What Are the Requirements for a Non-O Visa for Married Expats in Thailand?

Jan 16, 2020
5 years ago
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I went for my 1st Non O Visa (married the Thai) yesterday in Savannakhet. First of all could not believe how empty the consulate was on a Wednesday compared to all the Thursdays I’ve going to, only about 30 there and no long que. I submitted my documents paid the 5000Bth. Everything went through faultless and picked my visa up a few hours ago. But one bloke who was staying at the hotel as us was refused because because he did not have a letter confirming his wife has changed to her married name. I did not get asked that question or was required to show proof. The only extra document I provided was a signed copy of her new passport in her married name. Thanks Tod and team the info on this site is fantastic. One negative about yesterday, I was number 1 in the que, but some tour operator pushed in front of me as the window opened and made sure her 5 Japanese clients were served first, it left a bad taste in many of us who had been there and hour or more waiting.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience obtaining a Non-O Visa at the Savannakhet consulate, highlighting a smooth process except for a fellow applicant who was refused due to insufficient documentation regarding a name change. The post also discusses potential requirements for future visa extensions, specifically the need for a marriage certificate or a name-change certificate.
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Tod *********
Thanx for the update.
Paul *******
So women must change name to married name? Is hyphenated name accepted? Mean family name - married family name.
Tod *********
nope there is NO requirement that ANY thai change their name when the get married to another thai OR to a foreigner.
Ian ****************
I went thru just behind Ian and yes it was annoying to have the agent push in front as they took so long as well as a lot of arguments.

Fortunately for me my application went thru smoothly and only took about 2 minutes from when I got to the counter. All paperwork checked and approved, they did ask to look at the original marriage certificates, which were flicked thru in about 5 seconds and handed back.

Next day collected my passport with attached visa. This process was very quick, literally 5 minutes from entering the consul to leaving.

For the record it seems that once your paperwork is accepted, paid the fee and received the "ticket receipt" all's good and you just need to come back the next day to collect your passport.

Just thought I'd share that to help with any doubt regarding approval.

Thanks to Tod, Robert and others who offered me advice last month.
Wayne **********
Ian bear in mind when you do extensions you could be asked for the name-change certificate and supporting information from the Amphoe where the name change was made....
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne *********
Ok, maybe worth getting it anyway for any future unforeseen problems. Better to be prepared than sorry.
Dan ******
Is your wife Thai? She is required to show a passport to go to Laos? Or is that some specific requirement for the type of visa U were getting?
Don ***********
they are Japanese..AFTER ALL......
Dan ******
OK. Thanks for clarifications.I think many Thais, as well as myself were not aware of the 2 day rule. I should tell my wife to get her passport renewed/updated, if the need should arise.
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *****
She has a passport as we will be traveling to Australia next month.
Robert *******
yes
Dan ******
OK. If longer, they need a passport?
Robert *******
Thai people can visit Laos 2 days without having the official passport, using their Thai ID cards and some forms to till in at Immigration.
Robert *******
If the wife did a name change:

Tabien Baan name change edit on the back page from maiden to your surname OR

The certificate that shows an official family name change
James ********
Me first mentality
Phil ******
This may involve me next time I go savhanaket. Where would we get a letter confirming she has changed her name to her married name. ?
Mikkel *******
From your local amphoe office. Cost 20 baht.
David *******
i took photo copy of certificate amphur gave my wife.
William *********
@Phil *****
her local amphor I think
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
They were told from a registry office.
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