Visa question

[burrina]

Hi, I'm new here and just got my passport today and will travel to Phuket come this May 3rd to marry my Thai wife. There is so much confusing advice on which type of visa to get that I dont know what to do I will drive to Houston, Texas to get my original visa to enter thailand. I have been told that for an extra $500.00 I can stay and additional 30 days, wow! I am 66 yrs old and want to retire there and marry my Thai wife and live happily after. Dont know what type of visa to try for, any help would be appreciated. Preferably from someone who has been there, done that.

 

Thanks,

 

[lopburi3]

You have choice of 1 year extensions for wife or retirement - retirement would be available in country with a conversion from a normal tourist visa entry to non immigrant O and then extend yearly and requires the least paperwork.  But it would require 800k baht in Thai bank account 2 months for first extension but wife type would only require 400k.  If using income 65k per month or more for retirement or 40k for marriage.  You also have the option to obtain a non immigrant O-A visa for retirement from an official Thai Consulate in USA with proof of funds in USA and brief medical statement/police report that would allow almost 2 years stay (one exit to obtain second year).

[burrina]

So, I dont have 800,000 to put in the bank or even 40,000 a month. I am on social security. What options do I have then ?

 

[anon789561]

7 minutes ago, burrina said:

So, I dont have 800,000 to put in the bank or even 40,000 a month. I am on social security. What options do I have then ?

 

the option to reconsider?

[lopburi3]

You do have a personal relationship with your "wife" I hope.  That you have not had a passport seems strange.  You are aware that medicare would not be available in Thailand?  You do not have any income or resources other than social security?  If not you would likely have to leave Thailand every 90 - 150 days or less for the rest of your life as only non immigrant O visas would be available and they only allow a 90 day stay (although you may be able to extend 60 days before new entry required).  You might want to check a little closer as to your long term options before jumping.

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, burrina said:

So, I dont have 800,000 to put in the bank or even 40,000 a month. I am on social security. What options do I have then ?

 

For an extension of stay based upon marriage it is 400k in a Thai bank or 40k baht of income.

You can use your SS income to meet the 40k baht income requirement (about $1300).

I suggest you ask the Houston consulate about getting a single entry non-o visa based upon being 50 years old or over that will allow a 90 day entry. The fee is $80.

 

[MaeJoMTB]

13 minutes ago, burrina said:

So, I dont have 800,000 to put in the bank or even 40,000 a month. I am on social security. What options do I have then ?

 

After marriage you can buy a multi entry O VISA from the Thai Consulate in Suvannakhet, Laos for 5,000bht.

Lasts 1 year, for multiple 90 day entries, so 4 border hops gives you 15 months of stay in Thailand.