Answered2 years ago
What steps should I take regarding my retirement visa and potential marriage in Thailand?
Hi everyone, advice please..My retirement visa expires mid February..I don't want to put any of my UK investments in this year so will probably need an agent..I have approximately 700k thb in my account and need 400k to finish purchasing a house in Thailand..I have much usage of this account in 2024..I am considering getting married.would it pay me to get all documents necessary prepared now to get a marriage license registration and then marry asap as I have the required 400k already in the bank. Hope this makes sense, thanks for any input
Answer summary
A user is seeking advice on extending their retirement visa, which expires in mid-February, while wanting to possibly get married and purchase a house in Thailand. They have 700,000 THB in their account, sufficient for their intended house purchase, but are considering hiring an agent for help. Comments suggest options for changing the reason for visa extension to marriage, express concerns about the legal aspects of their financial situation, and share personal experiences with marriage in Thailand.
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Jack *******
Get a pre-nup.
Ray ********
OPThanks so much Graham for that.. Most helpful
Graham ******
This details all the steps that arerequired to get married in Thailand and, depending on your Amphur, it can be done in a week or so
********************************************************
Philip *****
My dad got married in Thailand and lost everything and he’s now living back in the UK renting. He owned a house and everything in Thailand.
Ray ********
OPRay ********
OPYes I realise, it's not much use to me when I'm dead and gone..it's hers and her families future I'm protecting plus my super pretend great grand daughter.
Ray ********
OP@Philip ****
why did he lose everything, are you saying the wife done the dirty on him
Owen ********
its called a pre-nup.....
Terrence *************
@Ray *******
you do realise you cannot own land in thailand, it will be your wifes if anything goes wrong.ten years together pretty good start,best of luckPhilip *****
@Ray *******
Everything was going smoothly and 6 months after marriage she did the dirty. Always keep your assets in your home country and never burn all your bridges.Ray ********
OP@Philip ****
I know this happens a lot..I'm not naive.. I've known her 9 years and she has never asked for anything... she works has her own home and b&b business near Pattaya and is contributing 50% towards new home..And I still have a house and investments in UK
Stuart ***********
Do you mean you might need an agent to circumvent the 800,000 baht requirement?
If you are buying a house in Thailand it does not seem a good idea to break the law and risk being deported/potential banned.
I don't think you will need an agent to extend your stay otherwise, as it's a simple process.
If you decide to get married that is something I would consider using an agent for, as they can cut out a lot of the legwork and return journeys to Bangkok. Good luck with whatever you decide.
If you are buying a house in Thailand it does not seem a good idea to break the law and risk being deported/potential banned.
I don't think you will need an agent to extend your stay otherwise, as it's a simple process.
If you decide to get married that is something I would consider using an agent for, as they can cut out a lot of the legwork and return journeys to Bangkok. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Ray ********
OPCheers and a happy new year to you and family and to all on here for their input
Ray ********
OP@Stuart **********
I thought it was common practice to use an agent in ThailandStuart ***********
@Ray *******
it's not illegal to use an agent and it seems many people do, but to use one to do something against the law is illegal.The laws are there for a reason, but for example some people use an agent to bribe an official for things like gaining a Thai driving licence or not depositing the required funds in a Thai bank It's up to the individual if they want to do this, but if the immigration officer is investigated, all of their illegal visas are cancelled (this does happen, i have seen posts from several people complaining). It's not worth the risk imo, that's why I mentioned it, in case you were unaware.
Stuart ***********
@Ray *******
you are welcome, you probably have enough time get the marriage sorted in time if you hurry (you can have the party afterwards). Good luck with whatever you decide 🙂Ray ********
OP@Stuart **********
thanks Stuart,may have to this year but in future will stick to marriage visa rules and do renewals ourselves legally
Carl *******
@Ray *******
it kind of was common practice to use an agent, if you’re not confident or don’t feel able to meet certain requirements. However, you’re always at risk. Something may happen in the future, and you don’t want that hanging over you. If you can meet the req legitimately, albeit by jumping three a few hoops / it’s best to do it like that, in a normal legitimate way. Best of luckRay ********
OP@Stuart **********
ok thanks Stuart, that's exactly what I mean.. I would have put 65k in every month but last year I helped my daughter with 100k off her mortgage in uk
Kool *******
@Ray *******
as it stands right now, and you already have the required money in the bank, your best option for the next five years is the soft power category of the new Destination Thailand Visa. It's the new five year multi-entry visa that stamps you in for 180 days on each entry, and you can extend it once each year. It is so new that rules and regulations to govern abuses they find haven't been put in place. If you get it now you would be grandfathered in for any changes for the next five years. Basically you just need at least bt500,000 in your bank, and you have that.
Nick *******
If you had transferred 65k every month (for 12 months of your current visa period) without fail from UK to Thai bank account, you wouldn’t need 800k in the bank for your subsequent application.
Ray ********
OP@Nick ******
yes thanks nick,I would have done that but had other big commitments last yearNick *******
@Ray *******
Shame. All the best.
Tim *********
Only you can decide decide if your marriage is timed for love or money!
Ray ********
OP@Tim ********
it wasn't what I was asking was itRay ********
OP@Tim ********
I've been with her 10 yearsGraham ******
You can change the reason for your extension to marriage, no need to get a new visa
Ray ********
OP@Graham *****
thanks Graham,so you mean if I get the marriage sorted I can just reapply for a new year based on marriage
Nongnuch ********
@Ray *******
I doubt that you can get a marriage sorted within 2 months. You need an affirmation to get married for both you and the bride, from the UKRay ********
OP@Nongnuch *******
yes thanks for that, from UK embassy bkk
Jan ******************
@Ray *******
Yes you can just change reason for extension of stay from retirement to marriage.
Bob **********
@Ray *******
yesActivity
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