Question 1

Do I need a visa to go to Thailand?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Many travelers can enter Thailand without a prior visa thanks to a visa exemption, for a limited tourist stay. Beyond this duration, or for certain purposes (long stay, remote work, retirement), a visa is mandatory.

Question 2

What is the difference between visa exemption and tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Exemption allows entry without prior application, but with a shorter duration and less flexibility. The tourist visa requires an application before departure, but allows a longer stay and possible extension. Neither authorizes work.

Question 3

Which visa to choose to stay more than 90 days in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

For stays over 90 days, you should opt for a long-stay visa like the DTV (5 years), LTR (10 years), or Retirement visa (Non-O). Tourist visas are limited to a maximum of 90 days (60+30).

Question 4

Can I enter Thailand without a visa and extend on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a visa exemption (usually 60 days now for many countries) can be extended once for 30 days at a local immigration office.

Question 5

Can I change visa type once in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes (e.g., Tourist to Retirement), but it is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Some conversions like to a DTV visa often require a new application from outside the country.

Question 6

What is the maximum legal stay duration in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

With an Elite or LTR visa, up to 20 years. With a DTV, it's 180 days per entry (extendable). With a tourist visa, it's 90 days maximum.

Question 7

How many times can I enter Thailand per year?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict written limit, but immigration monitors repeated entries (Visa Runs). With a Multi-Entry visa (DTV, Elite), entries are unlimited.

Question 8

Do visa rules change often in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, regulations evolve. It is crucial to refer to official sources or updated experts. Our knowledge base is updated for 2026.

Question 9

Can I work in Thailand with a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

No. The tourist visa does not authorize any professional activity in Thailand, including paid remote work. Working with a tourist visa exposes you to penalties (fines, deportation).

Question 10

Is remote work allowed in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, only with certain adapted visas, like the DTV or LTR. Remote work must be performed for a foreign entity, without competing local activity.

Question 11

What is the difference between local work and remote work?

Accepted Answer

Local work involves a Thai employer and strictly requires a Work Permit. Remote work (for a foreign client/employer) is tolerated under the DTV visa without a Work Permit.

Question 12

Do I need a work permit to work remotely from Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Not with the DTV visa (for remote work). For any other visa (Non-B), a Work Permit is strictly mandatory.

Question 13

Can I start a business in Thailand with a visa?

Accepted Answer

You can be a shareholder, but to actively work there or be a signing director, you need a Non-B visa and a Work Permit.

Question 14

Which visas allow working legally in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

The Non-B visa (with Work Permit), LTR visa (Digital Work Permit included), DTV visa (remote work only), and Elite visa (if coupled with a rare work option, otherwise no).

Question 15

Working without a suitable visa: what are the risks?

Accepted Answer

Fines, imprisonment, deportation, and blacklisting banning return to Thailand for several years.

Question 16

Can I extend a visa in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the visa type. Tourist visa and exemption can be extended by 30 days. DTV can be extended by 180 days (once per entry).

Question 17

How many times can I extend a visa?

Accepted Answer

Generally only once per entry. To stay longer, you often need to leave the country and re-enter (if the visa allows) or change visas.

Question 18

Do I need to leave the country to renew a visa?

Accepted Answer

For multi-entry visas (DTV, Elite), you must leave at the end of your authorized stay period (e.g., 180 days) to 'activate' a new entry. For single-entry visas, you must re-apply.

Question 19

What is a re-entry permit and when is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

It is permission to re-enter without losing your current visa. Necessary if you have a single-entry visa but need to travel outside Thailand temporarily.

Question 20

Can I stay in Thailand for several years legally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only with specific long-term visas (Retirement, DTV, LTR, Elite). Consecutive tourist visas are not a viable long-term solution.

Question 21

What is the difference between single and multiple entry visas?

Accepted Answer

Single: once you leave the country, the visa is finished. Multiple: you can enter and exit as many times as you want during the visa's validity.

Question 22

What happens in case of overstay in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Overstaying results in a fine of 500 THB/day (max 20,000 THB). Long overstay (>90 days) results in a ban from the territory (Blacklist).

Question 23

What are the risks of working with the wrong visa?

Accepted Answer

It is a violation of immigration and labor laws. Risk of arrest and deportation.

Question 24

Can a visa be refused without explanation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Consular authorities are not required to justify their decisions. A poorly prepared file is the most common cause.

Question 25

What to do in case of Thai visa refusal?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the cause (often financial or documentary) and submit a corrected new application. Fees are not refunded.

Question 26

Can I be banned from Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in case of significant Overstay or illegal work.

Question 27

Are visa runs still allowed?

Accepted Answer

They are no longer a reliable solution. Immigration monitors profiles that chain land or air entries/exits without an appropriate visa.

Question 28

Which visa to live in Thailand after 50?

Accepted Answer

The Retirement visa (Non-O or O-A) is most suitable if you do not work. The LTR 'Wealthy Pensioner' is a VIP option.

Question 29

Which visa to live in Thailand without working?

Accepted Answer

Elite Visa (paid, VIP), Retirement Visa (50+), or DTV (if you have passive income or soft power activity, to be confirmed).

Question 30

Which visa to stay long in Thailand without leaving the country?

Accepted Answer

The Elite visa or Retirement visa (with annual extensions on site) are best to avoid mandatory exits.

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