Can I cancel my non-immigrant visa and apply for an in-country extension in Thailand?

Jun 2, 2023
2 years ago
Brian ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a Brit on a ME non imm wife visa I got in Savannakhet last year. I am due to do my third border bounce in a few weeks.

I have recently moved from BKK to Kanchanaburi. And as far as I can see my nearest border is Ban Laem. So to avoid the hassle of a 6 hour each way drive I am wondering if it is possible to cancel this visa and apply for an in country visa at the local immigration office

If it is what do I need to do?

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Brit currently holding a non-immigrant ME (marriage) visa is inquiring about the possibility of canceling his visa and applying for an in-country extension instead, due to the inconvenience of traveling for border runs. Respondents explained that while a visa cannot be canceled, one can apply for an extension based on marriage at the local immigration office, provided they meet the requirements, including maintaining sufficient funds in a bank account for a two-month period prior to application.
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Paul *******
Not a big deal. Make a trip out of it. If you have the funds you could extend it at your local immigration office but the wife (if she works) will need to take a day off work as she is required to go there with you.
Terry **********
Why you doing border bounce if you on Non O Visa?
Graham ******
@Terry *********
Because that particular visa gives you 90 days per entry
Terry **********
Vernon *********
Phu Nam Ron border should be opening soon, perfect if you live in Kanchanaburi. If Phu Nam Ron closed at the moment you can use Ranong border.
Paul *******
The Nation is reporting that the BGF might even force the closure of both bridges between Mae Sot and Myawady, in retaliation for the Thai side cutting power to Shwe Kokko scam city. Therefore, even locals might find themselves being unable to legally cross the border there soon.
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
I doubt it, the situation in Myanmar is still quite critical. I can't see them opening that border anytime soon. Perhaps they might for in-out border runs but definitely not for trips to Dawei as there is fighting along the way.

Still, with Mae Sot closed to foreigners once again, I can't see either border reopening to foreigners for the rest of the year. I'd be very very surprised if they did.
Vernon *********
@Brian *******
Mae Sot another possibility but long drive. Give Kanchanaburi Immigration office a ring, they will advise you on when Phu Nam Ron border will open.
Brian ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vernon ********
Phu Nam Ron is only about an hour away, have you heard what date they plan to reopen?

Ranong is an 8.5 hour drive, so Ban Laem on Cambodian border is closed.

Thanks for info
Brandon ************
You cannot cancel a visa.

You can apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on marriage at your local immigration office. You'd need to meet all requirements including the money in the bank for 2 full months before applying.

If you don't already have 400,000 in your bank account then you're going to have to do another border bounce to give you time to let the money season before you can apply for the extension.
Brian ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon Thurkettle

I am on an out of country visa at the moment because 1 pension payment arrived late last year because of a Thai bank holiday and CW refused to extend my visa. Neither could I apply for a new in country visa for the same reason.

I now have 12 months of consecutive B40k+ deposits to show. Can I use that and apply for a 1 year extension now, rather than waiting for my current visa to run out. I'm roughly half way through the current visa.
Brandon ************
Brian Cooley I don't know if marriage is the same as retirement but for retirement you cannot apply for the initial visa or for the first 1 year extension using monthly transfers, you must use the banked money method and then for year 2 you can use monthly transfers. So you'd need to ask immigration of they will accept that.

But either way you're already on a non-O so you cannot get a non-O inside the country. And if you leave and re-enter they're going to use your multiple entry non-O. You can try asking at the border if they can just stamp you in as a tourist but I'm not sure if immigration would sell you a non-O when you have a valid one in your passport already.
Brian ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks for the reply, I've got to visit immigration next week for a residence document, I'll ask when I'm there
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