Answered6 years ago
What are the best options for a Malaysian expat with a student visa to stay in Thailand permanently with a Thai partner?
Hi. Just got approved to join this group. I'm Malaysian currently holding student visa for 2nd year. It will expired in October 2020. What's your advice if I want to stay in Thailand forever as my partner is Thai (and same sex) FYI, I used to hold work permit for about 6 years but now jobless. Your advice is highly appreciated. Thanks.
Answer summary
A Malaysian expat currently holding a student visa is seeking advice on how to stay in Thailand permanently with a Thai partner. Key points discussed include the legal status of same-sex marriages in Thailand, options for permanent residency (PR) through work permits, the financial requirements for PR and elite visas, and potential solutions like starting a company or continuously renewing visas through travel. Many commenters emphasize that legal marriage is not an option for same-sex partners in Thailand currently, suggesting alternative strategies for long-term residence.
39 repliesnewest first
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Li ****
Sent you a PM
Ben **********
Start or buy a small company, hire your thai partner as staff with thai social security, this allows you to exit for visa once a year instead of every 3 months. (recommended by my lawyer)
Penny ********
OP@Ben *********
thanks 😊
Dhanus ********
I run a company. You are jobless. Perhaps we can come to an agreement.
Penny ********
OP@Dhanus *******
Sounds good 😊👍
Oliver ********
eventually you will need to get a work permit (through working or doing some business) or buy an elite visa.
having a thai girlfriend has zero relevance to your immigration status.
having a thai girlfriend has zero relevance to your immigration status.
Penny ********
OP@Oliver *******
Actually I mentioned that I have thai gf just to show the reason why I want to stay in Thailand and the reason why I moved to Thailand 10 years ago. I even sacrifice my Singapore PR after working/staying for 17 years (which is so hard to get)Now in this Covid-19 situation, it's hard to get a job especially for foreigner.
Anyway, thanks 😊
Steve *********
There's been talk of same sex civil unions coming to Thailand (but I wouldn't hold your breath!).
In the meantime, forming a company with your lady, studying, popping in and out at intervals ... these seem to be the main options. Unless you can afford thailand elite visa, there's little else at the moment.
In the meantime, forming a company with your lady, studying, popping in and out at intervals ... these seem to be the main options. Unless you can afford thailand elite visa, there's little else at the moment.
Penny ********
OP@Steve ********
thanks 😊
Matthew ********
Probably easier to get your partner to move to Malaysia.
Penny ********
OP@Matthew *******
I left Malaysia since I'm 17 years old. Used to work in Singapore before I moved to Thailand 10 years ago. Anyway, thanks 😊
Robert **********
Maybe start a thai company with your GF
Nicky ******
@Robert *********
Hmmm, I would think that idea through very carefully given the present state of things here at the moment. There's already a 7.3% contraction in the Thai economy with a 12% contraction seen in the second quarter. It's expected to continue into the third, and fourth quarter. Not to mention at least a 72% dip in tourist numbers.Things will only get worse before they get better!
Penny ********
OP@Robert *********
Yup.. thought of.. 😊Tiago **************
Your solution is flying every month home and return
Penny ********
OP@Tiago *************
Nope. It won't last long. They will ban you to enter anytime they want. 
Bobby ********
@Penny *******
. The immigration have started a clampdown on tourist visas living in the country. I think with quarantine and mandatory insurance this loophole is going to close up, as I think visa exempt entries will be a long long way away. I'd say a WP is your best bet.Penny ********
OP@Tiago *************
Thanks 😊Tiago **************
@Penny *******
speak with a immigration lawyer.Prachaya Vijitpokin In Huay Kwang, Bkk is a very good one.
Penny ********
OP@Bobby *******
thanks 😊Phill ******
@Penny *******
, hes right . i get 10 months every year with no visa .Tiago **************
@Penny *******
I know people who travel 6times a year and never had a issue Penny ********
OP@Tiago *************
it's all depends and it still won't last long. My friend did that for years but ended up been given last warning. So now she's holding student visa same as me.
Damian *********
Nothing on marriage front Thailand don’t recognise same sex marriages yet. Non b and work permit only I’d say work enough to qualify for permanent residency is your only way. But pr is about 100,000 baht and the qualifying criteria is hard to meet this root. The Application is about 100,000 baht.
Or thai elite visa.
Or thai elite visa.
Penny ********
OP@Damian ********
100,000 baht I believe is only for the application and is hard to get approval. Am I right? Elite visa is million baht. Too much to bear 😓 (unless I strike 6millions lottery 😂)Phill ******
@Penny *******
half a million th for 5 years , one million thb for 20 years . all hassle free .Nicky ******
@Phill *****
She's jobless remember, and as she herself stated, that kind of money is, "Too much to bear". An Elite Visa is not an option. The only workable solution so far is mine.Needs be where the devil drives: Necessity compels. 🤣
Damian *********
@Penny *******
sadly that’s your options. That Ed visa ain’t long term unfortunately, there will come a time when they say can not. Good luck!
Penny ********
OP@Damian ********
thanks 😊Nicky ******
Hmmm 🙄💬
Jobless, and want to stay in Thailand forever?
Well, nothing lasts forever, so we will change that to jobless, and want to stay in Thailand until the day I die with my girlfriend.
Solution: Keep your girlfriend, marry a Thai man with lots of cash, get Thai citizenship, and all live together happily ever after (mé·nage à trois). 😉
Jobless, and want to stay in Thailand forever?
Well, nothing lasts forever, so we will change that to jobless, and want to stay in Thailand until the day I die with my girlfriend.
Solution: Keep your girlfriend, marry a Thai man with lots of cash, get Thai citizenship, and all live together happily ever after (mé·nage à trois). 😉
Tiago **************
@Nicky *****
sounds good Penny ********
OP@Nicky *****
hmm. .... 😌
Brett *******
Same sex marriages are not legal in Thailand.
Penny ********
OP@Brett ******
yes I know. So sad... 😢Phill ******
not sure about same sex marrages but if you marry thai man you would get thai citizenship .
Becky **********
@Phill *****
Phill Rose not true. I have been married to a thai man for 40+ years and still haven’t got Thai citizenship. You still have to go thru all the hurdles. I married in Thailand and a few years later went back to the US to work. Retired and moved back to Thailand and still have to live there 5 years before I can apply. This year makes 5 years so I will apply again soon. Phill ******
@Becky *********
uuummmm you do have to live here to get it .Becky **********
@Phill *****
yes right now I do live in Thailand but happened to visit the US and got stuck over here. Waiting till they let Non O visas back I Penny ********
OP@Phill *****
no same sex marriage allow in Thailand yet. 😭 I won't marry to MAN for sure 😂Activity
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