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What visa options are available for my 14-year-old child while I retire in Thailand?

Thailand expat visas Retirement visa ED visa Non-O Dependant visa International schools Homeschooling Visa rules for children Education options in Thailand

Mar 5, 2026

2 months ago

Lin ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am 55 and preparing to move to Thailand in a few months on a retirement visa and I have a school age child. (14 yrs old) From what I have been reading my child would need an ED visa and attend Thai school for long term stay  which is very pricey.  Also when she turns 20 she would have to leave unless she had a DTV or education Visa which she would not be able to do obtain.   What would be our other options besides leaving her in the states with family?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat moving to Thailand on a retirement visa is concerned about educational visa requirements for their 14-year-old child. Comments suggest considering a Non-O dependant visa for the child based on the parent's retirement visa. Other options discussed include attending international schools, which can be costly, or pursuing homeschooling. It’s important to note that once the child turns 20, they will need to secure their own visa.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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ExcitingO*********

If you get a non O-A Retirement visa from your home country, she should qualify for a Dependant Non O Visa until she is 20 years old. This is only an option with the Non OA Retirement visa, not the Non O. There are a lot if different types of international schools here, as well as homeschooling, so it doesn't have to be expensive. I brought my kids here at 10 and 2 and they are thriving in a moderately priced international school. No regrets!

2 months ago

Jason *************

Wow. You should stay in the states.

2 months ago

John **********

She could potentially get a Non-O dependant visa based on you having a retirement visa and you could home school. But once they hit 20 they are viewed as adults and need to sort their own visa out

2 months ago

Us *****

When she graduates from high school, you should send her to university abroad. The universities here will do nothing for her. As far as international schools, yes, they are very pricey. You'll have to swallow the cost.

2 months ago

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Us *****

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