It was worth a try

It’s all hypothetical? So, what is your point? Just a made-up story to amuse yourself?

I understand your situation. Seems similar to mine. I am married to a Thai woman for 36 years. She has a newer house in Thailand and vehicle just like we have in North America. We live in Thailand from October to April and the other country the remainder of the year. We have been doing this for 4 years on. Whatever path you take is probably the best option.

I would also recommend to rent a house in Thailand so you and your wife can retain your valuable assets (money). My research has found a house in Thailand is a mediocre investment at best. Even if you sell your house in the UK, the earnings on that money invested in the UK will pay the rent and more in Thailand. It’s always better to retire with the biggest safety net you can get. We made it so our investments and savings will last a long time and we are not wealthy.

If you want a retirement visa why did you apply for a tourist visa? Easier to get a retirement visa when not in Thailand.

@Richard ******************

yes, each branch makes up their own requirements. Everything is paper documents. Where do they have enough room to store all those documents? Feels like 1964.

In Ratchaburi province, for that specific visa, the requirement is to deposit B65k per month for the previous 12 consecutive months. I’m just staying with the B400k in my Thai bank account earning zero interest.

1: call the Thailand embassy in Munich for an explanation. The e-visa is available for foreigners who are not in Thailand. It would not be difficult for the Munich embassy to determine that you are in Thailand, not Germany.

2: after receiving your Non-O marriage visa, enter Thailand to activate the first portion of the visa. Shortly after entering Thailand, establish your Thai bank account and fund it with B400k.

3: see 1and 2.

@David ******

crazier things than this have already happened in Thailand. How about, the Prime Minister on the phone with a foreign dignitary and bashing the Thai army, and having an ambiguous border with Cambodia, supplying electricity and internet to Chinese gangs just over the border, the Thai farmer rice scam by Taksin’s sister as Prime Minister, the about face on the Cannabis laws, etc.

@Paul *******

well…not yet.

@David ******

they could become the taxation police in the future. Vision this scenario, you go to renew or extend your visa and one of the requirements is last year’s tax return.