What are the surprising aspects of Thailand's immigration rules for expats?

Question

Three things that astound me about the immigration rules here...😑

1. A female spouse of a Thai male doesnt require 400k or 40k monthly income to obtain a non O spouse visa. Zero funds required.

2. Every Thai consulate seems to have it's own set of requirements for same visas.

3. Over 50s on any type of visa/extension, other than non OA ,dont require health insurance to get it.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post outlines three surprising aspects of Thai immigration rules: 1) Female spouses of Thai males do not need to meet financial requirements for a NON-O visa; 2) Each Thai consulate has different requirements; 3) Individuals over 50 on various visas are not required to have health insurance. The comments reflect on cultural norms, the variability in visa processes, and personal experiences with the immigration system.

Larry ****** · Answer

You’re first mistake is trying to UNDERSTAND that is something you cannot do here

Wayne ******** · Answer

at this stage Thai Elite but would be cheaper take insurance cover as a 5 yr visa doesn’t matter your age is 500,000 thb

A-I-***** · Answer

What happened? You grew up thinking life was fair and we are all created equal? 🤣

Lynda *********** · Answer

Well it's a sad state of affairs when you can provide proof of 800 k in a Thai bank account, police clearance, medical certificate, make 2 trips to Vientiane, Laos and still get refused a retirement visa. Short of a blood sample I have no idea what more to do, other than move on. Which I don't want to do because I live Thailand and her people.

Phil ******* · Answer

1. Thailand is a male dominance society. Like most... Woman emancipation still has a long way to go.

2. Visa is an immigration issue. Handled by embassy staff who don't report to immigration. That leaves them the power to decide what they want. The ultimate power is actually with the IO at the airport who can turn you even you have a visa.

3. Many expect that requirements for Non-OA visa will be extended soon to other visas. Non-O in particular.

Charles **************** · Answer

#1.......You'll find the same thing in Japan.

Xenophobic behavior here is quite similar there as well.

Wayne ******** · Answer

Only 3??

Federico ********** · Answer

If a female foreigner marries a Thai man, it is understood the man will "take care" of her. We all know "take care" in Thailand means money/provide. The idea behind it is: Men have to "take care" of women. Call it sexist, or whatever.

I also don't see women paying sin-sod to get married, and this is Thai or foreigner alike. So its not something they made up for foreigners, its a general concept applied. [I dont agree w it... just explaining where it might come from]

Regarding the Health Insurance which "other visas" are we talking about? If he/she is working on a NonB the company probably provides health insurance. If not, at least they pay taxes on their salary so they have the ประกันสังคม (prakan-sangkom)

If they are on an Elite, etc etc and they have money... well... they probably have private health insurance.

If they are on a tourist/ED etc etc... they wont be here for long (not with the new rules).

So the only scenario i can see that is risky for the government (risky = using a hospital and not having the means to pay the bill) is someone who is over 50, staying for a long time, and with little income (not even 2k dollars a month). Hence the requirement.

Steve ********** · Answer

TFT

John ********* · Answer

If a woman marries a Thai man she deserves a reward. There is not a lot of fidelity among them. Her Visa is good for the duration of the marriage.

The other points, well this is Thailand.

Steve ******* · Answer

Trying to apply logic in the LOS will head f#@k you lol

What are the surprising aspects of Thailand's immigration rules for expats?

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