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What should I say to Immigration when changing my visa from marriage to retirement?

Jan 31, 2026
3 months ago
Willy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am on a yearly extension based on marriage to a thai.

Now I Like to chang it from marriage extension to retirement extension.

What' should I tell them when they asking me, WHY I Like to Change from Marriage to Retirement Extension?

In truth ist easier for me, because I do not need to asking other people to be my witness, including make a date with them all when the Immigration People come to my House.

Can I tell this to Immigration too,?

Thanks for help
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on how to explain their decision to change from a marriage-based visa extension to a retirement visa extension in Thailand. They prefer the retirement visa due to the ease of not requiring witnesses for home visits from immigration. Community responses suggest that it's unnecessary to provide a detailed explanation when applying, as long as the user meets the financial requirements and relevant conditions, and emphasize the practicality and safety of holding a retirement visa.
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.
Robert **********
Immigration prefer retirement because it's less work for them.
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Mark *******
Absolutely do this and do it sooner rather than later. And if someone asks do as #TodDaniels says.
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Bart **************
Although it would be highly unlikely to get the question (next to impossible), as not only is it not part of the application process, they'd also be more than able to fill in the blanks; in the event they ask, why would you not just tell them?
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Michael ********
There is no why, only do.
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Peter **********
They won't ask you why, just meet the requirements.
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Willy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thanks for your Help ๐Ÿ™
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Hans *********
I did it myself in Jomtien. No questions asked about reasons or what so ever as long you meet the financial requirements.
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David ********
@Hans ********
;what did you need to do to do it yourself.
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Hans *********
@David *******
just the usual requirements for retirement extension. In my case just proof of monthly deposists of (more than) thb 65.000. No further questions asked by Jomtien Immigration.
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David ********
@Hans ********
; l need to know what paperwork l need to do myself.
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David ********
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Rob *********
Without meaning to be overly negative, as long as you meet the financial requirements, a retirement visa is a safer option. As I understand it, should you get divorced, or your wife passes way, your marriage visa becomes invalid.
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Graham ******
@Rob ********
only on divorce, on death the current extension stamp is honoured
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Rob *********
@Graham *****
Thanks for clarifying, Graham.
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Rob *********
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Tod *********
Just tell them it's easier. No need to go into a big story on why you want to change. Meet the requirements for the retirement extension (if you're banking money it's 800K in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply) and when your next extension comes due apply for the extension based on retirement not marriage to a thai.. They might want to talk to your thai wife too, but that's normal when you switch reasons
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Willy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Just to give you an result

I already changed my extension from Marriage to Retirement

They asked me WHY I Like to do so and commented people normally Like to change from retirement to Marriage

in summary it was really much easier and much more quickly.

Thanks for your Help ๐Ÿ™
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Tod *********
congrats (y) really glad it worked out for you ๐Ÿ™‚
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Tod *********
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