What visa options should I consider for retiring and living in Thailand with my family?

Question

I’m in the States.
If I want to retire to Thailand next year, but plan to stay 6 months when I arrive this year; should I apply for 6 month MEV in the states, online, before my arrival in the Fall? 
Or can I arrange it after I arrive?
I plan to use an agent; can they handle border runs every 60 days, or do I still need to so those with an MEV?
Would the same apply to my wife? (She is US perm resident, Nigerian passport.)
What if we have a baby; does a 6 month baby need a visa? A passport?
If I want to stay all year, can I plan on a retirement visa for my wife and I both, even tho I am of retirement age, but she is not?
Does the amount I have to show in a bank account change if I'm married?
I realize I will want an agent, but want to plan ahead with better info than I have at the moment.
Thanks for suggestions. 
Jeff-

Ask Thailand · Answer

The individual is considering retiring in Thailand and has questions regarding visa options and requirements for themselves, their wife (who is a US permanent resident with a Nigerian passport), and possibly their baby. Suggestions indicate obtaining a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (MEV) before arrival and the need for the wife to apply for her own visa, particularly a dependent or trailing spouse visa. There are specific financial requirements tied to these visas, and it's recommended to check the local Thai embassy for precise guidance. Additionally, border runs or visa extensions are necessary for longer stays.

Tom ********* · Answer

Here's everything you need to know. [url redacted]

Tom ********* · Answer

I've been using a TR 60 for 6 month stays for the last 5 years. You will have to either extended for 30 days @฿1900 at the end of 60 days, or do a border run. If you extend once after the first 60 days you'll only need to do 1 border run. Otherwise youll need to do 2. Border runs are a good excuse to visit neighboring countries, although my favorite run is flying to Vietnam, Nong Khai Vientiane is the one I use the most.

John ********** · Answer

What are you calling a retirement visa? There are a number of different visas all commonly called the same. As your wife won't qualify for a retirement visa the simplest for her is to get a dependent visa (commonly a trailing spouse visa). Best is to ask your local thai embassy what options are available to you in your circumstances. There are 4 in the states and you have to use the one that covers your area

John ******** · Answer

Nigerian passport will make things difficult for sure

Graham ****** · Answer

METV sounds best for a stay of 6 months (extension, border bounce then extension again). As for the rest you need to give your age.

Brandon ************ · Answer

You can only get a multiple entry tourist visa from your home country. You'll have to do it before you travel to Thailand.

It has become very difficult to get a trailing spouse visa for a spouse when you're on a retirement visa. The only possibility is if you can get it in your home country as well. You cannot get it done in Thailand or any other Thai embassy. And most embassies have stopped it altogether. In the case your wife would need to qualify for her own visa.

What visa options should I consider for retiring and living in Thailand with my family?

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