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What are the best visa options for parents of young children in Thailand?

Thailand visa parent visa guardian visa NON-O visa 90 day reporting expat advice immigration expats in Thailand

Apr 30, 2025

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has had experience with parent visa’s in Thailand, we have a young girl, 9 months old and I believe you can stay for 1 year on the applicable visa. I’m aware you have to show proof you can support yourself whilst staying. Which of the visa’s is the best one to apply for? Obviously she’s too young to go to school at the moment. I would probably still have to do 90 day reporting, which is no problem.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry addresses the types of visas available for parents wanting to stay in Thailand with young children. There are two main guardian visa options mentioned: one for parents of a Thai child with legal parentage and another for parents of a foreign child enrolled in school in Thailand. The author is seeking advice on how to apply for a visa that allows them to stay in the country for a year while showing economic self-sufficiency, as their child is too young for schooling.

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

I'm not really sure what you are asking about. There are 2 guardian-type visas.

One is if you are the parent of a half-Thai child and have legal parental rights and are taking care of that child.

The other is if you are the parent of a foreign child and that child is attending school in Thailand on an Education visa.

Do either of these apply to you? If not, then you do not qualify for a guardian visa.

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

I’ve spent a lot of time there already over the years, but never obtained a DTV, do I need to show that 500,000 THB in a Thai account or equivalent in a savings account from home? I presume it’s from home during the visa application.

2 days ago

John **********

@Chris *****

you can show money in any accessible account for the DTV but you can't apply from inside Thailand. You apply using the consulate that serves your location and need to satisfy the criteria you use to apply, either workation or soft power

2 days ago

Kool *******

@Chris *****

it can be in any bank account, as long as it is a personal account in your name.

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

Thankyou

2 days ago

Reply to

Chris ******

Ruud ******************

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

is good that you don’t mind to do your 90 days report. 😂😂😂😂 you HAVE to do that

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

sorry, mum and daughter are Thai citizens, I’m registered as her father on the family book.

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are applying for dual citizenship (for our daughter)in August at the embassy in Bangkok. Mum can’t travel to Aus, due to a past problem.

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

no, but I am listed on the tambien baan, and her birth certificate

2 days ago

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

@Chris *****

If you were not married when the child was born, you do not have parental rights. It doesn't matter if your name is on the birth certificate. The first thing you will have to do is go through family court to get parental rights. This can take many months and can be a bit expensive as well. Once you have that, you can apply for a non-O visa based on being the parent of a half-Thai child.

Honestly it would probably be easier and cheaper if you just got a DTV instead.

2 days ago

Chris ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

thanks for your help, much appreciated

2 days ago

Graham ******

@Chris *****

that will not work unfortunately because of her age

2 days ago

Reply to

Graham ******