Can non-Thai parents of a Thai national enter Thailand as 'family of Thai nationals'?

Jan 13, 2021
4 years ago
Irvine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, does anyone know or have an experience regarding this: if you're non-Thai and legally married to a Thai national, could your parents come as "family of Thai nationals"? And if they could, what kind of visa would they get and how long they could stay? Thank you in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Non-Thai parents of a Thai national can theoretically enter Thailand as 'family of Thai nationals' if they are over 50 years old. However, there is no specific visa for parents; they might be eligible for a retirement visa instead. The comments indicate a lack of advantage in applying as family of a Thai national compared to a standard retirement visa.
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James ********
How long are they wanting to stay in Thailand ???
Irvine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For 60-90 days
James ********
@Irvine *********
then Tourist visa gets you 60+30=90 days

With 15 in quarantine in ASQ Bangkok..

Plus added 14 stay at home quarantine if travel to areas of Thailand...

Plus advisory to avoid provincial travel in Thailand...

These are COVID times...

Not best to holiday in 2021...

Unless you have loved ones to be with.
Mark ************
There is no ‘parents’ visa but they could get retirement visa.
Benjamin ******
> could your parents come as "family of Thai nationals"?

In theory, yes, however they would have to be over 50 years old. If they are over 50 years old, then they could enter on their own based on "retirement" (or being over 50).

I see no advantage of them entering or trying to get a visa as "family of a Thai national" (?).
Irvine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
@Benjamin *****
and everyone. I finally managed to talk to the Royal Thai Embassy in my parent’s country. They suggested to enter as family of Thai nationals - and provides proofs of relationship such as marriage certificate. Let’s see. We need to get COE (Certificate of Entry) before even can apply for any types of visa.
Alf ***********
@Irvine *********
, for that to work YOU would have to be a Thai national.

You would also have to be 20 years or younger.
Ellie *******
@Irvine *********
just be ready to another type of visa. I don't know which country it is and why embassy suggested that, usually foreign spouse's parents (also foreigners) are not included to family members to Thai national. Better get prepared Plan B or C, depends on their length of stay.
Bill ******
@Benjamin *****
Wouldn’t they be eligible for employment under a marriage visa vs a retirement visa? That’s the only thing I can think of, other than the 800k vs 400k thing and insurance requirements.
Benjamin ******
@Bill *****
But they wouldn't qualify for a marriage visa though, since it's two foreigners (parents) wanting to visit Thailand.
Bill ******
@Benjamin *****
Sorry, my brain fart. Thanks. I was thinking that they would come over under similar conditions as the spouse. My bad. 😉
Christian *******
@Benjamin *****
without the retirement visa requirements which change hourly and are too onerous
Bobby ********
Christian Hogue. The retirement visa requirements have hardly changed for years. The OA had compulsory health insurance added over a year ago, but other than that nothing. I don't think there's been any changes to the O and OX for years
Benjamin ******
@Christian ******
The "retirement visa" requirements DO NOT change frequently.
Ellie *******
@Benjamin *****
It's not really 'yes'. Thai immigration except spouse's parents from 'applicable members of Thai national'. For example:

(clipped from
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Benjamin ******
@Ellie ******
I was looking under section 20, in case of being a family member of an alien permitted temporary stay in the Kingdom
Ellie *******
@Benjamin *****
just additional FYI, a foreigner as a spouse of Thai national is not included to 20 that you referred.
Ellie *******
@Benjamin *****
I just saw OP asking about 'as "family of Thai nationals"'.
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