Should I switch to a marriage visa since my Non-B visa extensions will no longer be available?

Jul 8, 2024
5 months ago
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I've been getting yearly Non-B visa extensions for last 14 years. My company informs me that now they're not able to extend anymore so I have to go to Savannakhet every three months. WP is still provided, there's no problem with that but I do not want to do visa runs. I'm married to my Thai wife for five years and I'm thinking if it's better to get a marriage visa at this point. My HR manager also informed me that if I apply to this I'll have to go to Savannakhet with her to apply visa together. Is that true? Sorry if it's asked before, I searched but couldn't find the answer by myself, got a little confused.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has been extending their Non-B visa for 14 years but has been informed by their company that they can no longer do so and must start doing visa runs to Savannakhet every three months. They are married to a Thai citizen and are considering switching to a marriage visa. Comments suggest that since the user is already on an extension, they may apply for a 1-year extension based on their marriage, possibly without needing to leave Thailand. They should confirm with their local immigration office if this is possible. It’s also noted that some previous applicants have managed to secure a Non-O visa at Savannakhet independently, indicating some flexibility in the process.
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Peter **********
If you are legally married, you can change the reason for extending your Non Immigrant visa from 'work' to 'Thai wife / family' without leaving Thailand and starting again. However, to avoid relying on your employer, you will need to have 400,000 THB saved in your Thai bank account for 2 or 3 months in advance of your application for extension (you need to check how many months). Then, your extension is based on Thai family plus savings. You still have to show evidence of your WP and tax if you are working in Thailand, but you can do the paperwork yourself.
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *********
thank you very much for your information.
Rungtiwa ****
Just here to give more information about non-o visa (marriage visa) at Savannakhet, my husband got 3 months visa by applying over there by himself without me. However, they not allow walking in anymore. You have to book it online about 2 weeks before you go. Cheers
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you very much for your information.
Lloyd ********
Something dodgy going on. Plus, you won't get back to back Non-B from embassies, they are annotated with the company name, and after the first one, they will tell you to extend.
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
It looks like it has something to do with my company's expat-Thai ratio at the moment. Maybe it's not just getting Non-B back to back and just getting extension for three months, I'm not sure, not really familiar with any visa procedures.
Andrew *********
@Yasin ******
You don't get a 3 month extension it will be a new visa.

Either way I'd start looking for a new job.
Arild *********
I am not sure, but i remember reading about beeing married to a Thai you not need non-b its enough with workpermit.
Andrew *********
@Arild ********
you need a marriage or family visa as well, but I'm sure that's what you meant.
Ellie *******
As you are already on an extension, you should be able to apply for 1-year extension based on being married to a Thai from employment (changing the reason for an extension). You don't have to apply for an initial Non-O again.

You might or might not need a letter from your employer they agree to change the reason for an extension. Go to your local immigration office to check details (confirm that they would allow you to do it), and get the latest requirements for a new extension.

Then talk with your employer.
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thank you very much. It might sound like a dumb question but normally I would get my visa at Chaeng Wattana, I better go there to get this information or can I find my answers at Pattaya immigration as well?
Ellie *******
@Yasin ******
, you have to go to the immigration office where you are applying your next extension based on marriage.
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thank you very much again.
Andrew *********
@Yasin ******
It will be where your address is.

You can ask for info from a different office, but rules can vary across office.
Yasin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ********
yes I’ll try to get some information in here first. Thanks.
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