What is the time frame for extending a Non-O visa as a newcomer to Thailand if married to a Thai citizen?

Mar 22, 2023
2 years ago
Peter **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am trying to work out the time frame available for extending a non-O as a newcomer to Thailand.

I am married with a lovely Thai lady. We currently live in Netherlands, but upon my retirement we plan to move to Thailand permanently.

Now I see a serious time constraint. When requesting an extension you need to have the required deposit in the bank for at least two months. The extension must be requested approx two weeks before the non-O expires.

That leaves only 2 weeks available to get a bank account and get the appropriate amount into that account. Am I right? How do people arrange that so fast?

I worry about it because an international bank transfer takes already a week before it arrives. Basically that means I will have only a single week to open up an account and get the money in. Scary!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is concerned about the timing involved in extending their Non-O visa after moving to Thailand with their Thai spouse. They point out a challenge in meeting requirements, noting the necessity of having funds deposited in a Thai bank for two months prior to extension application and the need to request this extension two weeks before the current visa expires. Commenters clarify that the process involves securing a free stamp upon arrival, opening a bank account, and transferring funds before applying for an initial 90-day Non-O visa. They also mention the option of proving income through an embassy letter if the individual has a qualifying pension, which could alleviate the need for a bank deposit.
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Gary **********
Also if your non-o is based on marriage you get a 60 day extention for family reason gives you more time with setting bank accounts up
Willem ****
Mr Peter.

Comming from the Netherlands you can also proof your income by a income statement given by the Netherlands embassy. That is if you have a pension of at least worth
*****
baht per month. If this is the case you not need any money in a Thai bank. Do you know of this option? The letter is called visum ondersteuningsbrief.

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Peter **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Willem ***
You get that support letter only when you can show receipt of 3 months retirement money. I am moving almost immediately after my retirement. Besides, I won’t count on getting regular income from a government or an insurance organisation. The Dutch government is as reliable as the Dutch weather (i.e. not reliable at all) and the EU is eating all Dutch pension plans, so I am not going to rely on an income statement. Money in the bank is the only thing that counts.
Tod *********
you got your wires crossed and are confusing two separate things

You come here on a free stamp,

you open the bank account

you transfer the funds in

and

then you go apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa for 2000baht when you have a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp,

it goes under review for 2 weeks

then you go back to get the Non-O visa and the 90 day stamp inked in

After that you wait the 2 months for the funds to season. You can apply for a year extension any time you have 30 days or less left on that new 90 day stamp.
Peter **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I found the information about the procedure! Thankyou. That gives me a lot more time to arrange all the documents and stuff!
Peter **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
So you get the non-O when you are already in Thailand? I thought I needed to get it while I am still in my native country… (??).
Tod *********
@Peter *********
you either buy the 90 day single entry Non-O visa from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here,

OR

you come here on a free stamp and buy the 90 day Non-O visa from the thai immigration office that serves the area where you stay for 2000baht.
Tod *********
@Mario ********
I think you too have your wires crossed and MANY embassies here no longer issue the residence certificate to their citizens..

However this isn't a group about "how to open a bank account in thailand" post on a group related to where you live and ask people, someone will give you good advice on a branch to try
Mario *********
@Tod ********
maybe I don’t expressed myself the right way, I am not talking about certificate of residency but affidavit for proof of funds to be able to have visa
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