What are the current options for obtaining a marriage visa or a longer stay in Thailand if I can't show 400,000 Baht?

@Chef *********

You do realise just about every country in the world operates similar systems? How many scam marriages would there be in Thailand if the government just threw open the doors to anyone married to a Thai? I wish other countries would adopt the "check in" every year to make sure couples were still actually married and living together

@Andy ***********

I am concerned about marriages of convenience, but I don't think the solution is to treat all couples as potential impostors. Those who truly love end up being punished by excessive bureaucracy, while the real crooks know how to circumvent the system anyway. I think there should be a distinction between the beginning of a marriage and a stable relationship for years. Mutual respect between the state and citizens is the key

@Chef *********

So where's the threshold? Ten years together? Thai women are incredibly patient waiting for the goose to lay the golden egg. I think you'll find there's more scam marriages in these situations than genuine. I'm happy to remain single and live with my lady. It's no hardship for me to go once a year to immigration to extend my stay

@Chef *********

why should Thailand be any different to other countries including your own?

@Graham *****

That’s a fair question — and I appreciate the perspective. But allow me to explain mine.

It’s not about expecting Thailand to be “different” or offering special treatment. It’s about common sense and humanity. When two people are married and committed to building a life together, the legal system should support that union — not put it under constant review like a tourist’s itinerary.

I’m not criticizing Thailand uniquely. I’d say the same about any country, including my own, when bureaucracy gets in the way of family and love. A marriage should bring stability, not a yearly visa renewal dance or an endless loop of documents. That’s not integration — that’s obstruction.

@Nav *******

you have to declare any cash over 20,000 US Dollar equivalent to the Thai Customs when bringing in into Thailand. You can bring as much as you want. However, the customs of your home country might have a limit, too, up from which you have to declare when exporting cash. How much this is, you need to ask your home country's Customs Office. The limit before you have to declare normally is 10,000 USD or Euros, in other countries

@Nav *******

. Up to $10 000 USD or equivalent in any other currency without declaring it. If more , declare it and tell them what it's for.

@Nav *******

you cannot get a 1-year Non-Imm-O marriage visa anymore. It got discontinued by October 2023. And on the consulate of Savannakhet, the last multi entry 1 year Non-Imm-O marriage visa got issued in May 2024. After this date they discontinued to issue it. Regardless if you show 400,000 or not

@Nav *******

in order to be able to apply for the "1-year Extension of Stay based on marriage to a Thai wife" on Immigration, your marriage must have been acknowledged in Thailand. Immigration will ask you for a fresh printout of the "Kor Ror 2 or 22" marriage registry from the local Amphoe (whichever applies to your marriage) which will prove your still lasting relationship

@Nav *******

no, you can only get a 90-days Non-Imm-O marriage visa. Once back in Thailand, up from 30 days before the 90-days stay permit expires, you can apply for the "1-year Extension of Stay Permit based on being married to a Thai wife". The "extension" is NOT a visa, altough many people call it "marriage visa". The extension is a simple 1-year stay permit which has to be applied ("renewed") every year. The financial proof for the application to the visa is 400,000 THB on any bank account as long as you prove it is in your name. The financial proof for the 1-year Extension is 400,000 THB on a Thai bank account in your sole name, and the money must have seasoned in this account for 2 months on the day of the application (I didn't mention the financial proof can also be done with an affidavit of income over a monthly minimum 40,000 THB or equivalent)

@Nav *******

if I read correct , 400k or 40k incoming every month. that's what I found in thai embassy uk website.

To stay with Thai family residing in Thailand

Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document

Photograph taken within the last six months

- If the photograph does not reflect your current appearance you may be refused to enter the Kingdom of Thailand.

Document indicating current location

- Applicant’s local utility bills (shows your name and address) e.g. electricity bill/ gas / mobile phone / rental agreement.

Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 40,000 THB (£1,000) or having the current balance of 400,000 THB (£10,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings

- Applicant’s recent official UK/Ireland bank statement shows your name, address (Screenshots are not accepted). For monthly income of last 3 months no less than £1,000/ month.

Personal details of a family in Thailand, e.g. ID card, Passport

Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand, e.g. A copy of marriage certificate / birth certificate / certificate of adoption

@Bob *********

the funds needn't be in Laos, right? They can be outside of Laos, right? 🤣

@Greg **********

yes

@Jan *****************

Honey please how do I pay for my visa to thailand please...

@Romeo ******

you apply and pay online