Can I convert a tourist visa to a marriage visa in Thailand after entering on a 30-day stamp?

Jul 25, 2022
2 years ago
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi I’m coming to Thailand in December to marry my lady and will be entering on a tourist 30 day stamp, Can I convert into a marriage visa when there, I know I can extend my visa for 30days. The 400,000bht will of been in my Thai Bank Account for at least 2 months before we get married. TIA.
1,844
views
15
likes
48
all likes
15
replies
0
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual plans to marry in Thailand while entering on a 30-day tourist visa. However, converting from a tourist visa to a marriage visa (Non-O) is complicated. It's advisable to enter on a 60-day tourist visa to allow ample time for the marriage registration process before applying for the Non-O visa. Not all immigration offices facilitate this conversion, and one must ensure they meet the requirements, including having the necessary bank funds and marriage documentation ready.
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.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Tod *********
okay you are getting the cart WAY before the horse. There is a whole process that you need to do so you can even go register a marriage to a thai in thailand and all that and the registration needs to be done BEFORE start applying for the 90 day Non-O visa and then the year extension.

I would say you will NOT have time to pull it off comin' in visa exempt on a free 30 day stamp SO get a single entry tourist visa from the thai conuslate in your country before you come here.

Then you need to to go your embassy, get the affirmation of freedom to marry notary document, get that and the data page of your passport translated by a service, get those translations certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and THEN you can go register the marriage at one of the local Amphurs (city halls)

It's only AFTER you do that that you can apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai, for 2000 baht at the immigration office AND at most offices you need a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply (which is why I said get a 60 day tourist visa before you come so you have plenty of time)

The above information I shared is definitely outside the scope of the visa advice group.

BUT until you get that marriage registered (and get your bank account open and the funds put in) you're not gonna get ANY visa inside the country based on marriage
Ellie *******
Be well prepared to get married, then get your visa. Plan well. You will need certain time to complete everything.
GLynn **********
It's not that simple
Lenny ********
I am doing the same right now and its not so easy and we have been married for 3 years in the US good luck try anything but the 30 days that I have
Paul *********
It might be best to enter on a 60 day TV and then use that to apply for a non o (based on marriage) visa.
Paul *********
As
@Robert ******
said, whether an IO allows you to apply for 90 day non-O on the basis of a 30 day visa exempt entry will vary depending on the IO you visit.
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
Thank you 🙏
Paul *********
You need to be married certainly before you apply for a visa (related to marriage to your Thai wife). In my case, we were married in Feb 2016 and did some travelling. I entered Thailand May 2016 on a 60 day TV and during that 90 day period (60+30), I applied for the 90 day non O visa. Before that expired, I then applied for the 1 year non O visa (subsequently extended on yearly basis since then).
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
Ok so the non o (based on marriage) visa do I apply for this after we’re married. Apologies if a silly question I’m confused that’s all
Philip **********
@Robert *********
…, you do have to be married Robert . Each office will

Have a list of requirements that you and your wife will need to bring . They check it all very carefully if they’re ok with it all , you ll get a one month “ under consideration “ stamp . You will will get a date to return and and you must return on that date . On that that you update your bank book at the atm …, give them your passport and they’ll dive you the one year stamp . On the second visit , you can go alone .
Ellie *******
Also depends on the immigration office if they accept the in-country Non-O based on marriage to a Thai national from a newly-wed foreigner. Some offices don't accept until a certain period passes from the marriage registration. As Robert says, contact the local immigration office where you are gonna live.
Robert *******
That all depends on where you are inside Thailand. Not every Immigration Offices is allowed to perform a conversion from a visa exempt entry into a Non Immigrant O visa.

Best is to directly contact your local Immigration Office, is needed anyway to register your address, and ask for the hand out of requirements if they can do this conversion.
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
We will be in Phuket
Robert *******
@Robert *********
Than visit the main office in Phuket town.
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Many Thanks
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice