Is a police clearance required for extending a marriage visa in Thailand?

May 7, 2023
2 years ago
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there. I am about to extend my stay permit based on married to Thai. It will be the 2nd year of continuation. I contact an agent in Bangkok to do it on my behalf. Besides as common documents required for marriage visa extension, the agent asked me to provide a “Police clearance on criminal record”. I have been living in Thailand over 20 years, never hear such requirement for extending stay permit. Is that a new requirement? Can anyone suggest?

Can anyone from this group refer a reliable agent to handle my case? Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking clarification on whether a police clearance for a criminal record is a new requirement for extending their stay permit based on marriage to a Thai national. The user, facing this request from their agent after 20 years in Thailand, finds this requirement unusual. Multiple comments indicate that a police clearance is not typically required, suggesting this may be a misunderstanding or a scam by the agent. Others recommend the user handle the extension themselves or refer them to reliable agents for assistance.
Umami *********
they do line video calls now at certain IO's, all stricter on pics supplied at times, also a renewed crackdown and tightening of regulations in the visa regime is now ongoing
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Umami ********
understood
Onne ***********
Thai visa
Bob **********
You say you’ve been here 20 years and you can’t do this on your own ?? Do you have the funds in the bank an address pictures of you and your wife at the home inside and out not really tough to do on your own most agents won’t mess with marriage extensions
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
@Andy *****
Companies worked with past 20 years handled my visa and work permit. Last year (1st time) I did it myself. I will be quite busy next few months. My wife and me might not able to be present at home while IO visit my home for inspection. I’m have sufficient 400k savings, Yellow book and other docs. Thus I was thinking to use an agency service. So I do not need to worry about IO visiting my house. IO never inform you in advance.
Paul *******
@Bob *********
Huh? Most agents do marriage extensions. It's the volunteer ones they won't do anymore.
Bob **********
@Paul ******
refused two of my friends told them to get retirement to much hassle and too many hoops to get a marriage extension
Paul *******
@Bob *********
Very strange. Most agents will do them no issues.
Andy ******
Just go yourself and pay the 1900 baht fee for 1 year extension
Roberto *********
Sounds like another dodgy agent scam. Have you enquired at your immigration office?
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
I just did 90 reporting last week. I checked documents list. Did not mention about police clearance. Agree with you. Might be another rip off plan
Roberto *********
@Shaine ***********
There's now more agents in Thailand than there are farangs (many farangs are also agents). Always remember they are not licenced and need no registration. They have been known to disappear with customer's passports. Business is being squeezed. They'll fill you up with buckets of bullshit in order to squeeze a few more baht out of you!
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steven ***************
I'm about to do.my 6th spouse extension in Bkk. Never been asked for a police clearance, because it's not a requirement..

Find an agent that knows what the hell they are doing. Or do it yourself like I do. Going rate for an agent is 30k baht which is bullshit because all they do is take all the paperwork you prepare and provide them to immigration. 2 months thai salary for half a days work..
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
I do not know whether IO visited your home/neighbour every year of extension. My wife and I are the only persons living in my house. We might not be available all 30 days during consideration period to face IO unless IO make appointment in advance. Usually they do not prior alert.
Steven ***************
@Shaine ***********
. I've never had them do a home visit. ( 5 extensions)
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
agree. Well said 👍🏻
Bob **********
@Steven **************
most of that is going to the IO’s
Jeffrey **********
Richard *********
@Steven **************
going rate for hyealry extension is 12,500 in Pattaya, or around 17,000 elsewhere.
Bob **********
@Richard ********
Agents don’t like to mess with extensions based on marriage
Brandon ************
You can always contact the owners of this group. They're quite responsive to questions. But I cannot attest as I've never used their services.
@Thai *****************************
Shaine ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
certainly. Thanks.
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