Sorry if this question has been asked many times, I didn't see it on the faq.

I am from USA, 55 years old.

Qualified to teach English or Computers, (PhD, TEFL, cert) and want to work.

Qualified for retirement VISA but would like to work.

Married to Thai citizen who has 2 children.

Currently on tourist VISA, would like to get 1 year. Which VISA is best for me: Work, Marriage or retirement?

I appreciate any help. Have been in Thailand 6 months on tourist VISA. 1 2 month, 1 mo extension and 3 1 month runs.

I live in Lampang.

Chris

The retirement extension from a non immigrant visa is normally the best choice at your age but work permits may not be issued with that type.

The marriage extension requires 40k baht monthly income as evidenced by tax payments or deposits into bank account here from recent reports - you can get a work permit on this type of extension.

The work extension requires a qualifying job and ends if job is lost. It is also very paperwork intensive - but probably what most schools are knowledgeable about - if they have any experience.

You should not be here on a tourist visa - you can easily obtain a multi entry non immigrant O visa from Singapore with marriage certificate and a bank account anywhere with 400k baht equivalent in it. You can obtain single entry which allows 90 day stay at any Consulate that you use for the tourist visas with the marriage certificate and perhaps copy of her ID card.

You really need to find the job first and see what they want from you.