Thailand is an amazing country.

For that reason, it’s no surprise that many foreigners are constantly looking for ways to stay in Thailand longer than their current visa situation allows. Or, heck, even move to Thailand for the foreseeable future.

That’s why we’re here to help. Many foreigners who fall in love with Thailand unfortunately don’t know that there are a multitude of ways to stay in the country for long periods of time–or simply to extend their current trip for a few extra months.

With that said, we’ve compiled a list of every single option that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for at least six months or more. These range from conventional solutions (long-term visas) to more unorthodox approaches (visa runs) and everything in between.

Because, at the end of the day, we all know that a few weeks isn’t long enough to capture Thailand in all of its glory. For that, you need months or years.

How long can I stay in Thailand as a tourist?

That all depends on the type of Thailand tourist visa you currently have. In short, though, the Standard Tourist Visa (TR) allows visitors to stay in the country for 60 days with a possible extension of 30 days. Visa-Exempt Entry into the country gives tourists 30 days with a possible 30-day extension at immigration. Lastly, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) gives foreigners up to nine months in Thailand (more on that below).

How much does it cost to live in Thailand?

If you are one of those people who want to stay in Thailand long-term or potentially move here, then it’s important to know how much it might cost you. Without going too deep into the accounting, let’s just say Thailand is much cheaper than the West when it comes to living. Foreigners can live comfortably in Thailand for as little as $1,200 a month. The biggest savings compared to Western countries is how cheap food and rent is in Thailand.

Top 10 ways to stay in Thailand long-term

1. Work in Thailand

The most obvious way to live in Thailand is to find a job in the country. In one sense this is easy, but in another, it’s not at all.

What do we mean? Well, put simply, it is easy to find a job in Thailand so long as you want to be an English teacher. Thailand schools routinely have thousands of open English teaching jobs available throughout the country and are pretty desperate to fill them. So if you don’t mind teaching English in Thailand, then getting a job there and, hence, getting a work permit granting permanent residency in the country shouldn’t be an issue.

On the other hand, finding any other type of job in Thailand isn’t easy. The main way is by working for a large international company with branches in the country, but these jobs are usually quite challenging to obtain. On top of that, many jobs open to foreigners in Thailand expect at least an intermediate level of Thai language skills.

2. Study in Thailand

By far the second easiest way to stay in Thailand long-term is to study in Thailand and, by doing that, obtain an Education Visa.

In most cases, foreigners who choose to study in Thailand do so at a Thai language school where they can learn how to communicate in Thai. These courses can last a few months up to over a year as long as the student keeps progressing in their Thai learning. Students must provide proof of enrollment, financial support, and medical insurance to obtain an Education Visa in Thailand and may need to periodically renew their visa depending on the length of their studies.

The other option is for those who want to study abroad in a Thai university as part of an exchange program or through direct enrollment. Some Thai universities such as Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University offer courses in English language in specific programs.

3. Train Muay Thai in Thailand

Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport and martial art, attracts enthusiasts and athletes from around the world.

Numerous Muay Thai gyms and training camps across Thailand cater to both beginners and professional fighters. Training facilities often provide accommodation and assistance with visa arrangements for long-term students.

Training in Muay Thai not only offers physical fitness benefits but also allows participants to immerse themselves in Thai culture and traditions. Some gyms offer specialized visa services or sponsorship for athletes participating in competitions, enabling them to stay in Thailand for extended periods while pursuing their training goals.

4. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

For individuals who wish to stay in Thailand for a long time without engaging in work or studies, obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is a viable option.

This visa allows holders to enter and exit Thailand multiple times within a 6 month period that begins once the visa is issued. Each entry is limited to 60 days (90 days if extended at immigration).

Theoretically speaking, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa can last up to nine months if timed correctly. For example, if the METV holder re-enters Thailand on the last day his or her visa is valid, then they can stay an additional 60 days, which can be extended 30 days. So the initial 6 months validity plus an extra 90 days.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is best for tourists who want to be flexible and digital nomads seeking to explore Thailand at their own pace.

5. Visa Runs to Neighboring Countries

Another open-ended way for foreigners to stay in Thailand long-term is by coming on a Tourist Visa and then doing visa runs to other nearby Southeast Asian countries every 90 days.

The idea is that you come and stay in Thailand for 90 days and then once the visa ends you go to a neighboring country to secure a new Tourist Visa for another 90 days. While this is the best option for those who want to go with the flow, it is also the most uncertain way to stay in Thailand long-term due to its reliance on the whims of Thai immigration officials.

Thai immigration officials have a lot of leeway and if they have seen that you are abusing the system by doing too many visa runs and trying to stay in Thailand too long without a proper long-term visa, then they can deny you. The most popular visa run destination from Thailand is by far Laos. Hundreds of foreigners cross the border into Laos every day with the purpose of securing another Thai tourist visa and then hopping back into Thailand again.

This can also be done without Tourist Visas and using visa-exempt entries but it’s wise to stay in the neighboring country a few days before trying to re-enter Thailand. Thai immigration has cracked down on those who do same day or next day border runs in recent years.

6. Thailand Privilege Visa

Formerly called the Elite Visa, Thailand’s Privilege Visa is for the people out there with lots of cash to spare.

The Privilege Visa offers affluent individuals an exclusive pathway to long-term residency in Thailand. Available in multiple tiers with varying benefits and durations, the Privilege Visa grants holders special uhh… privileges in Thailand, including expedited immigration processing, access to VIP services at airports, golf club memberships, healthcare benefits, and concierge assistance.

Applicants must meet specific financial requirements and pay a substantial fee to obtain the Privilege Visa, making it an attractive option for those seeking luxury living in Thailand without the hassle of regular visa renewals.

The membership tiers for the Thailand Privilege Visa are:

• Gold: 900,000 baht for 5-year visa.
• Platinum: 1,500,000 baht for 10-year visa.
• Diamond: 2,500,000 baht for 15-year visa.

7. Volunteer in Thailand

If you want to live in Thailand for a while and, on top of that, do some good in the world, then getting a volunteer visa in the country is a great choice.

Volunteering in Thailand provides an enriching experience for individuals eager to contribute to social causes, environmental conservation, or community development projects. Numerous non-profit organizations, NGOs, and volunteer agencies operate throughout Thailand, offering opportunities to work with marginalized communities, wildlife rehabilitation centers, environmental initiatives, and educational programs. The most popular choice for foreigners wanting to volunteer in Thailand is at elephant sanctuaries.

Volunteers can obtain volunteer visas or volunteer permits, allowing them to stay in Thailand for the duration of their volunteer work. These visas may require sponsorship from a registered organization and compliance with specific regulations set by the Thai authorities.

8. Get Married in Thailand

Getting married in Thailand is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get long-term permanent residency in the country.

Of course, that means finding someone who loves you and wants to marry, but in Thailand, that’s very doable. It’s not at all uncommon to see foreigners with Thai spouses and families in Thailand. If you need help finding love in Thailand, these dating apps are a good place to start.

To qualify for a marriage visa, officially known as the Non-Immigrant O Visa or O-A Visa, couples must comply with legal requirements set by Thai authorities, including registering their marriage with the Thai government and providing proof of genuine relationship and financial stability.

9. Start a Business or Invest in Thailand

Entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a presence in Thailand can obtain long-term visas through business ventures or investment activities.

The Thai government offers various visa options catering to different types of businesses and investment levels. Foreigners can apply for non-immigrant B visas based on employment with a Thai company or obtain investment visas, such as the Investment Promotion Visa or Investment Retirement Visa, by making substantial investments in designated industries or projects.

For Americans, specifically, the US-Thailand Amity Treaty makes it incredibly straightforward to start a business in the Kingdom.

10. Retire in Thailand

Thailand has long been a popular retirement destination for foreigners and expats seeking a high quality of life at a lower cost.

The Retirement Visa, officially known as the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, offers retirees aged 50 and above the opportunity to stay in Thailand long-term. To qualify for the retirement visa, applicants must demonstrate financial stability by maintaining a certain level of income or savings in a Thai bank account.

Additionally, retirees may need to obtain medical insurance coverage to meet visa requirements. The retirement visa allows holders to reside in Thailand for one year, with options for annual renewal, providing a secure and comfortable retirement in the Land of Smiles.

Is working remotely allowed in Thailand?

Technically, you aren’t supposed to work in Thailand if you don’t have a work permit. Thailand did recently implement a digital nomad visa scheme but it is quite strict and unforgiving. In all honesty, almost no individual can pass the requirements.

That said, if you are working online in Thailand it is something that isn’t really enforceable by Thai authorities. The reality is that laws against working in Thailand without a work permit are mainly to protect normal jobs for Thai citizens.

So while it technically isn’t allowed, there is really no way it can be enforced as long as you don’t skirt any other immigration requirements in the country.

How can I learn the basics of the Thai language?

If you’re going to stay in Thailand long-term, then it’s probably a good idea to pick up some Thai language along the way. It’ll improve your way of life in the country and also let you see a more local and meaningful side of Thailand and its culture and traditions.

The are three key ways to learn Thai:

1. Learn online
2. Learn at a Thai language school
3. Learn by practicing in the real world

Normally, a combination of all three is the best path to becoming fluent in Thai.

Stay in Thailand longer (the right way)

Thailand is an awesome place and it shouldn’t shock anyone that foreigners search far and wide to find ways to stay even longer in the country than their current situation allows.

But it’s imperative that foreigners looking to stay longer or even live in Thailand do it one the correct ways. Those who try to skirt the legal pathways for long-term stays in favor of more sketchy alternatives can face harsh consequences–such as being blacklisted from the country.

In short, don’t let that happen. Use one of the 10 ways we mentioned above and you’ll enjoy a long and fruitful time in Thailand, enjoying the great beaches, insane nightlife, and cheap cost of living.