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What impact will the legal recognition of gay marriage in Thailand have on spousal visas and when are changes expected to take effect?
gay marriageThailand visa rulesspousal visaNON-O visaimmigration lawsThailand LGBTQ+ rightsmarriage equality in Thailandvisa application process
Mar 28, 2024
2 years ago
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTERnow that gay marriage will be legally recognised in thailand, what will this mean for spousal visas ? when would changes be put into effect ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
With the recent move towards legal recognition of gay marriage in Thailand, there are questions regarding its implications for spousal visas. Thai legal experts indicate that following the king's signing of the law, it may take at least 120 days for the changes to be implemented, with potential further delays. The law must first pass through the Senate and receive royal endorsement before it can be published in the Royal Gazette, signaling its legal status. After publication, there will be an additional waiting period before it becomes law. Some users have raised concerns about how this might affect citizenship requirements, particularly as the current immigration rules tend to favor foreign women married to Thai men. However, there is optimism about the opportunities this will create for same-sex couples regarding visa applications.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ********
thank you !!! very helpfulReply to
Adriana **********
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Daniel ******
I've been following the progression of the Bill here:
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78/house-passes-landmark-marriage-equality-billDavid ******
@Daniel *****
And if all goes through the steps to the final stages, reality will take place by end of this year. 🇹🇭🏳️🌈Reply to
David ******
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David ******
In the past on 3 occasions pre Covid, I was approved for non -O visa based on family/marriage in USA. It is a 1 year multiple entry, 90 days each visit for 1 year $200 USD. During Covid, I was denied and told to apply for 60 day visa & request for 30 day extension at immigration office in Thailand. In speaking to my local consulate officer, he stated that once “gay” marriage bill is passed, I could resume that same visa once again.
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *****
interesting insight, thank you very much !Reply to
Adriana **********
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John *******
Who told you it will be legally recognised you are only assuming it will be until senate have reviewed and pass it than the king has to sanction it before anything related to gay marriage is deemed legal
Jo **********
nothing says it will happen. Remember the progressive party is not in control. Many conservatives will not approve
Peter *********
Benders visa lol 😆
Jiji ***********
@Peter ********
If you're not comfortable with all things queer, might wanna reconsider the country you chose to live in. Just sayyin.Perhaps Malaysia might be more to your liking. Or Indonesia. Or Russia. Or most of the Middle-East.
Sarah ******
@Jiji **********
well said. :)Reply to
Sarah ******
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Sean ********
@Peter ********
Closeted comment there are so many sad cases out there.Chris ***********
@Peter ********
unnecessary commentReply to
Chris ***********
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Steve *******
yes it will be interesting... wonder what I will have for dinner......
Michael ********
Going to be interesting to see how they deal with citizenship requirements as they strongly favour foriegn women married to Thai men.
Dave **********
@Michael *******
interesting point and will be fun to watch.Reply to
Dave **********
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Christopher *************
Big can or worms that one but I suppose it depends on whether yo want in or out with the 'spouse'?
Bernie *************
@Christopher ************
good point!Reply to
Bernie *************
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Carlos *********
When it's in the royal gazette and not any sooner
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlos ********
thank you !Reply to
Adriana **********
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Rob **********
It still has to be passed by the senate, then approved by the King and the put in the Royal Gazette then after that have to wait another 90 days until it’s law, so after all of that possibly the latter part of the year.
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *********
ahhh thank you !!Rob **********
@Adriana *********
you are welcome, nothing moves quickly over here.Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *********
yeah i know haha, just had to ask !Reply to
Adriana **********
Reply
Malcolm *************
The law needs to be approved by the senate and endorsed by the king after that I'm sure the immigration rules on marriage will change to follow the new laws but I'm not sure about the timescale 👍🤔
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Malcolm ************
thank you !!Reply to
Adriana **********
Reply
Jay *********
Not for a minimum of 120 days after the king signs it into law, is what Thai legal experts say about how long laws take to come into effect in general, and then there could be additional delays that are not predicted so I wouldn't count on it happening right away.
Adriana **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ********
ah, very valuable information, thank you !!Reply to
Adriana **********
Reply
Can my same-sex spouse apply for a dependent DTV in Thailand now that the new law has been approved?
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