Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a Non-O marriage visa in Chiang Mai without leaving Thailand?

Question

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice about switching visas here in Chiang Mai.
* I’m currently on a **Non-B visa **extension through a tutoring company I work for.
* My extension** expires on Jan 5, 2026**.
* I’m married to a Thai citizen, and we live together in Chiang Mai.
* I want to leave my  job and instead switch over to a **Non-O marriage visa**.

I understand for the marriage extension I’ll need:
* **400,000 THB in a Thai bank account** (seasoned 2 months before applying), OR proof of 40k monthly income.
* Marriage certificate, wife’s ID, lease/landlord documents, and photos together.

**My questions:**
1. Is it possible in Chiang Mai to **switch directly from a Non-B extension to a Non-O (marriage) without leaving the country**?
2. If not, would my best option be to do a **border run**, come back on a Tourist visa, and then convert that to a 90-day Non-O marriage inside Thailand?
3. For proof of residence, my name is on our lease — do I need to update it so both my wife and I are listed, or will landlord’s ID + lease + photos be enough?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this **recently in Chiang Mai**, as I know rules can vary by office.

Thanks in advance 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice on switching from a Non-B visa extension to a Non-O marriage visa while residing in Chiang Mai. They are currently on a Non-B visa extension due to employment but wish to switch to a marriage-based extension, as they are married to a Thai citizen. Users in the comments clarify that it is indeed possible to switch the reason for the extension directly at the immigration office in Chiang Mai without leaving the country, provided the user cancels their current extension and has the necessary documentation ready, including proof of marriage and financial requirements. Additional advice includes the necessity to cancel the work permit before proceeding with the visa switch.

Lloyd ******** · Answer

Just to add, you need to cancel your work permit first, and take that paperwork to immigration to cancel your current extension.

Tod ********* · Answer

As you correctly stated you're not on a Non-B visa now you're on an extension from it, and you wouldn't be applying for a Non-O visa based on marriage you'd just be changing the reason for your extension from one based on employment to one based on marriage to a thai

You can do it by cancelling the extension you're on based on employment with documentation from your employer saying you stop work on xxx date,

AND

You get all the documentation you need for the marriage extension (400K baht banked in a thai account for 2 months before you apply, all the copies, marriage documents, house book thai i/d etc bank letter, bank statement, photos, etc)

You go to the immigration office (with your thai wife as she's the reason you can get that extension) you cancel the extension based on employment, and you immediately apply for a new yearly extension based on marriage to a thai.

You'll pay 1900baht, they'll give you a 30 day under consideration stamp and then when that runs down you go back to get the year extension inked into your passport.

All you're doing is changing the reason for your extension not changing visa types.

OR

You could cancel your extension, then bounce out/back to get a 60 day free entry stamp and apply for the in country 90 day Non-O visa first for 2000baht at the immigration office then when that runs down you apply for the yearly extension.

1 - yes it is possible to switch reasons for your extension

2 - no, you wouldn't come back on a tourist visa, you'd come back free stamp entry on a 60 day visa exempt and then apply in country for the 90 day Non-O, then the year after that

3 - you need a TM30, lease, land lord i/d house book, etc

GO to the chiang mai immigration office and get the hand out listing the requirements for a year extension based on marriage to a thai.

This is a general list of what can be required it is NOT office specific so that's why I said go to the C/M office and get their hand out

Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a Non-O marriage visa in Chiang Mai without leaving Thailand?

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