Should I Opt for a Marriage Visa or Continue with Visa Exempt Entry After Marrying a Thai National?

Question

Good morning,

I am seeking advice on the proper way going forward:

On November 9th, I will get married to a Thai lady. All paperwork is complete and verified by city. Helps that friends works at the city office.

I have been coming to Thailand on the Visa Exception (about 5 or 6 times per year) for the last 2.5 years due to being a US citizen (US Passport Holder), however, I work and live in Okinawa Japan as a military contractor.

Since Okinawa, Japan does not have a Thai Embassy and I will not be coming to live full time until retirement (many years away). Should I continue getting Visa Exception (30 days) upon arrival or get a marriage visa with multiple entries?

FYI: My future wife will be coming to live in Japan with me vice living in Thailand.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is seeking advice on whether to continue using Visa Exceptions for entry into Thailand or to apply for a Non-Immigrant O marriage visa after marrying a Thai citizen. Suggestions from the community include applying for a multiple entry Non-O visa based on marriage, which allows for longer stays and is easier to manage given the user's work situation in Japan.

Robert ******* · Answer

No Thai Embassy in Okinawa japan, make a stop at hcmc Vietnam or Savannkhet laos after marriage and apply there for the 1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being married to a Thai National. On each entry you get 90 days of stay which can be extended with another 60 days on based of visit family, the most relaxed visa for your purpose of stay in Thailand. Do not keep on using the Visa Exempt Route and the Tourist Visa route.

Ellie ******* · Answer

I don't think you would get much trouble to keep using visa exempt entry base on your style of stay..

I guess your best option regarding applying visa is multiple entry non-O based on being married to Thai national at a consulate in SEA.. Much easier for you than getting (any kind of) visa in Japan...

Eze ******** · Answer

Will your future wife be going to live with you right after the wedding? If so you may not have to do anything depending on how many times you plan to visit Thailand over the next few years.

Otherwise the METV as suggested by Steve Mathers is a good option.

The other option, once married,  could be to get a Non-O multiple entry visa based on marriage from an embassy in a country in the region while it is still possible, e.g. Savannakhet. Some embassies may require less documentation than others.

It could see you through as much as 15-17 months depending on how you use it.

Ed ******** · Answer

Multiple entry Non Immigrant O based in marriage gives you 1 year of 90 day stays.

Steve ********* · Answer

5 or 6 times a year? I think you'll start getting serious questions asked at immigration soon. I'd look into METV. There are experts here who'll give you more accurate options shortly I'm sure.

Should I Opt for a Marriage Visa or Continue with Visa Exempt Entry After Marrying a Thai National?

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