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What are the difficulties faced when applying for a Non-O visa extension based on marriage in Thailand?
Sep 23, 2022
4 years ago
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERI just want to share an annual situation report on my Non-O extension based on marriage. This is the fourth time I am doing exactly this.
Except for the very first time, I am always bringing more than required. But anyway, there is always something "wrong". Last year they asked for some more copies from my bank book, which were handed back to me this year. Instead, this year the pictures from my home should be on photo paper and not on plain paper.
It always means that I will have to drive around the city to find a shop that can help me with the new (undocumented) requirements.
But finally, I've got the "under consideration stamp". But this year with an instruction to call them before picking up my visa to get to know if it is ready.
I really don't get the idea of this system except trying to drive people crazy and applying for an Elite Visa...
Anyway, they are always nice and polite to me.
Except for the very first time, I am always bringing more than required. But anyway, there is always something "wrong". Last year they asked for some more copies from my bank book, which were handed back to me this year. Instead, this year the pictures from my home should be on photo paper and not on plain paper.
It always means that I will have to drive around the city to find a shop that can help me with the new (undocumented) requirements.
But finally, I've got the "under consideration stamp". But this year with an instruction to call them before picking up my visa to get to know if it is ready.
I really don't get the idea of this system except trying to drive people crazy and applying for an Elite Visa...
Anyway, they are always nice and polite to me.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post details the author's frustrating experience with the annual Non-O visa extension process based on marriage in Thailand. Despite bringing more than the required documents each time, they encounter arbitrary and undocumented requirements each year, such as specific types of photos and additional documents. This experience is echoed in comments, with others expressing similar frustrations about Thai immigration's inconsistent requirements and suggesting that many are driven to hire agents for assistance due to the complex process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- 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.
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Janet **********
Just in case you wondered, they do the same thing to foreign women married to a Thai. Thank goodness they all like my husband . I let him deal with them cause I am too jai laun. 😡
Ross ********
They always come up with some new requirement....they are hoping you will get frustrated and use an agent
Mark ***********
I stopped doing the marriage visa. It was such a miserable experience. Every year. Surly immigration. Ridiculous paperwork. No thanks.
Ted ********
@Mark **********
which visa do you use instead?Mark ***********
@Ted *******
retirement. Far easier.Reply to
Mark ***********
Reply
Falcon *******
this is the kind of madness and double standards if the thai immigration...they love to see you sweat and confuse...so you tell me this is kind of treatment we want.
อ้วน *********
So what is the total list, with the undocumented requirements?
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@อ้วน ********
, impossible to answer as it seems to depend on the officer of the day.อ้วน *********
@Henrik ***
i mean the total list that you have personally experiencedHenrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@อ้วน ********
, you must go to your local Immigration and ask for their list of requirements. I only have it in Thai on paper from my Immigration. However, raise the question as a post in this group and someone will give the "usual" list in English.อ้วน *********
@Henrik ***
you said every year there is a new un listed hoop you have to jump through. You listed this year's. I was just wondering what the other 3 unlisted hoops were from the other years. I've read the other posts and the lists. I was curious about the ones you discovered, for example the photo paper this year. But no worries, just curiosity, can see there is some kind of misunderstanding of what I'm asking. Take care.Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@อ้วน ********
, no, I didnt say. I said that every year the officer makes up his/her own additional requirements. Those extra requirements are a secret until I file the application.Reply to
Henrik ****
Reply
Otto *********
Henrik, that is on purpose.
They want to entice you to use an agent for processing your visa extension. That way they split the spoils between them, which you pay for in the form of the service.
Like it or not, at least the agent will get your stuff done in short time.
They want to entice you to use an agent for processing your visa extension. That way they split the spoils between them, which you pay for in the form of the service.
Like it or not, at least the agent will get your stuff done in short time.
Dave **********
@Otto ********
year 23 no agent ever suggested in and out fast however years ago they recommend Retired Visa as easier for them and me. They were so rightHenrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTERWerner Heisenberg, yes, but you take a huge risk that sometimes later they introduce a program to punish all visa holders using agents.
Todd *********
@Henrik ***
there is no risk of that whatsoeverOtto *********
@Henrik ***
How would they know from the visa, which is directly and which is applied for through an agent? And beside that using an agent is NOT illegal.Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
, it is illegal if you pay for making things happen. And many times they have been able to identify it.Todd *********
@Henrik ***
far from illegal lol. Carry on. Maybe you should put your efforts into cracking down on motorcycle helmet wearing. That actually is illegalOtto *********
@Henrik ***
Only, if you pay to make things happen, that otherwise could not happen...Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
, you have to be careful.Reply to
Henrik ****
Reply
Henrik ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
, you do not need to pay an agent, which could cause other problems. I got it every year on the same day. It is just a kind of harassment.Reply to
Henrik ****
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