Long term stay

[meatjoy 0]

I'm 40 years old and want to live in Thailand for 3 years. Is this going to a problem with the new rules? Can I pull this off?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated...

[meatjoy 0]

I've checked out all of the information on this subject, but I'm still confused. If I get a tourist visa in America before I leave, I know this will allow me 90 days (with one visa run). But after the 90 days is over, can I get another tourist visa in a neighboring country? And what about a double-entry tourist visa (180 days), how can this be obtained in the US, what about neighboring countries?

 

Thanks again...

[Eneukman 1]

No easy answer to this.

 

To begin with, I would suggest obtaining a multiple-entry non-immigrant O visa from a consul in the USA. With this visa, you must enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued. When you arrive, you will be given permission to stay for 90 days, after which you will have to do a visa run. When you re-enter Thailand, you will be given permission to stay for another 90 days and so on. If you re-enter the country a day or two before your visa expires, you will be given permission to stay for a further 90 days. It may be possible to obtain an extension of up to 3o days from the Immigration Office on Jomtien Beach Road, Soi 5.

 

After that, there are reports that the consul in Penang is now issuing multiple entry non-Immigrant O visas, but the current position would have to be checked nearer the time as things seem to change depending on the mood at the time of any particular Immigration officer1

 

If Penang aren't issuing multiple entry non-Immigrant O visas, you may still be able to obtain a tourist visa from them (valid for 60 days).

 

If all else fails, it might then be an idea to return to the USA for a short holiday and obtain another multiple ebtry non-Immigrant O visa from a Consul there.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Alan

[meatjoy 0]

Thanks Alan, but how can I obtain a Non Imm O visa in the states? Don't I have to have ties with a business in Thailand among other things? ----meat

[Eneukman 1]

Thanks Alan, but how can I obtain a Non Imm O visa in the states? Don't I have to have ties with a business in Thailand among other things? ----meat

 

No, you're thinking of a non-Immigrant B visa, which is for those with business interests here.

 

It's simply a case of applying to a consul in the USA, though some of these are more user friendly than others. From what I can recall, Denver is user friendly.

 

There's an application form you have to complete and you also have to sign a letter certifying that you have sufficient funds to repatriate yourself should this be neccessary. When I obtained mine 2 years ago, someone else had to act as guarantor. In my case, my brother acted as guarantor though in reality, he would simply have signed a cheque on my account as he has power of attorney in that regard.

 

I would suggest phoning a Consul near you and clarifying their requirements. Once the visa is issued, you must enter Thailand within 90 days.

 

Alan

[redwood13 56]

Denver is no longer issuing O visas for "visiting friends/relatives" or "extensive travel".

 

Try Dallas or maybe Houston and if that fails try some of the smaller honorary consulates (Google for a list). Forget the Embassy, NYC, Chicago, LA etc.

 

-redwood