What is the best visa option for a family moving to Thailand for a year with a child?

Question

Hey all! This is my first post so please go easy on me. 😅

My husband and I want to move to Thailand from the US with our 3 year old son for at least a year. We were considering the METV but are now thinking to get the SETV and then apply for the thai language ED visa once there. Based on what I’ve read here and online, there doesn’t seem to be a visa we can get for our son, however it seems the general consensus is that it’s not really an issue since there is not a fine for overstays for children under 13. That said, we are planning to move with pets and rent a house and have him enrolled in school so I don’t want to risk not being able to get back in to Thailand if we take a trip to explore neighboring countries. Does our plan seem reasonable? What do you think is the best/easiest way for us to spend 12 months+ in Thailand without risking being refused entry for too many visa runs?

I appreciate any thoughts or advice you may have for us! Thanks so much. 🙂

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user seeks advice on moving to Thailand with their husband and 3-year-old son for at least a year and is considering the METV and SETV visas. They want to ensure legal residency while managing school enrollment for their son and avoiding issues with visa runs. Community members suggest looking into various visa options beyond tourist visas, such as the Non Immigrant ED for education or METV for longer stays. They emphasize the importance of researching visa legislation and exploring suitable options before arrival.

Keven **** · Answer

Get the METV. Even if you don't use all the re-entries. You can only get it in your home country. If your plans change, you'll be happy you'll have gotten it.

Steve ******** · Answer

If you're planning to stay a year, don't pin your hopes on a succession of tourist visas. People have come unstuck using this method before, and found themselves denied entry. Look at a visa which suits the reason you are intending to be in Thailand for a year.

Robert ******* · Answer

If you enroll your son into a school he needs a visa, discuss with the school to get the needed documents so you can apply for a Non Immigrant ED visa for the boy.

Best option to stay inside Thailand is to apply before you go for the visa that fits your purpose and length of stay.

If you need to work to gain income: The Non Immigrant B visa with work permit.

If you like to volunteer: the Non Immigrant O visa with work permit.

If you like to study for 1 year the Non Immigrant ED visa with documentation from the school or university.

If you like to retire, the Non Immigrant O visa

And I can go on and on and on, please do some research at the website of your local Thai Embassy to see the long list of long term visa possibilities and the Thai Immigration website for 1 year Extensions of Stay.

Peter ************ · Answer

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