Answered6 months ago
Can I change my education visa to a marriage visa using the 40,000 THB monthly income option without having 400,000 THB in the bank?
Hi, is it possible to change my education visa to a marriage visa based on 40k month option without putting 400k in the bank.
I have statements showing 40k going into my Thai bank for 12 months.
I have statements showing 40k going into my Thai bank for 12 months.
Answer summary
Yes, it is possible to change from an education visa to a marriage visa in Thailand using the 40,000 THB per month income option without having the 400,000 THB in the bank, provided certain conditions are met. You must prove a steady monthly income of at least 40,000 THB through 12 months of bank statements showing consistent deposits. The process requires an official letter from your educational institution confirming your study end date. Note that individual immigration offices may have varying requirements, and it's advisable to consult with your local immigration office for specific guidance.
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Seth ********
Finally a Good question, I think you can without the 400k based on your previous work and statements, geez I’m unsure now, interesting question
Sergio **********
Don't married you mistake,only trip to Thailand.
Richard *******
OPThank you all for your help
André **********
The short answer is yes, it is definitely possible, but there are a few bureaucratic details to keep in mind.
1. The Income Method (40k option)
You are correct that you can use monthly income instead of the 400,000 THB deposit.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
2. Changing from ED to Non-O (Marriage)
This part can be a bit technical depending on your location:
In-country conversion: You can usually apply for a "Change of Visa Status" at Immigration if you have at least 15 days left on your current stay.
The "Cancellation" Letter: Crucially, you must have an official letter from your school stating the exact date your studies end. You usually need to cancel the ED visa and apply for the Non-O on the same day.
3. Things to watch out for
Local Office Variations: Requirements can vary slightly between provinces (e.g., Bangkok vs. Phuket). It’s always wise to double-check with your specific local office.
The "Under Consideration" Period: Once you apply, you will typically get a 30-day "under consideration" stamp before the final one-year extension is granted. During this month, Immigration officers may conduct a home visit to verify you are living together.
In short: If you have those 12 months of 40k transfers clearly documented in your bank book, you are in a very good position to make the switch!
1. The Income Method (40k option)
You are correct that you can use monthly income instead of the 400,000 THB deposit.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
2. Changing from ED to Non-O (Marriage)
This part can be a bit technical depending on your location:
In-country conversion: You can usually apply for a "Change of Visa Status" at Immigration if you have at least 15 days left on your current stay.
The "Cancellation" Letter: Crucially, you must have an official letter from your school stating the exact date your studies end. You usually need to cancel the ED visa and apply for the Non-O on the same day.
3. Things to watch out for
Local Office Variations: Requirements can vary slightly between provinces (e.g., Bangkok vs. Phuket). It’s always wise to double-check with your specific local office.
The "Under Consideration" Period: Once you apply, you will typically get a 30-day "under consideration" stamp before the final one-year extension is granted. During this month, Immigration officers may conduct a home visit to verify you are living together.
In short: If you have those 12 months of 40k transfers clearly documented in your bank book, you are in a very good position to make the switch!
Graham ******
@André *********
stop pushing this narrative, the 40k monthly transfer method is no longer allowed for new applications
Rob **********
Legally married? Or village married?
Terry *********
Rob Reynolds Many a true word spoken in jest...I'm sure there's a few out there that don't know the difference.
Graham ******
Rob Reynolds i.e. married or not 555
Rob **********
Graham Seal so true, unless you have the certificate, you ain’t married
Surasak ****************
If you marry with Thai woman, then you have Thai bank account with sum of 800,000B shown. The money is matter.
André **********
Surasak Siripoonyothai you can use monthly income instead of the 400,000 THB deposit.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
Alistair *******
@André *********
again, my Immigration Office in Ubon Ratchathani have made it very clear…I must meet the 40,000 baht monthly income requirement AND have a balance of 400,000 baht in my bank account.André **********
Alistair Grant
That is simply not correct; there haven't been any changes to the national regulations. According to the official Police Order
If the Ubon Immigration office is demanding both, it is strictly a local interpretation or an arbitrary requirement specific to that branch. It’s a well-known phenomenon that individual offices in Thailand sometimes invent their own "extra rules," but that doesn't make it a national law. The rest of the country still follows the standard "either/or" rule.
That is simply not correct; there haven't been any changes to the national regulations. According to the official Police Order
********
, the requirement for a Marriage Extension remains either a bank balance of 400,000 THB or a monthly income of 40,000 THB.If the Ubon Immigration office is demanding both, it is strictly a local interpretation or an arbitrary requirement specific to that branch. It’s a well-known phenomenon that individual offices in Thailand sometimes invent their own "extra rules," but that doesn't make it a national law. The rest of the country still follows the standard "either/or" rule.
Graham ******
@André *********
stop pushing this narrative, the 40k monthly transfer method is no longer allowed for new applications
Juan *********
Graham Seal I was at immigration yesterday, 40k baht a month is still a thing.
Stephen ******
Graham Seal you stop, you don't know shit
André **********
Graham Seal
Graham, you are unfortunately mistaken. The 40,000 THB monthly income method is still very much a valid option for Non-O (Marriage) visa extensions according to the official regulations.
The Facts:
The legal basis is found in Royal Thai Police Order No.
A security deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank.
OR an average monthly income of at least 40,000 THB.
Why you might be confused:
The reason some people think it’s "gone" is that several embassies (like the UK, USA, and Sweden) stopped issuing Income Affidavits.
Because of this, the proof is now strictly on the applicant to show 12 months of Thai bank statements clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad. The method is NOT disallowed for new applications; it just requires a different type of proof (bank book records instead of an embassy letter).
You can find the official criteria here:
Order of the Royal Thai Police No.
(See page 14, section 2.18)
t’s important not to spread misinformation that might confuse people who are planning their move based on the actual law.
Graham, you are unfortunately mistaken. The 40,000 THB monthly income method is still very much a valid option for Non-O (Marriage) visa extensions according to the official regulations.
The Facts:
The legal basis is found in Royal Thai Police Order No.
********
, under section 2.18. It explicitly states that the applicant must meet ONE of the following financial criteria:A security deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank.
OR an average monthly income of at least 40,000 THB.
Why you might be confused:
The reason some people think it’s "gone" is that several embassies (like the UK, USA, and Sweden) stopped issuing Income Affidavits.
Because of this, the proof is now strictly on the applicant to show 12 months of Thai bank statements clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad. The method is NOT disallowed for new applications; it just requires a different type of proof (bank book records instead of an embassy letter).
You can find the official criteria here:
Order of the Royal Thai Police No.
********
(See page 14, section 2.18)
*******************************************
%20Bureau%20order%*****
-2557%20(2014)%20-%20extension%20criteria%20&%20conditions%20en.pdf?hl=sv-SEt’s important not to spread misinformation that might confuse people who are planning their move based on the actual law.
PeacefulSe**********
400.000
AB ******
You need to secure 400K in your bank account first. It's non negotiable.
Stephen ******
AB n C totally wrong, I've never had that much here
Graham ******
Mark Wright 40k transfers per month is not allowed for new applications
Mark ********
Graham Seal you might want to tell immigration bro, they still allow it! The only thing that changed is some embassies stopped giving the letters, but you can still prove it with statements. And remember it's Thailand, every immigration centre and individual officers can tell you something different.
André **********
Graham Seal Yes it is!! Have you read my tread i sent to you??
Dany ********
Graham Seal source? „trust
me bro“? 🤣
me bro“? 🤣
André **********
AB n C you can use monthly income instead of the 400,000 THB deposit.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
Daniel *********
@André *********
The 60k a month has to be earned by the foreigner in Thailand it is not recognised coming from abroad went through this 3 days ago the 400k can come from anywhere as long as it has been in your Thai account for 2 months
John **********
@André *********
this is no longer accepted by an increasing number of immigration offices. They want to see that monthly income earned inside Thailand, of course it's not possible to earn any income in Thailand on an ED visa
Denis *********
@An***
. Totally agree with you.John **********
@André *********
no misunderstanding, some immigration offices allow it, more and more do not. Those that don't allow it want that 40k per month to come from the person working in Thailand and the only alternative is 400k baht in ones bank account 2 months before applying for the extension of stay.Graham ******
@André *********
only if you've been doing that for a number of years will you be allowed to continue to use that method (known as grandfathering) but they will not accept new applications with that method of financial proofAndré **********
@John *********
That's not the case for me anyway. I have my pension deposited from Sweden to my Thai bank and it should specifically state that it comes from abroad and into my account every month. It must be at least 40,000 baht and then to get a 1-year extension the money must have been coming in there for at least 12 months in a row. How else should a temporary resident get a 1-year extension if the money has to come from Thailand, i.e. through a job or similar? How should all pensioners do that? That's not correct or we have misunderstood each other.André **********
AB n C wrong!! He can do this..
John **********
That will depend on your immigration office. An increasing number of immigration offices will only allow the 40k per month option if it is from money earned inside Thailand so you need to speak to them. If you are on an extension of stay based on education you should be able to cancel that and immediately apply for one based on marriage if they will accept that, but you also need to have been married for a number of months
Stephen ******
@John *********
no it's only allowed from outside Thailand silly
Hartmut *******
Stephen Cruz Why are you arguing? He should just ask at his immigration office! His wife is Thai and can easily inquire. What's accepted in one province might not be valid in another. Anyone who relies on the "experts" here will quickly find themselves in trouble and be deported.
Greg ***********
Stephen Cruz you are wrong and silly
Marianne ********
On this one I would ask your local Immigration Office.
Not sure how they all deal with going from Non-ED to Non-O, if at all possible.
Not sure how they all deal with going from Non-ED to Non-O, if at all possible.
James ************
Yes. Its possible
Graham ******
James Vanderwall but highly improbable
James ************
Graham Seal no. Its easy. Just starting over from new.
James ************
But I believe you would have to do a 90 day non o to start. And have witnesses, certain pics. Etc.
Peter ********
I don’t think so. 400.000 is only 10.500 euro.
André **********
Peter Slaman you can use monthly income instead of the 400,000 THB deposit.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
The Requirement: You need to prove a steady income of at least 40,000 THB per month.
The Proof: Since many embassies no longer issue income affidavits, the standard procedure is to show 12 months of Thai bank statements (your bank book) clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad of at least 40k.
Graham ******
@André *********
but hardly any Immigration Offices accept the 40k monthly transfers for any extensionAndré **********
Will Den You don't have 400,000 baht I suspect but have at least 40,000 baht a month from England in retirement?
Will *****
@André *********
How can I show 12 months Thai bank statements.Married to Thai lady. Both of us living in UK together.Going to retire to Thailand from UK.
Apply for 90 day visa on line. Within the three months open Thai bank account in my sole name. Apply for marriage visa.
Question.
How do I show 12 months of statement to prove I meet the fresh hold? Only been here 3 months.
What am I missing ?
Alistair *******
@André *********
I had to prove a monthly income of 40,000 baht AND 400,000 baht in my bank account to get my Non-Immigrant “O” Visa in Vietnam recently.My local Immigration Office in Ubon Ratchathani have told me I will have to meet both financial requirements to get my initial marriage visa and to get a renewal in 12 months time.
This is the problem with Thai Immigration Law. The law says one thing, but the Immigration offices have their own different requirements.
Stephen ******
Graham Seal Bangkok also
Stephen ******
Graham Seal Hua Hin does
Stephen ******
Graham Seal I'm
***
, maybe they just don't like youAndré **********
Graham Seal Graham, you are unfortunately mistaken. The 40,000 THB monthly income method is still very much a valid option for Non-O (Marriage) visa extensions according to the official regulations.
The Facts:
The legal basis is found in Royal Thai Police Order No.
A security deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank.
OR an average monthly income of at least 40,000 THB.
Why you might be confused:
The reason some people think it’s "gone" is that several embassies (like the UK, USA, and Sweden) stopped issuing Income Affidavits.
Because of this, the proof is now strictly on the applicant to show 12 months of Thai bank statements clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad. The method is NOT disallowed for new applications; it just requires a different type of proof (bank book records instead of an embassy letter).
You can find the official criteria here:
Order of the Royal Thai Police No.
(See page 14, section 2.18)
The Facts:
The legal basis is found in Royal Thai Police Order No.
********
, under section 2.18. It explicitly states that the applicant must meet ONE of the following financial criteria:A security deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank.
OR an average monthly income of at least 40,000 THB.
Why you might be confused:
The reason some people think it’s "gone" is that several embassies (like the UK, USA, and Sweden) stopped issuing Income Affidavits.
Because of this, the proof is now strictly on the applicant to show 12 months of Thai bank statements clearly displaying monthly transfers from abroad. The method is NOT disallowed for new applications; it just requires a different type of proof (bank book records instead of an embassy letter).
You can find the official criteria here:
Order of the Royal Thai Police No.
********
(See page 14, section 2.18)
*******************************************
%20Bureau%20order%*****
-2557%20(2014)%20-%20extension%20criteria%20&%20conditions%20en.pdf?hl=sv-SEGraham ******
@André *********
So Phichit is one of the very few that still accept it, most will not which is why it should not be promoted as a means to meet the financial requirements.André **********
Graham Seal
Yes they do because that is the requirement if you are married to a Thai and have a NoN O visa (married) and want to extend it to a 1 year extension. That or an income letter from your embassy but now the Swedish embassy is going to stop with them in October then you have to show what I wrote instead, that is, deposited at least 40,000 baht a month for 12 months you get an extract from your Thai bank and show that money comes in every month. I know that because I have both read it and asked at the immigration office in Phichit
Yes they do because that is the requirement if you are married to a Thai and have a NoN O visa (married) and want to extend it to a 1 year extension. That or an income letter from your embassy but now the Swedish embassy is going to stop with them in October then you have to show what I wrote instead, that is, deposited at least 40,000 baht a month for 12 months you get an extract from your Thai bank and show that money comes in every month. I know that because I have both read it and asked at the immigration office in Phichit
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