Uk Guy + Thai Wife - Moving To Thailand ?

[Crocs]

Hi - my first posting to this forum - my Thai wife (met and married in UK 3 yrs ago) are now planning to move to Thailand for a few years. I would need to work there, but don't plan to find employment before the move.

Any advice on the most suitable type of residency permit / visa would be very helpful ?

Also, and comments on the possibility of finding "company/hotel work" are welcome ?

Thanks

[bkk_mike]

You should get a non-imm "O" visa, that will initially let you stay in Thailand for 90 days.

And, if you have enough money in the bank after the 90 days, immigration will let you stay for the rest of the year (permit to stay), even if you haven't got a job yet.

If you can get a job lined up in advance, a non-imm "B" visa is better. But works in pretty much the same way.

Check the web board on www.thaiimmigration.com for rules for converting your non-imm "O" visa into a non-imm "B" visa once you get your work permit lined up. (i.e. Not sure if you have to do a visa run to change or not - I think the rules differ depending on if you get the work permit while in the first 90 days, or after you've received a permit to stay).

[dr_Pat_Pong]

There's no need to change your Non-Immigrant O visa provided you can comply with the income/savings requirements, and you extend that visa for a year in Thailand. As a person married to a Thai, a work permit can be obtained on an extended O visa.

[theviking]

but...stilll...you dont need any visa wh4n you attive los, na....?

By the way.....is there any rock clup, a la nightwish?

grightful na.

[lopburi3]

Any advice on the most suitable type of residency permit / visa would be very helpful ?

A multi entry O visa based on your marriage is the only type of non immigrant visa you qualify for so that is first thing to have. If you find employment in the first 90 days you may not use all of the visa but better safe than sorry. Employment may not be easy to find. In fact it is very hard to find without contacts, special qualification, degrees so be sure before you make this move. Consider insurance, pensions, social services etc before you leave your system.

You don't mention qualifications so people will be hard pressed to offer constructive advise. But in general you need high level experience and good schooling for any legal job. Teaching English now requires a degree. Be best to let people know exactly what you can do to obtain accurate advise.

[Crocs]

Thanks for the info everyone - a good starting point for me as I know nothing of Thai visa's / immigration. In terms of qualifications I have a masters in business and ten years corporate experience, though am expecting some kind of career change if we move to BKK.

[lopburi3]

In terms of qualifications I have a masters in business and ten years corporate experience,

Unfortunately that is probably the most popular degree among Thai so unless you set up your own business employment directly linked is not that high a probability (but am no expert so maybe others can help you here). The degree itself would allow you to teach English and make a survival living. But the question is if you can afford this change - if you only have 10 years of savings will a lifetime of low pay and no real social net work for you.