What is the best visa option for a US citizen planning to retire and live in Thailand while minimizing taxes?

If you want to work in Thailand remotely you need a Visa which match this and today it's the DTV.

With a non-O visa you can not work in Thaïlande without a work permit.

I moved here from Southern California at 64. Big difference is I been married to my Thai wife for 16 years. I decided to come here permanently on a marriage visa after visiting here over a dozen times. Back in the US (she is both a Thai citizen & a US citizen) we had many joint accounts over the years (bank, credit cards, real estate) and she has never abused that ever. Trust is something built over time.

Buying a house here while only a fiance & not even married yet? Much too early in my humble opinion. It might turn out fine, but then again the risks are highly elevated. Good luck.

As most have said "DO NOT buy a house or other property in her name! I have seen it all before...... Move here, rent and then if all is OK, buy a condo in your name only! See if she still loves you after that.....

Is her family close by? Is she the youngest girl in the family? Why not start getting SS at 62, you can invest it if you don’t need it,

The best way, if your intentions are to live in Thailand for the rest of your life, is to first get married. Then get on the type O visa/extension based on Thai wife. This gives you, as you are American, the right to open a fully owned business, and not have to hire any Thai employees, except a part time licensed Thai accountant. You can do this because American citizens can open businesses under the Treaty of Amity, the only country with this option. Paying Thai income taxes are a lot cheaper than the taxes you pay in California. Also by being married to a Thai, and legally working, and paying Thai taxes, after three years of doing that, plus other documents, you can apply for permanent residency, or directly for Thai citizenship. Long term, with as much information as you've given us, this is the best way long term.

What's the hurry to buy a house? You need to learn to say no. And if that doesn't work. Say F#&k no. If she's a good one she just might still be around in 10 years or more. Same goes with cars, motorcycle and gold.

I wouldn’t buy just yet until you travel the country and you might find a place that you like better

You haven’t even got married yet. Wait with putting a house on her name.

How much time have you spent in Thailand #1 And how long have you been with your lady #2

Have you lived there we e for 6 months yet? Don’t do anything until you have or maybe even 2 years. Just rent it’s so easy. Why buy?

Get a condo and put it under your name or both names unless you want to hear the words "get out of my house".

If you will work remotely you only have 2 visa options. A DTV based on Workation or an LTR Work From Thailand Professional. The latter is the best option but much more difficult to qualify for

Get a long term rental in your name, no fiance needed. Maybe after staying with her for more years then buy her a house.