Can I apply for a 1-year extension of stay based on marriage if my bank funds may not meet the 3-month requirement?

Question

I visited Chiang Mai immigration today to ask some questions about a 1 year extension of stay based on marriage, but the volunteer I spoke to didn't seem too sure, so thought I'd check here.

I'm currently on a 1 year multiple entry non-O based on marriage which I got from Savanakhet & this will be my first 1 year extension.

I put the 400k in my Thai bank on July 1st. I believe this means I can apply on September 1st. Although the volunteer mentioned because it's my first extension of stay, the money may need to be in my bank for 3 months rather than 2. Can anyone confirm this?

My current visa expires on September 3rd but my last entry stamp is valid until September 26th.

I have the option to do a border bounce before September 3rd to get another 90 days, but I'd rather not do that unless it's absolutely necessary.

The wife and I were planning on applying for the visa at CM immigration on September 6th.

As long as we have all the correct paperwork, are we likely to run into any issues with this timeframe? (especially if they say the money needs to be in the bank for 3 months rather than 2).

Should there be any issues when we apply, would I be able to extend my current stay past September 26th at immigration?

Final question: My wife changed her surname to mine a few months after we registered the marriage last year. She has a certificate for this which I will include in the application. Do we need to update our original marriage certificate (which has her old name) or is it fine as it is?

I just want to make sure I've got everything in order before applying. Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on the requirements and timeline for applying for a 1-year extension of stay based on marriage, as their current visa expires soon. They have deposited 400,000 baht in a Thai bank and are concerned about differing advice regarding how long the money needs to be in the account. The discussion includes confirmation that the funds need to be held for only two months when applying, the process following the application, the importance of updating marriage documentation to reflect the wife's name change, and reassurance about possible flexibility from immigration if issues arise during the application.

Jeremy ************ · Answer

Just to let you know our experience. A year or two ago, we had some paperwork, that they would not accept (we only extended our lease for 6 months, as we were planning on moving, and apparently, they wanted a year). Anyway, because of this, they extended my visa temporarily for 1 month, while we sorted everything out. So, while I think you should be fine, some peace of mind is that they often will work with you, to help you, if you don't have all your ducks in a row, and are not looking to kick you out of the country.

Mike ****** · Answer

Every office has its own requirements, in addition to the laid down requirements for instance I have to have a Thai witness to my application, and I have to submit his/her details and copy his house book.  Additionally I have to produce a bank book with 100,000 baht in it, which I am informed is increasing to 200,000B this year.  So my advice pay them a visit and ask for all details prior to application

Kim ********* · Answer

don't worry about the length of stay - no border bounce needed. I applied august 1 and got the under consideration stamp. Later I saw that I should come back October 1 and my entry stamp said I had to leave September 1. I was quite nervous and contacted immi. No worries - no overstay because of the stamp. This was also confirmed in this group. A visa is an entry permission and is expired when it is shown to immi at entry and replaced with a permission to stay - that's my understanding from this group. So no worries 😊

Kim ********* · Answer

ask for a list of requirements for your extension - I got mine in Udon Thani and I suppose they all have. My wife changed her surname too after the marriage but she didn't change the name in the blue book which had her late mother's name. When I applied for 1 years extension my wife was told to change the name in the blue book. We were told we could just send a photo to them on Line 👍 Very kind of them. Some of the photos they were not happy with. We could also send new photos from Line 😊

Tod ********* · Answer

I can confirm that volunteer didn't know what they were talking about

You need to have the 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months on the date you apply for the extension.

So if you're applying on the 6th of Sept you needed to have the funds in by July 5th

They will ADD the year extension on to your current expiration date. You will apply, pay the 1900baht, get a 30 day under consideration stamp, then go back on that date to get the year extension inked in.

You need to update the Kor Ror 2 (the form type marriage certificate) at the Amphur for 20baht,  (and that should have her new name on it).

They should have given you a hand out listing the photos you need, the copies, bank letter, updated bank book, etc

This is a general list of the requirements needed to get a yearly extension based on marriage, it is NOT immigration office specific but covers most of what can be asked for

Can I apply for a 1-year extension of stay based on marriage if my bank funds may not meet the 3-month requirement?

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