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Is it possible for retired US citizens to stay in Chiang Mai for four months without a visa run?

Retirement Visa Tourist Visa Thailand Immigration Chiang Mai Visa Extension METV NON-O Visa

Jul 12, 2018

7 years ago

Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My wife and I are both retired. We plan to go to Chang Mai in November and hopefully stay for four months without leaving the country, is that possible? I know that every time one extends the visa one has to pay. What would be the most economical way to do this? Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original post discusses the plans of a retired couple looking to stay in Chiang Mai for four months without leaving Thailand. They are considering the best visa options to avoid unnecessary costs. Comments suggest applying for either a 60-day tourist visa with a possible 30-day extension or a 6-month METV (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa), which might provide a more economical and straightforward option for their stay without the need for visa runs.

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We appreciate all suggestions. We now think staying in Thailand specifically Chang Mai for three months is enough. The purpose is to escape our winter without breaking the bank. We want to stay in one place, no visa run if possible. Multiple entry is not necessarily. Should we get the 60 days tourist visa and extend for another 30 days for 1900 baht. Is that the easiest and most economical way? Forgot to mention we are US passport holder residing in NewYork City. The website says it is up to the discretion of the officer which means there is no guarantee we get that 30 days. Wondering under what circumstances would they reject? We have never overstayed our visa. The uncertainty is making it difficult to book return air tickets ? Cathy Pacific charges $200 to make changes. Some condos require staying for three months. What are your thoughts?

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Oh sorry. You said 45 days before the stamped date. I got it. Thanks.

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Robert *******

For what you want to apply?

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. Is there a time frame when I can apply? Can I apply shortly after I land?

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Robert *******

With the SETV you get 60 days of stay stamped in your passport. In Chang Mai you can apply 45 days before the stamped date for an Extension of Stay.

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tony. With the SETV visa, can I apply for the 30 days extension shortly after I land? Is it possible to do it online ? Reason being some of the apts requires a three month lease and we will be in there in peak season.

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Tony *********

@Troy *********

SETV is a single entity Visa.

For 60 day's and can be extended for 30 day's

If you want to leave Thailand you must get a re entry

Permit or you lose the rest of the time on the visa.

And come back in on a visa exempt

That lasts 30 day and can also be extended for 30 day's

And i think thats what you are calling a tourist visas.

The METV Is a multi entry tourist visa meaning you can come and go from Thailand with out a re entry permit.

For the length time on the METV.

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Pardon my ignorance. What's the difference between SETV and the tourist visa? They seem to do the same thing.

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Tony *********

I always get the SETV and extend for 30 day's

I stay for 89 day's

If you stay for 90 day's be aware of a early morning flight.

If you don't get passed immigration by midnight then you're on over stay.

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod for your prompt response. It is reassuring to know we will get the 30 days extension.

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Tod *********

don't trust anything a thai consulate says about extensions of stays (which you get inside of thaialnd from an immigration office) AND don't trust anything a thai immigration office says about getting a visa from a thai consulate outside the country.

The thai consulates scattered hither and yon around the world are run by the ministry of foreign affairs office. The thai immigrant offices in thailand are run by a division of the royal thai police. Those are two completely different government organizations and do completely different things in different places.

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Tod *********

you'll get a 30 day extension on a single entry 60 day tourist visa without a problem at the Chiang Mai immigration office for 1900baht.

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Tod *********

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Ellie *******

If you meet requirements, maybe you can also apply non O-A, with this you don't have to extend or leave the country during your stay up to 1 year. Applying fee seems same to METV. Proof of fund is higher so I'm not sure this part is included to "economical". And more requirements would be give you a bit more trouble to get that visa.

Maybe one stupid suggestion....

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Troy **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks all. Will look into the METV.

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Tod *********

I agree with

(y) the most cost effective and trouble free visa for you to get BEFORE you wing your way here is the 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa.

You get it from the thai consulate in your country

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Adrien ******

Obtain a 6 Month Visa from your Home Country's Embassy which is the most economical way. Or you will receive 30 days when entering the Country then obtain a 30 Day attention at an Immigration Centre and then 2 Land Border Visa Run extensions.

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Richard *******

What passports do you hold, what Visa are you applying for, and in which country ??

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Richard *******

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