Do I need to show 400K in a Thai bank for a Non-O Visa at Savannakhet if I'm married to a Thai national?

December 30, 2023
9 months ago
Álvaro **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm going next month to Savannakhet for my first Non-O Visa (married). Just wanted to be sure they still don't ask for the 400K in a Thai bank for two months, right?

I have (more than) that money in my EU banks, but still didn't transfer here, and not in time to curate them for 2 months - my current permission of stay expires in four weeks.

The Embassy's website doesn't list that requirement, but I know sometimes the website isn't updated for years...

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The current consensus among respondents is that Savannakhet does not require financial proof for a Single Entry Non-O Visa for those married to a Thai national. However, it's confirmed that a bank statement showing 400K baht or its equivalent may be required for a Multiple Entry Non-O Visa. Applicants are encouraged to check the latest requirements and consider temporarily applying for an extension of stay based on visiting their spouse.
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Ellie *******
As far as we know, the Thai consulate in Savarnnakhet doesn't require financial proof for single entry Non-O married to a Thai. But they ask for a bank statement of 400K baht or equivalent for Multiple Entry Non-O based on being married to a Thai.

Thank you for your advice.
Laurie ********
I got a SINGLE entry Non O marriage visa 2 months ago . They did not ask for any financials
Jim ********
Just put as much as you can in your Thai bank account now. It will increase your chances of getting approved.
Robert *******
Cheap option: Visit Immigration Office and apply for the 60 days Extension of Stay based on visiting your wife, this gives you plenty of time to season your money in a Thai bank account
Álvaro **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
sadly not possible: you have to be married for at least 2 months before applying for that extension, and I haven't - by two months since married my current visa will be expired already, the process at the amphur took longer than expected :(
Ellie *******
Savannakhet doesn't ask for financial proof for Single Entry Non-O based on being married to a Thai national, currently. Check again before you go.

(Savannakhet updated that page at least this year: "Data update date 26 Apr. 2023")
Álvaro **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thank you, I read that in the website, as well as in the requirements page for the Non-O, but you know, sometimes the website is the last thing they update...

Sadly I'm not eligible yet for the 60 days extension, as I have to been married for 2 months before applying for it - and my current visa will be expired by then. Process with the amphur took longer than expected...
Vitico ********
@Álvaro *********
i got married while on a 30 day exemption entry. They told me first get a 30 day extension for tourism then come back and they will give me the 60 days extension for being married. There was no rule about being married 60 days first And i did this recently. I had probably only been married like 3 weeks when I got the 60 day extension. And yes they ask for proof of funds in savannakhet. It doesn’t matter if its in a foreign bank. I showed them print outs of my bank statements from the US.
Vitico ********
I got married officially like a few days before my tourist exempt was going to expire. Then i went and asked for the 60 day extension they told me take a 30 day extension for tourism first (added to the expiration date) then i went back a week before that was going to expire and they gave me the 60 day visiting family extension (added from the date of application). This was maybe 3 months ago. I am sure you can get your extensions. I have never heard any rule about needing to be married 60 days first.
Álvaro **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vitico *******
sadly I asked at my local immigration office already and they told me just go to some Embassy to get the Visa first. They told me will only issue the 30 days extension on my tourist visa, after that I'll need the full Non-O from some Embassy.

You know, each office have different rules.
Vitico ********
By the way the 400k in the bank they ask for in savannakhet is only if you are applying for a one year multiple entry non O visa. If you only want a single entry 90 day non O visa then you dont have to show any proof of funds just proof you are married.
Vitico ********
If you want the one year multiple entry your wife should go together with you to apply in savannakhet or they may use that excuse and only offer you a single entry.
Ellie *******
@Vitico *******
, it depends on the province if they require for certain period of being married for extensions based on marriage. Some issue immediately, some don't.
Álvaro **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
yes, that's the thing. I asked at my local immigration when I went to do the extension on my current (tourist) visa, and they told me "you must go out of the country and get the Visa first, go to Lao, it's easy there".
Ellie *******
You may also be able to consider optimising a 60-day family visit extension (if not applied yet) to meet time requirements.
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