daeumtnaot

OK, thanks, if it can be converted from visa exemption at a local immigration office, that would be easiest. But the retirement visa has no bearing on my wife and kids because she is not retirement age, right? The 800k Baht needs to be in a Thai bank account, so I can only get that with a Certificate of residency?

They entered on Cambodian passport. I'm wondering if they could enter Laos on the US passport, and then come back to Thailand on their US passport. That would be costly since the visa for Laos is costly vs. free for Cambodian citizens. Not sure if it makes any difference to be a US citizen vs. Cambodian citizen for a visa exemption. So for the non-O retirement, you request this on entry to the country? Or do you somehow convert to this type of entry? What if I later leave Thailand and work somewhere else, then it's just abandoned as a retirement claim?

I am over 50 but my wife is not. Can you get a retirement visa and then renounce it later? It seems like something I'd want to save for later in case I want to use that option later in life.

I'm from the US. My wife and children are dual citizens. When we came in the country, the immigration people at the border refused to allow them to enter Thailand on their US passports. (not sure if this is normal or just the IOs at that particular border.)

OK, great this is really helpful info. So in may case, as I said, I came in on one visa exemption, then had to leave and came in on a second visa exemption. Does that mean I would be better off to extend for one month than to exit and re-enter with my family?

Like I said I'm not really looking to work in Thailand but to be here while looking for work (seems nice so far!) If something comes up in Thailand that would be OK.

Not sure what a TDL is but guess its a temp driver's license. We moved here from a neighboring country so it was not much of a leap. Have enough money to support the family, and am not necessarily looking to work in Thailand (but also open to that option). Never worked remotely before but that could also be an option. History of stay: this is my family's first visa exempt, plus extension, except for a quick transit earlier in the year. I had to leave the country before I needed an extension, so I came back in again on a visa exemption. Other than that over the past few years we have occasionally come to Thailand for a few days or just for transit. Sounds like a border run is the option but then the only remaining thing is if we'll encounter any issues at the border.

Thanks! It would be quite helpful to have some kind of payment option (like a bank account) other than cash, or even own a moto. Is the residence certificate difficult to get?

No offense taken! It's been difficult handling our young kids and we've moved several times. We are located in Chiang Mai so apparently Laos is the best option. I came with my wife and two kids and we also have a helper. But it looks like the helper want to go home to their home country. We don't have a clear plan at this point as I'm looking for work. Where I end up landing for work or whether I decide to work remotely will obviously be decisive. As it may take a while to look for work, it would be good to stay for a few more months.

Hi all, My family and I came to Thailand on the 60 day visa exemption and most of us have already gotten a one month extension. I was thinking we would cross the border and come back again to get another visa exemption. But since then I saw someone inquire about getting a residence certificate, and it seems that they only needed a TM30 or a rental contract. We just rented a place- although only for one month we can extend it as we wish. I'm guessing the residence certificate doesn't solve the visa problem- is there some way to use that to convert to another kind of visa? Or is getting another 60 day visa exemption the best way? I also read that there is now an STV- is that a good option? Thanks for your responses

OK, it seems like the info on the internet is confused. It seems to say you need an IDP to drive in Thailand, which basically means getting one from where you're from, or in the case of many on this forum, where you reside. However, some websites have made it seem like you can get an IDP easily at DLT to solve the problem of someone like a tourist who wants to drive. In fact, the US Embassy website makes it sound this way. However, according to what all of you have said, it's only for people with residence, a 5 year thai driving license, etc., to be used outside of Thailand.

Are you trying to say that you got an international driver's permit in Thailand, to use in another country? And that the Land transport office required you to have a 5 year Thai driving license?

According to Clever Thai website it's possible to get an international driver's permit by just going to the Department of Land Transport with your national license as well as a few other things. Is this accurate? It sounds pretty easy and easier than getting a Thai license since I don't have a residence permit. If anyone knows, please advise.

Hi Chris KC, she's going with our two children and a nanny. So two adults and two small children.

OK, thanks for that advice. Would it help if I did an auto-translate and searched in Thai? I've done that before for electronics.

OK, cool, I'm glad to hear that there are plenty of places. So how do you find them? A specific website? Facebook? asking around?

Yes, we've tried that in other places. Mixed results- generally overpriced. But definitely an option if other things don't work out.

My wife wants to rent a place in Thailand for 1-2 months. Some place outside of Bangkok. Maybe Chanthaburi? Ko Chang? Do they use facebook groups, agents, or ?? in Thailand? Thanks for your help in advance.