What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after getting married and switching visas?

Question

Hello everyone. I entered Thailand a year ago on a Tourist visa, then switched to a one year ED visa that is coming up on March 7th. I got married my Thai wife 2 weeks ago, we live in Bangkok. I also deposited more than 400,000 BHT into a Thai bank acccount on January 1st, it arrived in my Thai bank account on the 5th. What are my options to stay in Thailand long term?
Can I get a 60 day extension based on visiting family? When can I apply for this, how far in advance before the end of my current extension does it have to be? What documents do I have to show, and since the marriage certificate is only 2 weeks old will they accept it without any update?
Can I get the 1 year extension based on marriage now? I kinda doubt it since the money arrived on the 5th and March 5th is a Saturday. What day do they use, the day when I sent the money or the day it arrived in my bank account? Also since I have to apply at least 15 days before my current extension expires and the money has to have been in my bank account 2 months before the day of application that doesn’t seem possible.
Or if none of these work maybe I could switch to another ED visa or a volunteer visa?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The individual has transitioned from a Tourist visa to a one-year Educational (ED) visa and recently married a Thai national. They are inquiring about potential options to extend their stay in Thailand, especially regarding applying for a 60-day extension for visiting family based on their recent marriage and the one-year extension based on marriage. Key points include the requirement for funds to be in their Thai bank account for at least two months prior to applying, and the need for documentation from their educational institution to support the cancellation of the ED visa. A comment suggests that they may be able to apply for a 60-day extension without funds requirement after canceling their ED visa, as well as a one-year extension based on marriage, advising them to visit the immigration office for guidance.

Ellie ******* · Answer

You mix up things....

- You can change the reason for your extension based on studying to being married to a Thai National once you cancel your current extension with the letter from your school saying you finish studying with them on xx date

- 1-year extension being married to a Thai, you have to meet the requirement of funds. It has to be in your Thai bank account for two months

- you don't have to have specific days with your current stamp when applying for another extension (minimum remaining days is a requirement for an initial in-country visa, not for yearly extension)

- you may be able to apply for a 60days visiting family extension. it doesn't have a funds requirement. You need to cancel your extension based on studying though.

You may be able to apply for 1-year extension being married to a Thai on 7th March with your funds seasoned. I would definitely visit the local immigration office well in advance to get a handout and possibly all papers other than bank-related ones to see if being prepared enough and your scenario is surely possible. Because if anything is lacking, no time to get it fixed.

And check if 60days visit Thai family extension is possible in case as well so that can have time to get Plan B.

I'm afraid you don't have a chance to be able to apply for a new Non-ED with a new program at a private school or Non-O Volunteering without leaving Thailand.

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after getting married and switching visas?

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