Hi I am an American citizen and have been wanting to live in Thailand for years, but from what I read I feel deterred to live some where else over seas other than Thailand because I am very unfamiliar and confused about Thailand's visa rules.The thing is that I have a Disability annuity from a lawsuit my mother won for me when I was 3 years old because of a burn I got that the apartment complex was at fault for my burn, so in result of my lawsuit I receive a disability annuity payment already taxed for the amount of $2,500 a month with a 3% increase every year, but I don't receive this annuity till I turn 31 which is in 5 years from this posting. I have been married for 5 years so I plan on bringing my wife with me, so with my current life situation, My question is what visa and what do I have to do to live happily ever after in Thailand? What would you do? when and how do I renew my visa and how often? Thank you very much for any replies.

p.s if I have to I will work if required

Given your age you will not find it easy to stay in Thailand for a long time.

Your income does not really help.

You and your wife can come here as tourists and stay for around 6 months on a double entry tourist visa.

Other alternatives which will get you a longer term visa are:

1. If you have money to invest. you can start a company, minimum 2M baht ($50,000) capital.

2. You can invest 3 million in an approved investment here in Thailand. This includes new condominiums, and the goverment banks.

3. Find a job that cannot be filled by Thai nationals - quite a difficult task unless you have very specialist skills.

Once you reach retirement age, at 50, the scenario is much easier, but you are a long way off that.

Sorry I cannot be more encouraging.

If you have a degree and are willing to teach English that would probably be the least expensive way if you have no business ambitions.

Believe most of use would leave the wife and come alone if we were in the "live happily ever after" mind set; so not sure how to answer that question.