Can I convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa Based on Marriage While in Thailand?

Nov 19, 2020
4 years ago
Marc *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, is it POSSIBLE to convert a Tourist Visa IN THAILAND to a Non immi based on mariage without leaving the country? :) Edit:And someone does it in covid times in samutprakan or central bkk immi?
1,159
views
4
likes
26
all likes
7
replies
0
images
5
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Converting a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage while remaining in Thailand is theoretically possible, but practical experiences vary. Several commenters share that while this has been done successfully in the past, especially pre-covid, there is currently no documentation of anyone converting a single entry tourist visa since the recent re-issuance of such visas. Factors such as financial proof and the current immigration policies also play critical roles in the process. It is recommended to check with local immigration offices and prepare documentation ahead of time.
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, I deleted that "you're inside thailand" reply and will go back with the original one I had.

AT THIS TIME <- (meaning as of right now this very minute) there has not been a single person who entered on single entry regular tourist visa, got stamped in for 60 days, went thru quarantine, etc and then gone to the immigration office and converted that tourist visa entry to a 90 day non-O entry based on marriage. None, nada zero, zilch. :O

The reason for this IS they only recently started re-issuing single entry regular tourist visas and no one has come in with one and tried to convert it

Pre-covid-shit-show it was no problem to come into the country on a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa entry, meet the requirements at your immigration office and apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage. As long as you met the requirements AND had enough days left on your entry stamp to get thru the under consideration period of the visa application process you were fine.

I think you're going to have to wait until more people actually enter the country on a tourist visa now, because while Ben was totally correct in stating "in theory" it can be done, there is no hard evidence that they are doing it now..
Marc *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Most important thing= Its possible! The rest i will figure out in LOS when i got lost in the immi paperwork. I will let this side know how it worked out. Right now i do some plans how to enter (TV) AND figure out longstay options without leaving country. Marriage wasnt possible in april bc german embassy decided to close! Had all the paperwork from wife allready. Again a great post from
@Tod ********
as always. :)
Dave *********
Yes I was on on 30 day tourist visa pre amnesty. Had it converted to a 90 day non - O based on marriage and proof of funds in excess of 400k ( have a lot more and been in account for long time) no proof asked for where it came from. This was in pattaya I return to immigration 15 days before non- O expires to show same paperwork again and new bank letter confirming I still have funds.

This was at Jomtien immigration. So it’s sort of works out a 15 month visa if all goes well.

Also just to note- worth making spare copies of all documents first time you do them to keep at home for future use.

Will often be asked for same again and they don’t return what you did first time. So I’ve had to do documents again- bit of a pain but now keep a master copy for future photocopying.
Marc *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
Gregor **********
you will need the financial proof for the application to the visa itself, (not for the subsequent Extension of Stay) And SOME immigrations at this point ask for proof that the funds came from abroad. Some other immigrations don't ask for it. This is what you have to expect . . . . . Good Luck!
Benjamin ******
In theory, you should be able to. Contact your local immigration office and ask for the handout for an extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national.
Marc *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. I think same. But nothing is normal in these times.
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