Maybe it is time to think about getting married? With this, you will eliminate a large hassle that is the perpetual 'visa question'......If you have an idea and some capital, you and your 'wife' can start a business. You will hear a lot of naysayers and "can't do' types on this forum (for whatever reason, I think a lot of it is jealousy or past failures that they project on to others, whatever)...if you are good with language and feel you could be a great tutor, maybe think about opening up a small 'language center'...that is what my wife and I do. We aren't getting rich, but it pays the bills. Just brainstorm some ideas, know that you have to have some money to make it happen, but don't let any of the resident degenerates on this page tell you it's impossible...Good luck!

@Mark *********

given the types I meet here, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest...

@Cris *****

yup

@Sarick *********

and they are right to worry, I know at least 10 Thais in the US that went on tourist visas, got jobs and have overstayed for years..

@Andreas ********

or you use an "agency" to figure this part out. But, honestly, that seems a little shady..

where does this idea come from that if people move to Thailand, suddenly everything will be great? Some people really wear rose colored glasses it seems. Life is tough in Thailand too, please spare us the bit about it being a paradise all the time.

@Jeffrey ***********

smart move.

Short answer: No. Long answer: Yes, but you have to be employed in Thailand as well. If you are a holder of a Non O Visa and extensions, a work holder of a work permit for three consecutive years you can apply for citizenship. But, you must acquire 50 out of 100 points, which are allocated on things like: Income and tax, knowledge of the language, education, time on a yellow book, knowledge of Thailand, age etc. Remember, where you lack points in one category, you can make up for in others. For example, you cannot speak much Thai at all, but if you hold an advanced degree and make 100,000 plus baht a month, you have yourself like 45 points right there. If you play your cards right, it can be done, don't listen to the naysayers, and those that are laughing at you on this page....but it's not as simple as just getting married.

@Ian **********

I cannot answer those questions sorry. I will say though, that if you want a work permit, you will need to find the job first.

@Ian **********

I mean, to get a work permit, you will need a job. I guess you can use an agency to "Hook you Up" but I really dont know how legit that is. Other options would be. Education Visa, Get married to a Thai, get an elite visa (shelling out big money) or, well that's about it. But honestly, don't listen to the people that tell you it's impossible, everyone I know that has wanted to stay in Thailand long term has figured out how. Where there is a will, there is a way my friend. That being said, don't limit your options, there are plenty of other wonderful countries in SE Asia that you could probably find an easier way to stay in Long term, some of these other countries are far more welcoming to long term stays as well...