@Christopher ************

probably becasue it in no way impacts the answer to the question "If he marries his Thai girlfriend can he stay longer?". You ask a ton of questions then ask "is he not capable of asking those questions himself" when the op never even asked those questions.

It would perhaps have prevented all the trolls about mommy taking care of him, assumptions that he would marry for the sole purpose of staying in Thailand, or assuming his girlfriend is a bar girl with multiple boyfreinds and a husband. Why can't people simply answer the question without all the BS?

@Nathan ********

I thought Savannakhet was the last embassy that gave the 1 year multiple entry non-o visa based on marriage without proof of funds, but they stopped about 6 months ago? I got mine just before they started requiring proof of funds and it was talked about for months.

@Graham **********

I'm sure they'd just love that sort of arrogance and entitlement. Probably give him a lifetime multiple entry visa on the spot.

@Upen ******

just get a 1 year extension for being married to a Thai. As Ellie says you can get a work permit on that. If they demand you switch to a non-b then I would question it. Seems to just be a way for them to control your visa. If you quit or leave then your visa is no longer valid. Not the case if you stay on a non-o.

@Henry ********

yes, I understand what an IDP is. Despite your article I still would not trust that the insurance company will pay out without an IDP, even if your home country license is in english.

@Erik *****

hadn't heard that one, but doesn't surprise me. The biggest thing with having the IDP, with motorcycle endorsement if you want to legally ride a motorbike, is for insurance purposes. They may still very well find a way to deny one's claim if in an accident, such as not wearing a helmet, but it at least removes a surefire way of being denied.

@Terary *********

The IDP is absolutely necessary if you want to drive anything legally, even a motorbike. Although the police may or may not require it the biggest issue with not having one is no insurance will cover you for any accident on a motorbike, or car, if you do not have one with a motorcycle endorsement. A quick search will result in many gofundme posts for tourists that thought differently.

@Henry ********

I'd still recommend the IDP. That way he can drive legally until he gets around to getting the license. That first few months can be quite busy so it's one less thing to worry about right away.

@Mark *******

I may be wrong, but being a tax resident and actually owing taxes are two different things. Being a tax resident just means you need to file taxes. I live in Thailand and am still a tax resident of the US so I need to file taxes. Even though in the end I pay zero in federal taxes.

@Chris *****

like I said, I think you mean to respond to the op, not me. I already live in Thailand and my wife already has a tourist visa. And I can tell you that there has been no rule change that says a Thai female cannot get a tourist visa if she is married to a US citizen. A tourist visa also does not take anywhere near 18-24 months and a lawyer can do absolutely nothing to help get one. I assume you are referring to a k1 or cr1, which can take that long and a lawyer can help with. You really need to read posts and comprehend them before replying.