What is the best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter?

Visa Options Non-Immigrant O Visa Retirement Visa Thai Family Visa Visa Requirements Long-Term Stay Expat Life in Thailand Ratchaburi Immigration

Feb 18, 2024

9 months ago

John *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am going to stay 180 days for winter every year. I am a US citizen married to a Thai wife with Thai and US citizenship. We’re both over 65 and own a home in Ratchaburi.

What is my best visa option?

I already have B400k in a Thai bank account since 2022.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter would likely be the Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage, allowing for one-year validity and the possibility of a work permit. Alternatively, the OA retirement visa is suggested, requiring insurance but allowing extended stays without the need for frequent visa runs. Key considerations include maintaining the necessary bank balance and understanding local immigration policies in Ratchaburi.

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.

Michael ********

You can also look at the OA visa one of which could get you through two winter seasons if you time it right and no need for doing any paperwork in Thailand. You will need insurance depends upon embassies requirements.

Not sure what Ratchaburis immigration is like although do have two places there and plan retirement there (at moment)

9 months ago

Richard ******

I would recommend the retirement visa as you only have to report quarterly after your visa is approved.

I am here on a non o multi entry one year visa; however, we had to leave the country and return as each entry you get only 90 days even though the visa is good for a year.

9 months ago

Dave ********

I'm on a non-immigrant O visa based on marriage to a Thai wife and have the required 400K plus baht in a Bangkok Bank account and opted for this visa because I can get a work permit, visa for 1 year intervals, and maybe at some point meet the requirements for citizenship. The visa prices aren't exorbitant so it fits me fine.

9 months ago

Aake **********

Its no family visa for one year

9 months ago

Marc *********

Family visa mate for the year multi entry I would do.

9 months ago

Reply to

Marc *********

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