Exploring the Two Types of Thai Visas: A Comprehensive Guide
The two types of visas in Thailand
I’m not the easiest person to get along with. As an example I met a very diligent feminist yesterday (refused to shake my hand, that militant) and proceeded to tell her about masculine and feminine countries and that the US is a female-run country. Of which she threw a tantrum and left. I will tell my friends exactly where and how they are fucking up or going well. Including girlfriends, any bad behaviour will immediately call it out. It alienates a lot of people. And that’ fine, I’ve accepted it’s who I am and most people can’t handle it but I refuse to sell my soul.
How does this relate to you?
People are Lying to you man. A lot. And who is the worst culprit? The Thai government. They are bullshitting left and right about visas. Calling a tourist visa an ‘elite’ visa or the most dishonest of all is the Long Term Residency (LTR) visa. That is a complete lie. 100%. It is NOT a residency or will ever lead to residency. It is purely a tourist visa. That’s all.
As long as you know this, it’s fine. But am realising a lot of people are actually falling for the marketing gimmicks and buying elite visas and other garbage when there is far cheaper and better visas elsewhere. The Taiwan Gold Card for one, which does actually give you residency and is $350USD. That is significantly better. Too bad I didn’t like Taiwan, but it is better.
Anyway I just spent 2 years searching up visas, reading books, watching videos, planning etc. and I have a spread sheet of every country in the world. With tax rates, cost of living, property prices, how hot the girls are, is porn legal, is it good weather, how good is the air quality, and about 50 or so other criteria & growing.
I am doing my best to get this on: fulltimedigitalnomads.com as fast as possible so you can properly assess countries and know what your options are. For right now, there is one thing something specifically you need to know about Thailand. That is only has 2 visas. That’s right 2!
- Tourist Visas.
- Work Permit.
That’s it.
All of the LTR and retirement and whatever else. They are all tourist visas’s, just packaged up at different prices.
Here are your only real current options:
For temporary stay:
- retirement visa.
- Destination Thailand Visa
- Visa on Arrival
- LTR (if you qualify)
- (Elite visa if you have $100k to burn)
For lPR and citizenship there is only 3 options:
- Creating a company and hiring yourself.
- Investing in a Thai business and get a work permit from it.
- Get a job and do not lose one day of your work permit for 3-8 years (depending on if you get married, which I wouldn’t recommend).
All other options are bullshit. And in terms of people on things like the LTR, please know you’ve been swindled, it is not a residency and you will eventually need to go home unless you set up a company and get a work permit. But, if you know that, then it’s fine. Just don’t expect something that’s never going to happen please.
So my two recommendations for now are: 1. Destination Thailand Visa and Retirement Visa for everybody not making a company.
If you are an agency (or individual who wants to help someone else apply) and want to do these visas (only!) please list yourself on: fulltimedigitalnomads and let me know what referral fee you will give.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Thai visa requires a meticulous approach to ensure all documentation and steps are correctly followed. This section provides a detailed guide for both types of Thai visas—Tourist Visa and Non-Immigrant Visa—covering necessary documents, fees, application procedures, and common pitfalls
AI Addition: Tourist Visa Application
To apply for a Tourist Visa, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements)
- Visa fee (varies by country)
The application can be submitted at any Thai embassy or consulate. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply, as there may be variations. Processing times generally range from 2 to 7 business days. Common pitfalls include incomplete forms and insufficient proof of financial means.
AI Addition: Non-Immigrant Visa Application
The Non-Immigrant Visa requires additional documentation:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of employment or business invitation (for Business Visa)
- Letter of acceptance from a Thai educational institution (for Education Visa)
- Marriage certificate (for Marriage Visa)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements)
- Visa fee (varies by country and visa type)
Submit your application at a Thai embassy or consulate. Processing times can vary widely, typically between 5 to 15 business days. Ensure all documents are original or certified copies to avoid delays.
