Answered6 years ago
What visa should I get if I want to live 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the US, considering health insurance and recent changes?
This is our house in Udon Thani. I have been living in Thailand for 15 years now and have always had a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage to a Thai national. Since things have changed since Covid-19, I am looking at a new strategy. I am thinking about living in Thailand six months out of the year and the US the other six months. Do I need to get a different visa, or is there one I can use for 6 months and pay the health insurance for that time instead of a one year policy?
Answer summary
An expat in Thailand for 15 years on a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage is exploring living in Thailand for six months and the US for six months. The discussion covers visa types, potential changes to health insurance requirements, and the impact of Covid-19 on travel and visa applications. Comments reveal differing opinions on the feasibility of leaving Thailand during the pandemic and suggest staying longer in Thailand may be advisable.
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Edward ******
Get Re_Entry Visa come back before visa expire simple. No need to change type of visa
Rick *******
OP@Edward *****
, so I would have to pay for one year of health insurance. Edward ******
@Rick ******
did they ask you health insurance when you renewed one year Visa last time. Check with Bangkok life n health insurance it's not expensive, cause if you go out of country and re_enter you might need health insurance. Check the IMM office near you.Edward ******
@Rick ******
🙏🙏🙏Rick *******
OP@Edward *****
, sorry that it has to be this way. 😔Edward ******
@Rick ******
yes we all suffer.Rick *******
OP@Edward *****
, thanks. I have always had a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage to a Thai national and have always obtained it from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles. I started to go through the extension process but found it cumbersome along with the 400,000 baht requirement. I only needed to show 750 US dollars in a US bank and the process was easy at the Consulate. I was not aware that the quarantine was reduced to 10 days. I hope that the Thai government reduces it more, or eliminates it once they see how it negatively impacts the tourist trade.Edward ******
@Rick ******
we all are praying for right vaccine sooner. I thought you were in Thailand and want to go to STATS. Your visa was expired in May last year so you have to restart. Have to get NON-O from THE SATATS and apply for extension of stay for one year in Thailand. 400K in Thai bank, family pics in house,marriage certificates and other Documents I think you know already. Quarantine period is reduced to 10 days. Stay safe n blessed! Rick *******
OP@Edward *****
, I am currently in the US and will obtain a new visa just before going back. If health insurance is not required on a Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage, it is only the quarantine length and cost that bothers me along with all the extra paperwork. I keep seeing that the Thai government is thinking about decreasing the quarantine period, so hopefully they will do that soon. Just waiting for things to calm down and hopefully there will be a vaccine soon. Edward ******
@Rick ******
did you renewed your extension of stay for another year? Parent/family visa no need health insurance I think. May be it's changed now you can confirm with IMM. Rick *******
OP@Edward *****
, my last Non-Immigrant O visa expired in May and there was no health insurance requirement at that time. 
Billy *******
The US sucks with a capital WHO.
Gareth ********
I've been using Non Imm O multi entry based on marriage for the last 9 years, up to this year it has never been an issue. I have recently converted that to a one year extension of stay. When I have to leave I will buy a multi entry re-entry permit from immigration before leaving. I already have medical insurance which covers Covid-19, so all I will need to do is apply for a CoE, a flight and an ASQ. I do not envisage any major problems just a financial loss.
Gareth ********
David Broadfoot yes I could have, but at the end of that 60 day I’d still have to leave. Getting back in as I’m sure you are aware isn’t straightforward. For me a 12 month extension and not having to leave made more sense.
Reiner *********
@Gareth *******
just to get it Wright... You are here on a visa o. Marriage... And extended. Here every year.... Why you change it.... Then as non o on a yearly extention you don't have to have an insurance.. But better. Because cheap.... Gareth ********
@Reiner ********
I changed because on a Non Imm O you can stay 90 days then one extension of 30(?) days. You then have to leave the country. With a one year extension of stay, I can remain for 12 months and just do 90 day reporting.Gareth ********
What are you talking about? I have already changed it.
Reiner *********
@Gareth *******
well NO... Just go to your nearest immigration office and ask them. How to change to a one year extention... Or just Google it before 
Don *********
Sounds like a good plan but there is a small flaw in it. Once you leave Thailand, you're not coming back easily until this whole covid situation is over. Something to think about.
Rick *******
OP@Don ********
, thanks. My plan is not even to try to come back until winter of 2021. Hopefully by then things will be a little easier for us who are married to a Thai national. Also, having a vaccine available should make things a little easier, but time will tell. Don *********
@Rick ******
it's pretty messed up because I have relatives I want to visit but can't since if I leave I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back in the near future. Rick *******
OP@Don ********
, I think waiting for a bit is the best thing right now. 
Lee ********
I believe there will be lots of upcoming opportunities. Things are changing by necessity in Thailand. There is a new group of insurance options approved by the government
Reiner *********
@Lee *******
well you look to much in the christal bowl.....Especially with you infected people... It will be first not the insurance it will be that you have to much infekted that your country is a very high risk country... If it will be secure..ike Thailand. Ay be
Rick *******
OP@Reiner ********
, tourists and retirees not married to a Thai national are the ones who have to worry. So far, if you are married to a Thai national, or have a Thai child, the government is allowing you to come into the country. I have both and do not see the Thai government preventing that unless you are Covid-19 positive, which opens a whole new can of worms. 😏Reiner *********
@Rick ******
so very easy to come. Back... Great that you have all.... I know 200 without nothing.. Rick *******
OP@Reiner ********
, I am legally married in Thailand and have all paperwork showing that I am on my son's birth certificate. Reiner *********
@Rick ******
.. Well wrong as well check the list... Moreike people with a propper visa B an work permit....And again without a propper visa they can not enter... You could try If you have all legal papers... Just go to the royal Thai embassy near you.... But what.. Are you are legally married in Thailand.. With a child and propper papers that its your.. Or NOT... As I guess not....
Michael **************
I have same plan but waiting on vaccine. They are saying end of January all senior in USA will have vaccine available to them
Reiner *********
@Michael *************
well for sure NOT Americans.. If you have NOT fall into the Wright existing already..... Second.. NO because America is a high Risk country... But more problematic clown as President Michael **************
@Reiner ********
That clown has done more for USA than any other has. He has my vote for sure. Reiner *********
@Michael *************
ups... May be I did not understand your sarcasm then.. But 4 more years will Kill the US.. Just with a clock.... The Chinese sell all ther American funds in one day..... It will be soon... Many don't understand the Chinese... But its close.. And after that day... As the government will be bancrupt... They just wait one day to buy all back... Make 300 % and 500 trillion us dollar just in one day.... Funny... Michael **************
@Reiner ********
Well we can go back and fourth all day but in the end everyone has their own opinion Mine is Trump for another 4 years.
Get those assholes out off office
Reiner *********
@Michael *************
well up to you.. What you mean exactly.. Destroy the reputation of America.. Take Bribes...ly to the American 100 Times or more... Only pay his supportes by tax money.. And corrupt the office... Pay hunderts of millions from tax payers to his own company not even have the right to do.... Well I not understand what you fucker will tell that he is a serious man... Besides a businnes Looser.... I think you not understand his way to support only his business... But up to you.... Hope he will kick out in 2 weeks and then will go in jail abusing the us constitution what is obvious 
Daniel ************
@Michael *************
Agree, I to am waiting for the vaccine and then will apply for the "Non-O." Good Luck!! ;-)
Alan *********
Because of Covid ! Make more sence just to stay put in Thailand until Covid goes away.
Rick *******
OP@Alan ********
, there is a good chance that it will never go away, but it might be controlled like the yearly flu with a vaccine. Only time will tell. 
Pascal ********
Never change what is working good, change visa and you may not come back as your wish
David **********
Well covid would seem to be making your new plan basically impossible wouldn't it?
Stuart *********
A Non O gives you 90 days in country. You can either extend that for a year if you meet the financial requirements or extend for a further 60 days for visiting Thai family. If you are over 50 you could apply for a Non OA visa which would give you a years stamp on entry.
Rick *******
OPWhy would you not be able to get back in if you are married to a Thai?
Wilmont ******
@Rick ******
I have been doing what you suggest before this COVID-19 mess, but now I’m staying put until this mess is over with and things get back to normal. And like several have posted maybe your chances of getting back in will be zero or you’ll have to jump through hoops. My advice is just stay put and wait it out.Rick *******
OP@Wilmont *****
, that is exactly what I am doing and hoping things improve.Stuart *********
Either visa allows entry to Thailand currently as long as go gain the Certificate of entry from your local embassy/consulate and get the Covid test and quarantine and insurance.
Carlo ******************
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