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What are my options for permanently relocating to Thailand as a medically retired American veteran considering my online education?
Visa OptionsDTV VisaRetirement VisaEducation VisaMedical Disability VisaExpat AdvicePermanent Residency in ThailandSoft Power Activities
Nov 6, 2025
6 months ago
Abraham ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello people! I am 36 American and medically retired from the military. I will be getting 100% disability and will be continuing my education for my bachelor's degree fully online.
What options are there for me if any to permanently relocate to Thailand? I've read a bit about the visa options, but some expertise would be much appreciated! Thank you all!
What options are there for me if any to permanently relocate to Thailand? I've read a bit about the visa options, but some expertise would be much appreciated! Thank you all!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a 36-year-old American military retiree with 100% disability who plans to study online, seeks options for permanent relocation to Thailand. Community responses suggest alternatives like marrying a Thai citizen, obtaining a Thai Privilege Visa (DTV), or enrolling in university courses for a relevant visa. Other practical advice includes exploring the VA's reimbursement programs for medical visits and considering soft power activities such as Thai or cooking classes to facilitate longer stays.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Jeremy ********
Apply for VRE or use your GI Bill and get approved for Bangkok university or Stamford to get a ED+ visa you will get 4 years plus an additional year of transition plus you can open a bank acct with the Ed+ visa
Go into the VA website and apply for the FMP program to be reimbursed for your medical visits
Good Luck
Go into the VA website and apply for the FMP program to be reimbursed for your medical visits
Good Luck
Nikki **********
Hi there. My family and I have the DTVs. Hubby has 100% disability and is in school also. I secured the visas through my WFH job. It was easy however, I suggest you apply for the soft power category. Book a 6 month plus muy Thai or cooking class.
Rory *********
I am the same above but do not list that because most people won’t understand. Anyways you do a soft power DTV and I am assuming your young you might need to do the border bouncing by going to near by countries for a while and coming back . But you look at Vietnam to
Mark *********
Marry a LOCAL girl seeking an ATM.
J **************
Go to the Thai embassy website in your home country for FACTUAL visa information
Derek *****
U can also take university classes here. My buddy also retired from the military and has disability that covered his courses at I think Webster university in Hua Hin. There are other schools so this is just an example.
Dan *************
@Derek ****
webster univ. In thailand closed in 2021Mikkel *******
@Dan ************
there are others. Just as an example, Siam Technology College (STC). They offer a very affordable Bachelor's degree in TESOL and also a masters in education. Worth checking out. The bachelor is 4+ years of stay already, and then a further 2+ for a masters. All while earning degrees.
Their international programs are set up to match people that are already working, so mostly classed during weekends, nights or holidays.
Finished the bachelor myself, and almost done with the masters too.
Reply to
Mikkel *******
Reply
John **********
Get the Thai Privilege visa, it's the only one that works for someone retired at your age. You can't get a retirement visa until you turn 50
Joseph ****
@John *********
I second looking into this.Reply to
Joseph ****
Reply
Jim ************
What would you do when time for your disability physicals?
Steve **********
@J**
they can all be done here. I did my entire claim process in Thailand.Jim ************
@Steve *********
really? I sure didn't know that- thx for sharing.Jeremy ********
@Jim ***********
apply for the FMP as well get reimbursed for your service connected disabilities You pay first then submit the receipts and with super fast VA processing you get paid back 150-260 days later
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Brandon ************
Permanently? Get married to a Thai or have a half thai child. Those are some of the only options until you turn 50.
Online classes won't qualify for education visa. You can get a 5 year DTV if you register for some type of soft power activity.
Online classes won't qualify for education visa. You can get a 5 year DTV if you register for some type of soft power activity.
Peter **********
@Brandon ***********
That, or LTR/Elite choices for the wealthy?Kamran *********
Ooos my bad. Lol I know, I am still learning about visa options. I received a lot of good advises. But marriage or making a local girl pregnant...I do not think is the best option. That will be long termed commitment.
A lot of young sercice members do that for extra BAH & BAS. Every service member is like a brother to me. And I wouldn't advise this to my younger brother.
A lot of young sercice members do that for extra BAH & BAS. Every service member is like a brother to me. And I wouldn't advise this to my younger brother.
Rich *****
@Kamran ********
, last month you yourself were asking about visa options and this month you are giving out advice albeit to the wrong person! 😂Kamran *********
@Rich ****
Oops my bad. BTW I DM you.Rich *****
@Kamran ********
, this makes less sense than your first one!Reply to
Rich *****
Reply
Leeann **********
@Kamran ********
he was not telling him to get married or have a baby, they were telling them their options. 😅Kamran *********
@Leeann *********
not a great option. My 2 cents input to another junior service member, coming from. 2× divorced with $$$$ wasted without child support.Reply to
Kamran *********
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