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What is the best path for a US citizen married to a Thai national to obtain Thai permanent residency or citizenship?

Thai Permanent ResidencyThai CitizenshipVisa Options ThailandRetirement Visa ThailandMarriage Registration ThailandNon-O VisaVolunteering in ThailandDual CitizenshipExpat in Thailand
Jun 13, 2024
5 months ago
Anonymous ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My wife and I are planning to spend 3-4 months every year in Thailand when we retire next year. My wife is a dual citizen (US and Thailand). I am a US citizen. We were married in the US but never registered it in Thailand. We are both over 60. We are financially secure. We have a house in Thailand under my wife’s name. While in Thailand, I may volunteer my time at non-profit organizations. I’d would like to eventually get a Thai permanent residency (or citizenship) so I don’t have to deal with visas and in later years we may decide to live in Thailand full time. What’s the best path for me to get to Thai PR or citizenship?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen planning to retire in Thailand and seeking permanent residency or citizenship faces several options. His wife is a dual citizen, making their situation unique but challenging. Some suggested paths include obtaining a retirement visa or registering their marriage in Thailand to facilitate visa options. Options for staying in Thailand longer include a multiple-entry tourist visa or various extensions, with some commentary indicating that citizenship may be very difficult to obtain without significant ties like employment or tax contributions.
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.
Marty *********
Join the Thai Citizenship Facebook group.

There is a list of requirements and a point system but it is also my understanding that you have to have worked and paid taxes.
5 months ago
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Herve *********
This ain't the US, just living in Thailand, even for decades, will not get you one inch closer to thai citizenship. I think a farang monk got it last year after many years of residence/monkhood, and probably sponsored by the religious authorities.
5 months ago
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Troy ******
I don't understand how people with Thai wifes can't figure this out.
5 months ago
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Henrik *****
No Volunteering without a workpermit.
5 months ago
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Robert *********
Or

Get a multiple entry tourist visa ,which you can get 9 months a year from .
5 months ago
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Shane ******
I'd say for the time being, register your marriage in thailand, by that time the entry may be 60 days, and you can just apply for visit family 60 day. That give your your 4 months. Is it's only 30 days on arrival you can still do a visit family 60 day, that will give you 3 months.

Until you figure out if this is going to be a permanent spot. Then just do your married to thai non o.
5 months ago
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Graham ******
@Shane *****
 30 day Visa Exempt plus 30 day Tourism Extension followed by a 60 day Visit Thai Family Extension gets 4 months (many Immigration Offices insist on taking the Tourism Extension before getting the Visit Thai Family Extension). The OP is asking about how to get PR more than how to stay 4 months however.
5 months ago
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Shane ******
@Graham *****
 yes, understand

But as many have stated... thats not going to happen. 👍
5 months ago
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Shane ******
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Linhof *********
I am similar situation. Retirement visa sounds about the best option
5 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Linhof ********
 he can't volunteer or work on a "retirement visa"
5 months ago
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Linhof *********
@Nongnuch *******
 nope. He probably gets that now 👍
5 months ago
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Linhof *********
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Steve *******
Either buy an elite or get a retirement visa. Citizenship is about as likely as it snowing in Bangkok.
5 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Steve ******
 he can't volunteer or work on an Elite visa or a "retirement visa"
5 months ago
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Steve *******
@Nongnuch *******
 correct. He cannot work. There is one foundation in Bangkok that does accept volunteers.
5 months ago
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Steve *******
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Steve ******
You have no idea, champ. Not happening.
5 months ago
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Steve ******
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