Can I change my retirement visa to a marriage visa in Thailand after marrying my Thai partner?

March 22, 2019
6 years ago
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. can anybody tell me if I can change my retirement visa , if I marry my thai partner , at my next visa renewal to a marriage visa in january ... currently have 600000 bht in thai bank...what procedure would be and relevant documents...thank you..
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the possibility of converting their retirement visa to a marriage visa upon marrying their Thai partner. The discussion confirms that it is possible to change the reason for the extension of stay during the next renewal. Important notes include gathering the required documents from the immigration office and the possibility of a home visit during the 30-day consideration period for the application. The community also addresses concerns regarding same-sex marriages and clarifies the distinction between visa types and extensions.
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Tod *********
Okay seeing as thailand doesn't recognize same sex marriages (at least as far as anyone getting a visa/extension based on one) let's just go under the premise that their "thai partner" is indeed a female.

As has been pointed out, you haven't been on ANY visa for the last 3 years (if you've been going to the immigration office to get the stamps) you have been on a yearly extension of stay.

Be that as it may, other posters have correctly pointed out that when your current extension is going to expire and you go to apply for new yearly extension you CAN indeed change the reason for that extension from one based on being over 50 (retirement) to one based on being married to a thai.

I would recommend as soon as you come back into the country with your thai wife that you both head over to your immigration office and get the hand out they have outlining the documentation needed to get a yearly extension based on marriage.

You do realize the application for extension will go under consideration for 30 days (and they can do a home visit during that time) before you go back and get the year extension inked into your passport.
Ray *********
Partner can be male or female.
David ************
@Ray ********
usually in context, it’s inferring to the same sex.
Richard *******
But is often used today in the context of same sex couples. I tend to agree with
@Robert ******
in that it invites confusion.
Robert *******
I get confused by marry my thai partner. I know it is discussed in the Government but as far as I know same sex marriage is still not allowed for the Extension of Stay based on being married to a Thai National. Please do not hate me, if I understand you wrong.
Robert *******
@Craig ********
Thanks, in this case follow the advice below from Tod Daniels.
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
my partner is female...
Joe ***********
Robert is correct ... the use of the word Partner does not define male or female in the year 2019. Questions about marriage in Thailand should be defined ...
Robert *******
Steve Greir Nobody. I just get confused as a non native English speaker with this phrase. So I like to clear it up before people start saying it is no problem. Normally I read marry my girl friend or if a girl ask her boy friend. I see many times people writing about their partner when it is a same sex marriage. I have nothing against it, but I like to to be clear what is possible or not in Thailand.
Steve *******
@Rob***
. Who said anything about a "same sex marriage?" Your partner can be either Male or Female
Paul *********
I presume you're talking about an extension of stay obtained in-country rather than a visa gotten from an embassy outside thailand

Yes - you can change the reason of having an extension of stay (in your case from >50 to marriage)

As for the documents- I'm not 100% sure but probably best to say which immigration office you're using or visit them and get the checklist or do a group search for extension of stay - marriage.
Paul *********
Here's a post from Jan on extension of stay - marriage. Probably best to go to your local immigration office and get their checklist as it will / may vary around the country.

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Paul *********
@Cr***
- you're not / won't be applying for a visa - you're on an extension of stay - all you'd be doing is changing the reason of the extension from >50 (retirement) to marriage to a Thai.
Richard *******
@Craig ********
As
@Paul ********
already stated, you are not changing your visa (you dont have one) you are changing the reason for your extension of stay. When you fill in the form TM.7 it asks you for reason for extension, simply change that to marriage, and provide the correct supporting documentation. I have done this (albeit the other way around) without any problem.
Craig *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
I have had my retirement visa 3 years and plan to marry my partner in Australia in September and then hopefully apply for the marriage visa at petchaburi immigration then will only need to leave
*****
0 in bank from then on but have been told I may have to apply for another immigrants visa and go through the process again...the most confusing system this is ...
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