Can anyone neatly summarize the requirements for each of these, and which is the easiest to get?

Actually, since I'm still working, I tried to get a Marriage Visa last time, and the girl said I didn't meet their requirements - I think it was financial - so do I want a Retirement Visa? (Had to be financial.)

Of course I said yes but have been a bit worried about continuing to work with this visa, and I'm due to renew it now, and wonder if I should try for a Marriage again?

Is the financial requirement more? Or what? I know for Retirement it must be 800K, either in the bank or combined with monthly income.

What about the Marriage? And why does it seem tougher?

And what would happen if I am busted for working on a Retirement Visa? What might that penalty be, I wonder?

Hate this anxiety-prone time of year. After having lived here over 2 decades, married with kids, a co., a doctorate, and even a dog, I'm treated like, well, you know...the latter!

But enough complaining for now. The price of being where we wanna be! Who makes these laws anyway? I mean, who exactly?

I hear you, Dude, and I know it can be tricky sometimes, sometimes an ordeal, and sometimes a walk in the park - IMHO, the anxiety comes from never knowing what it will be next time.

If I were you, I'd try for the "marriage" visa. It takes less money - last time it was 400K total vs. 800K total for retirement. (Someone correct me if this has changed.)

I might tell the official that I'm thinking about working next year, and want to be legal.

Have all the requisite paperwork, copies of bankbook, letter from bank, marriage cerificate, thabien ban, ID card, copies of passport, TM, old visa, and take your wife.

Go mid-week around 9:30 - 10:00 am. Less people, and the staff will be relatively fresh. (Take some donuts if you're feeling obsequious - I've seen it done, and it certainly didn't hurt!)

Of course, dress nicely, be cool & polite, and it should be smooth sailing.

Let us know how it goes. They seem to be mellower these days now that they're seeing far less people - since the UT folks now use the Immigration Office there.

Chok dee, Dude!

This should sum it up pretty well, courtesy of Lopburi3, the most valued source of visa info that I have ever known.

1. Marriage requires wife be with your, her ID/Home register, photo, marriage certificate and ledger copy and two trips to Immigration. 400k in bank or 40k income. No combination.

2. Retirement you know.

3. If you are working without a work permit it does not matter as you will be in serious trouble if someone reports you and they decide to take action. But on marriage you could apply for a work permit if job allows.

Thanks for the information, I'm so happy that my employer covers most of my visa needs.

Speaking of which, I had better get back to work