by ldnguy

Many have faced these issues have have just gone back and forth between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia is or was US$350 a year for a residence visa and NO hassles, no visits to Thai embassies or consulates. Thailand use to be great.

"Thailand use [sic] to be great."

I assume you mean it's gone downhill because you shifted to Cambodia? I wonder how many people noticed that seismic event.

Another inane post by the Premier Thai Sycophant. And a bonus opportunity to rub a spelling error in someone's face. Well done!

The deliberate and 'assumed' interpretation of the poster's intent was very clever also. If a counter-explanation might be received:

The OP's claim that Thailand used to be great is more likely based on his, and many others' experience of the ever-more-capricious and overtly hostile handling of Immigration matters by the entirely unprofessional Thai Immigration officers. Many threads on this exist, although they are generally polluted by the " I dress smartly, speak politely, and never have any problems at Jomtien, because I am wonderful, etc., etc." group.

Some people just don't [intend to] get it, do they?

Interesting that you chastise the comment ... "And a bonus opportunity to rub a spelling error in someone's face. Well done!" ... and then continue with your own uppity and sarcastic comments.

More buzzing from someone with nothing to contribute. Do go on...

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll stay on TR visa for a while until I get to 50.

Just to clarify a few things - I wasn't the one who said something used to be "great" or not.

I am not rich by any mean - I budget my spending and live within my means. I wouldn't do the Elite visa

even if I can afford it.

The girlfriend is a mid level business professional and I not supporting her financially.

The Cambodia solution sounds good - the distance is a bit too much but I might try living there a month to check it out.

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll stay on TR visa for a while until I get to 50.

Just to clarify a few things - I wasn't the one who said something used to be "great" or not.

I am not rich by any mean - I budget my spending and live within my means. I wouldn't do the Elite visa

even if I can afford it.

The girlfriend is a mid level business professional and I not supporting her financially.

The Cambodia solution sounds good - the distance is a bit too much but I might try living there a month to check it out.

True, it was not you but me who said it and meant it. "Thailand used to be great" . Sadly it is less so now. Not as welcoming and fun.

Living in Cambodia is easy. Siem Reap is good as is Sihanoukville, but I think Seim Reap is better if you are not a beach / diving lover. It is hassle free like Thailand used to be. It also is #75 on the personal freedom scale. Thailand has fallen to #86 I believe. You do need to be a little more careful in Cambodia. Just follow Moma's rules; be polite and be careful.

Hope all works out with you and your girl friend.

And don't live with your Cambodian gf.

And don't try and marry one if your over 50.

I don't rate Cambodia at all. I like a visit but live there over Thailand absolutely not. But all this has nothing to do with the OP. He asked about living in los, nothing more.

I thought back to back tourist visa was not allowed? That only 90 days in a 6 month period was the rule? Or was that last year's enforcement of existing rules and this year with tourism tending down the rules will be bent? But now we have bombers paying to get in and out ......So will last year's enforcement replace this year's bending?

It's the inconsistency, the individual officer's discretion to hit you up for tea money, or not like your dark skin, or whatever that makes it so difficult and stressful

I understand the Govt wants to keep out "undesirables" but isn't all the bending of rules, not to mention weird rules like 90 day reporting really keeping the " desirables" out? It's an atmosphere of you can pay to do what you want and that caters to criminal elements. ( IMO )

And don't live with your Cambodian gf.

And don't try and marry one if your over 50.

I don't rate Cambodia at all. I like a visit but live there over Thailand absolutely not. But all this has nothing to do with the OP. He asked about living in los, nothing more.

The more timid, less adventurous lot prefer Thailand, and it is perfect for them.

True, did not ask, but many are taking the Cambodian option, and he was thankful and interested in living there. People with options and knowledge are powerful.

Versed in IT but not forum searching?

Search "long term under 50" revealed countless threads.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=924a4d8025dd27287fd8555dba9bb9b2&app=googlecse#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=long%20term%20under%2050

Countless is right. Hard to find specific info on a query in all of the sniping sometimes, plus the OT is about Americans which may or may not have different answers.

I thought back to back tourist visa was not allowed? That only 90 days in a 6 month period was the rule? Or was that last year's enforcement of existing rules and this year with tourism tending down the rules will be bent? But now we have bombers paying to get in and out ......So will last year's enforcement replace this year's bending?

It's the inconsistency, the individual officer's discretion to hit you up for tea money, or not like your dark skin, or whatever that makes it so difficult and stressful

I understand the Govt wants to keep out "undesirables" but isn't all the bending of rules, not to mention weird rules like 90 day reporting really keeping the " desirables" out? It's an atmosphere of you can pay to do what you want and that caters to criminal elements. ( IMO )

No problem with back to back tourist visas. It's back to back visa exempt entries at land borders that IO's sometimes block.

The 90 days in 6 months rule was cancelled in 2008.