I've trawled through a lot of info here and the various options seem very complex. Is it possible for anybody in the know to briefly advise as to what my options might be for living on a permanent basis in Thailand so that I can then investigate the specifics further, please?

Male

29

British

Thai wife, living in the UK with me and married here. Son born here (but has both British and Thai passport)

Not much money to be able to take with us at present (so understand we may need to delay until this improves)

Basic spoken Thai, steadily improving.

Degree educated, middle management employment here (retail marketing)

I can't think of anything else that might be relevant, however, my wife would like to open a Salon when we go back so there may be some 'work permit' opportunity there?

Extremely grateful for any guidance to help me make those first steps.

Thank you.

You can get a 1 year multiple entry non-O visa from Hull. That will allow you to stay in Thailand 90 days at a time for a total of around 15 months. You would need to make a border run every 90 days.

You could also sign up for a non-ED visa and take Thai language courses in Thailand. You would not need to do border runs, but you would need to extend at immigration every 90 days at 1900 baht each time.

In order to stay for a year on an extension of stay (not based on education) without having to make border runs, you would need a family income of 40K baht per month. That will take tax records, so you will not have them when you just arrive.

If you want to work, your best bet is to try to find a job before leaving. Or you could teach English to make some money while looking for something better and your wife works on the salon.

Son will not help in staying long term in Thailand until you are 50 years old or more.

Edited March 28, 200818 yr by jstumbo

If you are asking about permanent residency read the guide topic from link under useful information pinned item at top of this visa forum - that should probably be your long term goal.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=74654

Thanks both of you. The info and link are both useful.