what is the best visa approach

[1FinickyOne]

I have a friend who has never been to Thailand. Currently he is living on the East coast of USA. He would like to come and check out Thailand with an eye to retirement. I know he can get 30 days at the airport - but that will go fast. He does qualify for a retirement visa -

But, what other/better choices does he have? Something in between? Would he be best off coming here on 30 day and working from there or securing 60 or 90 days in USA.

I have a retirement visa and do not know much of what else is available - any suggestions welcome.

Thank you.

[ubonjoe]

Entering without a visa would give 30 days that can be extended for 30 days. He would need to go and re-enter for another entry.

If he happened to live near one the honorary consulates he could apply for a single entry non-o that would allow a 90 day entry that could be extended for retirement. Listed here: http://thaiembdc.org/royal-thai-honorary-consulates-general-in-the-u-s/

Next best would be a single entry tourist visa that would allow a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days. Or a multiple entry tourist visa that would allow unlimited 60 day entries for 6 months.

A visa exempt or a tourist visa entry (or the 30 day extension of either one) can be converted to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry up to he last 15 days of the entry at Bangkok immigration and few nearby offices. Then apply for an extension based upon retirement.

[elviajero]

• He should get a tourist visa that will give him 60 days on arrival, that can be extended by a further 30 days at immigration (1,900 baht).

If he travels without a visa he will need a booked onward flight out of Thailand dated within 30 days of arrival.

If he decides he wants to stay he can get the non immigration 'O' visa he needs, for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement, from the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos or other Embassies/Consulates local to Thailand.

[1FinickyOne]

Thank you both - I will pass along the information...