What is the requirement for using a joint bank account to qualify for a marriage visa in Thailand, and does the source of the funds matter?

Sep 21, 2022
2 years ago
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My Thai wife added me to her Bangkok Bank account a while ago. Over the years she’s made deposits inside Thailand as well as transferring money into the account from the USA. She’s got well in excess of several million baht.

Question: I’ve been told that when I apply for marriage visa that the money in the joint account must be 800,000 baht min (instead of 400,000 in my own account) cause it’s a joint account. BUT does it all have to be shown to have come from outside Thailand or does it matter since a it’s several million baht in the account? Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual inquires about the requirements of using a joint bank account with their Thai wife when applying for a marriage visa in Thailand. They mention being informed that the minimum balance required in a joint account is 800,000 baht instead of 400,000 baht if it were their personal account. Additionally, they seek clarification on whether all the funds must have originated from outside Thailand, given their joint account contains several million baht.
Cory **********
I have a feeling they will say yes but best to ask. Last week I was at the Chiang mai immigration getting ready to apply for extension of stay based on being married to a thai and they seemed very motivated to help make sure I am approved. They gave a list of everything they would like to see. I would do the same and get the list from your local immigration office and bring up the question.
Ken ********
For retirement extension money has to come from offshore for marriage not so
Tod *********
@Ken *******
I believe that is incorrect 😕 For the initial 90 day Non-O visa based on banked money the 800K baht has to be transferred in from abroad at SOME immigration offices, (Bangkok requires it)

BUT

the year extension the 800K baht does not have a proof of funds origin requirement, just that it's in the bank for 2 months before you apply

There is no proof of funds origin required for either the 90 day Non-O visa OR the year extension based on marriage using the 400K baht banked money
Ken ********
@Tod ********
I stand corrected
Tod *********
there is no requirement that the banked money method for an extension based on marriage have the funds come from outside the country.

AND

before you think this "joint account with double the balance" will work for your extension you and your thai wife need to slog on over to your immigration office and ask in person if they'll allow it SOME will but SOME won't,

The last thing you need to do is show up for an extension and NOT be able to use that bank account
Peter **********
why not just open your own account and move 400,000 in.
Jeremy *****************
@Peter *********
I was going to suggest the same.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
this is for the initial Visa, Not the extension. Is it the same or does it need to come from a outside Thailand?
Tod *********
@Dave ********
there is no 1 year marriage visa available inside thailand 😕

You get a 90 day non-O visa and then you apply for a year extension of stay

NEITHER the 90 day Non-O visa nor the year extension require proof of funds when using banked money based on marriage
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
ok Thanks!!!
Tod *********
@Dave ********
just make sure you check with your office on whether you can use a joint account or not 🙂 Good luck with it (y)
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