I am not thinking about retiring yet in Thailand so barring getting a Retirement Visa what is the next best way of visiting Thailand for the longest period of time to see if I really want to set up house in Thailand.
I would like time to see Thailand and determine what is here and if it is a good place for me.
Could you tell me what you would do if you were in my place. Yes, my income for the month is 12,000 - 18,000
Thanks
The Best Way Possible
It can depend where you're from. If you're over 50 and don't want the Non Imm OA visa (commonly referred to as a retirement visa and obtained only from the Thai Embassy in your home country - you'll need to prove income or savings there and get a police and medical report), you're best bet is to get a multi-entry Non Imm O visa from a Thai honourary consulate in your home country. This will give you a stay of up to 15 months, but you'll have to exit the country every 90 days. Honourary consulates are more user friendly than other missions.
Incidently, the OA visa will give you a year on entry (you'll need to report to local Imm every 90 days) and if you get a multi entry variety you can stay for a second year if you exit just before the visa expires.
What I would not suggest is that you try to stay long-term on tourist visas now. The situation is still a bit unclear, but there appears to have been another crackdown on these visas yesterday if they're being used to stay here long term. Thai Embassies and consulates in the region appear to have been instructed to vet applicants more rigorously. If they think there's any chance that you may be working illegally, your application will be refused.
Without being nosey, can you clarify your income? Is that figure meant to be in THB?
Moved to visa section.
Incidently, the OA visa will give you a year on entry (you'll need to report to local Imm every 90 days) and if you get a multi entry variety you can stay for a second year if you exit just before the visa expires.
What I would not suggest is that you try to stay long-term on tourist visas now. The situation is still a bit unclear, but there appears to have been another crackdown on these visas yesterday if they're being used to stay here long term. Thai Embassies and consulates in the region appear to have been instructed to vet applicants more rigorously. If they think there's any chance that you may be working illegally, your application will be refused.
Without being nosey, can you clarify your income? Is that figure meant to be in THB?
Moved to visa section.