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Can I switch from a retirement visa to a marriage visa in Thailand using my UK pension as income?

Retirement Visa Marriage Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Extension Income Requirements Visa Types Expat Life in Thailand

Feb 3, 2026

3 months ago

ScenicZ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi,I have been on an extension of stay based on retirement,for the last two years,obtained via an agenti,in Jomtien.I would like to change to a marriage visa,based on monthly income.I have UK pension payments paid weekly into SCB,via Wise,that covers more than 40.000 baht a month,for longer than a year.Just wondering if there may be problems changing over as I do not want to use an agent again.

I have all the relvant paperwork, marriage cert,etc.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on a retirement visa extension and wishes to switch to a marriage visa based on monthly income from their UK pension. They are concerned about potential issues in changing visa types without an agent, despite having all necessary paperwork. Community comments highlight that while switching is possible, there are strict requirements, such as showing compliance with the current visa terms, and some immigration offices may prefer income earned in Thailand for marriage visa applications. It's recommended to consult directly with the local immigration office for personalized guidance.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Bill ********

The best thing to do is pop into immigration office, tell them what you want to do and they will tell you the best way to do it.

3 months ago

Peter *********

Just stay on non o retirement a lot easier less hassle if have funds in bank 🏦 👌

3 months ago

John **********

In theory it's possible to change the reason for your extension from retirement to marriage but there are a couple of things that could cause you problems.

When you go for the next extension you need to show you honoured the terms of your existing extension so 800k baht in your bank for 3 months then never dropping below 400k baht for the rest of the year.

An increasing number of immigration offices are only allowing monthly income for marriage extensions if that income is earned inside Thailand so if you pass the 1st test ask your immigration office if they will accept your income

3 months ago

ScenicZ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thank you John for the advice.Did not know about showing that I honoured the 800.000 baht for the last extension.I want to utilise the capital ,that is the main reason for changing to marriage visa on monthly income.I am not really worried about the extra paperwork,used to that now.Next stop will be a chat with immigration,I think Kap Chong my nearest is open again.As we all know,a lot depends on the immigration officer in front of you .

3 months ago

Martyn *********

ScenicZebra8484 thought it was never dropping below 400,000 for 4 months after but had to be back up to 800,000 3 months before if reapplying for an extension worth checking out

3 months ago

Martyn *********

The 400 needs to remain for said time or current visa can be revoked or cause issues further along the line

3 months ago

Reply to

Martyn *********

Mark *********

I keep on hearing about the monthly deposit option. however my experience last year was increased scrutinization that led to my application for extension of my non-o visa for one year being rejected even though I complied with the law. fortunately I kept a fixed deposit of 800,000 which was accepted. Good luck.

3 months ago

Nigel ********

Mark what was the reason(s) for refusal ?

3 months ago

Mark *********

Nigel Bunney I had one of the 12 consecutive months in a different bank as my account with Bangkok Bank was frozen September 2025

3 months ago

Reply to

Mark *********

Stephen ********

Mark Schultz I've used the 65k transfers for the last 6-7 years. Never a problem. That's at Bangkok

3 months ago