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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 Thai visa types NON-O visa Tourist visa Family extensions Visa exemptions

May 18, 2025

22 days 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

The author is seeking advice regarding visa requirements for a four-month stay in Thailand, as an American married to a Thai citizen. They inquire whether to obtain a visa or rely on the 60-day visa exemption with the possibility of extensions. Comments suggest various options, including applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa for easier extensions related to family visits and tips for managing short trips to neighboring countries for visa purposes.

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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

22 days 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!

22 days 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.

22 days 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.

22 days 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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