Can I enter Thailand on a visa-exempt basis and then apply for a marriage visa afterward?

Jan 6, 2021
4 years ago
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am planning to return to Bkk in June. I have a Thai wife in Nakhon Sawan. I am currently working in China. I am a UK citizen but have been working in China for more that a year and Thailand prior to that. My questions are:

1) Can I enter Thailand on a 30 visa-exempt and then get a 30-day extension?

2) If I enter Thailand on the 30 visa exemption will I be able to get a visa on the basis of marriage within Thailand?

3) Should I try to get an O-Visa based on marriage before entering? (however my wife has our marriage certificate in Thailand).

Many thanks for your help in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a UK citizen currently in China, plans to return to Thailand in June and has specific questions regarding visa options due to being married to a Thai citizen. They inquire about entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, potential extensions, and the feasibility of applying for a marriage visa while in Thailand. Responses suggest that obtaining a 90-day visa based on marriage may be a viable option, and provide insights on handling necessary documentation.
David *******
Wait until June! At the present time you cannot enter on a 30 day tourist visa! You are married so you can apply for a 90 day and then your 1 year O Visa...this is my understanding.
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
according to the website the 4000,000 isn't an issue now.
Chris ******
@David ******
yes I agree,90 day then twelve month O visa
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm in China not the UK.
David *******
@Colin *******
like i said, i qm in Qatar!
Kev **********
It's an available option if apply for coe from uk pal that's all I know
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
However if I can enter Thailand on a visa exempt and get the O visa in Bangkok that may be easier if it's doable. Hence my question.
Kool *******
@Colin *******
there is now the tourist visa exempt stamp again, but, it has been extended to 45 days instead of 30, to make up for your time in the quarantine hotel. But, in your case all you need to do is have your wife send you copies of your marriage certificates, both of them, a copy of her ID card, and you can get a type O 90 day visa no problem. Then you also need to get everything needed to get your certificate of entry, that includes insurance that covers at least US$100k for covid-19. A covid-19 test no later than 72 hours before you fly, and a fit to fly certificate from a doctor. These are required no matter what visa you get to enter Thailand. If you currently have at least bt400,000 in a Thai bank account, in your name only, then there is no problem getting the type O marriage extension on the tourist exemption, but if you do not, then you will run into problems, as the money has to be there for at least 2 full months before you can apply, and with the exemption, you might end up a few days short. The exemption is only for 45 days, with a 15 of those in quarantine, then only one 30 day extension. July has 31 days in the month, so you could end up a few days short for the financial requirement on a visa exempt. There is also a regular 60 day single entry tourist visa now, with a 30 day extension, so you have choices,, just do not try to get the 90day STV visa, with two extensions, as it is very specific that you can not change it to anything else in Thailand.
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
Thanks for the long comment and breakdown on the requirements.
David *******
@Colin *******
Best of luck with whatever visa you get! The requirements are changing daily!
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The school term ends in June here so I will be free to travel then. I can apply a90 day or 1 year O visa here but that will mean my wife sending me our wedding certificate to China.
Nick *******
@David ******
why wait until June? 🤔
David *******
@Nick ******
That’s when he said he was traveling!
Kev **********
@David ******
u can enter without a visa on the 30 day exemption and at this time they are giving 45 days to cover the asq
David *******
@Kev *****************
Unfortunately you cannot! I am in Qatar at the moment and recently visited the Thai Embassy to arrange a visa and coe to travel back to Thailand! A 30 day visa is not available!
Kev **********
@David ******
according to thai immigration website it is . But personally I wouldt risk it
David *******
@Kev *****************
30 day exemption is not available!
Kev **********
Kev **********
Michael ********
I got my wife to colour print then sign and scan all the documents for embassy in Singapore. Originals only required when doing the 1 year extension
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
oh right, on the Website in China it says ORIGINAL wedding certificate but the rest can be copies.
Michael ********
@Colin *******
Print out in Colour should be acceptable
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