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What type of visa should I get as a British citizen married to a Thai with a child while frequently traveling to Thailand?
Visa TypesNon-Immigrant VisaMarriage VisaThai ImmigrationVisa ExtensionsExpats in ThailandThai Family VisaDTV Visa
Oct 21, 2024
2 years ago
Steven ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm starting to get questioned at immigration, yet they still let me in.
So, I have no problem getting the correct visa, problem is, which one do I need?
British citizen.
Under 50 years old (50 next year).
Married to Thai with kid.
3 weeks on/off.
Thanks in advance.
So, I have no problem getting the correct visa, problem is, which one do I need?
British citizen.
Under 50 years old (50 next year).
Married to Thai with kid.
3 weeks on/off.
Thanks in advance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster, a British citizen under 50, is questioning immigration officials during their entries into Thailand and seeks advice on which visa to obtain due to their family circumstances—being married to a Thai national with a child and having a work schedule that allows for 3-week visits. Comments suggest exploring a Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage or a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) as potential paths. Participants discuss the necessity of maintaining proper documentation, financial proof, and the need for re-entry permits for longer stays. Challenges and experiences with Thai immigration procedures are highlighted, particularly the marked lack of specific visa categories for offshore workers.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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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Steven ******
ORIGINAL POSTERYou'd think the immigration officer who pulled me would have given me the correct advice on the spot.
Luit *****************
@Steven *****
No, that is not Thai style. Thai just give you a subtile hint first. Then they expect you to take action and ask what to do or find out yourself at that moment or later.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Galen ******
It's unfortunate they don't see a need to cater to the offshore worker. Same problem many years ago. Due to work commitments, difficult to get a visa. There are so many people living in Thailand on a temporary basis and working offshore. The offshore worker generally makes a good income and can be a benefit to Thailand.
Luit *****************
@Galen *****
I agree with you, Thailand has too much different visa, all just to leave out mainly people who want to work in Thailand.This effort is without success because those people find visa exempts, borderruns and visa not meant for them to live in the country.
Personally I think they just should start with long term visa for everyone who has a decent an legal income generated outside Thailand, not by a Thai company.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Steven ******
I'm in the same situation working
***
. I have been advised by a few people on a post I made and a visa agency that a multi entry non o visa would be best for me as I'm not married, but we live together and have a son.Peter ***********
@Steven *****
you can't get in the uk anymore I work offshore uk just done my marrige visa multi entry ball ache but doneSteven ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter **********
where did you go to get it done mate?Peter ***********
@Steven *****
me and the Mrs did it was a ball ache .she sorted it .Reply to
Peter ***********
Reply
Steven ******
@Peter **********
I may sign up for some course then and go for the DTVReply to
Steven ******
Reply
John **********
Why not just get a marriage visa? Savannakhet will sell you a 12 month multiple entry one if you have 400k in a Thai bank
Ryan-Kristopher ********
Ok Graham thanks. So at the minute if I go Evisa route I have to stay in thailand roughly 3 months before I can get the 1year extension.
Once I have the one year extension and it comes to an end after a year is that easy to renew for another year?
Once I have the one year extension and it comes to an end after a year is that easy to renew for another year?
Kemal ******
Ryan, providing that you have the necessary paperwork and the funds in the bank two months prior to your application, it is actually quite easy to do. Sometimes the immigration may ask you to bring additional paperwork. Always carry all possible paperwork with you with double copies and originals as much as possible.
Ryan-Kristopher ********
@Graham *****
that’s ashame that u need to do the 30days wait again not sure what I can do if I’m working *****
Steven ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ryan-Kristopher *******
exactly my predicament, albeit 21 days.John **********
@Steven *****
that's why I suggested Savannakhet. You go, apply, get the visa and that's it. No under consideration period to worry about. Every entry gets you 90 days which shouldn't be an issue given your rotationRyan-Kristopher ********
@Steven *****
what u think of doingReply to
Ryan-Kristopher ********
Reply
Ryan-Kristopher ********
@John *********
hey John when u need to renew this visa after a year would u need to stay in country again for 60days then apply for a 1 year extension or would u get the whole year from the beginningGraham ******
@Ryan-Kristopher *******
This visa is a 12 month multi-entry and gets you 90 days per entry. You can extend for 12 months (there is also the 60 day Visit Thai Family extension) or exit and purchase a new one.Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Ian **********
Get a DTV. It lasts for 5 years and you can come and go but cannot stay longer than 180 days unless you buy an extention. One of the criterior for getting a DVT is visiting Thai wife or children
Graham ******
@Ian *********
no there is not a DTV option for visiting Thai familyTohksic ******
@Ian *********
Absolutely wrong. Thai wife/kid has zero relevance in regard to DTV issuance.Ian **********
@Tohksic *****
You are correct. It was included in the original proposal and the official site makes it look like it still is an option but unfortunately it is not.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Elías ********
@Ian *********
is it? I thought it was only for remote workers or people engaging in soft power (muay thai, cooking classes, etc.) activities.Chris *******
@Elías *******
no it's not.Tore *********
@Elías *******
im on a DTV based on medical treatment 😉 Felt almost too easy to get it, but im not complaining.But there is no DTV option for visiting family. Family can however also get their own DTV as dependent on someone with already DTV
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Phil *******
How many entries so far, and where were you questioned?
Steven ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil ******
roughly 16 entries. Questioned at Suvarnabhumi.Reply to
Steven ******
Reply
Frank ************
This has happened to me before, I told them I had a Thai wife with a daughter and had my own house, never had a problem again, and I worked 2 on 3 off
Roger **********
3 weeks on/off , just Rick up. Let them question you. Visiting wife.
Kim *********
@Roger *********
you really think they will continue just to question? that's super optimistic and a bad advice. At some point he will be denied entryDuncanc **********
@Kim ********
what point is that? Where is it written?Luit *****************
@Duncanc *********
As soon as the immigration officer does not believe anymore you are a real tourist.Duncanc **********
@Luit ****************
I’ll let you know if it ever happens … so far so good 🤗Kim *********
@Duncanc *********
has happened several times - been said here several timesDuncanc **********
@Kim ********
How lucky that I’m not them 😁Kim *********
@Duncanc *********
as usual it's up to the immigration officer. Mentioned numerous times in this group and othersReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Greg ***********
it's your proof of the "on-and-off" work contract that might add to their leniency, and your proof being married to a Thai wife, with a kid. You just risk that at some point after many visa-exempt entries, these facts aren't an excuse for endless visa-exempt entries. . . .So it is time you start to look for the correct visa for your purpose. This would be the 90-days Non-Imm-o based on marriage to a Thai wife, or the 90-days Non-Imm-O based on being over 50 years old. In Thailand, you need to get from the 90-days stay permit to the "one-year extension of stay permit", and buy a multi re-entry permit for 3800 THB, which will allow you to exit and re-enter as many times as you like, within this one year. Both visa come with requirements of a financial proof, though
Steven ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
hi Greg, cheers for the reply. I've had marriage visas before but that was over 10 years ago. How will this affect me leaving and re entering every 3 weeks, or does it not?Greg ***********
@Steven *****
you probably didn't have a visa, but an one-year extension of stay. Or you had a multi entry Non-Imm-O visa. Only two embassies still issue 365-days multi entry Non-Imm-O family visa, those are YANGON Myanmar, and SAVANNAKHET, Laos. . . If you not willing to get a multi entry Non-imm-o visa with them, just apply for the "one-year extension of stay based on marriage with a Thai wife" on Immigration, and buy a multi re-entry permit for this one-year extended stay permit for 3800.- THB. With this you can exit and re-enter unlimited timesSteven ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
Nice one pal, I'm guessing I can get that done at any Thai embassy or consulate?Greg ***********
@Steven *****
no multi entry Non-imm-o family visa any more. Only 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O family visa, with proof of finances (income +40.000.- THB or 400.000.- THB in the bank). enter Thailand and change from the 90-days stay permit to the "1-year extension of stay permit" by meeting the requirements (minimum of 400.000.- THB in your Thai bank account in your sole name)Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Jon **********
Tourist exemption is fine
Willem ****
@Jon *********
You not get it?Jon **********
@Willem ***
long time resident and visitor no fear mongering here just a lot of newcomers don’t know how to deal with immigration. A smile goes a long way ;-)Dave ********
@Jon *********
A smile didn't help me much.Reply to
Dave ********
Reply
Willem ****
Jon Campbell
Thats not fine. Read the post. Immigration started to question the OP. That happens more often if someone has many visa exempt entries and seem to be not a 'normal' tourist. They mostly start with a warning sugesting to get a proper visa. Its something not to ignore. You not want to be red flagged if yours wife and kid(s) live in Thailand.
Thats not fine. Read the post. Immigration started to question the OP. That happens more often if someone has many visa exempt entries and seem to be not a 'normal' tourist. They mostly start with a warning sugesting to get a proper visa. Its something not to ignore. You not want to be red flagged if yours wife and kid(s) live in Thailand.
Radost **************************
@Willem ***
having wife and kid in Thailand is enough reason to come, you don't need a visa if you come only for 3 weeks. The questioning bc of course they don't know the reason and may be they will questioning again but there will not be any problem with entering ThailandWillem ****
@Radost *************************
If someone want to be on the mercy of the I.O all the time it's ok. There is still a risk a I.O is not so considerate. But having the proper visa is much better. I remember covid when all who did not bother before to get a visa where stuck outside. eventhough they had property, wife etc. Properly living in Thailand but no status. i think thats not wise.Reply to
Willem ****
Reply
Jon **********
@Willem ***
just need to explain about holiday all will be fine.Luit *****************
@Jon *********
You cannot fool IO you have a holiday every few weeks.When you visit your Thai wife very often, there will be a pattern that tells IO you are not a real tourist, and therefore should not use visa exemption.
Duncanc **********
@Luit ****************
why can’t we have holidays every 3 weeks?Luit *****************
@Duncanc *********
And each holiday visit the exact same place again? OMG do you really believe this yourself?Duncanc **********
@Luit ****************
yeah - now that you mention it only done this for the best part of 20 years without ever being denied entry (did need to renew my passports very often though … all pages filled)Reply to
Duncanc **********
Reply
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