What are the best visa options for a US citizen married to a Thai woman planning to work remotely while living in Thailand?

Visa Requirements Marriage Visa LTR Visa DTV Visa Remote Work Visa NON-O Visa Investment Visa Thailand Immigration

Oct 7, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sawadee khap everyone🙏

So, firstly, I am already married to a Thai woman and have been coming to Thailand for years on visa exemptions (US citizen). Next year, I'm planning to buy some land in her name to start building our house. Before that, obviously, I will need a visa.

I started looking into the marriage visa requirements, but it seems nearly impossible to accomplish due to the under consideration time. I work 2 months on a vessel as an engineer followed by 2 months off. 

I have been looking at the LTR and DTV. Mainly, my question is does anyone have any experience trying to apply for either of these based on remote work from another country such as I just explained? Or is this requirement limited to internet- based remote work? 

For whatever relevance it may hold, I will be sending and can keep a moderate amount of Thai baht if it is necessary.

Thank you in advance for any insight.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat married to a Thai woman seeks advice on visa options before purchasing land in Thailand. They have previously used visa exemptions and are considering the LTR and DTV visas but are uncertain whether their remote work situation qualifies. The discussion reveals that remote work must be performed from within Thailand for the LTR and DTV. Alternatives like the marriage visa, which requires substantial funds in a Thai bank, and other visa options like the NON-O multiple entry are suggested as feasible solutions.

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Michael ********

Under consideration time for me previously has been always less than a month

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Thanks for that insight. I've also heard you can ask them to not have to wait, so maybe I'll look into that further

a month ago

Michael ********

@Zak *******

it all depends what office you are using I think

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Yeah that's what I'm figuring. I'll ask in Krabi next time I'm in town

a month ago

Reply to

Zak ********

Michael ********

Similar situation last visa I got was Non O multiple entry in Savanakhet Loas. Might try for DTV based on remote work my company in Singapore said they can alter contract to reflect the remote work.

You can also apply for an OA visa from your country

a month ago

David ********

not sure what your issue with the marraige visa is about "consideration time" - suggest you go to immigration and discuss it with them before you wander off into much more expensive and less "safe" options.

a month ago

Us *****

Get the dtv, I just got it. Message me privately if you need help

a month ago

Jeffrey **********

Easy to get a one year multiple entry non-o based on marriage at a nearby Embassy usually takes 24 hours

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeffrey *********

Thanks. That would certainly work. I'll look into it

a month ago

Reply to

Zak ********

Kool *******

What you are doing, and have been doing visa wise works, and will continue to work given your situation. There is no reason to change. I know people that have been doing the same thing you are doing for over ten years with no problems. Don't overthink things just because of the building of a house with your wife. If you are that concerned though, and have the money, you could also consider an actual investment visa through the BOI. It fits your living here schedule.

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I researched the BOI visa options. That fits right into my future plans. Thanks for that suggestion

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

Good to hear. I suppose I just want to preemptively have a solution in the event I run into future issues with immigration questioning my travel history. I'll research BOI as well. Thanks

a month ago

Reply to

Zak ********

Brandon ************

What LTR and DTV both mean by remote is work that you are doing remotely from within Thailand. Your work would not qualify under that definition.

You could possible to go the Thai embassy at Savannakhet and apply for the 1-year multiple-extension marriage visa. You would need to make an appointment in order to apply for this. You would also need to show 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account in your name only.

This visa is valid for 1 year and would allow you to enter Thailand an unlimited number of times while it is valid, and receive a 90-day entry stamp each time you enter.

a month ago

Zak ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

I've heard something about that before. I'll consider that option as well. I appreciate your help🙏

a month ago

Reply to

Zak ********

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