I should have posted this earlier. Changing my visa from non-oa to ‘by reason of marriage’ to avoid the buying of out-patient insurance, I did a lot of research on what others did, filled out all the forms from Immigration’s web site, drew the map, got my wife’s tee Baan from her village, photos, etc etc and went to Jomtien Immigration on Soi 5 on October 1st.
They told me to come back one month before my non OA’s expiry date, Nov 11. On Oct 11 I did so, and was told to get my landlord’s tee Baan (the photocopy wasn’t adequate). He brought it to Soi 5. His Thai fluency was essential because he argued for me (over what I don’t know) and I had to fill out another form and have it validated in the first office on the left of the building’s entrance. The tough talking female immigration officer then became almost pleasant. I was told to stay in my condo for the next two weeks.
When Immigration Officers came to my condo’s lobby a few days later, my landlord’s presence wasn’t adequate, the former owner, his Thai ex wife had to be there. My Thai wife was told in passing that I might have to leave the country. The main officer came back 90 minutes later; the landlord’s ex was there to. After shaking hands all around, the IO took pictures of us in the lobby, including the ex and once with reception staff (who had to answer some questions). The IO didn’t go upstairs to the condo unit.
On Nov 11 I got yet another bank letter, as previously instructed, went to Soi 5, and very quickly was given my passport with a non-o by reason of marriage stamp, good until October 11, 2021. My landlord said he will make another arrangement for next year because his ex won’t be back. They didn’t ask for the bank letter.
As has been mention by others, the TM7 form downloaded from Immigration’s site has been replaced by a newer version, available at Soi 5.
Thank goodness for my landlord and his patience. Wish I could have gone to Savanaket to start a simpler non O process.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user detailed their experience switching from a Non-OA visa to a marriage visa, emphasizing the importance of gathering necessary documents like the landlord's tee Baan and undergoing an in-home visit by immigration officials. They were initially advised to return a month before their visa expired, encountered various requirements throughout the process, and successfully received a marriage visa extension after some challenges. User comments reflect on the immigration process, variations in requirements between offices, and the role of landlords and witnesses.
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