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

Non-Immigant O-Visa as you have a Thai Wife, then apply for 365 days extension for Retirement, Terms and Conditions apply.

Use 'Thai Visa Centre,' they take the hassle out of it all. Remember your 800,000 bt has to be in 'your' (not joint) Thai Bank Account for xx Months, or proof of your pension, that it meets the required amount

Arrive either on a tourist visa or even visa exempt.

Open a bank account

Transfer money (depending if you want retirement 800kTHB or marriage visa 400K)

Submit application for relevant Non-o 90 day visa. Follow with a 12 month extension. No need to leave the country and can be extended again. Total visa costs are 3900thb, with the banked money. Insurance cover is whatever you want as not required for a in country non-o.

Hi

@Rob *******

I’m perhaps not in a position to offer advice as I am still trying to get to terms with the most appropriate visa, that said….

Soon, myself and my wife are planning on emigrating to Thailand to enjoy our retirement and we have both agreed we will each have our own visa so one is not dependent on the other for when something happens to either of us

In your case, you have not mentioned how financially secure you are so, if you class yourself as being financial sound, may I suggest, have a look at the Elite Visa option and read between the lines what such a visa offers as well as the usual perks and timescale

Don’t know about you, but as I age,the less hassle the better for us and this seems to be the way forward for us and might be an ideal option for you

Either way, Best Wishes 👍🏼

Have 20,000 baht in cash with you, just in case IO asking, once my Thai multi-entry O got canceled with a huge red stamp, the Thai bank book balance of the same amount or over was no good, not accepted,

You are married to a Thai so just get a type O visa based on Thai wife. This is for 90 days, then inside Thailand extend it for a full year. This is the best for you.

Assuming you are not going to work in Thailand, you should consider the marriage visa, O or Oa retirement visa, the Thai Elite Visa, or the Long Term Residence - Wealthy Pensioneer visa. Costs and requirements of these vary but any one of these will allow a person to stay long term in Thailand.