What are the tips and experiences shared about obtaining a Non-O marriage visa in Thailand?

Feb 8, 2023
2 years ago
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m in the process of changing my visa to a non-O based on marriage, which is a complete nightmare btw.

Imagine my surprise when the immigration officer lady offered a very valuable piece of advice I can’t withhold from you all. Take it or leave it.

According to her we should start making babies, so we don’t have to bring a witness every time…..Way easier.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around the challenges encountered when changing to a Non-O visa based on marriage in Thailand. It starts with one user sharing a humorous suggestion from an immigration officer that having children could simplify visa processes, specifically avoiding the need for witnesses. Several comments discuss their personal experiences with the visa application process, noting discrepancies in the requirements at different immigration offices, and varying experiences regarding the need for witnesses. Some users jokingly reference the idea of having children to ease the visa process, while others stress that a witness is not strictly necessary for obtaining or extending a marriage visa.
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Eric *******
You asked for a solution, she gave you one 😁.

You can't criticize logic and pragmatism.
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
well actually we didn't even ask for it🤣
Douglas *************
Up to you !
Thomas **********
Also try to see how "easy" the process is in your own country
Thomas **********
Yes unfortunatly many rules applies due to the few that try to break the rules !
Samantha *****************
We needed a witness despite having two children who are thai citizens
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Samantha ****************
which immigration office?
Samantha *****************
@Jordi *******
Nonthaburi
Mike *******
Sadly they won't accept my kids as witness, when I have several of them
Andy ******
I never needed babies or marriage for my retirement visa but do have a daughter which does help ..
David ***********
Never had to take any witnesses
Martin *********
If your marriage is a complete nightmare probably best not to be thinking about babies.
Lincoln *******
@Martin ********
haha you beat me to this comment
Steve ********
B.S. on that. No Babies for me now or ever. No kids, been fixed for over 20 years now. Hahaha
Peter *********
there is a lot of paperwork - but not really a nightmare if you have it all pre-planned and ready :)
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ********
First time I thought I had it all very much pre-planned and ready. Non of the paperwork checked out. The Trat immigration website provides a list that is basically ignorable. There is another list in the actual immigration office with new rules. And then there will still be surprise rules and papers:'). You need all paperwork twice for the initial 3 months and then the same paperwork, again twice (!), if you go for the one year. They will have 4 copies, around a hundred stamped and signed papers of the same stuff. It sure does feel like a nightmare sometimes for me🤣
Peter *********
@Jordi *******
somewhere in Thailand is a mountain ... a mountain of paper - full of completed TM30's 90day reports, hundreds of bank statements ... photos....

my first year Black and white photos were ok, next year had to be in colour, 3rd year - only one of the sets had to be in colour
Dennis ***********
@Peter ********
The ever changing of paperwork -individual immigration officers concept/translation-attitude.it’s mind boggling.Also try an agency,Baht 28.000-Baht 35.000. For a Baht 1900 visa.It’s total robbery.
Jos *********
They said the same to me about making a baby in Nonthaburi. That way they shouldn't need to visit our house every year.....

Since I live in Bangkok, I never saw any officer ag our home
Rollo ************************
The problem is every immigration office and branch of gov here has its own policies that it follows side stepping the kingdom wide policies from its central gov. This comes from a lack of respect for authority and frankly one another. However, I have to agree with her on the baby mill thing. Birth rates the world over are shrinking drastically. God said be fruitful and multiply the Earth. Meanwhile the devil says get the population down to 500,000,000. #DoMoreFucking 😉 😂
Ying *****
You do need a witness but only first year in CM.
Wayne *******
@Ying ****
true, first time was a shitload of paper work, photos etc., But 2nd time so much easier as they already had most needed on file.
Greg ********
I have done two extensions based on marriage here in Thailand never been asked for a witness
Anthony ********
You need a witness only to confirm your relationship. But nothing to do with babies???
Lynnette *******
@Jordi *******
crusade? Lol. What a reaction to a simple comment. I merely mentioned having a child doesn't prove marriage. Which is what I thought you meant. Not sure what sort of "crusade" you think that is.
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *******
I guess a child confirms it enough;)
Lynnette *******
@Jordi *******
you've never heard of unmarried mothers? Or fathers?
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
we are talking about a marriage visa are we not?
Lynnette *******
@Jordi *******
you said a child confirms it. . A child only confirms who a mother is. Not a marriage.
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
My point was, if you come to extend your marriage visa with the papers showing that you are married (so you are married) the child apparently can be a witness to all that.

My mother was unmarried and single. Maybe bring your crusade somewhere else.
Anthony ********
@Jordi *******
not if you've divorced. You need to prove your still living as husband and wife.
Chris ****
Life is hard and then there’s marriage. It will make your marriage stronger. Su su.
Riny ************
Succes Jordi. Je weet nu wat je te doen staat. 👉😆👈
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Riny ***********
My wife told her we have a dog and that'll do
Phil ********
I've heard of similar comments being said, guessing the immigration lady is a bit long in tooth, as a typical Thai Auntie thing to say. 🙃

Witness? Not as much a directive, but a backwards congratulations/good luck.
Graham ******
I got a Non-O marraiage from London the the 12 month multi-enntry from Sanannakhet. I wasn't avoiding the in country Non-O but for a witness, if required, which Immigration Office?
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steven ***************
She's taking the piss.. you don't need a witness..
Marine *********
@Steven **************
you do for the first time
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marine ********
In Trat anytime. Steven probably went to an office where you don't need one to begin with.
Jordi ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
You do in Trat
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