Here At Last

[The Philosopher]

I am thinking of retiring next year age 55 and moving to the house in Khon Kean. I will have a UK military pension and other early retiring schemes totalling around £32K per annum so the finances are not a problem. My Thai wife now UK passport holder who has lived in the UK for 12 years will also be coming. She still has a Thai ID card which she keeps up to date my plans are to eventually to apply for Thai citizenship. I speak Thai pretty well and would be brushing up when I retire. Are there any known obstacles to my wife just reverting back to being Thai again and what are the major steps in becoming Thai for myself. Any advice would be appreciated.

[lopburi3]

You wife is Thai so no problem - but she should use a Thai passport for entry to avoid having to obtain visas/extensions of stay.

Believe retired there is almost no opportunity for citizenship; or even Permanent Residence (PR). One year extensions of stay for life is likely what you will face. Read the pinned thread at top for forum for PR requirments - that must be obtained prior to citizenship. The big issue is not showing high level of pay/tax payments for three years. But perhaps you do not intend to retire and will be able to apply. Read the thread - it is long but there is a lot of information in it.

[Lite Beer]

Yes it looks like you will be applying every year to extend you temporary stay in the Kingdom. Join the club.

[InterestedObserver]

Yes, no chance for citizenship unless you actively contribute to Thai society, work and pay taxes. They have enough retired Thai citizens already.