Guest Steve1903 Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Hi all, After years of abstinance from holidays of any kind I have it in my head to ship out to Thailand for a while. Can someone help with the logistics of doing so? For instance, I can hardly remember but does the tourist visa last 90 days? Is it simply a case of renewing it locally when the time comes and is it pretty much automatically renewed or....what? Any advice on where to stay. Money won't be freeflowing so whats the best bet to keep costs down on accommodation. Local knowledge of places frequently available at a reasonable price (while not being in the middle of nowhere) would be appreciated. Anyone who has been on a long stay think of anything I may have neglected to consider? Just basic hints, guidance, advice of any sort would be appreciated. Cheers. Quote
Up2u Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 The 60 day tourist visa can be extended an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office. You didn't say where you were going to stay (Bangkok, Pattaya, CM?) so can't give you specifics. I would recommend renting a condo and eating in to reduce costs whenever possible. For example, if you are a beach person, I would rent a condo in the Jom Tien area. Quote
kokopelli Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Regarding tourist visa, it is easy to renew the 60 day visa for another 30 days. Best to do a google research, download the form, and bring necessary copies of passport, photo, etc to Immigration. Yes, it is automatic, just pay the 1900 Baht. Maybe an hour plus at Immigration office. As others mentioned, without specific info it is not possible to give you further advice. Quote
Guest Steve1903 Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Apologies for lack of detail guys. Intention is to stay Pattaya area, hoping to get enough money together to hang out for a year. Does that require a different visa or just renewals? Quote
Up2u Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Go to Thaivisa.com to check out discussions and current visa requirements. If you over 50 you may qualify for a retirement visa. Thailand has been cracking down on long-stay tourists so a retirement visa is your best option. Quote
Gaybutton Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I agree with the above. If you are going to stay for a year you definitely should try for the retirement visa. If you do not already have a Thai bank account, I suggest obtaining the visa in your home country. One of the requirements for obtaining the retirement visa within Thailand is a Thai bank account. Those are hard to get now without a non-immigrant visa. However, there is no requirement to hold a Thai bank account if you're obtaining the retirement visa outside of Thailand. Once you have a retirement visa, in order to open a Thai bank account, all you have to do is simply walk into a bank and easily open an account. I recommend doing that and putting as much money as you can into the account. If you use an ATM card from your home country, you're going to pay a 150 baht fee every time you withdraw money plus whatever fees your home country bank charges. With a Thai bank account, if you withdraw money from one of their ATMs there is no fee. If you withdraw money from an ATM from a different Thai bank, the fee is only 20 baht. Also, if your debit card is lost or stolen, it's simple to replace it. If the card from your home country is lost or stolen, you're in for a real hassle trying to get a new one, not to mention the length of time you will have to wait for a new card to arrive before being able to withdraw money again. I also recommend renting a condo. You'll pay about half of what you would pay in a hotel. Even in Pattaya there are condos to be found at prices of 15,000 baht per month and even less. If you want to live even less expensively, you can rent an inexpensive furnished apartment at prices as low as 3000 to 5000 baht per month. If you're not expecting luxury living, some of those apartments are not bad at all. In recent years many new apartment buildings have been built, but they're having trouble getting tenants. You might be able to find a very good bargain. If you have not made accommodation arrangements before you come, I would suggest staying at a hotel for your first week or two and spend time looking around for bargain accommodations. Also, many farang are living here on a tight budget. You might get accommodation suggestions from some of them if they're reading this thread. You'll also meet people once you're here who can help you. The two main things for you are a one-year visa and inexpensive accommodations. To stay for a year, you're going to need a one-year visa. Rules have changed around here and Thailand has made it very difficult to stay longer than 180 days per year without a one-year visa. The days of simply being able to do visa runs as many times as you want are now history. And don't forget - if you're staying long-term you are required to file an address report with Immigration every 90 days. That's free and simple to do. Quote
Guest kjun12 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Steve, I have been living in Thailand for varying numbers of months over four years and then bit the bullet and moved here four years ago. As with any place, there are great things about the place and some not so great. If you do come for a year, you will have the time to decide if you really enjoy it. Pattaya is geared to foreigners and has many comforts (such as Western food, raw and cooked) that are not as available in other parts of the country but I strongly urge you to see other parts of Thailand. In a sense, Pattaya, is like a Disneyland: OK to visit but not where I would want to live. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Issan have much to offer in culture and sites that will interest and entertain you. But, above all, I hope you enjoy your extended visit and if anyone on this site can assist you do not hesitate to ask. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 GB has years of experience in advising many visitors on visa matters. I'd only add a couple of small points. If you take the one year retirement visa option, you may wish to visit some neighbouring countries. In that case you will also need a multiple re-entry permit. Without that, your one year visa is cancelled on your first exit and you will be back at square one when you re-enter. If you opt not to go for the one-year route, remember that the rules say you still need either a return air ticket back to your home country or an onward air ticket out of Thailand. Immigration has a right to ask to see this - even though it rarely happens. Quote
kokopelli Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Intention is to stay Pattaya area, hoping to get enough money together to hang out for a year. Does that require a different visa or just renewals? You can only get a 30 day extension on the 60 day tourist visa although you may get a few one or two week extensions at discretion of Immigration. Otherwise you would have to leave the kingdom. That does not preclude you from applying for other type of visas as others have mentioned. Quote
Guest Steve1903 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 LOL! See, I knew I'd get to learn a few things on here. I'm still under 50 (but am getting there quicker than I'd like) so I'll look into the one year visa thing. Will also take on board the multiple re-entry option. Kjun12, I've been to Thailand a couple of times already and have done a good bit of the sightseeing and cultural stuff and no doubt I will add to that. However, in the meantime I don't mind staying in Disneyland for a year. I've no doubt it will pass all too soon for my liking. So, keep it coming guys the more info the better, though it seems that visa and accommodation are the big two. Certainly I'd be looking for a condo or furnished apartment rather than go down the hotel route. Anyone who can point me in the direction of appropriate websites is welcome to chuck in the address. From my time there, the only one I really know of is the View Talay condos. As a guide, that kind of thing or a little cheaper is my price bracket. Would the majority of you recommend GBs suggestion of a hotel initially and finding something there? Is that better than booking something online from here? Quote
Guest HeyGay Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 It's all so easy if you know how? Before you come here I don't know where you live, get a one year Immigration 'O' Visa from the Thai Embassy/Consulate at your home Country or retirement if you're over 50. Second stay a month in Pattaya then Chiang Mai, a few weeks stay at http://www.souvenir-guesthouse.com/ any where you can meet other friendly farangs, and owners will point you safely in the right direction. Remember you can go slightly stir crazy if you stay in Pattaya all the time, mainly after about 12 weeks is the longets you want to stay there if you can afford to have a sanity break. It is so Important to break into a circle of likeminded friends living there, then you have the best chance of having a wonderful time, but be prepared to visit surrounding Countries, like Lao, Burma, Indonesia. Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam even if its only a few days in Kho Samui or Kho Chiang, it's Important to get away every now and then. Bangkok is a different place all together, once you get use to it, there is so much to keep you amused but to start with its so big and does not have a centrol Place to meet other farangs, so much as Pattaya does. I would stay somewhere like 2guys Guest House http://www.twoguysguesthouse.info/ to start with then go to one of the more friendly Host Bars Like OSCARS Boys Town or La Cage Soi VC and Sunee during happy hours from 6pm on wards then Corner bar or Odds bar, then take it from there http://www.gaythaila...cars-boyz-town/ http://www.dreadedne...ry/bytype/3/13/ Happy long stay Holiday. Quote
Moses Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 First of all - everything depends on your nationality. Second point to which you should pay attention - difference btw. visa exemption (mark in passport at border for 15\30 days on arrival) and visa (sticker in passport, which you should obtain it in advance in Thai embassy in your country). All fresh info is on site of MFA http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2637.php Quote
Bob Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 If you take the one year retirement visa option, you may wish to visit some neighbouring countries. In that case you will also need a multiple re-entry permit. Without that, your one year visa is cancelled on your first exit and you will be back at square one when you re-enter. If you elect to get the retirement visa (which you can do at home before you ever get here), I'd like to note: (1) The cost is 1,900 baht per year for the one-year visa without any re-entry permits. (2) If you want to leave the country during the year, you need to have a re-entry permit before you leave or your one-year visa is gone (vanished). As Fountainhill notes, you can buy a multiple entry one-year visa and the cost of that, I think, is an extra 3,000 baht (or a total of 4,900 baht for the one year visa with multiple entry). I might have that total cost wrong (if so, somebody will quickly correct me, I'm sure). (3) If you don't plan on leaving Thailand more than once or twice a year, another option is just to get the one-year visa and then go get an re-entry permit each time you want to leave. The cost of that is 1,000 baht. Given I only leave Thailand once a year, this is how I do it and it saves a few baht. I'd also note a couple of other things: (1) You can get the one-year visa here in Thailand. The cost is the same but you don't need either the medical checkup or the police background check if you get it here in Thailand. (2) But....important....you can't get a one-year visa if you come into the country with just the tourist visa (although I did that and what the guy did was cancel the tourist visa and have me buy a non-immigrant "O" visa). So, if you intend to apply for the one-year visa when you get here, get the non-immigrant "O" visa at home. (3) Many people call this one-year visa a "retirement" visa. But you don't have to be retired to get it. You just need to be 50 years of age and either have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or do the proof-of-income deal through your embassy letter. Like somebody else said, there's a ton of information about Thai visas and such at ThaiVisa.com. Quote
Gaybutton Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I think several of you missed Steve1903's last post in which he said he is still under 50 years old. That means he is not eligible for the retirement visa. I really don't know how you can manage to legally stay in Thailand beyond 180 days without a one-year visa. Steve1903, I recall that you live in the UK. I think the best thing for you to do, since you won't be able to get the retirement visa, is to consult the Thai embassy, and better still with a personal visit if you can, explain what you want to do, and see what they recommend. If you can prove you will have enough money to live in Thailand for that length of time, they might be able to do something for you. You may have to face the idea of altering your plans. You might have to opt for 180 days instead of a full year. That's a good long time anyway and you would either have more money available to spend or you could return the following year for another stay. But as far as being able to stay for a full year without the retirement visa, if that can be done I really don't know how. One thing I would not do is to even consider trying any bizarre schemes to stay a full year. Keep everything on the up-and-up. I remember when you were here the first time, when it was getting close to the time for you to have to return home, you sadly said you doubt you will ever be able to return to Thailand, at least not for the foreseeable future. Now you are going to be able to return after all. If a full year cannot be managed, considering there was a time you thought you could never return, be happy with six months if that's the max that can be granted. Quote
Guest anonone Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I think several of you missed Steve1903's last post in which he said he is still under 50 years old. That means he is not eligible for the retirement visa. But as far as being able to stay for a full year without the retirement visa, if that can be done I really don't know how. I am by no means an expert, but I thought I recalled seeing a one year education visa was possible. I think you have to somehow prove attendance at an accredited school, which probably means just paying for the classes. From what I gathered, would most likely be enrolling in Thai language classes. Aren't there some advertisements floating around Pattaya about this....some year long course that meets qualifications for an educational visa? If so, it would be a way to stay in Thailand for a year for those of us under 50....and the Thai classes would probably be a good idea anyway. I can't recall the cost for tuition, so it may not be possible if on a very tight budget. Quote
Guest Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 If you have Visa difficulties, splitting the trip up with a few weeks in Laos & Cambodia should be quite a pleasant option. Quote
Guest Steve1903 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 It was worth a mention but I dont really fancy the student path. Certainly if I have a problem getting the year long visa then I'll probably opt for country hopping through Asia. BTW, GB is correct that I am from UK. I'll be in touch with the Thai embassy here tomorrow to see what my realistic options are. As an aside, I dont really understand why the Thai authorities dont like long term tourism. As they have an economy which needs the tourist bucks surely its to their own benefit if people hang around a while - no? Quote
Up2u Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Steve, The Thai government like most countries welcomes the tourist $ and actively promotes tourism. They also welcome retirees with sufficient funds. They are not looking for tourists with a back-packer mentality (or budget). There are many stories of foreigners who have over-stayed their visit, spent their money and can't even buy a plane ticket. I would say if you don't have the financial resources you should probably stay home (UK) or perhaps find a job (with work permit) to help with your expenses if you try to stay for a long time. Quote
ceejay Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I'll be in touch with the Thai embassy here tomorrow to see what my realistic options are. You will probably be better off contacting the Thai Consulate in - of all places - Hull. The Thai Embassy can be difficult to contact, while the Consulate has a reputation for approachability. http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/ Quote
Guest Steve1903 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 "There are many stories of foreigners who have over-stayed their visit, spent their money and can't even buy a plane ticket. I would say if you don't have the financial resources you should probably stay home (UK) or perhaps find a job (with work permit) to help with your expenses if you try to stay for a long time." ?..Is that what I have? A backpacker mentality? I dont really agree with that but even if it is correct I'd have thought some money is better than none. The funds I have would see me through a year reasonably well but it would also be nice to have a little remaining come home time. Whilst there I'd need a cleaner for the room and I'd be using a laundry. I'd be buying food, clothes, sundries, trinkets etc as well as frequenting clubs, restaurants, shops, cinema, tourist attractions, beach vendors et al. I wont be making anyone rich but I'm sure many of those will appreciate the custom - even with my backpacker mentality. Quote
Bob Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 GB was correct that I missed the age part.....so forget about the so-called retirement visa. Steve, it sounds to me like you're rather realistic about the financial needs (you're listing expenses that are typical anywhere you're staying) and you can figure that part out on your own. As to the legality (visa) part of it, it seems GB has hit the nail on the head. Just accept that you can only legitmately get 6 months. The only alternative that I know of is the educational visa. I know some so-called students who have that visa and rarely if ever show up for the language classes (i.e., they were just buying the right to legally stay here). Up to you. Quote
Up2u Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 "There are many stories of foreigners who have over-stayed their visit, spent their money and can't even buy a plane ticket. I would say if you don't have the financial resources you should probably stay home (UK) or perhaps find a job (with work permit) to help with your expenses if you try to stay for a long time." ?..Is that what I have? A backpacker mentality? I dont really agree with that but even if it is correct I'd have thought some money is better than none. The funds I have would see me through a year reasonably well but it would also be nice to have a little remaining come home time. Whilst there I'd need a cleaner for the room and I'd be using a laundry. I'd be buying food, clothes, sundries, trinkets etc as well as frequenting clubs, restaurants, shops, cinema, tourist attractions, beach vendors et al. I wont be making anyone rich but I'm sure many of those will appreciate the custom - even with my backpacker mentality. Please don't take my comments out of context. Many of my first visits to Thailand were on budget so I understand the importance of a budget, being frugal and trying to economize. So, what is your budget? We can tell you if you are being realistic or things you may have forgotten or ways to save money. Quote
Guest Steve1903 Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Whoops, sorry Up2U. Just read my reply back to myself and I do sound somewhat tetchy. Can only put it down to being late (and tired). Anyhow to move on....what's my budget? Hmm, tricky one. How about, as little as poss without sitting in the condo every night counting what I have left. Or, going from the topside down, I have given myself Quote
Guest HeyGay Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Why make it so complicated for this guy, As I have already said if you send your passport to Hull UK Thai Consulate, with all the proper info and Money see web site below, unless they have changed their policy with in a week you will have it back with an Immigration "O" Visa, so you can stay a year, if you have around 30,000 baht you can get an Education Visa or contact Ramkhemhaeng University for a course and your get one there for 1900 baht.. http://www.thaiconsu...-and-visas.aspx Simple! But I have no idea why some people write advise and they dont know the answer themselves. If you want a retirement Visa and you dont have 800,000 baht or an Education Visa, contact me by p.m I can help. Quote
Up2u Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 ..... If you want a retirement Visa and you dont have 800,000 baht or an Education Visa, contact me by p.m I can help. Remember, he is not yet 50 so retirement visa is not possible. He wants to live in Pattaya so a course at Ramkamhaeng Univ. (Bangkok) doesn't sound practical. Quote
