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Answereda year ago

Is switching from a Non-O visa based on age to a Thai citizen marriage visa advantageous due to reduced bank balance requirements?

Jeffrey *******
asked Sep 22, 2025
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I hope I have a pretty simple question. I have searched but not quite figure it out. Wouldn't one advantage of going from an extension of stay based on age to a Thai citizen marriage visa be to reduce the amount of money needed in a Thai bank from 800k baht to 400k baht? Thanks.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the potential advantages of switching from a Non-O retirement visa extension to a marriage-based visa in Thailand, specifically highlighting the reduction in bank balance requirements from 800,000 baht to 400,000 baht. While there are financial benefits, commenters emphasize the increased paperwork, scrutiny, and the need for the Thai spouse's presence during the application process. They also caution that the marriage visa's validity is immediately compromised upon divorce. Overall, the choice depends on personal circumstances and preferences.
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Tod *********
Tod *********
And as you can see
@Jeffrey ******
it comes down to personal preference as far as what one you want to be on extension wise.

I thank everyone who weighed in with their 2 satang worth of opinion, and hopefully the O/P can make an educated decision

Best of luck to them, we are done
Rok ********
Rok ********
Yes - but much more scrutiny
Mike ******
Mike ******
YES, But!!! I wonder sometimes, whether it is worth it with the mountains of paper work you have to produce for Immigration for this type of Visa.
Dave *********
Dave *********
AND if she divorces you the visa is invalid immediately upon divorce.
Dannie ***************
Dannie ***************
Check the requirements for your LOCAL office.

I have my own printer, and I have scans of my passport, pink border marriage certificate, Wife ID card, and House Register on laptop.

These I print and the other documents are printed when acquired.

Two sets are needed.

Pre-planning reduces stress.
Ni***
Ni***
@Dannie **************
Exactly the same as me I scanned in everything for the first application & just print it off. Four new pictures & bank letter in the morning then to immigration. It takes about 45 minutes which I’m told is longer than when applying for retirement but it’s hardly inconvenient for me.
Steve *********
Steve *********
@Dannie **************
Yes I made my own checklist of required documents and use it to check off what is needed to be scanned and printed etc. I keep all the document scans in a folder on my cloud drive so I can print them out from my phone when applying the next year. Easy! Preparation is key and if you make an appointment you don’t need to spend hours waiting at immigration. I have had a marriage extension for two years and no home visits. Probably depends on the office.
Dannie ***************
Dannie ***************
@Steve ********
Preparation works, and the more times one goes the process, the more it becomes routine.
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
OP
Thanks!!
Dannie ***************
Dannie ***************
@Jeffrey ******
You’re welcome
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
OP
Thanks, all. I understand the paperwork, spouse attendance and extra tiime/visit but to have access to another 400k baht seems a pretty powerful advantage.
Alan *********
Alan *********
@Jeffrey ******
Why not use monthly deposits and free up all 800k after 12 months ..... could be a way simpler solution!
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Alan ********
you free up 400k of the 800k 3 months after the extension is granted
Alan *********
Alan *********
@Graham *****
yes .... I was trying to be economical with words!
Anna *********
Anna *********
Yes but the paper work home visits photos and so many other requirements are much more onerous
Paul *******
Paul *******
@Anna ********
I agree. I have had both over the pat10 years and the Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years is much, much easier and convenient as long as you have the banked funds.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
@Anna ********
only ever had one home visit which was my first year, the rest of the paperwork easy.
Anna *********
Anna *********
@Graeme ******
WEll done to you but lots of people have had a lot more to do
Tod *********
Tod *********
That is about the ONLY advantage in switching Non-O visa/extension from retirement to marriage based on banked money method. 😕

A marriage extension take a pile 'o paper, you also have to have the reason you're getting that extension (your thai wife) at the immigration office with you when you apply.

You only get a 30 day under consideration stamp when you apply for the year extension, then the immigration office can do a home visit (if they want to) and once that 30 days runs down you go back to get the year inked in

Compared to an extension based on retirement where you show up, apply, pay and get it inked into your passport that day (or at some offices by the very next day)

The choice is yours, but it's a decision you'd have to make and live with :)
Steve *********
Steve *********
@Tod ********
Isn’t another advantage that if you want to ,and are able to, work in Thailand you can apply for a work permit if you are on a marriage extension but if you are on a retirement extension you would have to leave the country and come back on a non B or come back on a VE and apply for a non B in country? Probably not applicable to most but in 2015-16 I was on a non O retirement extension and was offered a job and had to leave the country and reenter on a VE then apply for the non B in country. I am still open to work so having a marriage extension now makes it easier.
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Steve ********
that is indeed another advantage

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