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What are my options for permanently relocating to Thailand as a medically retired American veteran considering my online education?

Thailand visa options retirement visa DTV visa American expats in Thailand disability benefits education visa soft power activities Thai Privilege visa marriage visa

Nov 6, 2025

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 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!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

This post discusses the potential visa options for a 36-year-old American military veteran planning to relocate permanently to Thailand while pursuing an online bachelor's degree. Key suggestions include considering the Thai Privilege visa, as traditional retirement visas require individuals to be at least 50 years old. Comments also mention options like enrolling in university classes in Thailand, applying for a DTV visa through soft power activities, and utilizing educational benefits like the GI Bill. Additionally, marrying a Thai citizen is mentioned as a possibility for permanent residency.

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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

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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.

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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

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Mark *********

Marry a LOCAL girl seeking an ATM.

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J **************

Go to the Thai embassy website in your home country for FACTUAL visa information

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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.

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Dan *************

webster univ. In thailand closed in 2021

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Mikkel *******

@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.

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Mikkel *******

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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

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Nigel **************

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Jim ************

What would you do when time for your disability physicals?

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Steve **********

they can all be done here. I did my entire claim process in Thailand.

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Jim ************

@Steve *********

really? I sure didn't know that- thx for sharing.

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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

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Jeremy ********

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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.

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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.

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Rich *****

@Kamran ********

, last month you yourself were asking about visa options and this month you are giving out advice albeit to the wrong person! 😂

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Kamran *********

Oops my bad. BTW I DM you.

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Rich *****

@Kamran ********

, this makes less sense than your first one!

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Rich *****

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Leeann **********

@Kamran ********

he was not telling him to get married or have a baby, they were telling them their options. 😅

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Kamran *********

@Leeann *********

not a great option. My 2 cents input to another junior service member, coming from. 2× divorced with $$$$ wasted without child support.

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Kamran *********

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