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Do I need to own property to extend my Type O visa based on marriage in Thailand?

Aug 24, 2025
2 months ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
To obtain a 12 month extension based on marriage, (after arriving in Thailand on a Type O visa from UK) do I need to own property or can I have a hotel as a temporary residence? Or even a friends house?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The question asks whether property ownership is required to obtain a 12-month extension based on marriage after arriving in Thailand on a type O visa, or if staying in a hotel or a friend's house would suffice. Comments suggest there are no strict restrictions against temporary accommodations, but it's advisable to have a long-term lease or show a stable residence for a smoother immigration process. Recommendations also include taking a Thai witness to the immigration office during renewal.
Max *************
You can't stay with your wife's family in Buriram? She should use her Thai passport on arrival.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
so she leaves the uk on her UK passport and arrives in thailand on her thai passport?

We could stay at her relatives in Buriram or Phrae.

Does it have to be a relative?

But her cousin works for Prakhonchai council and she came to the Buriram immigration with us previously.

It was like the immigration would have madd the visa for me there and then but we were flying back to uk in 7 days.

But will do the type O from UK all being well late November/early december we are on our way.
Max *************
@John ********
You're not leaving on a passport, just arriving. Why even show her UK passport when leaving? Use only the thai passport as long as it's valid. It's also easier when arriving in Thailand as a Thai citizen.
Bri ****
Take a Thai witness to the immigration office with you for renewal and their i.d card and copy of their house book.

(I have posted this info to help if needed thank you.)
Paul ***********
@Bri ***
I have been travelling in and out of Thailand for 10 years now and have been preparing for the day that I move over there permanently (with my Thai wife of 9yrs). Of course, part of that preparation is making sure that all my ducks are in a row with documentation readiness when applying for a long term stay visa.

I have been following this group for years now to help with that preparation and understood that not all IO’s are on the same page as far as doc requirements, etc.

Your post has just shown me something completely new.

So I guess the lesson here is to carefully check the immigration office that one would need to use for future applications or extensions on their requirements so as not to get caught with your pants down.
Max *************
@Bri ***
He's got a Thai wife with a Thai passport. Why would he need a Thai witness?
Bri ****
@Max ************
I have a Thai wife with a Thai passport too Max.

But I still have to take a Thai person other than family.
Max *************
@Bri ***
That's not how it officially works in most immigration offices. Where are you staying,out in the sticks?
Bri ****
@Max ************
To renew my marriage visa I take my wife and a witness to say I'm of good standing and they have known us for a few years.

Also when immigration comes to the house then I have my wife mother to sign as well.

Both person with ID and their own house book.

The immigration office is TRAT near koh chang.

No agents involved Max .

I know it once a year but many things to arrange.
Max *************
@Bri ***
I repeat, this is NOT how it works in most immigration offices and I have never heard about it. I have been around many years. Imo,Trat is out in the sticks.
Ron ******
@Max ************
STM10 needs to be signed by a witness. My IO uses it but didn't require attendance of the witness just a copy of house book and ID.
Max *************
@Ron *****
I've read about the STM10 in forums, and not one post,as I can remember, mentioned a signature by a witness.
Ron ******
@Max ************
My office may have added it to the form. It's not a downloadable form, if they require it they give it to you.
Bri ****
@Max ************
I'm happy that you have learned a bit more about Thailand Max.

I do understand what you are saying. Not all immigration office are the same in Thailand.
Max *************
@Bri ***
I wish you would understand that the witness requirement is probably the most stupid thing I've heard in many many years, and I've been around a while. Fyi, Trat is just one province out of 77.
Bri ****
@Max ************
I'm off to immigration on the 27th for renewal Max , you are more than welcome to tag along we could have something to eat and chat.

********************************
Max *************
@Bri ***
I prefer living in the civilization and I've never been a fan of Trat incl Koh Chang.
Bri ****
Bri ****
Pete *******
My local immigration office want to see a long term lease or house yellow book.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
my wife has a blue book… but we knocked the house down last year so its just land now.
Kool *******
@John ********
you need a lease for wherever you live. A temporary hotel will not qualify, unless you get a long term lease from them. You will enter on a 90 day visa, giving you enough time to open your Thai bank account for the bt400,000 needed in the account for at least two months before you apply for the year extension to meet the financial requirement. It also gives you enough time to arrange your long term living arrangement.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
thanks, yes we can easy do that.

A retired school teacher we know has a small homestay and said he will sort for us.
Wannikea *********
No restrictions but they'll probably look at you funny and wonder why you're not staying with your wife.
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
sorry i may have written this not correct. My wife (From Buriram and lived with me here in the UK for 22 years with UK AND Thai passport) will be coming with me!!
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