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What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I am married to a Thai citizen?

Thai visas Non-O visa Multi-Entry Tourist Visa Visa options for expats Marriage-based visa Work permits in Thailand Living in Thailand

Aug 20, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good evening all. I'm thinking about moving to Thailand next year. I have very little knowlage on the different types of visas avaliable, I have only ever been there on 30 day stamps and tourist visas with extentions etc. I have a Thai wife so I'm not sure if that will help obtain a certain type of visa. I'm either going to be there on a 2 months on 2 months off basis or try to seekwork and or open a business out there. I'm sure you can probaly see I'm not exactly sure on what plans are yet but just weighing what options would be the best. Any advice is appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) is exploring options for moving to Thailand next year and is seeking advice on visa possibilities as they are married to a Thai citizen. Various options were discussed in the comments, including obtaining a One Year Non-O visa based on marriage or a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for an initial 6-month stay. The consensus is that having a Thai spouse simplifies the visa process, making it easier to apply for a Non-O visa, which can lead to a year-long stay with an extension possibility for work permits. The advice emphasizes the importance of initially acquiring the METV for flexibility while planning a longer-term visa strategy.

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Tod *********

, that is exactly the reason I said get a 6 month METV from a thai consulate in YOUR country before you wing your way here.

That way you have time to look for a business, etc, and are not pressed for a visa right after you get here.

Once you're here you can look into getting first a Non-O visa based on marriage, then a yearly extension of stay based on marriage to a thai which will let you hold a work permit and work if you want to, BUT for right now, just get the 6 month METV to get you as much time as you can once you're here so you can get your ducks in a row and work on your long term plans

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Rob *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I wanted to set up a business or work could I do so on a non o visa.

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Robert *******

never seen that in the requirements, unless you like to use the salary made inside Thailand as financial requirement

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Rob *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

would I have to specify to them that I want to work while I apply for that visa

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Robert *******

Yes, as long as you have the Work Permit next to this visa.

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Robert *******

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Benjamin ******

If you're legally married (Not just a wedding), a non-o multiple entry based on marriage may be best, it'll give you a year. Otherwise, get a multiple entry tourist visa, which is good for 6 months

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Amornrat **********

when reading the OP topic and the replies to it I have one question: Are you really legally married in Thailand ??

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Amornrat **********

the easiest way to to go to Savannakhet, upon your arrival and get the One Year Multiple Non O. This gives you the flexibility to go out and in, every 90 days.

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Rob *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Amornrat *********

yes I'm legally married in Thailand

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Rob *******

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Tod *********

as vague as your plans are, just get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here. That will give you almost 9 months in country (in 60 day increments) to figure out a long term visa strategy.

I have neither the time, nor the inclination to go over every permutation of visa option that you might or might not want to explore.

Come here, get your ducks in a row and with an METV you won't have a gun to your head to have to figure out the visa situation right away. That will give you the time you need to plan your next step.

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Darren ******

My advice is never take ur wife to the uk. I did it twice , married twice ... nightmare.

Living in Thailand as u have a wife is easier , not saying easy but easier to get a visa.

Alternate is 6 in Thailand , 6 in uk. And go for a 6 month tourist visa.

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Rob *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Darren *******

waiting for this spouse visa is a joke as well as a rip off. Hoping to here something soon so I can get on with my life either way.

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Rob *******

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James ********

...Are you married to a Thai?

...Do you have Thai children?

...What is your nationality/passport nation?

...What kind of visa are you now on if you are in Thailand?

...If now in Thailand what is the Thai Immigration Office you report to?

...Are you age 50+ ?

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James ********

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James ********

In my reply I stated...

Yasha Yakov as its nighttime in Thailand...you will most likely receive helpful replies Tuesday morning from two of our Admin team Tod Daniels and Robert Lagas ..both very knowledgeable of married to a Thai options.

For the visa obtained inside Thailand 400,000 Thai baht is required to be in a Thai bank in your name.

However there is a Non immigrant O one year Multi-entry visa ... Married to a Thai available thru the Savannakhet Laos Thai Embassy...with NO money required to be banked in Thailand.

Tod and Robert can share more information with you about that visa.

You can read TOPICS

list for Non O Married to Thai...and use search at top of forum page... Enter ...Non O married to Thai Savannakhet...

Posts will appear fyi.

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James ********

Rob Gibbo moments ago I replied to another gent inquiring about a visa being married to a Thai.

This was my reply and conversation with him. Much applies to you.

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Rob *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a Thai wife but no children. I m I the UK at the minuet and I am a British national. The immergration office will be in trang and I'm 31 years of wage. I will still have an income from the UK with out working and I have savings

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Rob *******

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