Can I change from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand without canceling my marriage visa first?

Aug 4, 2022
2 years ago
Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am on a marriage visa. I would like to change to retirement visa. Some people tell me I need to go to Chiang Mai and cancel the marriage visa then apply for retirement. I disagree. I think when I change to retirement then my marriage visa will automatically be finished and my retirement visa will take over. Am I correct?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about changing from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand, questioning whether it is necessary to cancel the marriage visa at a Chiang Mai office or if the retirement visa would automatically replace it. Comments from other users indicated that it is possible to change the visa type at the renewal time by altering the reason for the extension of stay directly, without needing to cancel the marriage visa first. However, it was clarified that the marriage visa does not cancel automatically and must be addressed in the application process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Dave *********
Why is a retirement visa better or Prefered over a marriage visa? Advantages/disadvantages? Thanks
Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ********
Retirement visa: you control your life. Marriage visa: your wife controls your life.
Antoine ********
@Terry *******
But it's harder to work legally with a retirement visa.
Terry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antoine *******
impossible
Antoine ********
@Terry *******
I met a visa agent and he said there are some loopholes.
Paul *******
@Antoine *******
Not sure if you can legally work on a retirement visa no matter the circumstances. By that I mean, you can't qualify for a work permit on a retirement visa. On a marriage visa you can.
Steve *******
You need to do the process in one hit. Change your extention of stay from marriage to retirement. Your marriage extention wont cancel automatically.
Steve **********
I did exactly what you want to do. I waited until renewal time for my extension and simply changed the reason from “Marriage to a Thai” to “retirement”. Easy as can be.
Stuart *********
Are you a visa (as in sticker in passport or eVisa) or an extension of stay based on marriage?
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