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What visa options are available for foreigners married to Thai citizens who frequently travel to Thailand?

Visa Options Non-O Visa Marriage Visa Visa Exemption Extending Stay in Thailand Re-Entry Permit

Feb 18, 2025

5 days ago

Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good day. 

I am married to a Thai person and we stay about 6 months in Thailand and the rest of the time in my country of residence. We normally break up these stays to periods of 2 to 3 months at a time. So we do quite a bit of traveling. 

My question: is there any visa that I should apply for or should I just enter on a tourist visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A foreigner married to a Thai citizen and traveling frequently to Thailand has several visa options. The Non-Immigrant O visa is recommended as it allows for an initial 90-day entry, with the possibility of extending it for one year along with a re-entry permit, avoiding issues with multiple visa-free entries. Meanwhile, continuous use of the visa exemption program is also a valid strategy, although it may lead to scrutiny at immigration after several entries.

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4 days ago

Geoffrey *******

I have been coming in and out of Thailand for the last 2 years on a visa exemption and they questioned me last time I came in about why I didn't have a visa. I just told them I don't live in Thailand.

5 days ago

Graham ******

I do something similar with stays in Thailand of just under 90 days and stays "at home" of just over 90 days. I do this with a Non-O marriage Visa as this does not require proof of onward travel to fly/enter and does not require a visit to Immigration for an extension. This is the most effective use of my resources and costs in my opinion.

5 days ago

Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

thank you

5 days ago

Tod *********

@Graham *****

good option for the O/P as well (y)

@Paul **********

you COULD indeed get the 90 day single entry Non-O visa from the thai consulate in your country before you come here. That would stamp you in for 90 days when you arrive

Nicholas *********

thank you.

Graham ******

Graham ******

General requirements below but always get the local list from Immigration as it can vary from one to another

5 days ago

Nicholas *********

@Tod ********

what are the requirements for 1 year extension after entering on 90 day.

5 days ago

Tod *********

@Nicholas ********

for marriage or for retirement?

5 days ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

Alternative is the Non Immigrant O visa to start with, get 90 days on entry, apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay with a Re-Entry Permit as that is specially designed for foreigners married to Thai citizens. At least you know that no questions will be asked at entry points about the multiple visa free entries each and every year.

You can apply year after year for a new 1 year Extension of Stay, as long as you can meet the requirements.

5 days ago

Tod *********

I doubt you're entering on any visa, and most likely you just show up and get stamped in free on the visa exempt entry program

With only that much stay in thailand you shouldn't have any issue coming in free stamp (visa exempt) for 60 days, take the one 30 day extension if you want, then travel and get a new free 60 day visa exempt entry when you come back.

That should work.

5 days ago

Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you.

5 days ago

Richard **************

@Paul **********

remember you would get a 60 day extension (not just 30 days) to your visa exemption entry as you are married to a Thai Lady.

5 days ago

Reply to

Richard **************