Hello All,

2 questions,

Looking for best long term visa choice.

I am 67, US, with thai spouse.. Soon to have “pre-existing health issues”. First address will be in Nakhon Sawan.

As I understand, marriage visa…?

Would there be any interest to get a retirement visa “AO” ?

 

Second Question,

Looking for information on how to use the “search function” in the forum.

Examples,

Choosing long term Visa?

Keeping parasites off your dog?

Choosing bank for ease of use?

 

Thanks for your input.

Two questions:

1. Did you marry in the US or Thailand?

2. Do you already have a Thai bank account?

Thanks for the response.

Married in US. - not yet in thailand

No thai bank account. - not yet.

Planing to move to thailand in 5 to 9 months.

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

As I understand, marriage visa…?

Would there be any interest to get a retirement visa “AO” ?

You can obtain a Non O (marriage) eVisa while in US. 

Best option. Dont bother with Non O-A. 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

Looking for information on how to use the “search function” in the forum.

Simple way is to use Google with added word "aseannow" 

That will take you to threads, that often explains what you're after. 

In addition there are threads where helpful folk with post links to additional threads. 

Hit on the link and that takes you to the thread. 

2 hours ago, roman50 said:

No thai bank account. - not yet.

In that case 100% obtain the Non O in USA prior to entering Thailand. 

You will receive a 90 day stamp. 

 

As example of answer how to search. 

For your situation I just now googled "non O marriage eVisa in USA aseannow" 

The results list AseanNow threads along with other sites. 

Here is one result. 

Hit on the link and read various posts. 

3 hours ago, roman50 said:

Choosing bank for ease of use?

And for example this question. 

I searched "open Thai bank account with a Non O AseanNow" 

 

And one thread (of many) here... 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365077-how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-2025/ 

 

In addition to AseanNow you can google things such as "marriage visa Thailand" and there will be various sites with advice eg... 

 

Thailand Marriage Visa | ThaiEmbassy.com https://share.google/r78e1mlVMuI8D9CRY

 

 

 

13 hours ago, roman50 said:

Thanks for the response.

Married in US. - not yet in thailand

No thai bank account. - not yet.

Planing to move to thailand in 5 to 9 months.

Unless you follow the procedure to register your US marriage in Thailand, you won't be allowed to apply for an extension based on marriage at an Immigration office.

Current plan is to apply for "O" visa for marriage in US, showing US marriage.

When arriving in Thailand - start bank account and go to "amphore" for marriage papers.

 

However... just saw her Thai ID and passport have expired..... has US passport 

What is best option forward - start her thai passport renewal in the states - embassy is a 12 hour drive. possible 6 week wait.... Then apply for o-marriage visa?

or...... ? 

Hoping to make the move in a couple months...

Thanks for your input.

 

1 hour ago, roman50 said:

When arriving in Thailand - start bank account and go to "amphore" for marriage papers.

There are certain things you need to prepare regarding proof of marriage while in USA prior to travel to Thailand.

 

Also as pointed out by @Liquorice above you then have your marriage registered in Thailand. 

2 hours ago, roman50 said:

Current plan is to apply for "O" visa for marriage in US, showing US marriage.

When arriving in Thailand - start bank account and go to "amphore" for marriage papers.

 

However... just saw her Thai ID and passport have expired..... has US passport 

What is best option forward - start her thai passport renewal in the states - embassy is a 12 hour drive. possible 6 week wait.... Then apply for o-marriage visa?

or...... ? 

Hoping to make the move in a couple months...

Thanks for your input.

 

she can get her passport renewed when she is in Thailand, leave on US passport and arrive on expired Thai passport. You will need to get your marriage certified at a Thai embassy in the US. Not sure of the process now, did mine many moons ago. I think I needed to get the marriage certificate translated to Thai. All paper work was done at the LA consulate through the mail.

5 minutes ago, flexomike said:

You will need to get your marriage certified at a Thai embassy in the US. Not sure of the process now, did mine many moons ago

Yes. This is the point OP needs to be aware of. 

Doing this prior to travel to Thailand. 

7 hours ago, roman50 said:

However... just saw her Thai ID and passport have expired..... has US passport 

What is best option forward - start her thai passport renewal in the states - embassy is a 12 hour drive. possible 6 week wait.... Then apply for o-marriage visa?

First off, I'd renew her Thai passport and Thai ID card at your local Thai Embassy/Consulate.

As it stands, she has no valid Thai ID,
Did she take your surname when you married, in which case you should obtain a 'name change 'certificate before or as part of obtaining a new passport and ID card.

 

7 hours ago, roman50 said:

Current plan is to apply for "O" visa for marriage in US, showing US marriage.

When arriving in Thailand - start bank account and go to "amphore" for marriage papers.

Whilst the Thai Embassy/Consulate in the US will accept a US marriage certificate to issue a Non Imm O visa on that basis, Thai Immigration will not accept that foreign document as proof of marriage to a Thai. There is a legal process to follow, known as legalisation, in order to register your overseas marriage at a local Amphoe.
Once registered, the Amphur can issue a Kor Ror 22 form, which will be requested by Immigration in order to apply for a 1 year extension based on marriage

 

 

To register your marriage in Thailand as an American married to a Thai citizen, you cannot simply translate your US marriage certificate. It first needs to be authenticated as a legal document. Begin by obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your home state, followed by authentication by the US State Department and the Thai Embassy in the US. Once authenticated, when you arrive in Thailand obtain a certified copy of your passport, then have the marriage certificate and passport copy officially translated in Thailand and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Only then can you submit the documents at your local Amphur office for marriage registration. This process can be complex and may take several weeks, with the involvement of different authorities and additional fees.

 

Most Amphurs will request the above authenticated, translated and legalised documents presented in order to register your overseas marriage.

Thanks for all of your responses.

Roman