How can I extend my type O visa for 5.5 months, and is it the best option for me as an American married to a Thai?

Feb 6, 2023
2 years ago
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How hard is it to extend a type O visa to get 5.5 months and is that my best option because the other visas, type OA require insurance. I am married to a Thai in America.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Extending a type O visa for 5.5 months is feasible, particularly if you meet the financial criteria for a longer extension. A Non-O visa can typically be extended for one year with proof of sufficient funds (800k฿ in the bank for two months prior to applying). Consider applying for a Non-O multiple entry visa from your home country, allowing for easier 90-day stays with border runs. Also, legalizing your marriage in Thailand may open up further options, including a 60-day family visit visa.
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Greg ********
Type OA visa based on marriage does not require insurance only if it is based on retirement
Peter ****************
You also can ask for a Non imm. O MULTIPLE Entry in your home country. Then you need only one border bounce to get another 90 days. (Visa is valid for 1 year and every time when you leave and come back you get 90 days as long as your visa is valid)

If you have enough money in your Thai bank account (800k฿ 2 months before you ask the year extension) it's ofcourse possible to get a year extension. Maybe also ask a re-entry permit then, should you come back within that year.

I think it is wise to legalize your American marriage in Thailand too when you are here. This for future use ? ('Only' 400k฿ in your bank account needed or 12x 40k฿ per month as international transfer instead of 65k฿ per month
@Ken ******
.)

When you legalize it here there is also an option to get 60 days 'visiting family' (your wife). Good luck with your decision.🙏
Peter ****************
Yep
@Ken ******
. So some people use this visa for staying almost 15 months. If you plan it a bit, and you come back just before the visa expires, you get another 90 days ! But for you not relevant I guess.
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
so the visa is good for 1 year but I must leave and return at 90 days to go another 90 days
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
that's good to know. I was reading on the embassy site that if I get multiple entry under the nonO it is good for a year and then I would be good. Am I correct?
Stuart *********
A non O visa can only be extended for one year providing you meet the financials required to do so.
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
can I do it while in Thailand I only need 5.5 months total
Kool *******
@Ken ******
you must meet the financial requirement to extend it. There are no exceptions. You need a Thai bank account in your name only, and direct deposit at least bt800,000 from an overseas source into your Thai account at least two months before you apply for the 1 year extension. This one year will cover your 5.5 months. You can not get any other extension except 1 year, and you must meet the financial requirements. That bt800,000 must stay in your Thai bank account for at least 3 months after you get your 1 year extension, then the balance in the account can never drop below bt400,000 for the rest of the year.
Stuart *********
@Ken ******
you can do in Thailand. You’d get a year. Whether you only use one month or twelve is up to you.
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