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

Apr 23, 2023
2 years ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am 61 years old and from the USA. I have come to Thailand every year for the last decade, barring the Covid shutdown. I married a Thai National in September of last year. I want to liquidate here and stay with my wife in her home for an extended period of time. I know that nothing is permanent for a foreigner there and there will be departure requirements. I’m trying to figure out the best VISA for my first entry for a longer term. I was thinking a 6-month multi-entry might be best for starters; Either that or a 60 tourist with 30 day extension at immigration.

In addition, what are my medical insurance options other than buying a travel insurance plan prior to leaving? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A 61-year-old US citizen, married to a Thai national, seeks advice on the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand. Several respondents recommend the Non-O visa based on marriage, which can be extended for a year. Other suggestions include the O-A retirement visa, Thai Elite Visa, and strategies for opening a bank account and meeting financial requirements for visa applications. Additionally, they inquire about medical insurance options beyond travel insurance.
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จอนห์ *******
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
Lyndon ************
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.
Linz ************
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 👍🏼
Umami *********
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,
Kool *******
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.
David ********
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.
Dave **********
@David *******
agree without knowing his situation no way to know whats best.

Over 23 years I held a O based on marriage, O based on retirement, Business, and now a LTR Visa. As rules and my situation changed so did I.
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