How can I change my Non-O visa status from retirement to marriage based on my Thai spouse?

Non-O Visa Visa Application Marriage Visa Retirement Visa Immigration Process Khon Kaen Thai Visa Requirements

Aug 3, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just an interesting note for an in country Non O visa: I applied for a Non O 90 day visa based on marriage to a Thai. At the time of application I had a bank account in my name with over 800k but less than 2 months old and deposited in Thailand. Picked up my approved visa today but they gave me a retirement instead of married to Thai. This was in Khon Kaen. Very nice immigration staff. We intially just went there to make sure we knew their specific requirements as money was only seasoned for a month. Left the office with a submitted application. Not complaining at all as it was approved, just an example of how each immigration office is different

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user shared their experience applying for a Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai citizen but unexpectedly received a retirement visa instead. They provided details about their bank account balance and conditions in Khon Kaen, noting that immigration procedures can vary by location. Other users commented with advice on how to potentially change the visa status back to marriage, discussing the financial requirements associated with different visa types and emphasizing the importance of understanding local immigration rules.

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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Ellie *******

Go to get the handout of requirements for retirement extension from the Khon Kean office. Here is just general info. Though you seem to be prepared well already. Good luck.

2 years ago

Greg *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

All.. Although I didn't get all my facts correct, this site greatly reduced my stress and steered in me in the right direction for success. Greatly appreciated, Cheers!!

2 years ago

Tod *********

I certainly would go back and tell them you wanted the Non-O based on MARRIAGE to a thai NOT retirement.

The reason I say that is IF you continue and get the year extension based on retirement as well you''ll have to keep the 800K baht in the bank 3 months after your year extension is issued, then the balance can't go below 400K baht the rest of the year.

Where as IF you get a year extension based on marriage to a thai you only need the 400K baht in the account for 2 months before you apply and then you're free to use the funds.

They gave you a Non-O based on retirement because it's easier for them (and you document wise) BUT if you don't wanna follow that brutal seasoning requirement for the retirement extension GO and get that changed to marriage (they'll just cross out the word retirement and write in thai wife).

2 years ago

Greg *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

We tild them they gave me the wrong type but they said it was too late to change. Our packet included all required docs for Thai marriage. We went through a lot of work changing my wife's name on all of her legal docs (bank account, driver license, ID, house book, land office for property, etc) At this point leaving money in the bank not a problem so we are going to take a break and leave it as it is. Thank you for advice.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Greg ********

just wanted you aware of what you're in for seasoning wise with your funds was all

You can go apply for the yearly extension when you have 30 days or less left on your current 90 day stamp, will take new bank letter, updated bank book, new copies etc and will cost 1900baht.

NEXT year you can "change the reason" for your extension to one based on marriage without any issues.

And to stop any 'confusion', next year I'd make sure that you ONLY had 400K baht in the account for 2 months when you apply for it that way they can't "forget" and give you a retirement extension (as you don't have the funds for it).

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Ellie *******

Because as a general rule, The initial in-country Non-O based on either retirement or marriage to a Thai doesn't require your funds to be kept certain period. If they require seasoning for an initial visa, it's the Khon Kaen rule as you mentioned.

If you really are given Non-O retirement, you need to apply for 1 year extension based on retirement for the first time (when your 90-days are up). With that, you have to keep your 800K thb in your Thai bank account 2 months prior to application day and three months after the extension is granted. Also, you need to keep at least 400K thb until your next year's extension (for whatever reason) will be approved.

2 years ago

Greg *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

My mistake. I thought funds had to season for initial 90 day as well. Thank you for your response.

2 years ago

David *************

@Ellie ******

fir simplicity I keep £25K in a BKKBK FCDA all year! I shuffle 100 baht out the day I go for next years visa.

2 years ago

Kevin ***********

@Ellie ******

It sounds like the OP had funds seasoned for one month but Khon Kaen didn’t require anything

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Kevin **********

That's why i wrote 'if'

2 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

James ********

Thank you for your report.

YES... that's WHY we always say...Go to your local Thai immigration office and ask for the requirements for the Visa you are applying for...

Glad you were successful.

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

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