What should I know about my One Year Extension on a Non-O Visa in Thailand?

Dec 21, 2021
3 years ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I am a Canadian who arrived back in Thailand on November 4, 2021 with my Thai wife and I was admitted on a 90 day Non-O Visa based on visiting spouse and family. Well I went in Udon Immigration yesterday (Dec. 20) and filed for a One Year Extension and this granted with the words, "...under consideration of the Immigration Bureau Applicant must contact this office again in person on March 3,b2022. The Immigration lady said to come back and I would then get a One Year Extension. All is good, but my question are threefold:

1} Do I have to come back on the exact day of March 3, 2022 or can I come back earlier or even later?

2) When will the year extension start and finish?

3) We are going back to Canada in April, 2022 and returning to Thailand in October 2022. Will I be able to enter Thailand on this Extension? Is there something I must do with Immigration beforehand?

Many thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian expat in Thailand, after obtaining a 90-day Non-O Visa based on their marriage to a Thai spouse, has successfully filed for a One Year Extension. Key questions include if they must return on the exact date of March 3, 2022, when the extension period starts and ends, and the implications of traveling back to Canada before returning to Thailand in October 2022. Responses from the community highlight the importance of local immigration office policies and advise that the extension starts after the current allowed stay ends. They also suggest acquiring a re-entry permit to keep the extension valid while traveling.
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Benjamin ******
Bangkok. Kanchanaburi. Ratchaburi. Phuket. These are all different immigration offices with different policies. What happens at your immigration office may not apply for others. Ask the immigration office what their policies are.

I believe the poster has his question answered and I’m closing comments
Monti ********
Did the I/O mention a possible home visit to you? During the under consideration period it is possible they will visit the home to ensure the marriage is legit and may require two Thai witnesses to sign a paper attesting that they know you and to their knowledge the marriage is legit.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nicholas ********
That is interesting and nice to know. We did the Extension on Dec. 21. Should we be okay do you think in heading south from our home in Udon? Hopefully they will come before we head out in early Jan.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Benjamin. Good idea. I will go down to their office and ask. Bye for now.
Benjamin ******
@Mark ********
I recommend asking the immigration office what they expect for the in-home visit. Bangkok is different than Udon.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Monti *******
Thanks Monti. That was very thorough of them. In the future it may be easier, but more expensive inititally to get the Retirement Visa. Thanls for all of the interesting detail. Mark
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Monti *******
Thanks Monti. We did have a Thai witness who came with us to the Immigration Office and attested that he knew us and it was legit. The officer said someone "may come" and visit us. I hope it is soon as we are heading south in early-mid January.
James ********
And DO NOT SPEND one Thai baht of the 400,000 Thai baht in your Thai bank account UNTIL YOU HAVE the one year stamp in your passport.

And as
@Robert ******
said...

Be sure to buy a SINGLE REENTRY PERMIT when you go to Thai immigration office for 1,000 Thai baht keeps your extension alive when you reenter Thailand.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
No, I will not touch one baht of it. Thank you and Yes, I will pay the 1,000 Baht for a re-entry permit. Good to know.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Very nice of you to say that James! Thanks.
James ********
@Mark ********
you are set to get your one year extension... enjoy your trip...safe travels.
Robert *******
There is no fine in asking the officer when you are at her/his desk in the Immigration Office. But said that:

1. Yes, you go back on mentioned date

2. The Extension of Stay starts on the last day of your current Admitted to Stay period

3. If you are at the Immigration Office to get the rest of the year stamped inside your passport, apply directly for a Re-Entry Permit and your Extension can stay alive while travel.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Thanks Robert. Yes, you are right, I should have asked all, but didn't think at the time. So,

1. Will go back March 3.

2. I came in on Nov 4 under Non-O 90 days and it is stamped Feb. 1, 2022 so I guess that would mean to March 31/Feb 1 2023?

3.Thanks, I will apply for a Re-Entry Permit.
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