What are the specific requirements for obtaining a one-year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national in Thailand?

Dec 17, 2020
4 years ago
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm just back from Korat immigration with my 1 year extension of stay (Thai wife), I'm good now till 17/11/21. When I received my "under consideration" stamp, I was expecting the home visit but not expecting the need to have 2 neighbors present. These could not be relatives. They had to have their house books, ID cards and copies thereof. They were interviewed quite formally. My wife and I had to sit outside while the interview was in progress. But, all's well that ends well! Thanks again for all your collective help! Keep up the good work, as I'm sure I'll need your help again in the future.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience with obtaining a one-year extension of stay in Thailand due to marriage to a Thai wife, detailing the process at the Korat immigration office. They mention the 'under consideration' stamp and the unexpected requirement to have two non-relative neighbors present during the home visit for formal interviews. Other commenters provide insights on varying experiences across different immigration offices in Thailand, emphasizing the differences in procedures and requirements, such as witness presence and document preparation. Specifically, they highlight essential documents needed, including financial proof and marriage certificates, and discuss potential challenges faced by expats, especially those living in isolated areas.
Benjamin ******
Korat. Phetchaburi. Phayao. Nakhonratchasima. Kanchanburi. All are different immigration offices with different minor requirements when it comes to witnesses/ photographs, etc.

All immigration offices need the following for a one year extension of stay based on marriage to a FEMALE Thai national:

1. 400K THB in a Thai bank account IN YOUR NAME seasoned for 2 months OR;

1a. 40K THB a month in income (domestically) OR;

1b. 12 consecutive months of a deposit of 40K THB in a Thai bank account, OR;

1c. A letter from your embassy saying you make at least 40K THB a month (note: The US government does not issue this letter).

2. Legally married WITH a marriage certificate (Buddhist weddings won't do)

3. Your wife to be with you when you apply

4. Your passport and your wife's ID card, and a copy

5. 1,900 THB

From there, different immigration offices have different requirements (witnesses AT the immigration office vs. a house visit vs. no visit; copies of all pages of the husband passport vs. the ones with the stamps, etc).

This post is turning into a "in my immigration office, we..." which has no value.

I'm closing comments. If the OP or someone else wants the post reopen, send a message to me or one of the mods
Andy ********
Here in Phetchaburi you have to take your witnesses along with you when you apply for the marriage extension.
Terry *******
I live in Nakhonratchasima too I will be doing that soon
Oswald *******
Thanks for the heads up. Will be doing this next year sometime but did not realise the full extent.
Philip **********
Very interesting . Some people may live in condos or in more remote places and not really know anybody local .
Phil *******
@Philip *********
Easiest way is just leave the neighbour arrangements to your wife.
Philip **********
@Phil ******
..haha ... you’re right .
Terry **********
exactly the same up here mate in Phayao nieghbors across the road came over..
Joy ******
Interesting so how much did you have to pay your 2 neighbors for the day to be there just curious
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joy *****
it was clearly stipulated, by the IO, that NO recompense should be afforded to the witnesses! LOL
Terry *******
What do you need money wise to get that visa
Benjamin ******
@Terry ******
To get a one year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai wife, you'll need the following money:

1. 400K THB in a Thai bank account IN YOUR NAME seasoned for 2 months OR;

2. 40K THB a month in income (domestically) OR;

3. 12 consecutive months of a deposit of 40K THB in a Thai bank account, OR;

4. A letter from your embassy saying you make at least 40K THB a month (note: The US government does not issue this letter).
Christopher ***********
Thanks for the tip Graeme. All good to know. Wondering what they would have done if you couldn't have managed to instantly rustle up two neighbours who were agreeable and had time to spare who could both find their house books and ID cards together with photocopies? I know I'd be struggling (and panicking!).
Graeme ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher **********
they did warn me when I got the under consideration stamp so I did have time to organise them.
Christopher ***********
@Graeme **********
Understand Graeme. Makes it easier for them too.
John ********
unique to Korat I think..might not have worked for me as all my neighbours are relatives...in my case what I thought was strange was that all the photos they took, we had to have a mask on..I smiled anyways. But the moral of the story is every Immigration Office can be different.
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