Is the OX Visa a better option than a marriage visa for retiring in Thailand?

Feb 15, 2024
9 months ago
David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All! Thanks for letting me join the group šŸ™‚

I am married to a Thai and we currently have been living in Australia for 8 years after moving here from Thailand.

I am looking at retiring in the next several years, and we would move back to Thailand (I'm a US, NZ, and AU citizen, if that matters)

Is this OX Visa a better option than a marriage visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about the suitability of the OX Visa versus a marriage visa for their eventual retirement in Thailand. They noted their current residency in Australia and their marriage to a Thai citizen. Comments indicate that the OX Visa might be a favorable choice due to its long duration (up to 10 years) and less demanding financial requirements compared to the marriage visa, which necessitates funds in a Thai bank and extensive paperwork. Additionally, the OX Visa requires health insurance, and there is discussion on what insurance options and costs would be appropriate for a 67-year-old applicant.
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David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Stu***
! I'm not too worried about a failed marriage at this stage, but the OX does sound enticing.

What kind of insurance is currently required for this visa for a 67 year old guy and what kind of costs for a sort of 'normal healthy guy' kind of policy?
Christopher *************
OX is fine if you can afford it 3mill in the Bank or 1.8 mill +1.2 income/yr. In any case the whole 3 mill has to be there by the end of the 1st yr. From then on the balance cannot be less than 1.5 mill and the money is supposed to be spent in Thailand.. Shop around for the Insurance but I have found that Thai Company's are cheaper and easier to deal with ie. claims as Hospitals know them and usually pay them faster than offshore ones.
Todd *********
@Christopher ************
if you get O/X from Sydney, no need for any funds in Thailand at all. It's a fantastic deal
Stuart *********
@David ********
Youā€™d have to check on the Sydney website for their requirements. I know some who take out the ā€œmax deductibleā€ policies that basically make them useless other than covering the requirement for the visa.
Stuart *********
The OX visa given from Sydney is certainly a good way to go. You donā€™t need funds in Thailand and itā€™s good for a potential of 10 years for $600.

A ā€œmarriage visaā€ (extensions from the original Non O) requires funds in a Thai bank and fairly extensive paperwork on a yearly basis. Many people use this option and itā€™s only 1,900 baht per year plus the photocopying and time costs but do you need that hassle if you can get a 5+5 year visa/extension from the outset?

The OX visa does not finish if your marriage were to fail (there is no intent on disrespect here) but it does require a health insurance option at the outset.
Sue **********
@Stuart ********
no funds needed in Thailand? I just read that you need either 3 mio baht in a Thai account or at least 1.8 mio baht in the thai account plus a yearly income of not less than 1.2 mio baht.
Stuart *********
@Sue *********
Yes for every other embassy other than the Sydney consulate. They currently donā€™t have that requirement.
Sue **********
Well then its really the best deal on could make if from Sidney, I'm evnious now šŸ˜Š
Bernie *************
@Sue *********
I never fancied being an Australian untill now šŸ¤”
Stuart *********
Itā€™s the only one in the world that Iā€™m aware of that donā€™t have that requirement. Which is why we almost exclusively see OX visas from Sydney. Many apply for a AO out of Sydney and are informed that they qualify for the OX visa instead ($300 versus $600). A no brainer.
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