I had the same issue once, but that was cuz I was staying there during Covid and preferred to wait it out in Thailand instead of flying back home when all borders were closed. I got a 1y 'volunteer' visa through a very popular agency in bangkok, which caused me quite some issues later.
My advice: 6 months out will definitely do. Renew your passport that time as well. All should be reset by then.
"Your Countries Embassy will have proof they gave you seals for intent to marry." I am not sure about this? What does that mean? The thai gov will send the proof of marriage to your countries' embassy? Yeah that sounds problematic, if they then forward it. I thought you only need a letter that proofs you are single. Have you done this procedure already? Also, why on earth would the partner want to sue? Like I mentioned, you can only do this with someone you fully trust, not expecting the worst possible outcome. Seems like this can be tricky, especially if your embassy gets involved. Sounds like you can only do this for an x amount of time and preferably not remarry during it.
I find your arguments valid and I appreciate your post. I agree it's risky and it's not advised in most situations. I don't think it's as risky as you mentioned but I agree that it can cause serious complications if not done properly. You need to be well aware of the risks and fully trust the person you are doing it with. I also wouldn't do it with a woman that's not at least your equal financially, as you mention its that part that could potentially give the most trouble. I also would simply file a divorce, thats been agreed upon from the start, if you don't need the visa any longer or actually considering to remarry. All this should be agreed on with both parties.
It would be great if you do it with someone you actually care about a lot so it isn't hard to provide any proof requested, especially at the beginning.
If all those marks are checked, I don't see why it isn't a great option in case you plan on staying long term. You just make use of the options available.
you're right. Thailand has experienced rapid development over the past few decades, largely fueled by its booming tourism sector. It's somewhat absurd that we inhabit a world where stringent immigration regulations compel people to undertake brief flights to neighboring countries simply to comply with the policies set by overly bureaucratic systems, often perceived as measures to generate additional revenue. In my opinion (as a non-believer that really holds no value to marriage), those looking to settle in Thailand long-term and are below the age required for a retirement visa, obtaining a marriage visa presents a viable solution if you know what you are doing and trust the person you make this m̴a̴r̴r̴i̴a̴g̴e̴ long-term visa with
you mean a simple document from your home country that proofs you're single? I don't see the issue with this at all... 😅 You can get this anytime, as long as you're not married (at home)
1) find yourself a Thai woman that's willing to marry you for the sake of your visa.
2) sign the documents in Thailand giving you Non-Immigrant O Visa.
3) Never register the marriage in your home country. Keep it under the radar to avoid bigamy and legal consequences if ever you want to actually marry someone out of love.
4) Enjoy hassle-free long term visas in Thailand.
No other country you go to will consider you 'married', only in Thailand you are.
I wonder how many do this to avoid the frustration with visa here if you're too young for a retirement visa and you're planning to live in Thailand for some years or more...
I'm actually considering the marriage visa. Simply cuz I don't believe in marriage and it makes everything really easy so I've heard after when it comes to long term stay in Thailand. Just don't mention anything to your home country about it so it's only 'official' in Thailand. I wonder how many here have done it already... finding a Thai woman is the easy part, I just wonder how to make sure you are still a single guy outside of the thai borders so you don't have to explain one day to your actual future wife (if ever and assuming she won't be thai).