Yes apply the non-o based on marriage first.

Then money in country, then after it seasons apply for the 1 yr extension.

There is no set rule.

If you have done one entry and then come back again, basically anytime, should be no problem.

However if you have a history of entries into Thailand that they believe you are trying to live in Thailand, you may have problems.

It's all up to the officer you are in front of.

Your best path would be to apply for the soft power options.

Purchase a muay thai course or cooking course. You get the 5 year DTV same as workation without the need of proving a business that doesn't exist yet.

@Sylvia *******

this is incorrect they receive 60 days visa exempt, nothing has changed.

@Vlastimil ******

you should be okay then.

@Vlastimil ******

you would have to ask the embassy directly what supporting documents to prove Thai child and connecting you to them.

You have to be the named father.

But my opinion it would have to be thai certificates.

@Graham *****

that is fine , you are still wrong.

@Eyal **********

please supply ANY government reference material.

Immigration act, ANYWHERE that states anything like this.

The Revenue Dept Considers anyone over 180 days a tax resident.

Other than that please backup your assertion with fact.

Entries into Thailand are unlimited, UNTIL the officer you are standing in front of determines you are not a Tourist but trying to live in Thailand on tourist Entries.

That's when the trouble begins.

@Graham *****

married doesn't matter, named on the birth certificate does.

@Graham *****

that is not correct.

IF he is named on the birth certificate he would be able to get a 90 day non-o from an embassy and then get a 60 day visit Thai family.

He would not be able to get an 90 day non-o or an extension in country without a custody order and it doesn't matter if they were ever married.