What are my options for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand during the amnesty period after marriage to a Thai citizen?

Jun 24, 2020
4 years ago
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Getting a bit nervous as I just got married before the lockdown and was on visa exemption and have amnesty until 31 July. Now they are saying families ok but not tourists. I’m very afraid I will be one of those exceptional cases that falls through the cracks. I was not able to make it outside Thailand to apply for my Non-o due to marriage with Thai National. I do have two Thai children from a previous marriage. I know nothing definitive will come out of this post but If there is anyone in the same boat I’d love to share information
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, concerned about their visa status after marrying a Thai citizen during the lockdown, is looking for guidance on how to transition from an amnesty status to a Non-O visa. The conversation reveals that individuals on amnesty cannot apply for certain in-country visas, but there's discussion on potential routes, including applying for a family extension or seeking legal advice from agents. Several commenters share their experiences and offer detailed suggestions on obtaining an official visa while emphasizing the need to stay informed of government announcements regarding visa policies.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Rob ******
I think a group for all those needing an exit and application point is necessary as maybe KL and Singapore may not be options . Indonesia looks to be out .Australia not useful at present . Cambodia looking to hi jack us . Australia after the week end will have a Saliva test , now that MAY change the equation . Have to wait and see its results and applications .
Tod *********
@Daniel **********
. Okay lets look at your options.

You can't apply for ANY in country Non-Immgrant type visa once you're on the amnesty, you need REAL (hard stamped) days left on your stamp. SO here's a question:

You said you entered on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp but that expired and you're now on the automatic amnesty.

DID you get an normal 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1900baht on that 30 day visa exempt entry stamp‎?

IF the answer to that is NO, you could go just before amnesty runs out and apply for the 30 day extension

IF the answer to that is YES, then you could still do it by applying for the 60 day visit thai family extension. The whole purpose is to get you OFF amnesty and back on a real "hard stamp" stay.

THEN by meeting the requirements (400K baht in a bank account in your name transferred in from overseas) apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai.

The application would go under consideration for 14 days and then you'd go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked into your passport. It costs 2000 baht at the immigration office for a 90 day Non-Imm visa..

Once you got that you wait until you have 30 days left on that new 90 day stamp and for your 400K baht to season in your account for 2 months and go back and apply for the year extension. It will go under consideration for 30 days and then you go back and get it inked into your passport.

The hard costs work out like this

60 day visit family extension to get you OFF amnesty 1900baht

90 day Non-O visa based on marriage 2000 baht

year extension 1900baht

re-entry permit 1000baht - single, 3800baht - multiple.

It is a multi-step process BUT it is not beyond your ability to pull off if you face each step one at a time.

Good Luck,
Thomas ********************
Brilliant as always, Tod.
Tod *********
sorry that was so long, it IS a viable way to do it all yourself without using an agency that will get you a back-door, under the table visa/extension from an immigration office in a province where you don't live
Simon **********
Talk with immigration, they do know what is likely to happen but it's not due to be published until late July. It's likely that a one-month extension will be available at a price. There are also many reputable agents that can give worthwhile help - they are not all scams at all, and provide a service at a price, the same as any profession. You can save money doing it all yourself - but only worth that if you have time on your hands
Simon **********
Andy Hun I have been here 33 years used to do it all myself, but its all more complicated now - and using a good agent ensures no queuing, and they check all the papers to make sure only one visit. To me its money well spent, and I am not talking about a crooked visa - peace of mind, and time is worth it
Tod *********
@Simon *********
that you have been here 33 years and NOT managed to acquire permanent residence says more than anything else.

The O/P is on amnesty and they can't get any in country Non-Immigrant visa issued from an immigration office because they all require real days left on a real stamp
Simon **********
@Tod ********
I have never wanted permanent residence
Benjamin *********
How about study thai and get an ED visa?
James **************
Wait until the goverment announces whats going to happen after the 31st of july.

They will anounce something probably around 20th july.

Just relax.
Naja ***********
@James *************
yes but is 10 days enough time to make plan? Should we not be arranging things now?
James **************
@Naja-Lee **********
that is completely up to you,

What would your plans be if it isnt extended?

The only thing would be to fly home or to another country that will accept your nationality, maybe one close to thailand.

Maybe an agent could help.

I for one will wait and see what happens towards the end of july, lots of things could happen by then.
Roy ***********
Why did you have to go out of Thailand to get Non-O based on marriage? I got mine in Thailand. Is it because you do not meet requirements when you apply for Non O inside Thailand?
Ron ******************
@Roy **********
he is on visa exempt not on a visa.
Tod *********
@Ron *****************
you can get a Non-O visa issued inside thailand from a visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa or a 30 day extension on one of those BUT what you can't do is get it once you go on amnesty
David *********
Check out these guys and at least send them a message.
@https://www.facebook.*********************
Helen ********
How can anyone on

Any visa do a visa run

Where is there to go
David ***********
@Roy **********
I'm now 83 too old to obtain health insurance
David ***********
@Roy **********
ive been here for 20 yrs no home To go to
Roy ***********
@David **********
If you have a passport, you have a place to go. But if you are here that long, you also have options to get the right visa.
Roy ***********
@Helen *******
People can not do a border run, but they have a place to go to: home. I am not saying this to be rude, but I believe this is how the amnesty will be interpreted.

He is here on a visa exemption, so in Thai eyes he is a tourist. Tourists can go home.
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roy **********
I was working in Japan and visiting my kids in Thailand every month. When I finally got all the documents together for marriage they closed the borders. Despite me being on exemption I’m not a tourist. I have family here. I have no links to my home country as I have lived in Asia my entire adult life. Lost my non-o status when i divorced in 2018.
Nick ************
@Daniel **********
you may need health insurance for
*****
0 dollars cover to get in.
Phill ******
@Roy **********
,but they have to want to .
Roy ***********
@Phill *****
If they do not want to but do not have the right papers to stay here, Thailand will probably make them leave. I would not bet on being able to stay here only because you want to.😉
Phill ******
Helen ********
Then
Rich ********
Helen ********
erll then won’t there have to be another amnesty extension for tourists already there
Henry *********
@Helen *******
I agree. There's supposed to be an ASEAN meeting this week which may result in an agreement between the neighbouring countries, which would allow border runs for those who just need a new entry. If not, the amnesty should be extended again.
Andy *****
Do a dependent visa if u have a kid that depends on you. You can still do a marriage visa but it will be expensive if you are on a budget.
Rob ******
Student visa maybe to learn thai .
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ****
the problem is we can’t get over the border to get it
Andy *****
@Daniel **********
dont have to if you use a good agent with good standing. But as I said that service is expensive because there are outside costs involved. They will offer u a full refund if they cant get you the visa. Your 4 options without leaving the country would be:

Marriage- can work

ED- cannot work

Volunteer - cannot work

Dependent - not sure if can work nor not.
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ****
ok I’ve heard about some of these services. Any idea what the cost would be?
Andy *****
@Daniel **********
copied and pasted. I have no connection with them and not benefitting at all. This is called thai visa center. You can ask the group; they have a good track record and can help.

For 1 year Marriage Visa extension,

do 3 months first: 25,000

then 1 year visa: 30,000

Also for single reentry it is an additional 1,200 THB, and for multiple entry its an additional 4,000 THB.

Required documents

- Your passport

- Your passport size photos

- Copy of Marriage certificate (คร.2 คร.3)

- Copy of Household book(wife+child)

- Copy of ID card(wife)

- Copy of your childbirth certificate

- 20 Photos in/around House (wife+child)

- 20 Photos of traveling together(wife+child)
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ****
thanks a lot for the link
Andy *****
@Daniel **********
np; chok dee
Connie ********
Hello, we're on the same sea but our boat is in another 90 days extension. (Free visa of a month + 90 days extension & another 90 days).
Daniel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Connie *******
let’s keep each other informed if anything relevant comes up
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