Can I change my visa from a marriage extension to an ED Visa in Thailand during divorce?

Jun 20, 2021
4 years ago
Martyn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I live in Chiang Rai with a thai wife (marriage extension). We are heading for divorce. Is it currently possible to change the extension to an ED Visa inside Thailand? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about changing their marriage extension visa to an Educational (ED) Visa while in the process of divorce in Thailand. Commenters discuss various visa options, such as potential extensions based on retirement or raising Thai children, considering the timing of the divorce in relation to immigration regulations. It is suggested to approach the school for specific guidance on the ED visa process and consider applying for a COVID extension if the divorce occurs before the end of July. The essence of the conversation highlights the complexities and required processes associated with changing visa types amidst personal circumstances.
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Martyn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone fo your suggestions. I have found a solution that suits my situation and my budget.

TIT - This is Thailand. It will always involve money to oil the wheels but there is always a compromise solution to be had.
Tod *********
Keep in mind too
@Mar***
if you're going to get divorced before the 29 of July you could cancel your extension based on marriage and then immediately apply for a 60 day covid extension. That'd at least buy you two months time to look for another extension option.
Neo ************
@Геннадий ******
my ex went and reported me and before even finish divorce to get me out of the country. Lucky 🍀 I had someone warn me and put already so yeah you breaking the law if you not living with your wife.
Ana ************************
Yes sure, if he don't come back never mind
Ana ************************
The immigration probably find out later.
Benjamin ******
@Ana ******
if they found out, he would be out of the country and wouldn’t pay a fine.
Tod *********
@Геннадий ******
that you did that and weren't caught out on it was just dumb luck.

You were really on overstay from the day you signed the divorce decree until you left the country.

The minute you stop meeting the requirements for the extension you're on (l like in your case being on an extension based on marriage but getting divorced) your extension is void and you needed to go cancel it. ..
Nadah *********
You will be on overstay if you not cancel
Ekkehard *******
@Геннадий ******
Because the reason for extension was not valid anymore after the divorce.
Reiner *********
Is it not better to change to a retirement as it is a better one ?
Ellie *******
It would totally depend on the personal preferences if it's "better" or not.

I guess an extension based on being 50 might be an option IF OP meets all requirements and it would suit him.
Reiner *********
@Ellie ******
yes agreed , but as you see I question it...
Tod *********
It'd only be a guess because I've never ever heard of that switch but I'd say nope you can't do an in country "change or reason" from an extension based on marriage to a thai to one based on education.

In reality though, the only people who would really be able to tell you that would be the school you're enrolling in SO they are who you need to be talking to.

Keep in mind the way it works is the day you go to the amphur and sign the divorce decree is the day you need to go to the immigration office, cancel your extension based on marriage and apply for another extension type.

If you're 50 or older and meet the requirements for an extension based on retirement you could do that or if you have hafl thai children you should be able to switch the extension to one based on raising them (which is the same financial requirements as the marriage extension)
Luis ***********
@Tod ********
would it be possible to change the visa before the divorce?
Tod *********
Good question
@Lu**
, he might be able to go to the immigration office, say he's getting divorced, cancel his current extension right then and apply for another one ALL before he actually gets divorced so that he doesn't have a gun to his head time wise once he signs the divorce decree
Brian *******
Are you old enough to transfer it to a retirement visa?
Tod *********
@Brian ******
that's why when I mentioned switching to retirement in my comment I put "if you're 50 or older" ;)
Jibran ********
@Tod ********
can change ED to nonB ? Without leaving the country?
Tod *********
@Jibran *******
that is between you, the school you atttend, the employer who will hire you and the immigration office you would be dealing with. IF I was to guess I'd say nope, can't do that either :/
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