What are the income requirements for a marriage-based extension of stay in Thailand?

February 22, 2019
6 years ago
Ray *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry guys, I know this subject is being discussed again and again, but I need a definitive answer. I still keep seeing conflicting advice about the 40,000 baht required monthly income for annual extension based on marriage to a Thai. The Police letter I am reading says an Average of 40,000 per month, not a Minimum of 40,000 per month. That obviously means more some months and less some months. I'm losing sleep!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The thread discusses the confusion surrounding the income requirement of 40,000 baht per month for an annual extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national. Several commenters share their interpretations, noting that while immigration rules state an 'average' of 40,000 baht monthly is acceptable, some believe this implies that a consistent minimum amount must be transferred each month. The conversation highlights varying local interpretations of immigration rules in Thailand and offers advice on documentation and procedures for visa applications.
Darren *********
Every little helps?
Darren *********
I think we’ve covered every possible scenario for you to give it your best shot. The information that I have sourced here from Tod, Robert and many others has helped me attain the correct visa for myself, my job and my family. I wish you every success in your application. Remember to smile 😉
Robert *******
@Darren ********
Correct, 800.000 Thb for being over 50 years of age or 400.000 Thb for being married to a Thai National.
Darren *********
@Robert ******
400,000 for an extension based on marriage to a Thai? Either way I agree with Robert the easiest route if you have the funds. As I said, my extension based on marriage was granted based on tax documents for an income INSIDE Thailand.
Robert *******
Ray Derrick The rule is as clear as it can be. 12 monthly deposits from abroad into your Thai bank account on your name. This new rule is only made because YOUR Embassy refuses to hand out an Income Affidavit. Be happy Thai Immigration is willing to help you guys and girls out, they could take the easy way. Just show 800.000 Thb on the bank or the income affidavit and not make up new rules to HELP you to stay inside Thailand.
Darren *********
The UK government legalisation department in the UK WILL forward a marriage document on to the Thai embassy in london for legalisation, the big question is would they (or the MFA here) legalise a financial document. Even so, and even if proof of your financials were only legalised in the UK. Nothing stopping you doing that and submitting it to support your case. I’ve not seen any precedents...
Darren *********
Ray Derrick standardisation would be a luxury. Unfortunately it’s a luxury us farangs cannot expect. It’s easy to drift into the logistics or the politics of it, Tod (or Robert) quite rightly usually step in and cut these debates short, as this forum is strictly factually based with people feeding in their experiences for collective learning and awareness. I have however followed the changes for the documentation changes relating to the retirement/over 50 extension to stay. I’d love to to debate the politics but I’d also love to see someone get their documents (bank statements, pension documents etc) legalised in the UK (unfortunately I can only comment from a UK perspective) then do the translate/MFA route (the same as marriage affirmation, driving licence and passports are done) and THEN present that as evidence of income. The consulate here (in Thailand) offer limited document legalisation/certification but the U.K. legalisation department WILL legalise other documents. It would be very interesting if someone went to the trouble of doing this (I’m doing it with my criminal record check as the British consulate won’t) and then did the translation + MFA certification (if possible). The bottom line is that your trying 100% to comply with your application then hopefully immigration will take this into account.
Ray *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Darren ********
Thanks ...my real concern is why or how can different immigration areas interpret the laws/rules differently? Why for example is Phuket different to Chaing Mai? The rules should not be able to be interpreted differently... they should be bog standard. Everyone I talk to has a different opinion. I personally have a new 12 mths extension based on retirement, but I'm thinking of changing to extension based on marriage, but I need to know that the rules can't be changed on the whim of an IO, who might be having a bad day. I don't need to incur monthly transfer fees when I can transfer a larger amount some months which would give me the same average monthly income over 12 months. It's very frustrating. It's a shame that Mr Big Joke doesn't want to listen to some of the expats concerns. I would just like to see some standardization.
Darren *********
Darren *********
You can check online which documents can be legalised in an instant using the link.
Darren *********
I note that you are British. You can get certain documents certified in the UK
*****************************************
and then possibly accepted by the MFA I’m sticking my neck out here as I’ve not seen anyone mention this possibility... but I’ve been quoted £150 for a lawyer, per document for to certify a bank statement etc if you could then get it translated and approved by the MFA ... just a thought 💭
Darren *********
Ok. Not really a precise answer more of a technique. One I’ve personally used in bank account opening, visa applications, criminal record checks, etc etc. Especially as Tod says, in this case - no one really knows.. try and meet the requirements as best as you can (transfers) take every bit of paperwork you have, if it’s certifiable, get it certified, if you can have it translated - get it translated (MFA if possible/relevant) photos of you and your wife. Dress smartly, smile and hopefully immigration will judge you to be genuine and within their (yet to be clearly defined) criterion.
Tod *********
Go to the immigration office you use and ask them how THEY interpret the rule.

I believe you will find that the 'average' income of 40K baht a month for the year is ONLY if you are legally working inside of thailand :O and NOT if you use the monthly income method of incoming transfers because your consulate stopped the income affidavits.

That transfer in method for monthly income has to be a minimum of 40K baht each month EVERY month for the previous 12 months before you apply for your extension <- OR that's how it was explained to me by an immigration officer. However seeing as I am not married to a thai I didn't question her about it all that much, just listened to her explanation of it.

It's ONLY the officers at your immigration office that will know how they're reading it.
Darren *********
@Tod ********
yes, if you’re earning 40k inside Thailand your employer has to produce evidence that you are registered for tax and you are/have been paying tax for that amount. The good thing about that is if your employer’s employed you for a period of time without paying tax - then it can still be paid retrospectively. Good old Thais.
Tod *********
You and everyone else using the monthly income method IF you are from a consulate that stopped the income affidavits are wondering how that works.

At this time, <- meaning right now, NO ONE knows how it really is.
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