Hi Everyone, I'm looking for advice on the best visa to apply for. I am Australian and 51 years of age, currently working in Cambodia (I have a business visa and work permit there). My Thai girlfriend and newborn baby live in Chiang Mai. I would like to spend time with them every month, fly in fly out once per month for at least this year. Initially I will spend a greater part of the month in Thailand. I previously worked in Thailand up to April 2019 with the proper visa and work permit, but let that lapse when I found employment in Cambodia. I have since entered Thailand 3 times on 30-day exempt stamps, and have once extended for 30 days at the local immigration office and then crossed the border at Mae Sai to extend for another 30.
I plan to return to Australia for a short visit in May this year.
What is the best visa for my situation, and is it best to apply here, in a neighbouring country or my home country? If possible, I would prefer not to have to transfer a large sum of money into a Thai bank account.
Thanks in advance 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
An Australian expat with a Thai girlfriend and a newborn in Chiang Mai is seeking advice on the best visa to apply for, considering options such as the Multiple Entry Non-O visa, potential retirement visa options for those over 50, and visas based on being a parent of a Thai child. The community suggests that the Multiple Entry Non-O visa is highly suitable if he plans to marry his girlfriend, while options for acquiring a Non-O visa based on parental status are also recommended. Insights on applying from Cambodia or Australia are included as well.
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.