JimGant

My marriage to a Thai was in the States, so like Philip, my license was not issued in Thailand. But possibly unlike Philip, my wife kept her Thai surname, which is legal in the States and is thus duly reflected on the license. I've had no problems obtaining a non-immigrant O visa from the Thai embasssy in DC -- even tho Thai law says (said?) my wife was obligated to change her surname. I understand this law may have changed(?), but I'm not sure, having been back in the States several months now.

Anyway, as I rattle on, if the law has indeed been changed, forget all the following. But if not, my question is: Will an American marriage license override the Thai requirement to have the wife's surname changed? Hopefully so, since changing her name after 25 years of marriage is not an option. But I would hate to find out that 1) I have to register our marriage in Thailand in order to extend non-O/obtain retirement visa; and 2) by registering, she has to change her name. If so, I guess I would have to put 800,000 baht, not 250,000, in the bank, and then play single to get a retirement visa. Sigh.

Jim Gant

George,

(mmmmm. I'm finding some interesting stuff in the old threads)

I've held off getting a retirement visa since I'm over in Thailand in 70-80 day chunks; and I had thought the requirement to report every 90 days to immigration would require some surrogate to head there for me every 90 days when I'm out of the country, which would be inconvenient. But it sounds like, if I leave the country on day 89, immigration doesn't get a data alarm on day 90 that Jim Gant is now due to report. And that as long as I'm never in the country more than 89 days at a time, I'll never have to report! Is that correct?

If so, a retirement visa would then be easier to apply for than having to head to Wash DC every year for a new non-immigrant 'o' visa.

Jim Gant

Lopburi3,  

Is the "home register" requirement needed to obtain a Thai driving license? And if so, what do I need to take to Immigration to accomplish the required paperwork?

Oh, what else would I need this "home register" for?

Thanks,

JimGant

"You need to follow the same process for 3 consecutive years after which you should be permitted residence. With residence you may be entitled to have your name included on the house registration form. "

Is this 3 years until 'resident' situation only for someone under age 50? I'm married to a Thai, and meet all the retirement requirements, including over age 50. Will I be considered a 'resident' once I apply for and receive my retirement visa? Or will I too have to wait for 3 years of renewal?

Also, having not yet gotten my retirement visa (having only the non immigrant 90 day variety), will I have any problem getting my name on the house registration form? We built it 2 years ago, and it is now strictly registered in my wife's name.

And what is the advantage of having my name on that registration? Do I need that to get a Thai driving license? Or will a certificate of residence from the local authorities suffice?What else would that house registration do for me when retired in Thailand?

Thanks in advance (there are probably answers to this and many other questions I have in this forum-- but I haven't figured out how to search here, if that is possible(?).)

Jim Gant

Many thanks for the replies. Looks like I should get a Thai driving license -- which leads to another question:

One of the criteria in getting one is showing proof of medical soundness. Just how do I do this? Is there a specific form? And will just being sober, ambulatory, and heated up to only 98.6F qualify, or do I need a physical of some sort?

Thanks in advance.