First of all: this group really helped me with to prepare for my Non-O visa (Thai/American spouse) and I wanted to share my experience to hopefully help others:
I had Non-O visa that expired on May 15th and I went to Chanwattana yesterday.
- Got there at 6:02pm and q #18, handed out outside). They let us get inside building with seat number assigned to each q number (told officer that my wife will come close to opening and she insisted on giving her q number as well: #25) you can sit at your seat or get food downstairs, which open at 6:30
- the officer came around each applicant to check on your papers. (I was planning on getting 90 days but she said there is no 90 days. Only 60 days or 1 year. Handed 3 more papers to filled out (2 for me and 1 for the wife: acknowledgments to add to the pile.
- my wife came at 8am and they let us get inside the office at 8:25am and got another q (#6)
- got call on to booth about 9am
> application form with photo
> 3 newly filled out acknowledgments
> Passport copy with all stamped pages
> copy of TM 6
> wife Thai ID copy
> wife Thai house registration (at Chiang Mai)
> condo lease in Bangkok
> asked for condo owner copy of Thai ID (which was attached to lease).
> asked for the condo owner copy of Thai house registration (which we didn’t have)
> computer print out of report (which the officer wasn’t too happy, wanted traditional report) but accepted.
> married certificate and translation copy (asked to show the original)
> Print out google map with condo address
> Bank statements (cost 100 THB for past 6 months printout)
> Bank book: which I had put in over 400,000 THB 2 months ago BUT at one time about 20 days into first deposit from foreign bank, I was below 400k. So, you’re supposed to have no lower than 400k consistently.
>> because of the condo owner house registration copy and the bank less than 400k at one point, I got 60 days visa, which expired on Nov. 25th. If I had both I could get 1 year Visa.
>> I needed to make up another 20 days on $ amount, but can not apply for another visa more than 30days of your current visa expiration. now I’m planning to go back early Nov. to get my 1 year visa.
- side note: I had 1 year Non-O visa at Chiang Mai before which the immigration offers 4 of them came to check (within the 30 days) talked to neighbors and took pictures (I’d assume it’s the same process here in Bangkok) I could not get 1 year visa as I moved to BKK and had to start all over again.
I hope this info help others and thank you for all the advices that I get here.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand while married to a Thai spouse, detailing the process at the Chanwattana Immigration Office, required paperwork, and challenges faced due to insufficient documentation and fluctuating bank balance. The applicant initially received a 60-day extension instead of a 1-year visa due to missing a necessary condo owner's registration document and temporary dips below the required 400,000 THB in their bank account. They advised on the importance of meeting the financial requirements and planning the timing of the application.
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.
