It seems to be getting more difficult as the years go by, but I need clarity based on what others experienced in the last 2-3 years.

 

I'm a M 34 American & she's a F 29 Thai.

 

A tourist visa is the only option as I wouldn't feel comfortable doing a K-1/K-3 without my family getting to know her first in person. I have no plans of living in Chiang Mai and I'm getting a bit burned out traveling 3-4x a year for the last couple of years. I've told her the next time I see her should be in America. Am I dreaming? 

 

 

It's a difficult question to answer, since so many metrics come into play

 

Tourist visa's for young single Thai women are hard.

 

Does she work?

Does she have money in the bank?

Will her employer give a letter giving her agreement to take vacation from work?

What are her ties to Thailand ensuring she returns?

 

The list goes on, you've read the endless threads on this, so it is a bit of a crapshoot I'm afraid

 

Since you mention K1, I'm figuring you are at least in some ways leaning towards marrying this gal?

 

I know it's euphemistically called the fiance visa, but think of it more like going to the local car dealership to get a test drive.

 

K1's unlike tourist visa's are objective rather than subjective. It will take longer to process, but so long as you tick the boxes she'll get it.

 

Then you have 90 days to test drive her with your family, and more importantly see if she's going to want to settle in the US. And if it doesn't work, well she goes home and nobody gets hurt.

 

I used to know my old hairdresser in California back in the 90's who got his gf to come over.

 

He was 50 something, her early 20's on a K1.

It lasted 2 weeks and she was back on the plane to BKK!

 

Not sure if this helps, but Good Luck