I plan on staying in Thailand for a long time..I receive a small pension from the military but I fail to qualify for a retirement visa as Im 31 years of age..

with *only* the total cost in mind would it be cheaper for me to stay in Thailand on:

marriage visa

education visa

or

tourist visa

thank you so much guys

1. Are you married to a Thai national?

2. What is your nationality?

3. Are you currently in your home country, ie for the visa application?

If you are married to a Thai and intend to remain in Thailand for a long time, IMHO, obtaining a single entry Non-O visa and extending it yearly for marriage is your cheapest and best option. 2000 baht for the visa and 1900 baht for the yearly extensions with no border runs required, only 90 day address reports that can now be done via the internet.

Of course there's the added cost of being married and I wouldn't do it just to save money on the visa.

If not married, Ed. Visa. Consider also the cost of not learning Thai, if you intend to stay in Thailand. The language is something you will have for a lifetime.