Can I convert my Non-O (Volunteer) visa to a Non-O (Marriage) visa without leaving Thailand?

I was on a non-o retirement extension and tried to convert to non-o marriage extension last week in Chiang Mai.

We had gone in to ask if we could do that and were told yes.

When we took the paperwork in, they were not sure that it could be done and after checking, we were finally told I would have to apply from an embassy outside Thailand, get a 60 day visit Thai family visa, then get the one year marriage extension when I return to Thailand.

It was easier just to get the retirement extension.

Congratulations Roma 🍾

Do you have the 90-day volunteer VISA, or are you on an EXTENSION? That's what really matters.

If you're on the visa, you can't do anything. Since you're already on non-immigrant status, there is nothing to convert. The first extension must be based on the same reason as the visa, so it's volunteer extension or leave Thailand. There's also nothing to cancel visa wise, since visas cannot be cancelled.

If you're on the extension, since you're already on non-immigrant status, you can apply for the next extension based on marriage. It's just a change of reason when you submit the extension. You could cancel your work permit, get a letter from the volunteer organization stating your last day of work, and use those to cancel the extension at immigration and immediately apply for a new extension based on marriage to Thai. You would want to check with your immigration office first that they allow this.