I know this subject has been done to death on here recently but the vast amount of differing postings on the subject only add to the confusion. Anyway, I’m looking for some ideas about visa options for an October return to Thailand.
I will give a brief background. I am a 59 year old UK passport holder. Since 2006 my Thai wife and myself have been spending from the end of March till first week in September at our house in UK and the other 7 months at our house in Roi Et province. For many years I have been in Thailand on a Non O Visa based on marriage obtained each year at the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet; the border being just over an hour from our house.
I left Thailand at the end of March 2020, just as the COVID restrictions were kicking in everywhere, and we decided it might be best for my wife to stay in Thailand this time. I thought that I would be returning in September 2020 but that didn’t prove to be the case. I am now planning on a return in mid-October to stay till the end of March 2022, so approx. 5 months.
In March 2022 I will turn 60 and my work pensions kick-in. At this time it had always been our plan for me to go for the full marriage visa with Bht800,000 in the bank so I just need to get this next visit covered.
Options as I see them;
A. Non O Visa from the Thai Embassy, London, which would give me 90 days in country. But what then ? I saw somewhere that I could get a 60 day extension but is that possible and would this require the Bht400,000 in bank ? In my experience with this, the Non O Visa based on marriage has never needed money in a Thai bank, or at least I have never been asked for evidence of this. Is the Bht400,000 a new requirement since COVID ? If I am correct and could do this, 90 + 60 days, without money in bank, it would meet my needs for this year. I also believe that I can do this at any immigration office, ie my local(ish) office in Roi Et city ?
B. Visa exempt entry (30 days ?) with 30 day extension then COVID exemptions (60 days ?) for as long as they continue.
C. Single entry Tourist Visa (45 days till end of September then 30 days ?) from Thai Embassy, London, then COVID exemptions (60 days ?) for as long as they continue.
I would prefer Option A as the other options rely on COVID exemptions remaining and being able to keep receiving them. Any advice all you knowledgeable folk could give would be most welcome and appreciated.
