as it says in the heading, what is the best option for a long term visa for me, consulate in dublin is due to open on 2 jan 2015 so i want to know in advance what the best option is for me. i am 47 yr old, married to thai with children to her. i have money in bank to show though i do not have a monthly income from work or a pension. i have only savings in thai banks.

thai visa options are a minefield so sorry but there seems to be many options to stay long term . i think ED visa is out of the question as i hear and read that immigration is making life tough for ED visa holders though i would like to go that route and study and learn thai at least it will help me fill my days and keep me occupied so i think i would enjoy the challenge of the ED visa route.

Get a non-O 'marriage' visa. It will give you up to 12 or 15 months and you can re-apply every year.

You can get a multiple entry non-o visa at the consulate with no financial proof. You would have to do a border run every 90 days for a new entry.

You could apply for a one year extension of stay based upon marriage at immigration. You will would need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 60 days or proof of 40k baht income.

Yep, non-O based on marriage is your best option. You actually don't have so many choices so are lucky to have that option at all. You will need a copy of your marriage certificate, copy of her ID and possibly passport. No financials needs for this option. Your alternative would be to go for an extension of stay based upon marriage here, avoids the need for 90 day country exits but does involve a lot more effort to get in the 1st place and has a financial requirement.

I doubt the challenge of an ED visa would be enjoyable for that long, if you really want to learn Thai I am sure somewhere will teach you without the visa thing.

If you go for the 90 day leave/re-entry on the O visa, be careful of your passport, you will use up pages quickly with Visa stickers.

Laos as an example is a full page sticker every time.

just a thought.

just read this on thai consulate visa page about applying for a non ( o ) based on marriage. though i am travelling alone, she will not accompany me. please see link i have pasted below.

• My spouse is a Thai National and we are planning to visit his/her family for more than 60 days. Can I obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa?Answer

  Yes. You need to submit a copy of your marriage certificate along and a copy of your spouse’s current passport with your application for a visa.

You don't have to prove she will be with you. She could be traveling after you.

You don't have to be on an ED Visa to study. You can do that on a Non O.

You might check to make sure the consulate is open on the 2nd.

They are usually closed on Thai holidays, of which the 2nd is one.

I just got non-O visa in the USA (married to a Thai) and though it was approved, the consulate sent me a letter stating that a new law that supposedly went into effect as of today (Jan 1) requires anyone wanting a non-O visa to physically apply in person at a consulate or embassy. Maybe not a burden for most, but a long trip for others.

Your travel plans and expected stays in Thailand certainly seem to change from month to month and thread to thread.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786493-how-can-i-stay-in-los-now-for-3-months-with-an-irish-passport/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777022-fast-visa-to-stay-6-months/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/785392-dual-irishuk-citizen-long-stay-visa-needed-which-is-best/

Might be a little difficult getting an extension of stay based on marriage if you plan on staying in a "cheap room" in Pattaya (alone??) that you asked about in one of your threads.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786496-cheap-room-central-area-3-months-stay/

Edited January 1, 201511 yr by Suradit69

I just got non-O visa in the USA (married to a Thai) and though it was approved, the consulate sent me a letter stating that a new law that supposedly went into effect as of today (Jan 1) requires anyone wanting a non-O visa to physically apply in person at a consulate or embassy. Maybe not a burden for most, but a long trip for others.

These are not laws but local "rules" with no consistency from a country to another. By the way, the OP is not in the US.

Edited January 1, 201511 yr by paz

I just got non-O visa in the USA (married to a Thai) and though it was approved, the consulate sent me a letter stating that a new law that supposedly went into effect as of today (Jan 1) requires anyone wanting a non-O visa to physically apply in person at a consulate or embassy. Maybe not a burden for most, but a long trip for others.

It would not be a law just a policy of the embassy in DC.

If that was from a honorary consulate that is nothing new. They have only been able to accept any visa application in person for over a year now. No mail in application can be done.