What is the best visa option for a FIFO worker married to a Thai citizen who visits Thailand every few months?

I was married just came and went for 20+ years 4 on 4 off rotation, that changed several times to 5-7, 6-6, 4-4.

Never had any issues until I ran out of work at 67 no one wants me too old and that includes the wife - no money no honey.

I think the 60 days visa exemption switch to the new 30 days visa exemption is only on certain targeted countries if I read about the latest news. Like myself, a Singaporean or from HK, we do not even need to get our passport stamped every time I entered Thailand. There is an auto gate dedicated for SG and HK travellers. The rest of the foreign passports need to queue and get stamped. Even then, I think not all 93 countries are switching to 30 days if I read correctly. Only some targeted countries, China and India being one. Maybe some others probably. I hope I’m correct

Curt - Aussie , married , kids same as you mate.

Get to a bloody local immigration office. Set up online TM 30 report for the misses on your property. Get a Non- O thain child or marriage visa, and a MULTIPLE ENTRY permit at the same time. Job done mate. Come and go easy. 1900baht + 3800 for the multi. Done mate. Message me if you have questions.

DTV visa

Same as Heinz, non imm O Visa . Cheers , good life and a common issue for many.

Curt stick with visa excemption on arrival and it’s unlimited if you return home every trip. Join my page Thailand FIFO Life.

I also sent you a message inboxed

Stay on tourist visa if your only visiting for 3 weeks every 5 or so months. You won't appear on immigration radar even if they cut it to a 4 week tourist visa.

I'm in the same situation as a seaman; 28 years married, I come and go and always had a multiple non-marriage visa, but they're no longer issued. My problem is that some embassies won't issue a visa because, as a seaman, I don't have residency in the country we're currently cruising. The last 2 years 60 days plus 30 were always more than enough, now I'll probably go for the 1-year extension for married. No other ideas

For a **Thai marriage visa (extension of stay based on marriage)**, the **multiple re‑entry permit** works like this:

- ✅ **You don’t need to pick specific travel dates in advance.**

The permit is valid for the same period as your visa extension (usually one year). You can leave and re‑enter Thailand as many times as you want during that validity period.

- ✈️ **Each time you re‑enter Thailand, immigration will stamp you back in until the visa’s expiry date.**

For example, if your marriage extension is valid until **April 30, 2027**, your multiple re‑entry permit will also expire on that date. Any trip you take before then is covered.

- 📌 **Key point:** The permit doesn’t extend your visa. It only protects your visa from being canceled when you leave Thailand. Without it, leaving the country would void your marriage extension.

- 📝 **Process:**

- Apply at your local immigration office (or at the airport before departure).

- Pay the fee (currently 3,800 baht for multiple re‑entry).

- They issue a sticker in your passport showing the permit validity.

So, you don’t choose travel dates — the permit simply mirrors your visa’s validity period.

Lastly...consider the 'cost' of that 400k in the bank as an insurance policy in case you need to pull the plug one day...

If you are getting paid by an overseas company then DTV is a great option for you, I have one and highly recommend 👍

I work 3in1 used to be 4in1 , travel to Pattaya , Thailand almost every break , bar COVID , never had an issue . Had a retirement visa , when living there 10 years ago . Never had an issue . Own my condo in Pattaya. Do every thing right , Bangkok Bank account , Yellow Book , Pink Card .

I got a retirement visa and did with thai visa center to get fast turnaround (i work offshore repair not regular schedule)

Too many questions by immigration as they know i am married.

Just do the Non-o and have a multiple entry on it, lasts 1 year at a time.

Your staying less then 90 days so no need for reporting.

If you need help then go meet a agent and they start you up. It’s not a big cost and after you renew it your self. Needs a bank account and some money only.

I know travel in and out on exemption rule has been limited on a 12 month period but that’s for push on visa seeking and not rejection to visit Thailand.

I know my English not good 🤣

If stay only 5 months, you can use a Non O retirement 90 days visa, and extend 60 days because you are married to a Thai wife, That is easy, cheap and requires no money in Thai bank.

I just go on tourist visa I am the same never been stopped ask once why I don’t get a marriage visa just said why he stamped it that was about 6yr ago

How about a non immigrant O with yearly extensions and multiple re-entries?

Sounds like an amazing and intensive relationship! What a joke 🤣

If you stay in Thailand for 2 to 3 weeks every 4 to 5 months you need to do nothing. This pattern is no red flag to Immigration even if the visa exempt (not a visa) reverts to 30 days, it still suits your needs.

Wouldn’t the non O work for you? Three months then an annual extension of stay. Also a multiple re-entry permit.

Go and get a TE visa, say a 5 year one and you can come and go as you please

Marriage visa you just need a multi entry visa and can come and go easily.