Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for the time to read this. Currently I am based in Glasgow, Scotland but originally I am from Dutch origin. I live here with my Chinese wife and we are moving to Thailand next year.

Her father and her are going to Thailand to purchase the land in Chiang Rai and to build a house. She will sort her own Visa. I will go to Thailand as well, and I know I can get a tourism visa, but my purpose is to stay and work. Currently I'm taking TEFL courses so I can teach in Chiang Rai, but our end goal is to set up our own business.

We still need to save up more before we are ready to set up our own company, so we want to just live there for a year, work and get to know the people more. (she has been studying there, and has loads of contacts, and so does her dad)

I will try to find a school to hire me before I go, but in the event that this is not working, what kind of Visa is the best for me to obtain before I go?

Thank you in advance for your time.

Unless your GF's father is Thai you wont be buying any land anywhere in Thailand, as only Thai's can legally own land.

I would suggest a double entry Tourist Visa, that will give you 6 months to start off, each entry is 60 days, and that can be extended by 30 days, so you have 60 + 30 x 2 = 6months.

I wouldnt worry too much about contacting schools before you arrive, far easier to do it on the ground when you are here.

Suggest apply to Hull for your Visa, can be done by post.

Edited October 27, 201114 yr by CharlieH

Until you find employment you will not qualify for any special visa so tourist visa (up to three entry) would be best (if doubtful of employment 3 entry).