What are the best visa options for an American expat in Thailand who plans to marry and start a family?

Thai Visa Options Marriage Visa Non-O Visa Work Permit in Thailand Child Citizenship Visa Extensions Tourist Visa U.S. Visa Process

Jul 29, 2023

a year ago

เตเต้ ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

American, non-retirement age, with long history of only tourist visas here.

Have first Thai child due in early Jan 2024.  Plan to marry with gf of 5+ years before I depart September 21, IF I can secure appt with US Embassy BKK (or perhaps CM consulate) to get affidavit re being free to marry etc…if Ubon Amphur requires it, which I’m planning to confirm same post-holiday.   I plan to continue to work in US as much as possible while attempting to secure US visa f/ wife and US passport/citizenship f/ child.  

My question(s): 

- What are my best visa options/extension combos/etc…that will allow me to spend minimum 5-6 months in Thailand without holding funds in a Thai bank OR requiring me to make visa runs?

- What is the easiest visa path that will allow me to get a work permit if wife & I start a business that will allow me to supplement my US income while we wait for the US visa process to complete?  

- 2023 was in country from Feb 13 to Sept 21 on air arrival/visa exempt + ext, (Laos) TR60 + ext, (Laos) TR60.  

Am I ok to come back between Jan-March 2024 visa exempt?  

TIA 🙏🏼

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American expat, expecting a child in Thailand and planning to marry his long-term girlfriend, seeks advice on visa options that will allow him to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months without maintaining funds in a Thai bank or making visa runs. Suggestions include applying for a multiple entry tourist visa or a Non-O visa based on marrying a Thai national, which requires border runs every 90 days. Additionally, there are recommendations regarding the U.S. visa process for his wife and child.

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Dimitri ********

If your name is on he Thai birth certificate you can get a 3 month Non O visa at the Thai consulate for taking care of your child. You can extend that visa with 2 months if you take your girlfriend + child when applying for he extension. That is what I always do. In the case 5 months is not enough you can go to Laos and quickly back for a 1 month VE. Which can also be extended with1 month. I did that once when my 5 months were not enough. If you want a Non O for more than 3 months you need to officially recognize your child in Thailand.