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What steps should a UK resident take to apply for a marriage visa in Thailand after arriving on a visa exemption?

Thailand Immigration Marriage Visa Non-O Visa Visa Exemption Retirement in Thailand Thai Spouse Visa Bank Account Visa Requirements Long-term Visa Financial Evidence

Aug 22, 2025

a day ago

Tom **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi All, I am a UK resident wanting to retire to Thailand early next year, I want to apply for a marriage visa  whilst in thailand, I have a Thai wife and a son from previous Thai marriage, I will have the 60 day visa exemption, where do I go from there, advice greatly appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK resident planning to retire in Thailand should consider applying for a Non-O Visa based on marriage before arriving. This approach allows a 90-day stamp on entry. Upon arrival, it's advisable to visit a local immigration office to review the requirements for a one-year extension of stay based on marriage. It's crucial to secure long-term residency to open a Thai bank account, as tourists often face difficulties in this regard. Necessary financial evidence includes bank statements and proof of earnings, with suggestions to clarify these requirements beforehand.

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Cris ******

You will need to get the Non O family visa first. Which is 90 days. Then 20 days prior to expiring. Go apply for the Non O marriage. And good luck. Its what im doing now and oh boy its fun.

13 hours ago

Tom **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cris *****

I bet it is, can't wait

13 hours ago

Reply to

Tom **********

Tony *******

Do you already have a Thai bank account in your own name?

To get the EOS you need this and now it’s nearly impossible to open an account without a valid visa.

Apply for the visa in UK, then you can use your UK bank account. Once in Thailand immediately open an account in your own name and put in 400k.

17 hours ago

Phil ******

@Tom *********

recommend to apply in UK by evisa before you fly out as easier to get a bank account

20 hours ago

Fortune ************

I wonder what they mean with this"Financial evidence e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings" because it don't say at the website from the embassy what you must proof for earnings. Does it has to be the proof of a hole year or some months?

a day ago

Tod *********

@Fortune ***********

he would show proof of 400K baht or the equivalent in a bank account OR proof he's making a minimum of 40K baht a month or the equivalent

19 hours ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Paul *******

If you come on a visa exempt stamp you are considered to be a tourist and it is impossible to open a bank account as a tourist, Get a long term visa prior to coming to Thailand.

a day ago

James ********

Suggest you apply for and obtain the Non O Visa as Married to Thai in the UK before you fly to Thailand.

You will get 90 days STAMP on arrival into Thailand.

Then visit your local Thai Immigration office and ask for the list of requirements for the one year extension of stay as Married to Thai.

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a day ago

Graeme *******

@James *******

good advice.

8 hours ago

Tom **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thank you, sounds like the best idea.

17 hours ago

James ********

@Tom *********

I think it's the BEST path for you. BEST Wishes for your success in getting the Thai Visa and rejoining your family in Thailand. Safe travels ✈️

14 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

THESE are the common found requirements for the One year extension of stay as Married to Thai. Ask your local Thai Immigration office for their requirements.

a day ago

James ********

On arrival into Thailand with the Non O Visa as Married to Thai obtained while you are in the UK...

You are stamped in for 90 days...

IF you need added time to get your Thai bank account funded or something else...

You can apply for the 60 day Family Visit Extension from your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai...

These are the common found requirements for the 60 day Thai family visit

a day ago

Reply to

James ********

Submit your application for the Non O Visa as Married to Thai using...

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a day ago

James ********

The UK Thai Embassy website says..

Non-Immigrant Type O (Visiting or staying with applicant's family resided in Thailand (more than 60 days) - single entry only)

Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand, e.g. a copy of marriage certificate / birth certificate / certificate of adoption

Personal details of a family in Thailand, e.g. ID card, Passport and the visa page or stay permit in Thailand

Proof of accommodation in Thailand e.g. hotel bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand

Financial evidence e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, proof of sponsorship from a third party

Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland

a day ago

Reply to

James ********

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Can I travel to Thailand without a visa and later apply for a retirement visa?

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