It is often the case that a person who initially only wants to tour Thailand eventually ends up wanting to stay longer. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why. Its tropical climate, lovely beaches, interesting culture, vibrant economy, and friendly people make Thailand a true paradise and this is why thousands of foreign expatriates have made Thailand their second home.

Interestingly, Thailand's visa and immigration policies seem to have been drafted in such a way that the possibility of tourists wanting to remain in Thailand has been taken into consideration. If you are planning a visit to the" Land of Smiles", it is important to know which kind of Thailand visa you should apply for. If you fell in love with the place, you do not have to leave your heart in Thailand because there are visas that can make your stay legal. Below are the different kinds of Thailand visas available:

1. Tourist Visa

A love affair with Thailand usually starts off with a Thailand Tourist Visa. If you are a citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia or other western countries, you can apply for a 60-day tourist visa. This visa can be extended for another 30 days when you get to Thailand giving you a total of 90 days.

2. Thailand Retirement Visa

If you are at least 50 years old and can prove that you are financially capable of supporting yourself in Thailand, you are eligible to apply for a retirement visa. You need to present either a monthly pension of 65,000 THB or 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. The best way to go about this is to apply for a 90-day non-immigrant "O" visa in your home country and convert it to a one year Thailand Retirement Visa when you get to Thailand.

3. Thailand Marriage Visa

If you marry a Thai national and want to start a new life in Thailand, you first need to make sure that your marriage has been registered in the Civil Registry in Thailand. The other requirements include the Thai ID card of your spouse and household registration. You also need to establish your financial capability to support yourself by showing proof of either a monthly income of 40,000 THB or 400,000THB in a Thai Bank. Just like in the case of retirees, if you plan to marry your Thai fiance or fiancee, the best thing to do is to apply for a 90-day non-immigrant "O" Thai visa in your home country before going to Thailand. You can extend your visa to a one year Thailand visa two (2) months after arriving in Thailand.

4. Thailand Business Visa

If you plan to invest or put up a business in Thailand, you have to get a Thailand business visa. The best way to go about this is to apply for the one year multiple entry Thaielite visa while you are still in your home country. This visa will allow you to go in and out of Thailand for an unlimited number of times. Each entry gives you 90 days of stay. If you want a visa that will enable you to stay longer without having to leave, you can apply for an extension of stay. You will be allowed a year of uninterrupted stay. For this you need to present pertinent financial documents and Thai company documents as well.