Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Thailand’s Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is a specific visa class issued to foreign nationals seeking to visit the Kingdom multiple times within a defined time frame for tourism purposes only. It is governed by ministerial regulations under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and relevant notifications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The METV was introduced to support long-term tourism and facilitate repeat entries by non-residents who maintain personal, recreational, or logistical connections to Thailand.

Despite its apparent flexibility, the METV is strictly regulated in both issuance and post-entry compliance. Visa holders must understand the conditions of stay, exit-entry mechanics, and the potential for denial of re-entry if misused or interpreted as disguised residence.

1. Legal Classification and Jurisdiction

1.1 Visa Type and Legal Basis

The METV is issued under the Tourist Visa (TR) category, with the distinguishing feature of multiple re-entries during a 6-month validity period. It remains a Non-Immigrant visa in administrative form but is not convertible to other visa types within Thailand (e.g., Non-O, Non-B, or Retirement visas).

The legal authority stems from:

• Section 5 and 35 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522

• MFA Consular Regulation Notifications

• Immigration Bureau internal guidelines

1.2 Authority and Issuance

The METV is only issued by:

• Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad

• Not available through on-arrival services or e-visa platforms in most jurisdictions

Domestic conversion from another visa type or visa exemption is not permitted.

2. Duration and Conditions of Stay

2.1 Visa Validity and Entry Window

• Visa validity: 6 months from date of issue

• Permitted stay per entry: Up to 60 days

• Each entry must occur before the visa expires

2.2 Extension Options

• A single entry may be extended by 30 days at the discretion of the Thai Immigration Bureau

• After 60 + 30 days, the holder must exit and re-enter to activate a new 60-day entry

No further extension is possible within Thailand beyond the authorized extension unless under force majeure or health-related provisions.

3. Eligibility and Intended Use

3.1 Permitted Purposes

• Tourism and sightseeing

• Visiting friends or relatives (non-dependent)

• Short-term cultural or wellness activities

• Transit to third countries with tourism in Thailand

The METV does not authorize:

• Employment or income-generating activity

• Business meetings, conferences (borderline cases)

• Volunteering, internships, or religious study

Use outside of strictly recreational purposes may trigger revocation under Sections 36–37 of the Immigration Act.

3.2 Applicant Profile

The ideal METV applicant:

• Maintains stable employment or ties in their home country

• Can demonstrate sufficient financial resources

• Has a documented travel history, including to Thailand or neighboring ASEAN countries

• Does not intend to reside long-term in Thailand

Applicants with irregular travel patterns or prior visa overstays may be denied at consular discretion.

4. Application Requirements and Supporting Documentation

4.1 Core Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond entry)

• Completed visa application form

• Two recent photographs

• Visa fee (typically ~THB 5,000 or local currency equivalent)

• Proof of funds: Minimum THB 200,000 (approx. USD 5,800) in bank statements

• Confirmed accommodation bookings or property ownership documents

• Employment letter, student certificate, or evidence of business registration (if self-employed)

4.2 Consular Discretion

The consular officer may request:

• Travel itinerary for the duration of visa validity

• Evidence of frequent travel needs, such as dependents in Thailand, regional travel plans, or recurring events

• Tax filings or financial declarations, especially for self-employed individuals

Applications may be refused without appeal, as visa issuance is a sovereign prerogative.

5. Entry and Exit Mechanics

5.1 Immigration Control Upon Entry

Each entry activates a 60-day permission to stay, stamped in the passport and logged in the immigration database. Immigration officers retain discretion to:

• Deny entry if purpose is unclear or suspected to be inconsistent with tourism

• Require proof of onward travel

• Request hotel bookings or Thai contacts

Those appearing to reside in Thailand semi-permanently on METV—without qualifying for a long-stay visa—may be refused re-entry.

5.2 Border Runs and Airport Re-entries

While the METV allows multiple entries, frequent short-term exits and reentries (e.g., “visa runs”) are scrutinized. Immigration officers may interpret such behavior as:

• Avoidance of long-stay visa requirements

• Attempted unauthorized residence

• Commercial activity under a tourist pretext

Repeated entries within short intervals—especially by air—may be flagged in the Immigration Control System (ICS).

6. Limitations and Enforcement Risks

6.1 No Work Authorization

Working while holding a METV constitutes a criminal offense under Section 37 of the Immigration Act and Section 51 of the Alien Employment Act. Penalties include:

• Immediate visa revocation

• Detention and blacklisting

• Deportation under Section 54 of the Immigration Act

This includes remote work if the activity supports Thai-based business operations or generates revenue with local effect.

6.2 Residence Misuse

Immigration officers may deny reentry if the traveler:

• Has no clear purpose of travel (e.g., no tourist itinerary)

• Has stayed in Thailand most of the preceding months

• Cannot demonstrate residence abroad

Those using METVs to reside de facto in Thailand without appropriate long-stay visas are increasingly targeted.

7. Strategic Uses of the METV

7.1 Suitable Use Cases

• Seasonal tourists who spend several weeks in Thailand over the winter

• Travel bloggers or influencers documenting regional travel (non-commercial)

• Frequent visitors with family ties (non-dependent)

• Transit tourists combining Thailand with neighboring ASEAN countries

The METV is ideal for individuals who seek flexibility without permanent presence, and who are willing to travel in and out of the Kingdom periodically.

7.2 Alternatives

For those seeking longer or more stable stays, consider:

• Non-Immigrant O (retirement, marriage, guardian)

• Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) for digital professionals or pensioners

• Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Elite Visa) for high-net-worth travelers

Attempting to replicate long-term residence using METV carries significant legal risk.

8. Overstay and Cancellation

8.1 Overstay Penalties

Overstaying a METV entry period results in:

• THB 500 per day fine, up to THB 20,000

• Blacklisting for overstays exceeding 90 days or if caught under arrest

• Future visa refusals

8.2 Visa Revocation

Thai immigration reserves the right to cancel the visa administratively if:

• Conditions of stay are violated

• False documents were used

• Entry is denied more than once under suspicion

There is no formal appeal or review procedure.

Conclusion

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) offers a convenient legal framework for frequent, short-term visits to Thailand, with built-in flexibility over a six-month period. However, its use is tightly circumscribed by immigration policy and susceptible to revocation if perceived as a proxy for long-term residence or unauthorized work.

Applicants and holders must plan travel carefully, maintain clear documentation of purpose, and avoid patterns that could be construed as immigration avoidance. The METV remains a valid and lawful option for tourism but is not a substitute for residency or professional activity in Thailand.