Is my Non-Immigrant O visa guaranteed to be extended annually based on my income in Thailand?

Question

Scenario:

I apply for a Non-immigrant O visa to begin in January 2027. I qualify through my consulate in New York City, USA using the 40,000 baht per month income method. I get to Saraburi  Thailand and apply for a marriage extension. I need to have 400,000 baht in the bank seasoned for 2 months prior to the first one year extension being granted. I make well over the 40,000 baht monthly minimum and have that greater amount deposited from Social Security straight into my Thai bank account every month for 12 months straight.

Question:

A. Is it 100% guaranteed they will extend my Visa the next year using bank documentation and the income method? Or is it at the whim of the immigration office?

B. If they do accept the income method, will they accept the income method every year in perpetuity (unless there's a change in the law)?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The poster is inquiring whether their Non-Immigrant O visa, granted based on an income of 40,000 baht per month through Social Security, is guaranteed to be extended annually when applying for a marriage extension. They also want to know if the income method will remain valid every year or if it could change. The responses highlight that nothing is guaranteed, as decisions depend heavily on local immigration office interpretations, which can change over time. They recommend consulting directly with the local immigration office or a visa agent for specific requirements and to stay updated on any changes to visa regulations.

Jeff ************* · Answer

In Black and White  that’s the way it should work, just chat with your immigration office on your first trip and confirm it with them

Doc ******** · Answer

You really need to go to the local immigration center near you and get the gist from the horses mouth.

As people have mentioned it's all up to interpretation of the local immigration people.

A second option would be also to have a chat to a Thai visa agent to at least get a second opinion.

You might find paying a bit for them to sort it out could be an option?

Jorge **** · Answer

No such thing as perpetuity when the situation is fluid from IO to IO.

Mick ***** · Answer

If on a marriage visa and you can afford it the easiest path to ensure your financials are in order every year is to just put 400K in an account and forget about it. Don't spend it, don't access just leave it there in a seperate account for your day to day banking. You don't need to worry about seasoning or transfers being regular  & ontime or anything. 400,000 Baht is only 12,000 USD the peace of mind having it there far outweighs the pitiful amount that 11K will earn invested elsewhere.

Phil ******** · Answer

Seems a little mixed up. 65,000 per month relates to a retirement extension. 400,000 in the bank relates to a marriage based extension - which extension are you want to apply for?

Greg *********** · Answer

I have yet to read a report that somebody was able to get a one-year marriage-to-a-Thai-wife extension, using as financials the 12-months bank proof over 12 consecutive monthly transfers from abroad of a minimum of 40,000 THB into a Thai bank account. You either use your embassy's income affidavit, or you are earning these 40,000 THB for legally working inside Thailand. The 12-months bank statement financial proof is reserved for those who apply for the 1-year extension of stay based on retirement

John ********** · Answer

Using 65k baht per month implies you are applying for a Non-O visa based on being at least 50 years of age. In which case your first extension would need to be based on retirement. A Non-O based on marriage requires you show 3 months income of a minimum of 40k per month or 400k and this is the one you need if you want to make your first extension based on marriage.

Potpon****** · Answer

Immigration is disjointed at best

So if someone says it’s a yes for Bangkok that doesn’t mean it’s a yes for saraburi

That’s facts

CapableBlu********** · Answer

Nothing is ever guaranteed in Thailand, especially when it comes to visa extensions.

For your first extension, you’ll likely need to show the 400,000 baht method. After that, you may be able to switch to the 65,000 baht per month method, provided it’s permitted under the marriage visa requirements.

Depending on which immigration office you apply through, they may also ask for photos of you, your wife, and your children together at home, along with a map showing your address and other supporting documents. You can research the specific requirements online.

Your best bet is to come to Thailand, visit the local immigration office, and speak to them directly. Ask exactly what documentation they require in that particular province, as requirements and procedures can vary between offices.

Brandon ************ · Answer

1) nothing is EVER guaranteed. You would need to ask your immigration office if they accept that for marriage extensions. Some offices only accept proof of income for a marriage extension if it's from a work permit job inside of Thailand. Only your immigration office can tell you what they'll accept.

2) leadership is shuffled at the immigration offices every couple years, and the leadership always brings with it new rules or new interpretations of rules. Just because something is accepted one year doesn't mean it will be accepted the next. That's why it's always best to go to your immigration office a couple months before your extension each year and ask them for a handout list of requirements for the specific extension you'll be applying for.

Is my Non-Immigrant O visa guaranteed to be extended annually based on my income in Thailand?

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