Hello everyone. Please forgive me if my questions are too basic. I am marrying a Thai resident in May in Oregon and she is here on a green card. We would like to build a house for us to live in a small town near Nakhon Si Thammaret in the future. Her family lives there and we want to build on her ancestral land. My question is if I’m married to a Thai citizen, how difficult is it to live as a married couple in Thailand as a US citizen? The only advice I’ve received was to get a service to handle my visa where I would send them documents to maintain a visa to live in Thailand. No idea of cost and who does this work. Haven’t tried following up because it will be several years before we go and I imagine things could change there with rules.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Living in Thailand as a US citizen married to a Thai national is generally manageable, primarily through the Non-O visa designed for spouses. This visa allows for long-term residency and can be extended annually. It's advisable to consult the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate for the latest visa regulations and costs. While some expats recommend hiring visa services, many suggest that couples can handle the process themselves. Building a home on ancestral land might lead to challenges, particularly with family dynamics and property rights since Thai laws prevent foreigners from owning land directly. Couples are encouraged to explore various regions of Thailand before settling down to better understand the cultural differences and to determine the best place for their family.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.