Thai visa… extend or new?

[Kwaibill]

My wife has her US visa approved and the time frame for entry is Mid March, so we will be heading out soon. My problem is that my Thai visa based on marriage expires in mid January. 
Our plans include staying for at least three months stateside then various scenarios of one or both returning to Thai. We will by then have our first grandson here, so there is a natural draw on that front. We are negotiating on a new homestead there which will require some attention, plus I  will exercise my Medicare options for among other things a cataract procedure, one already done.

I seek advice on my visa options; can I get an extension to cover the gap, or just go ahead and renew (get new marriage visa)? Of course some uncertainty arises with the latest US election. Will my dear wife encounter difficulty as a non-white immigrant? Will announced Trump economic goals, such as steep tariffs and cuts to social programs ( about half our income is from Social Security)  sink our tentative plans? I do currently ( and barely)  qualify for some low income programs such as our anticipated local food bank.

All opinions/ thought welcomed. Majors in theology and philosophy perhaps were not the best academic choices in this regard.😀

[DrJack54]

21 minutes ago, Kwaibill said:

I seek advice on my visa options; can I get an extension to cover the gap, or just go ahead and renew (get new marriage visa)?

The only extensions of your current permission of stay is 12 month extension (you refer to as "get new marriage visa"

OR 60 day extension to visit wife.

 

I would obtain 12 month extension prior to travel.

Keep in mind an "under consideration period" is required.

You should do that as soon as possible.

Are you using income method or money in bank method. 

Remember to also obtain reentry permit. 

That can be done at immigration or airport.

Which is office? 

The only other option would be obtain the 60 day extension to cover period to exit Thailand.

Then subsequently return to Thailand visa exempt and obtain a "new" non O at your immigration and then couple months later the 12 month extension