Should I apply for a Thai marriage visa if I frequently visit Thailand from Singapore for less than 30 days?

May 8, 2022
2 years ago
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A question that’s probably difficult to answer. I recently became a resident in Singapore where I work. I will be flying to Thailand to visit my family frequently. This can be done by entering visa exempt. But wondering about the frequent entries.

I am married and could get a Thai marriage visa but according to Thai embassy they mentioned I should not need it as i will not be there for more than 30 days. However I am

wondering if that’s the right path.

So does it make sense to get a visa based on marriage?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a Singapore resident, is considering whether to apply for a Thai marriage visa given their frequent visits to Thailand for under 30 days. Comments from other users suggest that while a visa exemption is generally acceptable, immigration may sometimes question frequent short visits if there are too many stamps in the passport. Some recommend exploring options like a multiple entry tourist visa or a non-O visa that may have fewer entry restrictions. It's noted that preparedness with cash, proof of accommodation, and showing ties to a home country can help with entry.
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Luciano ***********
Maybe get it in writing that you were told it is OK in the case it is questioned on entry
Terary **********
I doubt you will have troubles with doing visa exempt if you show history of leaving (not extending). I am in the process of doing a marriage visa and its becoming a real pain.
Martin ********
Used to do this trip regular many years ago, never had an issue. Now I am doing India to TH monthly. Half expecting to get pulled at some.point as i was on a extension of stay for 17 years.
Wayne *********
I do 2 weeks in Australia and 2 weeks in Thailand I am fifo worker, never been questioned. I do carry cash incase I am asked for proof.
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
what is fifo?
Wayne *********
@Jo *********
fly in fly out. I work on a mine site 2 weeks a month. They fly us in for work then fly us out for our days off.
Mark ******
@Wayne ********
How did you do it over the past couple of years with the travel & quarantine restrictions in both Thailand and Oz?
Wayne *********
@Mark *****
first 16 months I stayed in Au and worked extra then as things got easier though expensive I did a few bigger trips, 2 months each time. Since December been doing the 2 and 2 again. I got authorised to leave and return to Australia due to enough proof of residing in Thailand and having a Thai family. The test and go certainly helped with costs as prior it was expensive for flights, quarantine etc
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
ok this helpful
Stuart *********
Check out the year long multiple entry non O you can get from KCMC or Laos. Will also fit you need and no financial requirement.
Stan *******
Stan *******
Hi chi Minh city
Stuart *********
@Stan ******
typo. HCMC.
Stan *******
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stan ******
what’s HCMC?
Chongkol *********
@Stuart ********
what are the required documents?
Stuart *********
@Chongkol ********
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Matthew **********
The non O multiple entry visa, although a little pricey, is probably the most trouble free option.
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matthew *********
no longer available
Matthew **********
I just applied for that visa here in the US at the Los Angeles Thai Consulate. Hope they offer a refund if you’re right…
Chongkol *********
@Stuart ********
thank you!
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
meaning that I would need to go to Laos just to apply
Paulie ********
Were you get this vintene or savannakhet? What's the requiments?
Stuart *********
@Paulie *******
Savannakhet. They were they only two consulates that would issue without need for financials. This was before covid. Only assuming they may still do them.
David *******
@Stuart ********
Vietnam savanahkhet and Sydney do this, I recently got 2 from sydney 12 month multi entry no financials
Stuart *********
@David ******
oh ok. Wasn’t aware of Sydney doing them.
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
yes. You’d get a year long visa and stamped in for 90 days on every entry. Unlimited entries.
Peruvia ***********
I’m a Singapore resident and fly weekly between SG-TH, only been asked once, in many years, casually “wow why so many (entry) stamps”. I replied in Thai that I’m married to a Thai and didn’t require a marriage visa due to visa exempt.. and that was it, no other questions asked.

PS* I also always have my Thai marriage contract saved in photos just in case but never been asked for it.
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peruvia **********
wow such a great applicable answer!
Greg *********
You have the potential to be stopped if you come frequently on the visa exempt. I use the 6 month multiple entry tourist now and have had no issues. Depending on what country your from this can be applied for online.
Stuart *********
@Ruth ******
It’s exactly as he states. It’s a multiple entry visa that’s valid for 6 months from issue. On each entry you’re stamped in for 60 days. You can either leave or extend in country for a further 30 days for each entry. If you time it right and bounce out just before it expires you can get almost 9 months from that visa.

Beware that London are notorious for needing proof that you need an actual multiple entry. If you don’t provide details of flights of such to show you need it they’ll issue you a single entry and will not refund the difference in application fee.
Ruth *******
@Stuart ********
I’m in the States. I hope they don’t do that to me. I’m more winging it with my travel. I’m far from a backpacker, but I like to keep my mind open as to where I want to visit next.
Ruth *******
@Stuart ********
sorry, I deleted my comment before seeing yours. I just found the info online by searching specifically for this option. I’m glad you commented though. It doesn’t mention the ability to extend it longer. I’m trying to find the best option for a longer term “stay” where I’m planning to be traveling much of the time. This seems like a good option rather than a long stay visa with all its hoops.
Stuart *********
@Ruth ******
Depends on how long you refer to as “longer term”. For around 9 months it’ll work. You’ll need to leave and re enter a couple of times to get the full use out of it.
Ruth *******
@Stuart ********
I plan to be doing that then later settling in. I plan to explore both within SE Asia (still need to see the Philippines and want to return to some favorites) and outside. I will also probably need to return to the States (ugh! Long flights) at least once in that time.
Greg *********
I received mine around 3 days after the application. That was through the Thai embassy in London.
Martinello **********************
@Greg ********
how long is processing time for regular tourist visa
Paulie ********
I came in from Singapore last week and got stopped at immergration and interviewd asking why so many stamps on my passport make sure have proof of were youive copy of lease or whatever and can show that you have proof you can fund yourself they told me if I don't have a visa from my embassy I'll be refused entry next time
Stuart *********
They might question you if they think you’re trying to buck the system or they think you might be working in Thailand. Usually if you’re well dressed and your passport stamps don’t indicate any red flags they won’t say anything.

If asked show them that you have 20,000 baht in cash (or equivalent currency) - cash only, not a credit card or bank statement. A flight out and proof of accommodation. That could be an invitation letter from a family member to stay with them.
Paulie ********
@Stuart ********
correct I had the problem last week at immergration 2 hours
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paulie *******
can you describe the problem you had and how it was resolved
Paulie ********
@Jo *********
I also suggest fast track lane book online 1000 b
Paulie ********
@Jo *********
said my record was bad to many stamps in my passport I said what's the problem I go work cum back spend my money here why is that not good? He wanted to see my bank account and rental agreement but wasent Abel to get that as office was closed Or and flight out then after him looking at his computer and a face off he gave me 30 days
Brett **************
I work overseas and have not been able to extend my Non O based on Marriage 3 times in the past and losing again this month. While traveling in and out on a Tourist Visa I was only asked once why don't I get or extend my visa... simply because I am not here long enough to process it. The immigration guy was ok with answer and actually the guy beside him said our system is not easy for you guys trying to do the right thing. There was a crackdown just before that I know several people turned away...but that was quite a few years ago.
Brett **************
I carry a copy of our Thai marriage certificate and Daughters birth certificate just in case, this seems to help
Yvonne *********
It may be ok at the moment, but sometimes Immigration clamps down and wants to know why you come so often without a proper Visa!

They did that with FIFO workers who entered frequently on RDO's.
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yvonne ********
what’s a RDO
Yvonne *********
@Jo *********
sorry, Rostered Day Off
Bonnie *******
You don't need any of that
Jo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ******
thanks I did not think so
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