What visa options are available for a foreigner married to a Thai citizen living abroad who frequently visits Thailand?

Jul 16, 2018
6 years ago
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How can I get a decent visa for Thailand? My Thai wife and I live in china, but come back to Thailand 3 months a year. The marriage visa won't work because I never stay here for more than 2 months at a time. We also have a baby on the way that will be born in Thailand in October.
1,513
views
2
likes
46
all likes
31
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the visa options for a foreigner with a Thai spouse who resides in China and visits Thailand part-time. It highlights the inability to use a marriage visa due to frequent short stays and suggests alternatives like the Non-Immigrant O visa or a tourist visa with extensions. Additionally, there are discussions about health insurance for upcoming medical procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding coverage limitations.
Robert *******
We went from Visa to SSO and now discussing health insurance companies. The information about visa is given, for other issues there are other sites.
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, sorry if this is off topic, does anyone know of a reliable international insurance company?
Michael ********
I have BUPA UK. Not cheap but excellent. Depends on the procedures, previous hospital screening and whether the insurance company can prove they were pre existing. If there is no evidence they were pre existing then no need to mention them in the application.
James ********
@Zack ****
but you are wanting new health insurance policy to cover you in Thailand. If you have preexisting conditions those may not be covered in your new policy.
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
I have insurance in china, but I don't trust the doctors there. 555
James ********
Hmmm....Its doubtful that a new health insurance policy will cover your upcoming procedures you relate to in earlier post from you.

You said "We are also building a house here, does that entitle me to receive NHS? I need some procedures done at the hospital"
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
ok, thanks for the advice
Robert ********
Tell Jamie I sent you, he'll do good!
Robert ********
Depends on what options you select Zack, anything is possible. Typically when overseas, you pay a % first then file a claim after you get home, unless it is an emergency.
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
I assume it works everywhere except America ?
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert ********
*********************************
(Jamie Connell)
Robert ********
I use Pacific Cross....
Whu ******
Not sure on that one pal
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are also building a house here, does that entitle me to receive NHS? I need some procedures done at the hospital
Duncan *******
to get social security coverage you need to be working here and paying tax.
Lloyd ********
No
Whu ******
Very easy process to
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, I will head over to suvannakhet in a few weeks.
Whu ******
Mate listen to
@Tod ********
His advise is spot on

I have same issue and the non o multi entry visa is perfect
Robert *******
I think you mix up two different things. If you only come to Thailand for 60 days at the time get the Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on married with a Thai and you get 90 days on arrival to stay. If you want to stay longer than you can visit Immigration Office and apply for 60 days Extension of Stay without any financial requirements or for 1 year of Extension of Stay with the financial requirements as the notarized letter from your Embassy or money in Thai bank account.
Dick **********
Why can't you get a Spouse visa?
Dick **********
@Zack ****
, yes you can do either way..

I have friends here that works offshore for 3-4 weeks and then they are here 3-4 weeks and they all have "Spouse" visa.
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It has to be in my scb account for 6 months right? I think it's easier to get the proof of income from the embassy
Dick **********
@Zack ****
, or just a bank statement for 400 000B
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I could get it, but from my understanding, you have to go to Thai immigration after being in the country with proof of income, which I can do, but it says after staying for 90 days. I stay here for 60 days at a time max
Tod *********
You could also get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa from one of the consulates nearby that offer that visa without proof of funds based on marriage to a thai.

The visa is good for a year and each entry is good for 90 days. You might be able to get two trips out of the visa if you got it before you came here and you travel regularly.
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, thanks. I think the multiple entry will be optimal. I think the days of visa on arrival are numbered.
Tod *********
@Zack ****
the thai consulate in Savannakhet doesn't require proof of funds (so having them will not help your application).
Zack ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Suvannakhet is quite close to me and I could do it. I do have proof of income anyway and a statement from my Chinese bank, but I don't have the notarized letter from my embassy.
Tod *********
Get a single entry tourist visa which stamps you in for 60 days and you can extend for 30 more at the immigration office. That buys you 90 days
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice