Best visa for 4 months stay after marrying Thai girlfriend

[Karlo]

I am needing some advice what are my best options regarding visas to stay in Thailand for 4 months. I plan to arrive in Thailand mid March and after 26 days get married in Bangkok and then fly out to Cambodia for one weeks honeymoon. Then return back to Thailand where I want to stay a further 3 months before leaving Thailand.... And will return back to Thailand about one month later... Stay a further 3-4 months leave Thailand for one month and return again for 3-4 months and repeat this cycle for about one year. I am over 50 yrs old and have sufficient finances to meet the retirement visa requirements, but at this time I am reluctant to put a large sum of money into a Thai bank but have a sufficient monthly income to meet the requirements. Any constructive advice as to least hassle options would be appreciated.

[ubonjoe]

After you get married you could get a single entry non-o visa at the embassy in Phnom Phen that would give you a 90 day entry.

With your travel plans it might be best after your honeymoon trip to go to the consulate Savannakhet Laos to get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage that would allow unlimited 90 entries for a year. They ask for no financial proof to get the visa.

You could also apply for a one year extension of stay based upon marriage by showing 400k baht in the bank for 2 months or proof of 40k baht income.. But not sure you would have enough time to get it done before your planned trip out of the country after getting the non-o visa during your honeymoon.

You could get a 60 day extension of the entry from the non-o visa, obtain a re-entry permit and then apply for the extension on your return.

[elviajero]

You have a few options. Here are a couple.

1. As you are over 50 and plan to come and go after the initial 4 months you could apply for a multiple entry non 'O-A' visa from your home country before coming to Thailand.

• That would allow you to come and go as often as you want for 1 year.
• Each entry gives a 1 year permit to stay.
• An entry just before the visa expires would give you a new 1 year stay. You can still come and go during that 2nd year by buying a re-entry permit on each exit (1,000 baht). Multiple entry re-entry permit is available for 3,800 baht.
• You need to show 800k baht equivalent in your foreign bank OR a income of 65k baht pm OR a combination of the two.
• No Thai bank account needed.
• You can apply for a 1 year extension of stay, based on marriage or retirement, within the last 30/45 days of any permit to stay.

2. Enter Thailand with a single entry tourist visa.

• You will be granted a 60 day stay on entry.
• Before leaving for Cambodia you could buy a re-entry permit for 1,000 baht. On return from Cambodia the IO will use the re-entry permit and grant you a stay for the balance of your original 60 days.
• Towards the end of the 60 days (if married) you can apply for a 60 day extension (1,900 baht) to visit your wife. A 30 day extension is also available on the basis of tourism for the same cost.
• When you return to your home country you can get a non 'O-A' visa (1.) OR apply for a multiple entry non 'O' visa based on marriage.
• A non 'O' visa is valid for 1 year. Max stay per entry is 90 days. Each entry can be extended by 60 days (if married). If fully utilised, the visa plus a 60 day extension of stay, can give you nearly 17 months before needing a new visa or applying for a 1 year extension of stay (money in Thai bank).

[Karlo]

Thank you both for your time in giving me some sound advice.... The requirement of 65k baht monthly income is that before or after tax

[Eclipse]

Gross.

[sunnyjim5]

Thank you both for your time in giving me some sound advice.... The requirement of 65k baht monthly income is that before or after tax

Income is usually reported "gross" ie. before tax.

[elviajero]

Thank you both for your time in giving me some sound advice.... The requirement of 65k baht monthly income is that before or after tax

Common sense would suggest that it should be net income, but there is nothing in the rules to discount using the gross figure.

• When applying for a visa the consular official will use whatever income certificate you supply.
• When applying for an extension of stay your income is certified by your embassy, but the affidavit will not mention whether or not the income is gross/net. So whatever figures you show the embassy will be used on the affidavit.

[sunnyjim5]

Thank you both for your time in giving me some sound advice.... The requirement of 65k baht monthly income is that before or after tax

Common sense would suggest that it should be net income, but there is nothing in the rules to discount using the gross figure.

• When applying for a visa the consular official will use whatever income certificate you supply.
• When applying for an extension of stay your income is certified by your embassy, but the affidavit will not mention whether or not the income is gross/net. So whatever figures you show the embassy will be used on the affidavit.

The British Embassy quote the gross figure which must be evidenced .

I have personally witnessed those who when challenged by an IO, are unable to support what is claimed in an affidavit.