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Do I need a visa to stay in Thailand for 4 months with my Thai wife, or can I use the 60-day exemption and extensions?

Visa Rules Thailand Immigration NON-O Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extensions Family Extensions Exemption Entry

May 18, 2025

a day ago

Robert ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I would like some advice.  My wife is Thai and I’m an American.  We plan to come Thailand in July and stay about 4 months.  During that time, we will probably take a trip outside Thailand (maybe Laos, Viet Nam or the Philippines).  My question is do I need to get a visa or just use the 60 day exemption and depend on the extensions that are available.  

In addition to the normal 60 day extension, can I get a family extensions as I have in the past?

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American planning to stay in Thailand for four months with a Thai spouse needs to consider their visa options. While the 60-day visa exemption can be used, it is recommended to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa designed for family visits, which allows for easier extensions. Additionally, there are options for tourist visa extensions and family visit extensions, although some immigration offices may have restrictions on issuing them with a tourist entry stamp.

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Nine ******

Go on 60 days leave country and back

Go 1 week in Laos and back Thailand and buy ticket to leave country

Easy lm not border my self with any immigrant visa until l will decide to move Thailand

I do everytime this when l go Thailand see my gf and children

a day ago

Phirom *********

If you're planning to stay in Thailand for about four months to visit your Thai spouse, getting a Non-Immigrant O visa. It's meant for visiting family and makes extending your stay easier than with a tourist visa.

I'll just go to Thai eVisa and apply for it. Fast and easy!

a day ago

Graham ******

The tourism extension is 30 days. The "visit Thai family" extension is 60 days but some up country Immigration Offices will not isdsue it on a tourism entry stamp.

a day ago

Steve *******

@Graham *****

Not sure about that. Everyone with Thai dependant relatives are entitled to the 60 days extention regardless of visa status and Immigration Office. What many offices do is only give the 60 days extention and not both 30 and 60 days extention.

a day ago

Reply to

Steve *******

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What is the best visa option for an American married to a Thai, wishing to spend 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the USA?

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