Ask question

What are the best ways for a retired U.S. citizen to stay in Thailand for 6 months before applying for a marriage visa?

Visa Rules Marriage Visa U.S. Citizen Retirement Visa Extension Education Visa Thailand Immigration

Aug 3, 2024

5 months ago

Randy ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all,

Looking to those with experience.

I’m retired, plan on getting married but want to stay in Thailand leading up to a marriage visa.

Can someone help me understand under the new visa laws the best way to stay 6 months ?

I’m a U.S. citizen 

Appreciate the assistance and guidance

226

views

0

likes

7

all likes

6

replies

0

images

3

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A retired U.S. citizen seeking to stay in Thailand for 6 months before applying for a marriage visa has a few options. One suggestion is to arrive without a visa, receive a 60-day visa-exempt stamp, and then apply for a 30-day extension, followed by a border run to reset the visa. Alternatively, enrolling in a Thai language class can provide an education visa, allowing for a more stable stay while also facilitating language acquisition.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Roger ********

If you don't feel like so many trips to immigration and the border, signing up for a Thai language class and doing an education visa is good. I highly recommend learning the language anyway, and it's not that hard.

Like

Reply

Randy ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Roger ,

Thank you that’s a great idea

Can you take classes virtually ?

Like

Reply

Roger ********

@Randy ***********

It's possible, but not easy. There will be competition for a spot, and the government doesn't really like it. It's Thailand though, so I'm sure it can be done with some effort.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Roger ********

Reply

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

Just arrive without a visa, get a 60 day visa exempt stamp and apply for 30 day extension. Then do a border bounce and get a new 60+30

Like

Reply

Randy ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Brandon,

Thank you, that was my plan I’m just worried about refusal

Like

Reply

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

@Randy ***********

unless you've spent a lot of time in Thailand recently, you shouldn't have any issues entering again after only 90 days.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What is the best visa option to spend 6 months in Thailand with my Thai wife?

9 comments

7 months ago

What are the best visa options for Canadians over 60 wanting to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months?

16 comments

8 months ago

What is the best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter?

5 comments

10 months ago

What type of visa do I need to stay in Thailand for 6 months if I am married to a Thai citizen?

17 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for a retired expat wanting to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?

20 comments

a year ago

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

18 comments

a year ago

What is the best visa option for retirees planning to stay in Thailand for six months?

16 comments

2 years ago

What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?

7 comments

2 years ago

What is the best and most affordable way for an American citizen married to a Thai national to extend their stay in Thailand to 90-120 days?

27 comments

2 years ago

What is the simplest way for a U.S. citizen to stay in Thailand for 3 1/2 months when married to a Thai citizen?

13 comments

2 years ago

What are the best options for staying in Thailand for 6 months without a visa?

9 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa strategies for an American and a Burmese citizen planning to move to Thailand and get married?

14 comments

2 years ago

How can my husband and I stay in Thailand for 6 months as tourists before applying for a retirement visa?

56 comments

2 years ago

What visa should I apply for to enter Thailand before marrying a Thai citizen?

10 comments

3 years ago

What is the best way for an American citizen to enter Thailand to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa for retirement and marriage?

16 comments

4 years ago

What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?

16 comments

4 years ago

What types of visas are available for spending extended periods in Thailand as a 59-year-old expat with a Thai common law partner?

12 comments

5 years ago

What are the best visa options for a US citizen planning to marry a Thai girlfriend and stay in Thailand?

21 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand while married to a Thai citizen?

2 comments

5 years ago

What visa options are available for a US passport holder over 60 wishing to stay in Thailand for 6-9 months without substantial financial requirements?

12 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for a retired U.S. citizen planning to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand for three months?

30 comments

5 years ago

What is the best visa option for a UK resident over 60 married to a Thai citizen planning for semi-retirement in Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the visa options for a US citizen staying in Thailand until October 3 after a short trip to Malaysia?

7 comments

6 years ago

What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for six months while considering a potential marriage?

11 comments

7 years ago

How can I stay in Thailand long term without a pension or job?

44 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.