I am a US citizen and just had a baby with my Thai girlfriend. My understanding was that less than 60 days after birth, I can legitimize my child at the district office. Now I am being told I need a lawyer/interpreter that will cost anywhere between 60,000-100,000 baht.

My plan was to legitimize our child, and then apply for a 1 year visa at the immigration office. I went into the immigration office and they told me it would be a 1 year visa. They didn't mention what one that would be.

There is also the option of getting a free lawyer, but this will take about a year. I wouldn't mind waiting a year, but I am worried if that will change my visa situation. The immigration officer told me on my last border run I would have to fly out of the country for my next run.

I am looking mostly to make sure my visa situation will be good here in Thailand for a while. The money I can come up with, but it is a large expense. If you can offer any guidance to me with regards to the visa and legitimation, I would really appreciate it. Thanks again!