What visa options should I consider as a retired expat in Thailand with a Thai spouse and when should I renew?

I suggest renew every year

1. Nobody knows how long they will live although everyone hope it to be a long time

2. You never know what changes in the future may change your plans

Health changes, desires change, situation in Thailand changes in the future

there are 2 better options. If you can get it in your country of origin is the 12 month multiple entry visa. This does not require 400,000 in your account. I have a friend who is done this for 4 years. You apply in your country and pay about 175 euro. You need show at least some money in your home country. The only catch it’s only available in some countries. The second option is to get an LTR based on retirement which will require access 80,000

usd of funds monthly

I would renew every year or if you have too much money sitting you can move them to your Thailand bank and you must keep 0 bath year around.

At 66 Renew Every Year why give Thailand Free Money

@Peter **********

Married visa if you still want to work

Might want to hold out making a decision until the new Elite Rules roll out. Rumored to be details being released this week. Cheers

Waste of money 💰

I would wait a little bit Peter, there is talk of changes to the requirements concerning the Elite visa program, the OA and Non O visas based on retirement. Just wait to you see what if any changes are made, then re- ask your question then, you still have plenty of time left.

For peace of mind, the Elite visa would be the best option. With annual renewals, you would always be at risk of unfavourable major changes to the renewal / extension rules, which is quite likely over time, given that Thailand is still a developing country beset with political instability.

The best, if you are married to a Thai, is the type O extension based on Thai wife. This only takes bt400,000 in your bank account two months before you get it, or renew it, as there are no restrictions on the money other than that, after you get your one year extension stamp. But, there is another much more important reason, if you can. You can work on a marriage extension, and after working for three years, making at least bt40,000 a month, because you're married to a Thai, and with a few other requirements, but if you don't legally work continuously it doesn't matter, you can apply for permanent residency, and not deal with immigration any more, or visas, or 90 day reports, and, because you are married to a Thai you could go directly to applying for citizenship, and then own land, plus a few more good benefits, but, not if you don't work at least three years, and the about two years it takes to complete the process. With any kind of retirement visa extension you can not legally work, so you can never do it. Whether this is considered, or not, your best option is the type O based on Thai wife. Initially there are quite a few documents to get, but as long as you make copies of everything, every year after you only need updated bank letters, and new pictures, everything else is the same, unless you move. It is the best, or on a whole different level, requiring a significantly higher initial cash outlay, and is an investment visa, with at least bt10million in approved financial instruments, and through the BOI.

If you have the funds, over 50s can get the non-O “retirement visa”

800k in the bank or 65k per month coming in monthly.

I think it is 400k per year held in bank with marriage (but not sure)

Go on your gut feeling,

If you don't qualify for LTR (best option), annual renewal as married or o/50 is much less costly than 20 year Elite. You can also use an agent to look after it all for you.

All depends on what funds you have in your bank account.