@Andy ***********

I am concerned about marriages of convenience, but I don't think the solution is to treat all couples as potential impostors. Those who truly love end up being punished by excessive bureaucracy, while the real crooks know how to circumvent the system anyway. I think there should be a distinction between the beginning of a marriage and a stable relationship for years. Mutual respect between the state and citizens is the key

I understand your point, and yes, it is important for states to prevent marriages of convenience. But let's not lump everyone in the same pot. There are also people who truly love and choose a life together, going through cultural differences, sacrifices and enormous distances. Systems that require annual 'check-ins' start from a chronic distrust, and punish real couples rather than deter scammers, who find ways to cheat anyway.

When you have a family, children, business plans and a life together, you expect the state to grant you a minimum of trust and stability, not to put you in the line of suspects every year. Prevention is one thing, generalized suspicion is another. Love should not stand in line with a file in its arms, year after year

@Graham *****

That’s a fair question — and I appreciate the perspective. But allow me to explain mine.

It’s not about expecting Thailand to be “different” or offering special treatment. It’s about common sense and humanity. When two people are married and committed to building a life together, the legal system should support that union — not put it under constant review like a tourist’s itinerary.

I’m not criticizing Thailand uniquely. I’d say the same about any country, including my own, when bureaucracy gets in the way of family and love. A marriage should bring stability, not a yearly visa renewal dance or an endless loop of documents. That’s not integration — that’s obstruction.

It is truly frustrating and aberrant how the immigration system works in Thailand and not only in other countries as well. The moment you marry a Thai citizen, you should be entitled to live together without having to go through endless bureaucracy. This system only adds more obstacles, complicates things and creates a real administrative maze. Multiple entry visas and annual extensions are an unnecessary burden that does not help anyone. Instead of supporting couples and families, the system only complicates their lives. It is a completely uninspired approach that does not take into account the realities and needs of those who simply want to build a life together

aberrant system with these visas.