I am a 62 year-old USC married to a Thai national (who is also an LPR, which is another issue). We had a village wedding ceremony that was not registered at the amphoe, and then were married legally in the U.S. (November 1991), where we have lived most of the time since. She is currently in Thailand with family, however. I am in the U.S. and will be going to T'land soon with a non-immigrant "O" multiple-entry visa. From what I understand, I am eligible for a one-year extension either with a marriage visa, or a "retirement" (long-stay) visa. Since the marriage visa is half the cost of the retirement visa, is there any reason NOT to go that route? (Will the U.S. marriage certificate be sufficient, or will we also have to get our marriage registered in Thailand?) Thanks.

All visas are the same price. 2k for single entry or 5k for multi entry. Believe you are thinking about the amount of funds you have to show for the 1,900 baht extension of stay for one year. 800/65k for retirement or 400/40k for marriage. You do not pay that money - you just show it for 2 or 3 months each year to prove you can afford to live here.

Retirement is a local immigration office decision with almost no paperwork involved. Thai wife involves both parties having to provide paperwork and attend for application and then an under review period of 30 days or more each year. Retirement is the choice if you have the funds.

Marriage would require you visit Embassy and make translation of US marriage certificate, have it registered as a legal document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then entered into a District Office data base to obtain a form for Immigration.

As said a 12 month extension based on retirement is easier but requires twice the amount of financial proof.

Many thanks! -- and yes (I see I misspoke slightly), I was referring to the 800k/65k vs. 400k/40k cost difference. Based on the pluses and minuses of each, it looks like "retirement" is the way to go for me.

As long as you have the required yearly income requirement, a retirement visa/extension of stay is quickest and easiest. Plus, if by chance you and the wife would break up, the retirement visa/extension of stay remains valid compared to a marriage visa/extension of stay since the retirement approach is based on "you" versus "you and the wife as a team and all the associated paperwork/pictures proofing you are married/still married, still living together, etc...etc...etc."