Different visa categories are available for different purposes of entry into Thailand. Below is an overview of the most common categories, with explanations and important points to consider in advance (as of 2018).
Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption Stamp.
Suitable for short trips, such as a two-week holiday, a one to two month vacation, or a stay of up to six months.
A 30-day entry stamp may be extended, and if necessary, you may leave the country and re-enter to receive a new one.
Education Visa.
Issued for language studies, provided that the school supplies the required documents.
The Immigration Office may verify attendance. Frequent departures from Thailand and failure to follow the study program may result in visa cancellation.
Guardian Visa.
Intended for one parent of a child studying at a school in Thailand.
The school provides the documents required for the visa application.
A mandatory condition is maintaining at least THB 500,000 in a Thai bank account.
Business Visa (Non-B) and Work Permit.
Suitable for employment with a Thai company, where the employer provides the document package.
If you wish to run your own business in Thailand, it is necessary to register a company, become its shareholder and director, and obtain a Work Permit through that company.
Dependent Visa.
May be issued for the spouse or children of a foreigner working in Thailand under a business visa.
Retirement Visa.
Available to applicants aged 50 years or older.
Financial eligibility must be demonstrated by either THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account or regular monthly income of THB 65,000.
Thailand Elite Visa.
If a tourist visa is too short, studying is not desirable, employment is not planned, and retirement age is still far away, there is a solution.
The Thailand Elite Visa may be issued for a period from 5 to 20 years.
Its main advantage is the possibility of obtaining it through purchase without additional supporting documents, sponsors, or family relationship requirements.
The cost of the visa depends on the selected package and starts from THB 900,000.
Alexandra Agapitova.
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