How can I get a long term Thai visa?

Question

I am looking to move to Koh Tao off the coast of Thailand for about a year or hopefully longer! I have the money to support myself so do not need to work whilst I am there (God bless Thai prices!). I am having trouble finding out how to get the visa to extend over the whole stay. I am a UK citizen and can prove my available funds if necessary...

Thanks for any help it is much appreciated.

Answer 1

If you are still in the UK, there is a very simple solution.

You need to apply for a Non Immigrant Visa Type O from the Thai Consulate in Hull (if you google it you'll find their website).

The Type O visa will let you stay in Thailand for 12 months. You need to leave the country every 3 months, however (you can literally go out of Thailand and come back the next day if you wish).

The Type O visa doesn't require any proof of income athough you must sign a declaration that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the country.

There is no non-working visa you can get for Thailand that lets you stay in the country without leaving every 3 months. To get that you'd need to apply for a work permit, which is pretty complicated.

BTW, I live on Koh Tao too. Just moved back here after 4 years away in Bangkok. More info here:

http://travelhappy.info/thailand/moved-t...

Answer 2

you answer might be as simple as a border run every now and then. A lot of foreign teachers do it  I hear and there are companies you pay to take you over and back again. If nothing else works this might be the easy way out...