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How can I apply for a Non-O visa while currently in Thailand on a tourist visa?
NON-O VisaVisa RulesMarriage VisaThai ImmigrationVisa Application ProcessExpat AdviceTravel to Thailand
Apr 9, 2026
22 days ago
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone,
Currently I'm staying in Thailand on a tourist visa (visa free with my passport) and we got married 1,5 week ago. I tried to apply for the Non-O visa at one of the immigration offices in the area of Bangkok, but they told me I need a Thai bank account in order to apply. The ironic thing is that I can't open a Thai bank account without a Non-O visa, so it can't be more contradictive than this.
Anyway they told me I should apply from outside Thailand at the online E-visa portal and they require a passport stamp in order to show proof of current location. I just remember that for example Indonesia doesn't stamp passports anymore and I'm not sure either about Malaysia these days. Laos and Vietnam are always an option for sure (I know they give stamps), but we prefer to travel to Malaysia or Indonesia.
So any advice on this matter is more than welcome guys. Has done something like this before in order to apply for a Non-O visa online outside his home country? And if yes, which country is the most suitable one?
Also more important after what I mentioned about stamping the passport. What kind of evidence did you add in the application where they ask for 'document indicating current location'? And what if the country doesn't stamp your passport? Can it also just be a hotel reservation or something?
Currently I'm staying in Thailand on a tourist visa (visa free with my passport) and we got married 1,5 week ago. I tried to apply for the Non-O visa at one of the immigration offices in the area of Bangkok, but they told me I need a Thai bank account in order to apply. The ironic thing is that I can't open a Thai bank account without a Non-O visa, so it can't be more contradictive than this.
Anyway they told me I should apply from outside Thailand at the online E-visa portal and they require a passport stamp in order to show proof of current location. I just remember that for example Indonesia doesn't stamp passports anymore and I'm not sure either about Malaysia these days. Laos and Vietnam are always an option for sure (I know they give stamps), but we prefer to travel to Malaysia or Indonesia.
So any advice on this matter is more than welcome guys. Has done something like this before in order to apply for a Non-O visa online outside his home country? And if yes, which country is the most suitable one?
Also more important after what I mentioned about stamping the passport. What kind of evidence did you add in the application where they ask for 'document indicating current location'? And what if the country doesn't stamp your passport? Can it also just be a hotel reservation or something?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on a tourist visa in Thailand and recently got married. They tried to apply for a Non-O visa but were informed they need a Thai bank account to do so. This poses a contradiction as they can't open a bank account without a Non-O visa. They were advised to apply for the visa online from outside Thailand, requiring a passport stamp as proof of location. Users discussed various aspects of the visa application process, including options for traveling to neighboring countries to obtain the necessary visa, the importance of having adequate funds in a bank account, and the difficulties faced in obtaining a Thai bank account as a tourist.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Mark ************
Use an agent
Steven *********
Following
Petr *********************
My advice would be, get her to your country, that she can have benefits in retirement, Thailand don't have any retirement pension for their citizens!! That why my Thai wife married me, nonsense to stay in Thailand!!
Max ********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg Thailand does have a retirement pension and it starts at 60 yrs old.
Petr *********************
Max Murray absolutely not true, my mother in law is receiving 600 baht a month government pension , increased 100 baht a decade , now at 84 she is receiving 800 baht a month, old people are at mercy of their families, but today's generation wants career and build future for them self, many Thais are childless, just between my wife and her 3 sisters only 4 children, they don't want to be burden on their children like their mother is now, big argument between siblings who is going to take care of mom, mother with dementia!!!
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Petr *********************
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Dennis *********
check with visa agent, otherwise you're unlikely to get it done yourself.
Greg ***********
Dennis Starkey I doubt that an agent is willing to touch this issue. Some do it when you want to "change" from a tourist entry to the Non-O Retirement Visa, but I don't know any agent who is willing to help you with the "change of visa type" from a visa-exempt entry to a 90-days Non-O Visa based on a marriage to a Thai wife. They won't touch it, it is much too complicated
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Greg ***********
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Fred **********
Congratulations on the marriage! suggest using a visa agent as they will be able help navigate the process. As someone mentioned above well worth the cost.
Tommy *******
I went to Laos, got the 90 day marriage visa (Non-O) and returned and opened a bank account with Krungsri.
Sometimes it is catch 22 with banks. Different branch’s also have different rules so one Krungsri might not accept u but another one might.
Good luck.
Sometimes it is catch 22 with banks. Different branch’s also have different rules so one Krungsri might not accept u but another one might.
Good luck.
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERTommy Keane Thank you for your helpful reply on my questions and yes it seems to very difficult these days with opening a bank account. But I'm glad Laos worked out well for you and great to hear you eventually managed to open a bank account. Good luck to you as well!
Tommy *******
Dennis Goense cheers buddy
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Tommy *******
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Michael *******
You seem very ignorant of Thai Laws and don't seem to follow Thai immigration rules! You can't be a responsible and serious person! Did you get married just so you can stay in Thailand?
Peter **********
You tell us …”we got married 1,5 week ago”…..
Surely your wife can explain her country’s rules and regulations to you?
Surely your wife can explain her country’s rules and regulations to you?
Michael ********
Peter H Bates Why ? She is not a foriegner in Thailand and never had to apply for visa. One of dumbest comments seen today.
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERMichael Dawson First of all no need to insult people here who ask questions. You ask me why it became more strict? Maybe you can ask the Thai government or don't you know this all yourself since you are such a clever guy..
Michael ********
Dennis Goense did you read his reply to your question ?
He is one being rude to you. Very confused. You asked a question and he is saying basically your wife should know. I wasnt one being rude
He is one being rude to you. Very confused. You asked a question and he is saying basically your wife should know. I wasnt one being rude
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Michael ********
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Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPeter H Bates The rules regarding opening a bank account got more strict recently, so even she didn't know
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Dennis ********
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Ant ***********
If you don’t want to leave Thailand
Use an agent
Thai Visa Centre can do it all in a day for a price ☑️
Use an agent
Thai Visa Centre can do it all in a day for a price ☑️
Greg ***********
Ant W Tailor I doubt that Thai Visa Centre is willing to touch this issue, but let's see if the OP gets a positive reply from them
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnt W Tailor Okay good to know. Thank you
Reply to
Dennis ********
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Dca *****
Unfortunately, nowadays, it is nearly impossible to open a Thai bank account that made Entry into Thailand on a Free Visa Exemption Stamp ( ผ.60–ม.17 ), one needs to obtain a Non–O E–Visa from a Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate outside Thailand as an important initial step to open a Thai bank account on their own
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDca Dca Exactly and that's what I found out when I tried to apply in person at the immigration office. Thailand became more strict on this
Greg ***********
Dennis Goense Dennis Goense
For the application to the 90-days Non-Imm-O Family Visa anywhere in any country OUTSIDE of Thailand, now, since you are married in Thailand, you need the rose-bordered marriage certificate and a fresh printout Kor Ror 22 from the Amphur. And money in your bank account.
You need both documents and a minimum of equivalent of 400,000 THB in your bank account (this bank account can be anywhere in the world as long as you can show it is in your sole name) in order to apply through the E-Visa online system of a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand.
After you enter Thailand on the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa, you can get a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and a Thai mobile number on your name and passport, with these you can get a Thai bank account opened (I recommend Kasikorn or SCB).
As soon as possible you need to transfer a minimum of 400,000 THB into it, because the deposit needs to have seasoned for TWO months on the day you apply for the 1-year Extension of Temporary Stay Permit based on being married to a Thai wife.
You could alternatively do the financial proof for the visa-application with original documents that prove a monthly income of a minimum of 40,000 THB equivalent, HOWEVER, for the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit on Immigration, if your embassy in Thailand does not issue income affidavits any more, your only option is the minimum of 400,000 in your Thai bank account in order to be able apply for the 1-year EOS
For the application to the 90-days Non-Imm-O Family Visa anywhere in any country OUTSIDE of Thailand, now, since you are married in Thailand, you need the rose-bordered marriage certificate and a fresh printout Kor Ror 22 from the Amphur. And money in your bank account.
You need both documents and a minimum of equivalent of 400,000 THB in your bank account (this bank account can be anywhere in the world as long as you can show it is in your sole name) in order to apply through the E-Visa online system of a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand.
After you enter Thailand on the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa, you can get a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and a Thai mobile number on your name and passport, with these you can get a Thai bank account opened (I recommend Kasikorn or SCB).
As soon as possible you need to transfer a minimum of 400,000 THB into it, because the deposit needs to have seasoned for TWO months on the day you apply for the 1-year Extension of Temporary Stay Permit based on being married to a Thai wife.
You could alternatively do the financial proof for the visa-application with original documents that prove a monthly income of a minimum of 40,000 THB equivalent, HOWEVER, for the application to the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit on Immigration, if your embassy in Thailand does not issue income affidavits any more, your only option is the minimum of 400,000 in your Thai bank account in order to be able apply for the 1-year EOS
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander This is a lot of useful information and thank you for taking the time to reply to me in such a helpful way. Much appreciated 🙏🙏
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Dennis ********
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Greg ***********
Dennis Goense Immigration did not change anything! It was the banking rules that changed in February 2025. From there on it became impossible to get a bank account opened on a touristic entry. There are some agents that offer a "full package" (bank account opening, 90-days Non-O Visa and 12-months extension) for up from 60,000 THB. BUT: only for those who take the "retirement visa and extension" route. NOT for those married to a Thai wife. No agent will touch that
Strength *********
Greg Alexander hi Greg, may I please ask why the agents don't want to touch those who are married to a Thai wife?? What is the difference??
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Okay then it doesn't apply to me I guess. Thank you once again🙏
Reply to
Dennis ********
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Jason *************
Get an agent mate, well worth the money.
Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJason Bracegirdle I'll think about this option as well. Thank you
Greg ***********
Dennis Goense no chance: There is NO AGENT who will touch your matter, as it is much to complicated for them. They would help you if you plan to apply for the retirement visa and the retirement extension, but NO AGENT will touch the "change of visa type" for a Non-O Based on being married to a Thai wife, not even if you can show own funds
Jason *************
Dennis Goense they make it a lot quicker.
Greg ***********
Jason Bracegirdle No chance! There is NO AGENT who will touch a "change of visa type" based on being married to a Thai wife. Not even if you have own funds. There are some agents that offer a "full package" (bank account opening, 90-days Non-O Visa and 12-months extension) for up from 60,000 THB. However: only for those who take the "retirement visa and extension" route. NOT for those married to a Thai wife. No agent will touch that
JB *********
Greg Alexander, there are Bangkok agents that can assist. I met one last week at VFS, The Shoppes....
Greg ***********
JB Kipling I highly doubt if they will touch a marriage visa and extension without own funds and without own thai bank account. Be advised. The agents you know will only hel p with retirement
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Greg ***********
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Lynnette *******
You should have got your non O before arriving, opened bank account, then got married. There's no contradiction. Visas are applied for before entering if you intend to visit family, marry and to apply to extend based on marriage etc.
Steve *******
Lynnette Munoz He couldn't get a Non Imm O based on marriage until he gets married
Lynnette *******
Steve Greir he said visiting Thai family. . There's a non o for that. Or maybe they have stopped. Either way, he needs a visa to open bank account.
Steve *******
Lynnette Munoz Nowhere did he mention visiting Thai family in his question
Steve *******
Lynnette Munoz He won't have Thai family until he gets married, no mention of kids.
Lynnette *******
Steve Greir he said he wants to visit Thai family. He may have a kid.
Reply to
Lynnette *******
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Lynnette *******
He can get a non o in a neighbouring country. Arrive. Open bank account. Get 12 months extension.
Reply to
Lynnette *******
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Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLynnette Munoz So in other words: A person should always leave the country after getting married in Thailand and return to his/her home country and apply for a Non-O visa only then? That's what your saying? I'm already in Thailand, so it would make sense if I can just apply in person as well, right?
Also it is impossible to get a Non-O visa to stay with Thai family when you are not married yet..
Also it is impossible to get a Non-O visa to stay with Thai family when you are not married yet..
Lynnette *******
Dennis Goense why would you return to your home country to get the non-O? You can get it in a neighbouring country. Are you saying that some "people" arrive with no visa for 60 days to visit family, suddenly decide to get married? Had no idea they were going to do so.
Greg ***********
Dennis Goense For the application to the 90-days Non-Imm-O Family Visa OUTSIDE of Thailand, now, since you are married in Thailand, you have a rose-bordered marriage certificate and you can get a fresh printout Kor Ror 22 from the Amphur. You need both documents and a minimum of equivalent of 400,000 THB in your bank account (this account can be anywhere in the world as long as you can show it is in your name) in order to apply through the E-Visa online system of a Thai embassy outside of Thailand. After you enter Thailand on the Non-Imm-O Visa, you can get a "certificate of residence" from Immigration and a Thai mobile number on your name and passport, with these you can get a Thai bank account opened (I recommend Kasikorn or SCB) and as soon as possible you need to transfer a minimum of 400,000 THB into it, because the deposit needs to have seasoned for TWO months on the day you apply for the 1-year Extension of Temporary Stay Permit based on bein married to a Thai wife. You can alternatively do the financial proof with proof of a monthly income of a minimum of 40,000 THB equivalent, but if your embassy in Thailand does not issue income affidavits any more, your only option is the minimum of 400,000 in your Thai bank account in order to apply for the 1-year extension
Steven ********
Greg Alexander proof of 40,000 income can be done with 3 months of bank statements from your country of origin. That’s how I do my non O every time , since the UK Embassy stopped doing affidavits.
Greg ***********
Steven Bungay of course you can do the 90-days VISA application with bank statements or original income documents when you use the E_Visa online system in your home country. But you cannot get the 1-year extension with 3 months of your home bank statements on Immigration inside Thailand. For that you would either need an income affidavit from your embassy, or a 12-months statement from your Thai bank over 12 transfers, month for month, over transfers of a minimum of 40,000 THB coming from abroad consecutively, into your thai bank account. And some Immigrations accept this financial proof only for the "retirement extension", not for the "married to a Thai wife" extension. Obviously that's why his Immigration told him that his only option is the deposit in a Thai bank account in his sole name - My guess is they will not allow him to use the income method (We still don't know his passport country)
Reply to
Greg ***********
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Lynnette *******
Dennis Goense very few countries allow tourists to open bank accounts. Not UK or many others. Thailand is no different. You can visit family without a non O. If you want a bank account it's normal to have a visa first.
Patrick ********
Lynnette Munoz Very true. Malaysia has the same policy that one must be resident and have a visa before opening a local account. I know this as I lived in KL for years before moving to Thailand. Although Malaysia does make things less confusing in many ways. It's difficult country there in other ways though and getting a Malaysian visa is hard. There is no "cheap" retirement visa option for example, only something complex and expensive that requires far more funds. Thailand offers far more visa options and routes, I will most likely go for SMART visa personally but am also not far off being able to got for a retirement visa, although I will want to work on my laptop (non Thai project) and strictly I understand that this is not possible on a retirement visa, although how the authorities can know one is doing this and whether they care if all projects are non-Thai based I don't know
Bob ***********
Patrick Puddle well they know now what your plan is lol
Patrick ********
I also have a Thai passport holding mixed race gf/partner that is a grad and that was working in KL previously and we lived together in KL and she is now working in Thailand, partly why I'm here, so we may marry in time. But that's another story and it's complex, like most things in life for most of us I guess! Very good luck to everyone whatever our individual positions and circumstances
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Patrick ********
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Dca *****
many local Thai immigration offices inside Thailand and many Thai Embassies/Thai Consulates outside Thailand require a Minimum Time of being married to a Thai Spouse (since issued marriage certificate) of at least 2 Months or perhaps more....
What (also where is) did your local Thai immigration office say about minimum amount of time to be married before apply for either an in–country Visa or Extension of Stay???
What (also where is) did your local Thai immigration office say about minimum amount of time to be married before apply for either an in–country Visa or Extension of Stay???
John **********
@Dca ****
the 2 months is irrelevant if he applies for the Non-O outside Thailand as he's going to have to season his funds for 2 months before he can apply for the extension of stay anywayDca *****
@John *********
How about, for example, if one were to get the assistance of an Agent to help open a Thai bank account now, during this newly married period, and going for an in–country Non–O Visa from the local Thai Immigration Office?Greg ***********
Dca Dca most if not all agents will NOT touch an inside Thailand marriage visa and the 12-months extension. It is much too complicated. No agent wants to deal with that. Even with own money and an already existing Thai bank account, still most agents won't touch it
John **********
@Dca ****
it's possible but I suspect most agents will only help if they do the entire process, so open bank, get 90 day Non-O & 12 months extension of stay. But marriage visa & extensions are a bit more fiddlyReply to
John **********
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Dennis ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDca Dca Ooh really? I have never heard or read about this rule honestly. The person at the immigration office didn't mention anything about this either. Just about the Thai bank account..
Reply to
Dennis ********
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