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What long-term visa options are available for a disabled U.S. veteran and spouse moving to Thailand under 50?
long-term visadisabled veteransThailand immigrationNON-O visaremote workMETVtourist visaLTR visaElite visaeducation visawork permitPattaya
Jul 10, 2024
2 years ago
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHey Everyone. I'm a disabled U.S. veteran planning to move to Thailand on January 7th, 2025 with my wife. I was wondering since we're both under 50, what would be the best long term visa option for us? I plan on working remotely but my wife will be retiring. Also, we plan on getting a tourist visa before departing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. veteran plans to move to Thailand with their wife but is uncertain about the best long-term visa options, especially since they are both under 50. The discussions emphasize starting with a tourist visa, considering the METV for longer stays, or possibly the LTR visa designed for remote workers, although its eligibility requirements are highly stringent. Participants suggest investigating local living conditions before fully committing, highlighting that working remotely without proper authorization can be problematic. Additionally, community members provide insights into alternatives like an education visa and advise caution regarding working remotely.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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.
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Rena *********
Sha
No visa advise. I was actually searching the same question you asked and found your post. We are in our 40s and we have plenty of monthly income but are not finding a good long term visa option.
My wife and I are moving to Pattaya in February. My wife is a veteran too. We are always looking for new friends. Hopefully we can connect once we are all there.
No visa advise. I was actually searching the same question you asked and found your post. We are in our 40s and we have plenty of monthly income but are not finding a good long term visa option.
My wife and I are moving to Pattaya in February. My wife is a veteran too. We are always looking for new friends. Hopefully we can connect once we are all there.
Det *******
Use your education benefits to attend college and use an education visa.
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gray *****
great idea💡Det *******
@Sha *****
If planned out, then the benefits and education visa can last 6 years or so.Reply to
Det *******
Reply
Mike *******
Your age won’t allow you to do a retirement visa.
Also, laws for retirement has changed when it comes to taxes. So you if are approved please check into the tax changes. But in your status you should check into 60 day, then 90 day visas to ease your way into staying. So you can learn more about your disabled veteran status.
Also, laws for retirement has changed when it comes to taxes. So you if are approved please check into the tax changes. But in your status you should check into 60 day, then 90 day visas to ease your way into staying. So you can learn more about your disabled veteran status.
Achanster ******
Get an education visa by enrolling in Thai classes
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Achanster *****
my wife| and I both want to learn Thai, so I was thinking about going the Education visa route after our tourism visa is up, but I still want to be able to work.Achanster ******
@Sha *****
if you want to work the only way is work visa, or you need to assess the risk of being found out if u c what I mean ...Reply to
Achanster ******
Reply
Shannon ********
Lot of thai and visa experts on this post. Just come and have fun man.
Henrik *****
When you call it work ( even remotely or voluntary ) the Thai authorities will also call it work, and for working in Thailand, a workpermit is necessary.
Dena *********
Hi, it’s me, HER wife. Lol
James ***********
There is a racist, sick punk 👺on this thread, talking about the lovely person whom made the post being “from the ghetto”, etc.… Who made this little brat a top contributor? He should be banned
Dena *********
@James **********
Glad I missed it. Hope he got banned!James ***********
@Dena ********
“ can we all get along? “ Rodney King (RIP) Los Angeles 1992 Summertime
 Ebony and Ivory, Michael Jackson /Paul McCartney 1980s 🎹📿
“I am Honoured ,Sometimes it takes a cracker to ……..
…… bust a cracker” 🙊
Jim Aplington Kathmandu 🇳🇵 summertime 2024 😎
Dena *********
It’s also kind of hilarious. We’re both well educated. But we’re black, so I guess that equals ghetto to the ignorant.
Dena *********
Thank you for standing up for us. ❤️
James ***********
@Dena ********
my father Thomas Aplington taught me to confront bullies and racism 👺🤺 growing up in Peoria Illinois…  I reported him 40 minutes ago and he’s been removed ☺️
he 2 times called the two of you ,(not in a good way) ..
“ people from the ghetto”
Reply to
James ***********
Reply
Neil ******
@James **********
nobody makes anyone a top contributor. Facebook puts that badge on comments for people who have a certain amount of comments in a group.James ***********
@Neil *****
I know, part of my point anybody who reads this thread, they should like me report him to the group moderatorNeil ******
@James **********
I would have reported, but didn't see the comment. This shouldn't be tolerated, but sadly, Thailand FB groups run rampant with bigotry.Reply to
Neil ******
Reply
Max *************
If not 50 years old, you can't apply for a retirement visa. A 60 days tourist visa from back home is extendable another 30 days at the local immigration office. That gives you at least 90 days. You can also do a so called border run to a neighbouring country and get another 30 days on return. Then extend it another 30 days. That's a total of 150 days.
Neil ******
Everyone here is ignoring the truth. Working remotely is illegal unless you have LTR or a work permit. Guess why that is? Because they are likely working illegally. Yet, the same people constantly complain about all the corruption and lack of enforcement of laws. If you love hypocritical expats, Thailand is the place for you.
David *******
It really depends how much money you have. There are long term options for under 50s but none are cheap.
Look at the LTR Visa and the Elite Visa.
If you try to stay long term on Tourist Visas then you’d have to leave the country regularly and it’s quite likely you’ll eventually be flagged at immigration.
In terms of Remote working, if you keep it quiet then it’s not likely to be an issue. It definitely won’t be an issue if you get a LTR visa.
Look at the LTR Visa and the Elite Visa.
If you try to stay long term on Tourist Visas then you’d have to leave the country regularly and it’s quite likely you’ll eventually be flagged at immigration.
In terms of Remote working, if you keep it quiet then it’s not likely to be an issue. It definitely won’t be an issue if you get a LTR visa.
John **********
The LTR for Remote Workers was made for exactly that
Bart **************
@John *********
it doesn't have realistic requirements though. It's only an option for an exceptional 1% or so of the people it was originally meant for.Neil ******
@Bart *************
just like any other visa. If you don’t qualify, you don’t qualify. No different for retired people under 50.Bart **************
@Neil *****
but many people reach 50. Not everyone works for Google or Apple. If they say they have a visa for remote workers, but in reality only a dozen people can get it, then they don't really have a visa for remote workers.Neil ******
@Bart *************
Not everyone gets married to a Thai either. Not everyone works for Thai company either. Thems the breaks.Also, neither Apple nor Google will permit their employees to work from Thailand while employed with a foreign entity.
Also, that’s not the only way to get it. If you have an annual income of $80k a year, a net worth of $1 million, and invest $500k here in property, you can get LTR without employment and under 50.
Bart **************
@Neil *****
but you can work for any Thai company that satisfies reasonable requirements. Not every company qualifies, but most do. If you are married to a Thai, you need to have some money in the bank, but you must be really broke to not satisfy that. But here with the visa that is supposedly for remote workers, if you don't work for Amazon or Microsoft, you can't get the visa. So do they have a visa for remote workers then? No they don't, they have a visa for maybe 1% of the group that normal people would identify as "remote workers".Neil ******
@Bart *************
the government decided on the criteria. These are the people they want here working remotely. It’s pretty obvious why. They are high earners with verified employment, in which the employers are aware and have consented to their work from Thailand. They aren’t 20-something “digital marketing” or “life coaches” spending little money here, offering no real benefit to the economy. Relationships need to be symbiotic and those who only want to take from the country weren’t included in the eligible. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t make it any less valid.Bart **************
@Neil *****
it's fine that they only allow people from Tesla and Nvidia to work here, but we can't then say that Thailand has a visa for remote workers. They do not.Reply to
Bart **************
Reply
John **********
@Bart *************
requirements are difficult to meet but it's still what it was intended forReply to
John **********
Reply
Franklin ***********
What everyone else is saying, you should really come here first. I cant stand being here more than 60 days (never even been here that long tbh)
Let the rose colored glasses come off and get a real feel for the land and see if its what you ACTUALLY want. Ill tell you for certain you dont want pattaya as a black married couple. Enjoy your trip.
Let the rose colored glasses come off and get a real feel for the land and see if its what you ACTUALLY want. Ill tell you for certain you dont want pattaya as a black married couple. Enjoy your trip.
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Franklin **********
if you knew me, you'd know I'm all about making extreme changes. Also, I was stationed in Japan, so this wouldn't be my first time living in SE Asia. Also, we have friends already out there that are married, black, and lesbian in Pattaya.Duvee *******
@Sha *****
thailand never gets old to me. I'm a army vet to, I never lived in pattaya but I know a guy I box with that did and he was married and his wife and him loved it. I think its a good choice moving to Thailand.Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Duvee ******
thank you for the positivity ☺️Duvee *******
@Sha *****
yeah I am in the philippines and headed back soonReply to
Duvee *******
Reply
Franklin ***********
@Sha *****
lol bet have funJohn ********
@Sha *****
Japan isn’t SE AsiaFranklin ***********
@John *******
yea thats where they lost me. Enjoy 😂Reply to
Franklin ***********
Reply
Alan ******
@Franklin **********
yep sound advice. 6 times in fact, just to make sure.Reply to
Alan ******
Reply
Bonnie *********
Have you looked at the Thai Embassy website?
Your status is irrelevant, your age is relevant.
Your status is irrelevant, your age is relevant.
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bonnie ********
yes I looked at the embassy site before posting here. Just figured it wouldn't hurt to ask in case I missed something.Bonnie *********
@Sha *****
It always helps to clarify that and ask for clarification. You would believe how many people never look, just ask.Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bonnie ********
totally understandableReply to
Sha ******
Reply
Damo ******
Apply for METV before you travel. Gives you upto 9 months in Thailand but you must leave and return every 90 days
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Pattaya is not for married couples. Unless you’re swingers.
Tim *******
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
oh no does that mean we have to move??Max *************
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
A totally clueless comment.ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
@Max ************
🤣🤣🤣you must be square or have EDReply to
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Reply
Vin *********
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
Pattaya is just fine for all. You choose where you go and what you do.
Just as going to a restaurant you do not have to drink alcohol...
Michael ********
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
Its a big place you obviously only been to the seedy areaฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
@Michael *******
I’m not FarangMichael ********
@ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน ********
Makes your original comment even stranger thenReply to
Michael ********
Reply
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
@Michael *******
I’m Thai. I live here in Pattaya.Reply to
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Reply
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
@Bradley ********
tell him the TRUTH. I’m trying to save his marriage 👊🏽Reply to
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Reply
Sha ******
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for the info. ☺️ We haven't explored for than a month out there, but we know we want to stay in Pattaya.
Aaron *******
@Sha *****
Pattaya wouldn't be my first choice for a long term stay, but it's great for a week or so. And good place to explore Thailand's Eastern Coastal Area. There are many options to consider near Pattaya. Na Jomtien, Hauy Yai, Ban Amphur, Bangsaray, Rayong, Sattahip... All of these are less than an hour from Pattaya, and less than 2 hours from Bangkok. Just 30 minutes outside of Pattaya, you can find peaceful places, ok beaches, nice local markets, local restaurants.... Yet, you're still close enough to Pattaya for the malls, shopping, medical facilities, movies, concerts, Muay Thai, gyms, restaurants, entertainment, trip to Koh Larn or Koh Samet, and yes the occasional night out.Stephen *******
@Sha *****
p a t t a y a is a s******* look further that is not ThailandLinhof *********
@Sha *****
why Pattaya? Just curiousStacey ****************
@Sha *****
lots of places that are more affordable 10-20% cheaper on most things when you get away from the tourist trap areas. Check into filing for your visas in the USA before you come over, makes things a lot easier. They will have a list of visas you can consider.
They are very quick and it makes things so much easier when you come to Thailand.
Drop a note if I can be of any assistance. God bless
************************************************************
Huy ******
@Sha *****
so many better places than pattaya as a retired couple than pattaya... consider hua hin for example, cleaner and cheaper.Reply to
Huy ******
Reply
Henrik *****
Have you ever stayed more than a couple of weeks in Thailand ?
If not you have to start by doing a testrun ex. 60 day touristvisa + 30 day extension, to figure out where to stay, and if can you live on the budget you will have avaiable.
Everyday life may be very different from holiday life, so don’t burn your bridges yet.
Tourist visa is strictly no work, including online.
After that you can start figuring out which long term visa is possibel, and how to get a workpermit.
If not you have to start by doing a testrun ex. 60 day touristvisa + 30 day extension, to figure out where to stay, and if can you live on the budget you will have avaiable.
Everyday life may be very different from holiday life, so don’t burn your bridges yet.
Tourist visa is strictly no work, including online.
After that you can start figuring out which long term visa is possibel, and how to get a workpermit.
Henrik *****
But what “he” and everybody else wanting to move to Thailand need to know / consider.
Furthermore “he” liked my post.
But your post is of no value for anybody.
Furthermore “he” liked my post.
But your post is of no value for anybody.
Ken ***********
@Henrik ****
good adviceReply to
Ken ***********
Reply
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