thailand
Ask question

What Should I Do If I Am on Amnesty and Want to Apply for a Marriage Visa in Thailand?

Visa RulesMarriage VisaNon-O Visa
Jul 11, 2020
4 years ago
Lindsay *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Unsure of what to do! I’m married to a Thai national and entered Thailand on an METV issued in the UK. My last entry was completed and also extended by 30 days. Therefore on amnesty. I have 400,000 in the bank and all required documents. However because I don’t have an actual stamp in my passport I believe I cannot apply for a marriage visa or 60 days based on marriage.

I have called immigration, they have no idea and said go to Chang Watthana. Will I have to just leave the country and apply abroad, then jump through all the quarantine hoops etc as I cannot effectively do a visa hop to get a current stamp? Thanks Guys.
3,044
views
6
likes
90
all likes
34
replies
1
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on visa amnesty after entering Thailand on a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) and is unsure about the next steps to obtain a marriage visa. They have all necessary documents and funds but lack a current stamp in their passport. Other community members suggest that the user can apply for a temporary 60-day 'Visit Thai Family' extension, which does not require proof of funds, allowing them to later apply for a 90-day Non-O visa based on marriage. There are mixed opinions about whether one can go directly for the one-year extension of stay based on marriage while still under amnesty, with some arguing that it is possible and others recommending the 60-day extension as a necessary step.
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.
Tod *********
We are done. I am not gonna let this thread (which has had MANY people in similar situations) turn into a shit show..

Make your own topics please..
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
Just go to immigration as they told you. Seems some offices understand the situations and are more flexible then others
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
yeah, it's not like that. If you're not entitled to get the 60 day visit thai family extension there's no flexibility in it. You either are allowed to get it or you're not.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Dawn ********
you should be able to get the 1 time 60 day extension now, even while on visa amnesty. after that, you should be able to apply for the 1 year thai marriage visa in country, without leaving. at least... that's what i'm hoping. because i'm in the same situation
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
You don't need to get the 60 day visit thai family extension AT ALL, your immigration office is telling you wrong, and
@Benjamin *****
 had it right when he said you should just go now and apply for the yearly extension.

You already HAVE a Non-O visa and are technically still on the entry stamp from it (even though it expired and you're on amnesty) you can go straight to the one year extension NOW before amnesty ends
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Tod ********
 ok. thank you so much for your help. always great info in this group. i really appreciate it. <3
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dawn ********
Reply
Benjamin ******
Since you're a woman (and I'm assuming you're married to a Thai man), you do *NOT* need proof of the 400K THB in savings/ 40K THB in monthly income. I'd just skip the 60 day extension of stay based on visiting Thai family if I were you.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Benjamin *****
 yes, woman married to a thai man. I've been told that since i'm currently on visa amnesty, i can't apply for the 1 year extension yet. But maybe if i do the 60 day extension first then i can apply for the 1 year?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Dawn *******
 What was the original entry stamp you went onto amnesty from?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Tod ********
 my current stamp expired May 20th. Entered Thailand on Multi-Entry Non-O based on Thai Spouse (from Savannakhet) on February 21st.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Dawn *******
 so you still have a year-long, mulit-entry Non-O that is good IN your passport now?

And you went from the 90 day entry stamp straight to amnesty?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Tod ********
 i have a year-long multi-entry non-o that is good until November 24, 2020 in my passport now. i went from 90 day entry stamp straight to Amnesty, yes.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Dawn *******
 there is no METV thai spouse visa :( I think you're mixing up terms and you mean a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai ;)

An METV is a mulit-entry tourist visa :P
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Tod ********
 Yes. Sorry. ME Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Benjamin ******
@Dawn *******
 Yep, you can do that (surprised you can't go directly on a 1 year extension though)
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Benjamin ******
Reply
Benjamin ******
Close. You'd be applying for a one year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dawn ********
@Benjamin *****
 yes. thanks. :) that's what i meant ;)
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dawn ********
Reply
Bob ********
@Tod ********
 I'm in Chiang Mai in same situation as o/P

60 day tourist visa -extended 30 days now on Amnesty.

So I can apply for 60 days " visit Thai family " only have Marriage certificate from Australia

Married 21 yrs

What is a TM 30

Have no lease agreement wife owns house & land

Hoping you can help many thanks
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Geoff **********
You may need to register your marriage in Thailand first if you havent done that yet (required in Samatprakan for sure, we were married in US). This requires getting you marriage cert translated into Thai and then legalizing a copy (first legalized/authenticated by your embassy and then by the MFA in Thailand, then registering with local amphur office).
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
There are more than 70 immigration offices in the country and each one does things slightly different.

I see a trip to the immigration office for you and your thai wife to see what their requirements are for an extension based on marriage.

Go this next week, because it's only gonna get crazier as people get closer to amnesty running out
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
Tod Daniels Manny thanks was going early next week
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob ********
Reply
Geoff ********
I am in much the same position: non O visa and stamp expired and now on amnesty. I am staying at my wife's house in Samut Prakan. Do I go to the local immigration office for the 60 day extension? As to documents, I have no lease agreement and we have never filed a TM30 or done 90 day reporting as I have never stayed more than 90 days before. Do we need to do anything to regularise that before applying for the 60 day extension? I should add that I do not want to start a long stay process but simply stay a few weeks after 31 July until some building work on our house is completed. I will then return to UK and start with new visa before my next visit. Grateful for any advice. The alternative I was considering is to fly to a neighbouring country for a couple of days if I could be sure to get back into Thailand without quarantine.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Benjamin ******
> I have no lease agreement and we have never filed a TM30

Your wife, or the property owner, needs to report you where you live no later then 24 business hours after you arrive, otherwise, you will get fined. You can sidestep this fine by staying at a hotel for a night, and then filing the TM30 when you return.

>done 90 day reporting as I have never stayed more than 90 days before

On a non-O multiple entry visa, you do not stay longer then 90 days, so you do not file a 90 day report. you also do not file a 90 day report if you are on amnesty.

> I should add that I do not want to start a long stay process but simply stay a few weeks after 31 July until some building work on our house is completed

If you apply for a 60 day extension of stay based on visiting Thai family, you can stay 60 days.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Geoff ********
@Benjamin *****
 Great. Thank you for a very helpful reply.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Geoff ********
Reply
Tod *********
Let's look at it step by step

You entered on a 60 day tourist visa, you got that extended by 30 days for 1900baht and now you're on amnesty.

You COULD apply for a 60 day "visit thai family" extension (it does not require proof of funds) and then once you get that 60 day extension in your passport (because you'd be back on a "real stamp" not the no stamp amnesty) you could then apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage by showing you have 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only and that it was transferred in from abroad.

That application would go under consideration for 14 days then you'd go back to get the non-O visa and a new 90 day entry stamp inked in.

THEN you'd wait until you have 30 days or less left on that 90 day stamp and you would apply for a yearly extension based on marriage by showing the 400K baht had been in your account for 2 months before you apply and by submitting the correct documents.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
thanks
@Tod ********
. We went to Hua Hin immigration, because I am following the process you mentioned (amnesty to 60 day to 90 day) but they didn't specifically mention the days remaining required. So I will make sure to ask in order to avoid problems. I am currently waiting for my 400k to season. I deposited on June 9, so it is good to know if there is a required number of days left on the 60 day, so that the money has time to season.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Tod ********
 I can confirm that in Hua Hin, they confirmed that 60-day family visit is possible from visa amnesty (before I had non-imm Ed extension). One further question about going from 60-day family visit to 90-day Non-O based on marriage: is it necessary to have a certain number of days left on the 60-day, in order to be eligible to apply for the 90-day non-O?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Paul *******
 there is a definite number of days you need left on your valid stamp to apply for an in country Non-O visa. Chiang Mai requires 21 days, Bangkok requires 15, check with your office to see what their requirement is.

It's because when you apply for an in country Non-Imm visa it goes under consideration for a period of time before you go back and get it inked in and you need time left on your current stamp to cover that time
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Lindsay *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Thankyou, good info, is it possible to get the 60 day extension based on family as I don’t have a “physical” up to date stamp in my passport? I’ve been trying to find out but no one seems to know.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Lindsay ******
, you're totally able to go from the no stamp amnesty ( meaning you have an expired stamp in your passport) to a 60 day visit thai family extension.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Lindsay *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 great, the call centre have no idea and my wife gets a different answer every time she calls.We will head up there next week. Don’t suppose you have a quick list you can copy and paste of paperwork requirements? 🙏🏼
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Lindsay ******
 whoops sorry saw you said Chaengwattana

Marriage certificates, TM30, lease agreement, house book of your wife, her i/d card, your passport should cover it.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Lindsay *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Brilliant, thanks for your help 🙏🏼
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
Bceause you're on a 60 day tourist visa entry, then a 30 day extension and then amnesty I believe you go to the new location that opens back up Monday to get that 60 day visit family extension. That's the one at Muang Thong Thani.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
What are the requirements for extending a visa in Thailand if married to a Thai?
23 comments
4 years ago
What steps must I complete to extend my stay in Thailand after marriage and through the end of amnesty?
4 comments
4 years ago
What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand after my Non-Immigrant O visa expired while on amnesty?
3 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements and processes for extending a family visit visa in Thailand based on marriage?
2 comments
4 years ago
Can I extend my visa while on an amnesty in Thailand?
19 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a marriage visa in Thailand after my extension following the COVID-19 amnesty?
13 comments
4 years ago
What is the process for extending a marriage visa in Thailand based on an amnesty situation?
11 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a non-immigrant O visa while on amnesty in Thailand?
5 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a 60-day family extension after marrying a Thai citizen while on visa amnesty?
16 comments
4 years ago
Can I Convert to a Marriage Visa While on Amnesty in Thailand?
20 comments
4 years ago
How can I convert my amnesty status to a NON-O visa based on marriage in Thailand?
9 comments
4 years ago
What Should I Do About My Marriage Visa Plans After Being on Amnesty?
3 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a 1-Year Marriage Extension after being on Amnesty in Thailand?
4 comments
4 years ago
What Are My Options for Renewing My Expired Non-O Visa Under Amnesty in Thailand?
13 comments
4 years ago
What are my options for extending my marriage visa in Thailand after my 60-day extension has expired?
2 comments
4 years ago
Can I Change to a Dependent Visa While on Amnesty in Thailand?
8 comments
4 years ago
Can I Get Married in Thailand with an Expiring METV Tourist Visa While in Amnesty?
11 comments
4 years ago
Can I Successfully Obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa Extension While on Amnesty?
2 comments
4 years ago
What Documents Do I Need for a Non-O Marriage Visa in Thailand?
12 comments
4 years ago
What are my options for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand during the amnesty period after marriage to a Thai citizen?
40 comments
4 years ago
Can I Apply for a Marriage Visa While on Amnesty in Thailand?
11 comments
5 years ago
What are the steps to obtain a Non-O visa and a one-year extension in Thailand, especially for expats who are married?
22 comments
5 years ago
Can I Apply for an Extension of Stay Through Marriage While on Amnesty with a Non-O Visa?
10 comments
5 years ago
What Paperwork Do I Need for a 60-Day Extension on a Non-O Visa Based on Marriage in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What are my options for extending my Thai visa as an Australian married to a Thai citizen?
7 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.