Answered4 months ago
What visa options are available for spending 5 months in Thailand while married to a Thai national?
Question for the brains trust, as things change I’m looking at ways to negate the issue of how to spend 5 months in Thailand per year without duel trips back home to Australia.
METV appears out of the question as I am married to a thai.
I’m considering a 3 month non immigrant visa ( which has to have a two way flexible flight on application ) then doing a short visit to Laos with a return on a 60 day visa exempt ( change my flight to suit ).
I need this due to health reasons, avoiding the heat ( and long flights that put me at risk ) as it has resulted in hospitalisation.
Has anyone tried similar ?
METV appears out of the question as I am married to a thai.
I’m considering a 3 month non immigrant visa ( which has to have a two way flexible flight on application ) then doing a short visit to Laos with a return on a 60 day visa exempt ( change my flight to suit ).
I need this due to health reasons, avoiding the heat ( and long flights that put me at risk ) as it has resulted in hospitalisation.
Has anyone tried similar ?
Answer summary
The poster is seeking advice on how to spend 5 months in Thailand without returning to Australia due to health issues. They ruled out the METV since they are married to a Thai. Suggestions from the community include applying for a 90-day Non-O visa based on marriage and extending it by 60 days for a total stay of 5 months. Several users provided their experiences and advice on the required documentation and process, confirming that this route is feasible and could suit the poster's needs.
45 repliesnewest first
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Tyler *******
That sounds workable in principle, but I’d double-check the visa-exempt rules before relying on the 60 days, as Thailand approved changes to the exemption scheme in May. Given your health circumstances and Thai spouse, I’d also look closely at a Non-O based on marriage—it may be a cleaner long-term option.
Norm *********
OPThanks to all ( particularly Tod Daniels who does such a great job on this site ) for your helpful comments, my situation is one that needs much consideration as I have had heart issues since birth with my first surgery in 1962 well before they were mainstream.
My last and recent one was number 4 and was at the time groundbreaking, an atrium reduction where the heart had the top cut off and a large part of the atrium removed ( then the top stitch back together ) while this was being addressed I was in an induced coma for 5 days in the theatre with my chest open while they kept an eye on the bleeding. When the bleeding stopped I was then sewn up and started recovery.
I still have heart problems ( which can’t be addressed ) particularly when it’s hot so I have to live my life between two countries. The non O with the flexibility of a booked return flight plus extension is probably the only option, given my circumstances, which are complicated, having had a life expectancy of 18 years however with advances in medicine and my faith 🙏🙏I’m still here 😊
So thanks all 👍
My last and recent one was number 4 and was at the time groundbreaking, an atrium reduction where the heart had the top cut off and a large part of the atrium removed ( then the top stitch back together ) while this was being addressed I was in an induced coma for 5 days in the theatre with my chest open while they kept an eye on the bleeding. When the bleeding stopped I was then sewn up and started recovery.
I still have heart problems ( which can’t be addressed ) particularly when it’s hot so I have to live my life between two countries. The non O with the flexibility of a booked return flight plus extension is probably the only option, given my circumstances, which are complicated, having had a life expectancy of 18 years however with advances in medicine and my faith 🙏🙏I’m still here 😊
So thanks all 👍
Asbjørn *******
If you are married with a thai, then you can apply for Non im O 90 days and extend 60 days in immigration.
Wayne ********
Why not get an actual non o, do the funds , get the extension. After the 5 6 7 months as you decide, get a reentry, plan to return 35 days before the visa expires , then get a new annual yearly extension
Graham ******
@Wayne *******
because he only wants to spend 5 months per year in ThailandWayne ********
@Graham *****
which he could. With medical issues i would want the cushionNorm *********
OPDon’t need medical extension I would emergency evacuation 😩
Surgery is not an option there would be no remedy so I have to be very aware of the issue
Surgery is not an option there would be no remedy so I have to be very aware of the issue
Graham ******
@Wayne *******
Then he can get medical extensions of up to 90 days should that be required. On a METV he would still be required to border bounce or get the same extension to prolong his stay.Norm *********
OPHa ha my treatment can not be addressed in Thailand 😩
Norm *********
OPMy 400k makes enough when invested to pay for a return trip.
Previously I could get a 12 month multi which was great.
We have the issue of both my wife and I have health issues.
My last trip ended up in a thai hospital and also on my return in an Australian hospital both having transfusions to keep me standing 🙏🙏😊
She can just walk in or out of Australia no visa, unlike Thailand no such animal
Previously I could get a 12 month multi which was great.
We have the issue of both my wife and I have health issues.
My last trip ended up in a thai hospital and also on my return in an Australian hospital both having transfusions to keep me standing 🙏🙏😊
She can just walk in or out of Australia no visa, unlike Thailand no such animal
Tod *********
@Norm ********
they stopped the 12 month multi entry Non-O visa when the consulates went to online eVisa back in 2024 so it's been a good long while since you've used that optionNorm *********
OPYes visa exempt has been the choice plus 30 days.
Troy ********
But can also get the METV right 🤔
Cool_Ba********
@Troy *******
Correct, he can, but a NON O is better.Graham ******
@Troy *******
A Non-O is £60, a Visit Thai Family extension is 1900B and a METV is £160 , an extension is 1900B and there's a border bounce needed [UK prices]. Why would he get a METV?Cool_Ba********
As Tod suggested, 90 day NON O, based on marriage, then get a 60 day visiting family extension of stay. Too easy.
newbier********
Cool_Bananas_😎 just as I did last year. No requirements to show money in Thai bank account.
Cool_Ba********
newbieretiree65 Correct. No funds required.
Norm *********
OPSurely you had to show a return flight ( to Mirror the 3 month visa ) on arrival, or am I just unlucky 😊
Cool_Ba********
@Norm ********
NON O, with a 60 day extension is best for you. Or, just park 400k in a Thai bank and get a new extension of stay indefinitely. 400k is not much anyway. Better than the 800k.Norm *********
OPOk that’s why I was thinking flexible return flight.
I previously used 12 mth multi then when they canned that I went with visa exempt and 30 day extension 😊
Thanks for that 👍
I previously used 12 mth multi then when they canned that I went with visa exempt and 30 day extension 😊
Thanks for that 👍
Cool_Ba********
@Norm ********
Also a METV is certainly NOT "out of the question as I am married to a Thai". ;) Not sure why you think this?Cool_Ba********
@Norm ********
A flight out of Thailand is usually not required for a NON O. If your country requires one for application, then get a throw away one (there are websites that provide this), or book a fully flexible (and refundable) ticket.
James ********
Cool_Bananas_😎 correct ✅
Sefton ********
Why is the METV not an option 'because married to a Thai' ??
Norm *********
OPIt does not appear on line anymore ????
Cool_Ba********
@Norm ********
Yes it does.
Ellie *******
@Norm ********
There should be METV. what discontinued was multiple entry Non-O based on marriage to a Thai.Norm *********
OPDidn’t open might be a glitch😊
Tod *********
@Norm ********
the 6 month METV is indeed a choice and here it is after logging in and using canberra as the consulateNorm *********
OPDoesn’t open on my computer
Cool_Ba********
@Sefton *******
I also had that question. Seems like he is confused.
Colin **********
@Sefton *******
its not correctTod *********
How about you just get a single entry 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai national before you wing your way here, then take the one time 60 day visit thai family extension <- which would give you a total of 5 months in country
Norm *********
OPSo I’m guessing flexible booking, go to Thailand get the extension and change the return flight
Canberra is impossible to deal with and getting more difficult, in the past 15 years so many changes
Canberra is impossible to deal with and getting more difficult, in the past 15 years so many changes
Graham ******
@Norm ********
you don't need flight tickets for a Non-O application (just an ininerary starting with your likely travel date and ending 61 to 90 days later) and if asked for proof of onward travel at check in you ask to speak to the flight supervisorNorm *********
OPThey ask for flight number
Tod *********
@Norm ********
and here is the choice you want for the 90 day Non-O visa if you go that routeTod *********
@Norm ********
there's not been changes in a good while, go to the online eVIsa website apply for the "to stay with thai family longer than 60 days" Non-O visa option, upload the required documents, proof of funds, marriage certificate, thai i/d, tentative flight plans, where you're staying, apply and pay online then wait for it to be approvedNorm *********
OPDo I get the 90 day visa to follow the 60 day visa exempt. I have to show travel plans “arrive” and “return” otherwise they don’t give the visa for 90 days ?
I really don’t understand you answer Tod
Sorry
I really don’t understand you answer Tod
Sorry
James ********
@Norm ********
Get the Non O Visa as Married to Thai in your home country before you fly to Thailand. On arrival you will be stamped in for 90 days.Apply for the Family visit extension of stay at your local Thai Immigration office for 1,900 Thai baht near the end of the 90 days.
Tod *********
you only show a booking (not a real ticket) out in 90 days to get the visa issued
You're not going to get any 60 day visa exempt
you're going to get the Non-O, come into the country get stamped in for 90 days and EXTEND that once in country for 60 days under the "visit thai family" clause
You're not going to get any 60 day visa exempt
you're going to get the Non-O, come into the country get stamped in for 90 days and EXTEND that once in country for 60 days under the "visit thai family" clause
Tod *********
@Norm ********
you haven't been knocked back applying for a Non-O visa with tentative flight booking, via the online system AND
once you get the visa issued no one is gonna ask you about onward travel (not your airline seeing as you'll have a valid visa for thailand and not passport control when you stamp in )
Norm *********
OPInteresting as I’ve been knocked back for not having flights.
Bob **********
@Norm ********
no Non-o first the extend that for 60Activity
14 joined14
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