What do I need to know about switching to a spouse visa extension in Thailand?

Question

Switching work to spouse extension

Hi all, I'm changing my 'reason to stay in Thailand' from employment to Thai spouse. Had my WP and previous extension cancelled yesterday. I'm now on a 3-week extension which is apparently intended to give me time to either make new arrangements, or leave. It ends February 18th.

Been reading various sources on getting the spouse extension because I want to do this right. But I have a few questions.

1. I read that it takes 3 weeks to receive a decision on the spouse extension. I also read that to accommodate this time, I'll get a new stamp granting either 30 or 45 days at the application date if my paperwork seems in order. I am currently already on an extension that aims to accommodate new arrangements, but it's only 20 days. It just feels a little odd to me if I get yet another stamp with such purpose again, but it seems that I do need the extra time. Is this indeed what happens? Or should we apply asap?

2. We took photos in normal everyday clothes (shorts, t-shirt) to show how we live. Found a source later that we should have dressed more formally. Seems a little odd to me because we really just show how we live, as they request, so why would we wear clothes that we normally don't? Should we retake the pics? Appreciating your viewpoints.

3. Applying at Cheangwatthana immigrations. Taking the whole family, who prefer going in the afternoon. Any recommendations on the time to go? Been reading varying recommendations. If necessary I could go early myself to get a queue and have them come later.

4. Looking at the future: if I get this extension approved now, and I'm not in Thailand next year around this time, am I right that I can't extend it and need to do a non-O at an embassy?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is transitioning from a work permit to a spouse visa extension in Thailand and has questions regarding the application process, required documentation, and next steps. They are specifically concerned about the timeline for approval, whether to retake photos in formal attire, the best time to visit the Cheangwatthana immigration office, and implications for future visa status if they leave Thailand.

James ******** · Answer

Hopefully the OP has the answers needed for his question. Although he has not replied. We wish you success in obtaining the visa extension you are seeking.

Comments Closed

Tod ********* · Answer

this is a list of the things you MAY be required to show at most offices, it is a general list NOT a location specific one

Tod ********* · Answer

1 - you're correct you'll apply for a year long extension based on marriage to a thai and you will get a 21 day under consideration stamp (C/W does 3 week stamp)

That under consideration stamp has NOTHING to do with the current stamp you're on when you cancelled your employment extension two different stamps for completely different reasons.

2 - I would say you need to dress politely for the photos, Re-take them, you, your wife standing in front of the address numbers, you and her in the house at the kitchen table, in the living room, etc.

3 - doesn't matter when you go, you should make an appt, at this website

[url redacted]

4 - correct if you're out of the country when this extension expires it runs out and you'd start over from zero either by getting the Non-O visa before you come back or comin' in on a free entry stamp and doing the whole process inside the country

What do I need to know about switching to a spouse visa extension in Thailand?

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