Answered5 months ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O visa when you're a parent of a Thai child?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Extension Thai Family Court Legal Parent Status Child Legitimation Order Thailand Visa Rules

Shaun *****

asked May 20, 2026

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Hello. Looking for a little advice. I’m going to be getting a non-immigrant o (family/dependent) visa. Which last 90 days and can be extended once in Thailand for a year. Also a fee of 3800 can be paid for multiple entry. My question is I keep seeing conflicting information about legal parent status of my child. Basically saying if I haven’t got legal parent status they will not extend my visa to a year long visa. My name is on the birth certificate etc. One embassy I think it’s the Thai Austria one says “If you were unmarried, you must obtain a Child Legitimation Order from a Thai Family Court”. Anyone in a similar position with a Thai child any advice welcome

Answer summary

The post discusses the Non-Immigrant O (family/dependent) visa application process, particularly concerning the legal parent status required for extending the visa to one year. Key points highlight the need for the applicant's name on the child's birth certificate and the implications of not being married to the child's mother. Responses from the community clarify that without legal recognition as a father (which may require a court order), the visa might not be extendable. Additional information about necessary documentation for the visa extension is also provided.

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Ole ***************

You need be in mothers tabien baan listed as a father to the child, there is no need to be married, same rights applies. When do your extension mother does not need go with you, but the kid need go, ID card, birth certificate, copy of tabien baan where kid is listed, letter from school (if any) and proof you support your kid. Process is not difficult. Some local immigrations might have additional requirements, i got my list from Jomtien immigration.

5 months ago

Eva *****

Ole Kristoffersenvet du om någon bra tolkargentur i Thailand? Thai-engelska, for jag tror inte att det finns så många Thai-svenska tolkar.

5 months ago

Eva *****

Vet du hur lätt det är att hitta sitt namn och sina biologiska föräldrars namn i Tabien ban? Jag förlorade mina adoptionspapper i en flytt, men jag kommer fortfarande ihåg mina bioloska föräldrars namn, mot nämna på mitt pass, när jag var 6 veckor gammal, och namnet på barnhemmet. Var adopterad på 70 talet.

5 months ago

Dca *****

5 months ago

Dca *****

5 months ago

Shaun *****

Dca Dca thank you for that

5 months ago

Jan ******************

You can apply for a 90 days Non O visa and obtain a 60 days extension based on visiting Thai family, but if you were not married to the mother, ordinary parental status alone is normally not sufficient for a one year extension of stay without legitimation through a Thai family court.

5 months ago

Brandon ************

Two things must be true for you to be recognized as a legal parent of a Thai child.

1) Your name must be on the birth certificate.

2) You must have been married to the mother at the time the child was born.

If you were not married to the mother when the child was born, then you are not recognized as a parent of the child. You would need to go through the Thai court system to be legally recognized as such if the child is still a baby. If the child is older (maybe 6+, but depends on the amphur), you can go to the amphur office with the mother and the child and be recognized as the father.

5 months ago

Graham ******

@Brandon ***********

I thought the age threshold was 8 but, as you say, there may be Amphur differences

5 months ago

Dca *****

Graham Seal Yes, the Youth & Family Courts general guidelines are going to be approximately 8 years old, but is case specific, as the actual age is what is determined when a child is able to provide and give their own consent

otherwise, hence why there is a legal need for a Court Decision as any child younger (e.g. infant) makes the legal decision about the child's consent

5 months ago