What visa options are available for Australians moving to Thailand and how does employment affect visa eligibility?

Question

Hello lovely people, my husband and I are wanting to move to The Kingdom of Thailand. We are Australians. We would like to secure jobs but feel coming first to Thailand to check out Chiang Mai and looking for housing for us and 3 dogs. Look for work.  My questions as follows because Thai Consulate in Australia harder to get definative answers from:
1.  what is the recommended visa 30 days perhaps to give us time to fullfill above
2. does one require a return or onward journey ticket for entry into Thailand
3. We want to retire within 5 years in Thailand
4. If one of us secures employment can the other get a work visa?

Thank you, we are almost ready for a January 2019 arrival

Ask Thailand · Answer

A couple from Australia plans to move to Thailand and is seeking visa advice. They inquire about the best visa options for a short-term visit, the necessity of a return ticket, long-term retirement plans, and employment-related visas for spouses. Community members suggest applying for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to allow an extended stay to job hunt and find suitable housing. It's mentioned that obtaining a work visa through an employer is typically essential for working in Thailand, and dependent visas may be available if one partner secures employment.

Tod ********* · Answer

Seeing as neither of you have any employment lined up once you wing your way here I'd get the longest visas you can BEFORE you wash up here and that'd be the 6 month METV. That would give you guys almost 9 months here (in 60 day increments). That way there's no gun to your head to take the first b/s job here you come across. ;)

Terary ********** · Answer

Regarding #2.. I buy bus tickets to Phnom Pehn -- just incase.  $20 US.  If you're in your home country you can get METV to stay up to 90 days.  I am not sure about the spouse of an individual who has a work permit.

Michael ******** · Answer

Best job - web dev freelancer :P

Joe ********** · Answer

1) 30 days is visa waiver, get a 3 months tourist visa better

2) sometimes yes, sometimes no, depends on the immigration officer

3) ok

4) no

Robert ******* · Answer

Best option is to get the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for both before you make your way to Thailand. This gives you almost 9 months of stay in sections of 60 days. This gives you time enough to look for job and housing. If you find a job, the employer will help you to get the Work Permit and the correct Visa to work here. As partner you can only get a visa as dependent on your partner if he finds work, with visa and work permit.

Robert ******** · Answer

Better to come as a expat with housing allowance, etc...being hired  locally is not easy and wages are quite low relative to the cost of living.

What visa options are available for Australians moving to Thailand and how does employment affect visa eligibility?

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