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Do witnesses need to be present at immigration for a Non-O visa application in Thailand?

May 18, 2025
a day ago
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So trying to clarify. Going to immigration tomorrow for my visa exempt to Non O. Then 9p days later for Non o for marriage.

For this Non O. The information person at immigration said our two witnesses need to come in person. Which I've never had to do prior or heard of. Is this correct? I don't want our two witnesses to have to drive the almost 2 hour drive for no reason.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is preparing to apply for a Non-O visa following a visa exemption and is seeking clarification on whether their witnesses need to accompany them in person to the immigration office. Responses indicate that requirements can vary significantly by immigration office, with some users stating that they did not require witnesses while others confirmed that witnesses were needed for their application processes. This has led to confusion, particularly regarding the necessity of witnesses during the application phase versus later home visits.
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Darren *********
If you have them with you they won’t be needed, but if you don’t it will be the first thing you are asked for.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Darren ********
yep haha. I just wanted to try to verify it before they drive 2 hours to immigration with us haha.
Douglas *********
Michael ********
Samat Sakorn we had to bring one neighbour with ID registered at that address. You just have to do as they say
Douglas *********
Standardization of requirements would be great, but unfortunately that's not the case. Hopefully they will take care of the witness statements at the time you apply, and they won't be required later in in the process.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Douglas ********
ya that would be nice. But hopefully. I'm reimbursing them for gas and a bit of time. Just feel bad.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
but see. Two of the three comments so far have been different haha.
Michael ********
@Cris *****
This is Thailand TIT. In an ideal world it would all be standardized and able to apply online and not need to keep submitting same documents year after year but its not. Whatever office says that you are applying at do TIT
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
ugh. Online would be so nice 😢 haha
Michael ********
@Cris *****
A new app has been launched for Thai citizens and stuff like marriage and birth certificates now kept online. Hopefully one day they will move online. Singapore i got ID number all my documents on there and gets updated. I was 20 years not working in Singapore did new permit same number, my divorce had been updated. One day Thailand may catch up there only 30 years behind singapore
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I mean. The only thing holding back stuff like that is I'm guessing storage. But I can't imagine the paperwork upon paperwork that just immigration keeps
Spencer *******
I plan on marrying in Thoen later this year and have also been told two witnesses are required
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Spencer ******
yes. I know required. But in person. Or just signatures and IDs etc.
Nongnuch ********
@Cris *****
the witnesses obviously after what you said the Immigration told you, need to accompany you in person. Do you have all other requirements at hand in order to apply for the "change of visa type" from the exempt entry to a "90-days Non-Imm-O Family Visa" ?
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
oh yes. We've had quite a few re visits haha. I just wanted to verify the witness part because I've heard of needing two witnesses to sign and have copy of ID card and house book. But not physically come with to immigration. But it seems like every office does it slightly different.
Nongnuch ********
@Cris *****
correct. It always is Immigration office specific
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
so... if I'm technically in the nakhon ratchasima district. But can I do my visa at the khon khaen office? Or no have to in your districts office.
Douglas *********
What immigration office are you working with? I just had the home visit by immigration a few weeks ago for a Non-O marriage extension, and the two witnesses were required to be there. This was through the Khon Kaen Immigration Office.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Douglas ********
korat immigration office. This isn't even for the home visit. This is just to apply for it. In hua hin they did neither
Douglas *********
@Cris *****
, Ahh OK. I didn't need witnesses to apply. Just for the home visit.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Douglas ********
I wouldn't mind your situation at all. I just feel bad my witnesses have to drive like 2 hours to the immigration office.
Wylie *******
You'll get a more specific answer if you mention which office you are using. Different offices have slightly different requirements when it comes to that. In Chiang Mai I needed one witness there when they came for the house visit. In Koh Samui they wanted two witnesses at the house visit. Witnesses were not required to go to the immigration office though.
เดแคลน ***********
Entirely depends on the IO and office. If that's what they are telling you, you need to do then its best to do it.
Frank **********
It may be specific to a particular Immigration Office. Never had to have two witnesses when I did my visa/extension
John **********
If that's what they ask for...
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