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What visa options are available for U.S. military veterans living in Thailand with children in international schools?
Visa optionsEducation visaDependent visaInternational schoolsThailand immigrationThai visa rulesVeterans benefitsPension in Thailand
May 20, 2025
a year ago
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello all! We are looking for people in a similar situation. Both my wife and I collect pension, roughly 284,000 THB per month combined, not including outside sources of income. We started working with Bangkok Buddy as a visa / travel agent, but after hours of research into the subject we are lost.
Quick bio of our situation, we are both U.S. Military Veterans with 3 children, we would like to put them in an international school, however we must figure out our visa situation before applying. Another thought that may be important to take into consideration with Visas, (having a Thai employee, aka Nanny). We are both in our 20’s so we don’t hit that 50yr mark quite yet lol.
For the expats in similar situations, did you stick to Thailand or move from country to country every 90 days? Please help us navigate this 🙏🏻 Thanks ya’ll!
(Pics for attention)
Quick bio of our situation, we are both U.S. Military Veterans with 3 children, we would like to put them in an international school, however we must figure out our visa situation before applying. Another thought that may be important to take into consideration with Visas, (having a Thai employee, aka Nanny). We are both in our 20’s so we don’t hit that 50yr mark quite yet lol.
For the expats in similar situations, did you stick to Thailand or move from country to country every 90 days? Please help us navigate this 🙏🏻 Thanks ya’ll!
(Pics for attention)
TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. military veteran couple seeking advice on visa options for living in Thailand with children in international schools has raised concerns about financial challenges and eligibility for various visa categories. Given their combined pension of 284,000 THB, and their interest in education for their three children, community members have suggested exploring education and dependent visas based on the children's enrollment. The conversation also touched on the associated costs of international schooling and the financial requirements for those visas. Additionally, some users expressed skepticism about the couple's age and pension, leading to a mix of supportive and critical responses.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Mark ********
I’m not being funny , but if you can’t work it out ?, how do you expect to work in supplying visas , that’s not being nasty, just wondered?
Pattaya ****
Smell a scam
Robin *********
If I am not mistaken, he said both are in their 20’s with 3 kids and Military Veterans collecting pension.
Am I missing something ???
Am I missing something ???
Dave ********
DTV visa works well for us I am over 50 , but my partner is not quite there yet a few more years.. I could apply for a retirement visa but not necessary at the moment… the other option you have is the 5 year Elite Visa probably more secure but expensive… although there are some perks attached
Simon ********
If you have kids in international school you get visas without bother, you can get one per kid very easily
PA ********
Contact
***************************
they are the best!John ***********
Scammer
John ***********
@Daniel ***************
I ran a background check and you are confirmed not the same person. ScammerDaniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
well if I were you, I wouldn’t trust your background check source.. 😂 Also, don’t scammers typically ask for money or something besides advice? Lmao, in fact my background check I ran on you said you’re not the same person in your profile pic..John ***********
@Daniel ***************
scammerReply to
John ***********
Reply
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
I am definitely a real person lol. But if you could recommend a visa agent that would be helpful!John ***********
@Daniel ***************
I never said you weren’t a real person. I just said you are a scammer. Super dooper scammerReply to
John ***********
Reply
Mike ******
Regular American working 40 years and paying their social security and got only $1200 per month when they retire at 62, get $1500 when they retire at 65, that’s average, many are getting much below that
Phirom *********
@Mike *****
Well suck for them.Ernesto ********
@Mike *****
your numbers are way offSteve ***********
@Mike *****
your point???Mike ******
@Steve **********
their pensions are not regular, I saw vets begging for money on the street and also many working in Walmart in their 70sSteve ***********
@Mike *****
the basic military is not much, I have 2 brothers West Pointgrads, their pension is more than my police pensionReply to
Steve ***********
Reply
Gerg **********
Semper Fi.
Morris *****
I don’t understand why you’re so defensive when people are trying to ask you “what disabilities you have?” Or “How’d you qualify for the pension?”
They are just going off the information you posted. If you don’t want people to ask certain questions, then don’t post information regarding it. Just ask only the visa question.
Don’t come to Thailand with that kind of attitude.
Your best bet is an Education Visa through your kids at a international school. Most schools offer guidance on how to go about to apply. Other options are if you have at least a $1M USD net worth you can qualify for LTR or if you want to drop $20-$30k USD for an elite visa.
They are just going off the information you posted. If you don’t want people to ask certain questions, then don’t post information regarding it. Just ask only the visa question.
Don’t come to Thailand with that kind of attitude.
Your best bet is an Education Visa through your kids at a international school. Most schools offer guidance on how to go about to apply. Other options are if you have at least a $1M USD net worth you can qualify for LTR or if you want to drop $20-$30k USD for an elite visa.
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Morris ****
thank you, I got some helpful information regarding the DTV Visa. Majority of our income comes from VA disability, through protection of HIPPA I do not owe anyone an explanation of diagnosis. I would highly recommend any Vets who do not feel they are being properly compensated to reach out and consult with a lawyer. I appreciate your comment, it seems the land of smiles has made some people not smile so much. No reason to be upset or bitter because of young people being successful. We worked hard to reach this goal. Possibilities are endless, I wish the best to you!
Morris *****
@Daniel ***************
I promise you no one is upset or bitter because of young people collecting a large pension. Don’t make outrageous assumptions just because you believe you don’t owe anyone an explanation. You have the right not to explain, but you posted information regarding it so it’s only natural for people to have the right to ask ask. It goes both ways. This is the internet, not your local rehab group. They are just curious. Am I curious? No. I’m just explaining the reasoning for their comments and that is why I did not ask anything.
Good luck on your visa.
Reply to
Morris *****
Reply
Steve ***********
While the education is good, the schools are expensive. Plus uniforms which kids are growing need to be updated. I got by on one but 3 could be rough. Also need 2 to 3 bedroom residence.
Phirom *********
@Steve **********
Yes, it’s incredibly expensive. I didn’t fully realize just how costly it was until I enrolled my child in one of the most affordable schools I could find. The less expensive option we tried wasn’t good at all, so we ended up unenrolling my kid.Steve ***********
@Phirom ********
yup, tuition, uniforms, fees, transportationReply to
Steve ***********
Reply
Wayne ********
Just wondering your post mentions that you are both in your 20s how can you have military pension which starts after 20 years of service unless you are both 100% VA disable?
John ********
How can you be a military veteran at under 30yrs old ?
BodyMind **************
@John *******
I’ve worked as a therapist, volunteer with marines at Pendleton, and addictions counselor with many veterans who were 22-30 and hanging on by a thread post service in Afghanistan and Iraq. The multiple forms of injury to body and mind existing in those conflicts heavily impacted young adults.I currently work with mostly men in their 40s: it was usually early 00s when they were deployed. When they came back, they were veterans, and still are.
Suzannah *********
@John *******
if you joined young enough you can he fully retired by 35... there are so many retirement types with the military, not only that but a veteran is anyone who served their contract...Anddy ********
@John *******
I’ve been a Veteran since my early 20s. It’s not what you would classify. But our govt papers says so‼️John ********
@Anddy *******
means f.a. then !Reply to
John ********
Reply
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
🤦🏻♂️Phirom *********
@John *******
Probably end of their contract and got the VA disability. My husband is a veteran under his 30s.Lynnette *******
@John *******
oh, he's already on pension at aged 20? Maybe medical discharge.Ernesto ********
@Lynnette ******
sounds like they are both scammers.Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ernesto *******
you seem bothered by this, message me privately if you would like to see some cool pics from our time in the service!Ernesto ********
@Daniel ***************
not bothered. Don’t care. I’ve seen your type of BS before.Reply to
Ernesto ********
Reply
John ********
@Lynnette ******
in my book veteran means long serving .Lynnette *******
@John *******
people say " vet" and I think they treat pets. Lol. My husband served in US air force for about 22 years, never called himself a vet.Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
okay brother. Probably an Englishman. Ride safe! If them old bones can still handle the saddleReply to
Daniel ****************
Reply
John ********
How do the 2 of you have a Pension in your 20’s? $8,600 a month and Veterans? When did you join when you were 2?
Wayne ********
@John *******
I think they are probably 100% VA disability pensions.Phirom *********
@John *******
Maybe they got the VA disabilityJohn ********
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
we enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 years old, we had our first child at 19 our second at 22, and our third at 25. I served 5 years and my wife served 8 years. Both of us completed our military contracts honorably.Robert ********
@Daniel ***************
thank you for your dedication to service. I hope you and your family have a smooth transition to life in Thailand.Uri *********
@Daniel ***************
she was pregnant like half of her careerKeith *******
@John *******
1 kid at 20, 1 kid at 21, 1 kid at 22, 7 years to spare, what doesn't add up?Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
Although I do not have to explain myself, pics for attentionKeith *******
@Daniel ***************
I was sticking up for you, please read again what I said!Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Frank **********
Here's an excellent group for veterans getting a VA Disability pension.
Joshua *******************
@Frank *********
the admin of that page is a spookReply to
Joshua *******************
Reply
Phirom *********
For the visa, they could probably get an ED visa. Just a heads up good international schools here are super pricey. It’s almost what we get from VA disability. and we cant even put our kid in one. Homeschooling might be the way to go. Thailand used to be cheap, but not anymore.
Phirom *********
You can pay tuition per term, but some schools want the whole amount upfront, which can be a lot. It really depends on the school you choose. Most schools have a registration fee between 100k-400k per person, and it’s non-refundable. I do know some schools offer discounts for American passport holders, but I haven’t tried that myself yet. So, good luck!
Reply to
Phirom *********
Reply
Ross **********
🤔🤔🤔very generous pension for people in their 20’s. Am I missing something?
ชื่อของฉัน *******
@Ross *********
some stub their toes and claim 100%, then money goes inside g-strings in Pattaya …..while some scramble to get basic care on streets. Not saying OP are specifically doing it, but you will see lots of them in pattaya. Considering E4 and E5, could be….Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ross *********
the VA compensates well for injuries acquired from military service😮💨Ross **********
@Daniel ***************
what injuries ?Ernesto ********
@Ross *********
the injuries he lied aboutJim ********
@Ernesto *******
what a judgmental Pr*ck!Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ernesto *******
no sir, everything was medically documented by a doctor. I do appreciate your concern though!Reply to
Daniel ****************
Reply
Julie-Anne *************
@Ross *********
yep! you weren't in the military risking your life.Ross **********
@Julie-Anne ************
my father was for 30 years and got nothing like that compensation.Phirom *********
@Ross *********
Your father could hire a lawyer to help claims his compensation.Ernesto ********
@Phirom ********
you have to have injuriesPhirom *********
@Ernesto *******
My husband’s injury is service related, and that’s why he deserves his benefits. It’s not just about PTSD which he doesn’t have. His claim is for a physical injury he got while serving, and it should be recognized as such.Ernesto ********
@Phirom ********
fine. If it’s legitDaniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ross *********
he is missing out! Tell your old man to put in some claims! It’s easier nowadays with the amount of information out there and the internetErnesto ********
@Daniel ***************
sounds like a scamDaniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ernesto *******
no sir lol, google VA disability lawyer. there are many out there!Ernesto ********
@Daniel ***************
didn’t say anything about va disability, I said you looked like a scammer. Seriously doubt you have injuries from combat. You sound like you are claiming PTSD from getting yelled at.Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ernesto *******
don't flatter me too much, i look this good in real life 😉Reply to
Daniel ****************
Reply
Cris ******
Education visa for kids. Dependent visa for you and the wife. Bam done and easy.
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *****
thank you!Cris ******
@Daniel ***************
not to play it off. But ya. It's that easy. A decent school should get you set up on the education visas and the dependent visas are fairly easy to get as well.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Rory *********
Dvt soft power
Shayne **********
Chiang Mai is a great option for slightly cheaper schooling options and guardian visa or DTV could be your solution until the children are 18 or so.
Robert *********
@Shayne *********
is horrible for their health thoughDaniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shayne *********
very helpful comment, thank you!Reply to
Daniel ****************
Reply
Franklin ***********
Dont do this to your children. Think about their future not yours.
Terje ***************
@Franklin **********
What the..? You think giving kids new perspectives and learning new cultures is bad for them? Best things a parent can give them!! Thrilled that these kids have the parents they have, and not someone like you 🤦Michael ********
@Franklin **********
Wow how ignorant I know lots of foriegn kids some brought up in Phuket some were born there. (This includes my son) What a great upbringing they had and all have them have become great adults (Stuart Cummings also knows the same kids)Stuart *********
@Franklin **********
Where does that comment come from? The international schools here are top notch. Probably way better than most schools in the US.Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Craig ******
must be prepping for Harvard 😅Craig *******
My friends school in Pattaya is at least $
*****
USD per year per student.Craig *******
@Stuart ********
Really expensive. If that's not an issue for you go for it. At your age you could buy Elite Visa if you have money.Stuart *********
@Craig ******
At my age most of my kids have left school. I don’t need the Elite as I can get retirement.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Joshua *******************
Former Air Force here. Best of luck Yall
Stuart *********
If you have kids in an international school then they can get education visas and you can get guardian visas providing you meet the financial requirement of 500k (each) in a Thai bank.
You can piggyback off their visas (1 parent per child at school) until they finish school at 18.
You can piggyback off their visas (1 parent per child at school) until they finish school at 18.
Betty *********
@Stuart ********
perfect answer, I have friends doing exactly this .Reply to
Betty *********
Reply
Jon ********
3 kids in an international school will blow out your 284K budget as 50,000 a month or more per child is normal.
Daniel ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon *******
the schools we have looked into are roughly $7,800-$9,000 (about the same in the U.S.) per year. Luckily we are used to paying for our children to attend private school already, hopefully it will not be an issue.Simon ********
@Daniel ***************
correct look at roughly 10k per year as a rough estimate with the plus that you can ride of the kids for your visasReply to
Simon ********
Reply
Reply to
Keith *******
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