What are my options for extending my Thai visa as an Australian married to a Thai citizen?

Question

Hi,I am a new member and this my first post.

I am Australian passport entered Thailand on Dec 6 2019 on a 12 month NON-IMM O ME visa (marriage).Did my first border run on 29 Feb 2020 and currently 90 day stamped until 28 May.I understand the current C-19 Govt amnesty.      I visited Thai Immigration office Nakhom Pathon yesterday with my Thai wife to get some advice on my current 90 day stay situation and also enquire what documents,forms are required for my long stay visa extension based on marriage.I hope to submit my application June,July when my accomadation is more secure,money deposit seasoned and the covit -19 eased off.The immigration officer (who was having a bad day) gave me two options:

Option 1; reside in Thailand until 31 July and do nothing but need to depart Thailand before that date to avoid overstay.

Option 2: must apply for 12 month visa extension before May 28, the expiry date on my 90 day stay.I must not leave Thailand while the application is being processed,aprox 1 month.

Are the options stated by the immigration officer correct?,it seems I am bound to apply for my visa extension earlier than i intended.I also read I could apply for a 60 day extension based on marriage.Any other options or advice appreciated.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice on their options for extending their NON-IMM O ME visa based on marriage to a Thai citizen. They are currently in Thailand and have been told by immigration that they must either stay until July 31 without applying for an extension or apply for a 12-month extension before May 28 while remaining in the country. Community members confirm the options and suggest a 60-day extension based on marriage as another possible route, emphasizing the need to meet requirements and the benefits of avoiding the amnesty.

Tod ********* · Answer

The option [mention redacted] mentioned is a GOOD option. It would buy you 60 days in a "hard stamp" extension and hopefully by the time it ran out the borders would be open so you could bounce out/in for a new 90 day entry stamp OR you could apply for the year extension (by meeting the requirements) when it was running out.

Personally I would do EVERYTHING in my power to NOT accept any amnesty days if I could and that 60 day visit family extension is the way to go about it

Benjamin ****** · Answer

Good luck!

John ******** · Answer

Thanks for the advice,I will be on standby hoping  a land border opens prior my expiry date

Benjamin ****** · Answer

The 60 day extension of stay based on visiting Thai family is a valid, but slightly risky, third option. It will extend your current entry by another 60 days, BUT if you can't leave within those 60 days, you'll be on the amnesty.

Barry ****** · Answer

Do in country extension if you can meet the requirements, otherwise go to Laos before July 31 . Laos is already easing restrictions so it may be an option soon.

Benjamin ****** · Answer

Point two is (probably) correct, and point one is also correct.

If you go on the amnesty, you can stay until July 31, or whatever the government order says. Since you have a valid non O multiple entry visa, I suggest bouncing the moment a border becomes open.

You may still have time to season your money and get the one year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai wife. I believe that is the best approach, if possible.

What are my options for extending my Thai visa as an Australian married to a Thai citizen?

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