Being forced to retiring after 5 years on Smart visa at the end of the year. Married to Thai with child. We'd appreciate recommendation on switching to a suitable visa and when it should be done.

• current monthly salary satisfies visa requirement. 
• do not have 400k or 800k in my personal bank account, but can transfer.
• Intend to form a company with wife and friend. No other employees.

Would you recommend I switch to another visa (marriage, PR, other?) now before I finish up 31dec22, or should I wait until it runs out? 

Retirement visa is the easiest, IMHO, once financials are sorted.  Since married, that would be 2nd choice.  Unfamiliar with the rest, since never needing.

If married to a Thai an extension based upon marriage would be the the best choice since the financial requirements are lower.

What is the source for you month income. For a extension based upon marriage to a Thai it is 40k baht. If your embassy still issue proof of income you could use that to do the application.

13 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If married to a Thai an extension based upon marriage would be the the best choice since the financial requirements are lower.

What is the source for you month income. For a extension based upon marriage to a Thai it is 40k baht. If your embassy still issue proof of income you could use that to do the application.

agree 100% ,been doing it for years 

13 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If married to a Thai an extension based upon marriage would be the the best choice since the financial requirements are lower.

What is the source for you month income. For a extension based upon marriage to a Thai it is 40k baht. If your embassy still issue proof of income you could use that to do the application.

Thanks Joe. I am employed here in Thailand so I get monthly salary exceeding 40K same as a Thai person (tax, social security etc). Do I still need my embassy involved?

7 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Thanks Joe. I am employed here in Thailand so I get monthly salary exceeding 40K same as a Thai person (tax, social security etc). Do I still need my embassy involved?

If you can prove your income here it can be used to apply for the extension with proof of tax payments and a copy of your tax return done this year. No need for anything from your embassy.

You can have a work permit and work with a extension based upon marriage.