Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa, marry a Thai partner, and switch to a non-immigrant O visa?

Jun 10, 2021
3 years ago
Erin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello all, I'm looking for clarification about my visa situation. I'm planning on entering Thailand in mid-July on a tourist visa (I'm American). This would give me 90 days to marry my Thai partner, and switch to a non-immigrant O visa once I have the marriage certificate. Does this seem reasonable?

Also - the O visa financial requirements are confusing. I've seen different information in different places. Because my partner is Thai and male, it seems like the financial requirements might be on him? Or is there still a certain amount I need to have in my account? Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to enter Thailand on a tourist visa to marry their Thai partner and is seeking clarification on the process and financial requirements for the Non-O visa application after marriage. Responses indicate that entering on a tourist visa is acceptable and that once married to a Thai citizen, there are no financial requirements placed on either partner. Steps for verifying marriage and transitioning from a tourist visa to a Non-O visa are also provided.
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Graham ******
Is it necessary to enter Thailand on a TR60 visa before getting married? Can this not be done on a visa exempt entry?
James ********
@Graham *****
you can enter Thailand visa exempt entry then proceed with your plans to be married.
Tod *********
These are the steps you need to take to enter and get married here;

1 - Enter on a tourist visa, get stamped in for 60 days

2 - go to the ACS (American Citizen Services) at the US Embassy in Bangkok get the affirmation of freedom to marry notary document

3 - get it and the data page of your passport translated into thai at a translation shop

4 - get those certified as accurate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5 - find an Amphur and register your marriage

6 - go to the immigration office pay 2000baht and apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai, get an under consideration stamp

7 - when that stamp runs out go back to the immigration office, get your Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp

8 - when that stamp runs down to back to the immigration office pay 1900baht and apply for a year extension based on marriage, get a 30 day under consideration stamp

9 - when that stamp runs down to back to the immigration office and get the year extension inked in.
Erin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you so much, this is really helpful! I am definitely planning on the single entry tourist visa to get the extra days if needed. Fingers crossed!
Tod *********
I'd BUY a single entry tourist visa before you come here, that gets you 60 days when you stamp in and you can extend that by 30 more if you can't get your shit together fast enough to get the marriage registered and get to the immigration office to apply for the in country Non-O visa based on marriage

At most immigration offices you need a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for the Non-O in country visa (Chiang Mai is 21 days)

Good luck,
James ********
First... Your plan to enter Thailand with a tourist visa if good.

Second... as you are marrying a Thai man there is no financial requirements for either of you.

You will apply for the Non O visa married to a Thai inside Thailand followed by a one year extension of stay based on marriage to Thai.

Suggest you look at the Phuket sandbox plan for your entry into Thailand. Your Thai boyfriend can join you in Phuket for 14 days enjoying Phuket island together.

Rather than doing 14 days quarantine locked up in a hotel room in Bangkok.
Jessica *****
Tod Daniels thanks
Tod *********
Jessica Wan you heard wrong, there are 50 Amphurs (City Halls) in bangkok and while some are not taking appointments for marriage registration, once you get your documents together you will be able to find a place that will register the marriage.
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