Should I switch from a retirement visa to a Non-O marriage visa if I marry a Thai woman?

Basically More paperwork for marriage visa, more money (and longer in bank) for retirement visa

Either

> if I get married to a Thai woman, do I have to change to a Non-O marriage visa

No you do not. You can continue staying on a one year extension of stay based on retirement.

>if I can choose one of them, which is better with hassle-free?

A one year extension of stay based on retirement requires the following:

1. The applicant’s passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

4. To meet the financial requirements of either:

- 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account seasoned for 2 months along with a letter from the bank. If renewing the one year extension of stay, the 800,000 THB must be seasoned for two months before applying and three months after the last extension of stay was granted, and for the money not to have been lower then 400,000 THB throughout the calendar year, Or;

- 65,000 THB a month in income to a Thai bank transferred from overseas, Or;

- A letter from the embassy stating the applicant receives 65,000 THB a month in income from overseas.

5. A hand drawn map to the applicant’s residence. Some immigration offices may want this map on a special paper.

This may include an at-home visit by the immigration office to confirm the applicant is residing at the address, and if using the banked money method, to confirm the money is still in the bank account. The immigration office will give a list of the documents required to bring to the immigration office when the under consideration stamp is closed out.

A one year extension of stay based on marriage requires the following:

1. The applicant’s passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent visa (if applicable).

c. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay (if applicable).

d. The departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in the passport.

2. The extension of stay application form (“TM 7”).

3. 2x passport sized (4cm by 6cm) photos.

4. The Thai spouse physically next to the applicant, and;

- Their Thai ID card and a front and back copy of the ID card

- Their housebook, and a copy of the first page.

5. For male foreigners married to a Thai female only:

- 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account, seasoned for 2 months OR;

- 40,000 THB in income OR;

- A letter from the applicant’s embassy stating the applicant has an income of 40,000 THB a month. If the embassy offers the income letter, the income method can not be used.

6.. Marriage certificate (either the rose border certificate, OR a translated copy from the applicant’s home country), and a front and back copy of the marriage certificate.

7. An updated Kor Ror 2 showing the marriage is current, acquired from the local amphur office for 20 THB.

Different immigration offices have different requirements, and may include:

- A copy of the TM30 filed where the applicant lives.

- A hand drawn map to the house.

- Pictures of the husband and wife in various locations in the house (front of the house/ condo, in all rooms, etc).

- Rental contract (if renting property or a condo).

There is an under consideration period for this extension of stay. This may include an at-home visit by the immigration office to confirm the husband and wife are living together, interviews with neighbors, and if using the banked money method, to confirm the money is still in the bank account. The immigration office will give a list of the documents required to bring when the under consideration stamp is closed out.