My situation can I beat the system of a marriage visa

[camper star]

I have  question that maybe some of you have had to go through with a Thai spouse.

1.  I live only about 5 hours from DMK in another Asian  country

2.  Would it be best just to have the  marriage registered in Thailand and the country I am in.

3.  Can I just go back and stay for 3 months  in Thailand and then return to the country I reside in? And then return in a short time?

4.  Of course, I'll  seek legal advice so any of you know an attorney in Bangkok about my situation.

 

as always, thanks 

[DrJack54]

1. where

2. Where did you marry Thai wife.

3. You to explain what the ongoing plan is regarding how long staying in Thailand etc

4. You don't need any legal advice.

[camper star]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

1. where

2. Where did you marry Thai wife.

3. You to explain what the ongoing plan is regarding how long staying in Thailand etc

4. You don't need any legal advice.

This is something we are going to  have  to do.  Thailand which I have address and a permanent resident in another Asian country. 

We haven't married yet.

My plan is to live in Thailand but due to health insurance of the country I live in which is very affordable, I can't really leave the PR and give it up and make Thailand my home. She knows that and understands that

As far  as legal advice, yes , that is why maybe it was best to post here first and get some advice

 

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, camper star said:

This is something we are going to  have  to do.  Thailand which I have address and a permanent resident in another Asian country. 

We haven't married yet.

My plan is to live in Thailand but due to health insurance of the country I live in which is very affordable, I can't really leave the PR and give it up and make Thailand my home. She knows that and understands that

As far  as legal advice, yes , that is why maybe it was best to post here first and get some advice

 

You have not clearly outlined your ongoing plan of eg how much of each year is spent in Thailand.

How long is each "visit" 

 

Once married obviously there is the option of annual extensions + reentry permit to allow travel between countries. 

Will entry to Thailand be via air or land 

[camper star]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

You have not clearly outlined your ongoing plan of eg how much of each year is spent in Thailand.

How long is each "visit" 

 

Once married obviously there is the option of annual extensions + reentry permit to allow travel between countries. 

Will entry to Thailand be via air or land 

Thank you for your reply. So far, my stay has been with the new  90 day but before that 30 day. Entry is by air. Actually, my residence is in Japan.  This should help you understand my situation. I'm retired and she is due to retire this year. We both will have, ( I already have ) but our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa.

Hope this helps you understand my situation

 

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, camper star said:

We both will have, ( I already have ) but our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa.

Starting to understand.

Actually guessed Japan.

The thing not clear is 

1. How many months of each year in Thailand.

2. How long is each stay.

3. For annual extensions based on marriage you can use money in bank method and that only requires 400k baht in bank for 3 months. It can then be used. 

 

Edit: you stated "my stay has been with the new  90 day but before that 30 day" 

Which country is 90 days and previously 30. 

 

 

 

[camper star]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Starting to understand.

Actually guessed Japan.

The thing not clear is 

1. How many months of each year in Thailand.

2. How long is each stay.

3. For annual extensions based on marriage you can use money in bank method and that only requires 400k baht in bank for 3 months. It can then be used. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for understanding a difficult situation, actually not so difficult, I always have made a challenge in my life to keep that young spirit in me.

I can travel to Thailand for 3 months.

Then return to Japan for 3 months

Then return to Thailand for 3 months

I already have a rental there for that she pays for while I'm gone . ( of course , I give her the money )

I think the USD is about $12 grand, that is something I don't have.

This is why my situation is very , hmm hard to explain

I can pm you if you like

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, camper star said:

I can travel to Thailand for 3 months.

Then return to Japan for 3 months

Then return to Thailand for 3 months

If it's going to be 3 in 3 out and given the $12k is a hurdle ....suggest that you just use  visa exempt entries.

Be aware that once married you can obtain 60 day extension to visit wife.

So even if visa exempt reverts back to 30 days ....you will sill be able to stay 90 days per visit easily. 

The extension is 1900b 

[fredwiggy]

Why not just stay in Japan and visit Thailand, and other countries, for a month at a time? Japan looks like it has most of what anyone could want. Cold and warm weather, great food of all kinds, beaches,mountains, fishing, parks, and big cities.  Has she been to Japan? Does she like it, might want to live there? It might be a lot better for you to stay there and have her move there, seeing you already have a residence there and the insurance.

[camper star]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

If it's going to be 3 in 3 out and given the $12k is a hurdle ....suggest that you just use  visa exempt entries.

Be aware that once married you can obtain 60 day extension to visit wife.

So even if visa exempt reverts back to 30 days ....you will sill be able to stay 90 days per visit easily. 

The extension is 1900b 

I kindly thank you for your advice. I'll  be back in Thailand next month.

[camper star]

3 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Why not just stay in Japan and visit Thailand, and other countries, for a month at a time? Japan looks like it has most of what anyone could want. Cold and warm weather, great food of all kinds, beaches,mountains, fishing, parks, and big cities.  Has she been to Japan? Does she like it, might want to live there? It might be a lot better for you to stay there and have her move there, seeing you already have a residence there and the insurance.

Sadly she has to take care of her parents in Thailand so she is NOT FREE to travel.

[DrJack54]

Just now, camper star said:

I kindly thank you for your advice. I'll  be back in Thailand next month.

Bit off topic however if you are to marry check out what docs are required.

eg "freedom to marry" etc

[camper star]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Bit off topic however if you are to marry check out what docs are required.

eg "freedom to marry" etc

Yes, I've checked into that with the US Embassy here in Tokyo for the paper work. Thank you. She also has to do the same.  I understand that the US Embassy in Bangkok may require a police background check up on her. She does work for the Thai govt so maybe not something to worry about.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, camper star said:

Sadly she has to take care of her parents in Thailand so she is NOT FREE to travel.

That's not uncommon.

As you would be aware. Thai nationals are 15 days visa exempt to Japan.

BTW day 1 starts day after arrival. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[camper star]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

That's not uncommon.

As you would be aware. Thai nationals are 15 days visa exempt to Japan.

BTW day 1 starts day after arrival. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

yes, she mentioned that, also I don't think as a govt employee a passport is not necessary. There is some kind of papers. Don't know the details about it, maybe you do. Of course, I have to register the marriage here in Japan too. Thank you for all your kind experience for my situation.

[camper star]

30 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Starting to understand.

Actually guessed Japan.

The thing not clear is 

1. How many months of each year in Thailand.

2. How long is each stay.

3. For annual extensions based on marriage you can use money in bank method and that only requires 400k baht in bank for 3 months. It can then be used. 

 

Edit: you stated "my stay has been with the new  90 day but before that 30 day" 

Which country is 90 days and previously 30. 

 

 

 

Japan

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, camper star said:

Don't know the details about it, maybe you do.

The thing is for a Thai to obtain a passport it's extremely simple, not expensive.

She would be best to obtain a Thai pp and makes travel very simple. 

[camper star]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

The thing is for a Thai to obtain a passport it's extremely simple, not expensive.

She would be best to obtain a Thai pp and makes travel very simple. 

she once mentioned to me because of her position in the govt. something about a passport or just govt papers were necessary to attend Thai and Japanese relations of finance or trade between countries. She is right up there next to the Finance of Trade Ministry boss. So, I don't know how that works, but I've been to one of their events at a 5 star hotel in Phuket and was introduce to some high level govt employees at that time. 

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, camper star said:

she once mentioned to me because of her position in the govt.

Best she just obtains Thai pp.

Simple 

 

[camper star]

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Best she just obtains Thai pp.

Simple 

 

I'll be talking to her tonight about it. Mostly since in the future she'll have to come to Japan and I believe be in person at the Fukuoka Consulate . 

[BrandonJT]

I would see how easy/difficult it is to obtain the non-O visa based on marriage to Thai from the Thai embassy in Japan.  If it's relatively simple and if you can show the funds or retirement income to apply for the visa in Japan, it would be very easy to just get this each time you want to make a 3-month trip to Thailand.  That visa would give you a 90-day entry stamp, and if for some reason you need more time, you can apply for the 60-day Visiting Thai family extension as previously mentioned in this thread.  That's up to 5 months on a single trip.

 

The embassy would probably sell this to you 2x per year, so if it's a simple thing to get from Japan it would make the easiest for you, since you wouldn't have to go to immigration at all for a 90 day trip.

 

If it's not so easy to get this visa, then you can use visa exempt as also mentioned earlier, which is currently 60 days.  This would necessitate you going to immigration to apply for the 30-day extension if you want to stay for 3 months.  There are multiple ways to achieve your goal, it's just finding the one that works for you with the least effort.

Then if they change visa exempt back to 60-days, you can get the tourist visa from the Thai embassy instead, so you'll still get the 60+30 days.

 

But I would still recommend the non-O if possible.  I would much rather spend a few minutes on my computer at home, than wasting a day going to the immigration office to apply for an extension in Thailand.

[FritsSikkink]

15 hours ago, camper star said:

I have  question that maybe some of you have had to go through with a Thai spouse.

1.  I live only about 5 hours from DMK in another Asian  country

2.  Would it be best just to have the  marriage registered in Thailand and the country I am in.

3.  Can I just go back and stay for 3 months  in Thailand and then return to the country I reside in? And then return in a short time?

4.  Of course, I'll  seek legal advice so any of you know an attorney in Bangkok about my situation.

 

as always, thanks 

How are you beating the system?

Does your wife live with you in another country or in Thailand?

On what visa would you want to spend your 3 months in Thailand on?

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, FritsSikkink said:

How are you beating the system?

Does your wife live with you in another country or in Thailand?

His future wife will live in Thailand.

He is asking about not obtaining ongoing extensions based on marriage. 

1 hour ago, FritsSikkink said:

On what visa would you want to spend your 3 months in Thailand on?

Based on his roster plan, that being 3 months Thailand 3 months Japan he can wash and repeat.

The two options would be....

1. Visa Exempt entry + 30 day extension. That's while it continues to be 60 days. If not SETV+ extension.

2. A non O twice  per year however that requires money in the bank at least for application. 

 

 

[Liquorice]

To tackle your issue of staying for periods in Thailand based on proposed Thai spouse, your initial step is to get married in Thailand.
Learn to walk before trying to run.

[scorecard]

18 hours ago, camper star said:

Thank you for your reply. So far, my stay has been with the new  90 day but before that 30 day. Entry is by air. Actually, my residence is in Japan.  This should help you understand my situation. I'm retired and she is due to retire this year. We both will have, ( I already have ) but our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa.

Hope this helps you understand my situation

 

 

You mentioned health insurance. This point might be interesting / valuable for other members, can you please share further information. Thanks.

[Liquorice]

17 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

You mentioned health insurance. This point might be interesting / valuable for other members, can you please share further information. Thanks.

He did?

Where?

Are you in the wrong thread?

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

He did?

Where?

He mentioned earlier has good health cover in Japan....

 

"My plan is to live in Thailand but due to health insurance of the country I live in which is very affordable, I can't really leave the PR and give it up and make Thailand my home. She knows that and understands that"

 

Have no idea what health coverage he has. 

 

Also mentioned....." We both will have, ( I already have ) but our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa."

As we know the financial requirements for a Non O marriage is (should be) not difficult. 

The saying "bridge too far" comes to mind for ongoing plan

 

 

[jojothai]

Make sure that your marriage in thailand is fully registered at the amphur.

It is not easy getting the non-o marriage visa here. Yes, can be done but there are a lot of requirements you must check out fully. It may be easier getting the non-o outside. You would have to check in japan.

You must have the 400,000 baht in the bank the required period.

For the first time application, I am not sure if the money has to come from outside thailand, like the retirement visa.

Dr Jack may help to advise.

First marriage visa non-o is 90 days.if you do not apply for the one year extension after the time reqiuired, then i presume you would have to do it again each time but i do not know and have no idea if/ what complications that would make.

 

Some suggestions are that you come in visa exempt for 60/30 days. If you are doing 3m returns, check how many times you may be able to do that even by air.

I only came back into thailand once in march after going out because of the expiry of my work permit.

visa exempt entry, and the immigration officer at airport warned me to come back in next time with a visa.

 

[DrJack54]

24 minutes ago, jojothai said:

You would have to check in japan.

You must have the 400,000 baht in the bank the required period.

For the first time application, I am not sure if the money has to come from outside thailand, like the retirement visa

No need for funds from outside of Thailand for Non O marriage.

 

The bigger issue is that the OP posted this earlier.,.

"I'm retired and she is due to retire this year. We both will have, ( I already have ) but our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa" 

 

No offense towards the OP, however this is a very low financial requirement. 

Square peg in round hold comes to mind. 

Soon both retired and cannot cover 400k in Thai bank for max 3 months for annual extension. That seems poor outlook. 

[Rob Browder]

On 4/10/2025 at 5:42 PM, camper star said:

our income is not up there where I can qualify for the appropriate marriage visa.

Yes - having to put over a year's Thai living expenses "in the bank" for 3-months can be difficult, unless one has a work-history and life-luck which allowed for savings.

 

But, if you have 40K/mo income, maybe the Japanese embassy still provides "income letters," which Thai-immigration will accept - so would not need the 400K "cash in the bank" for ~3 months. 

 

If not possible, I would do what others have suggested - Non-O Visas from the Thai consulate in Japan, depending on their financial requirements - or tourist-type entries (TR Visa or Visa-Exempt).