What type of visa do I need to apply for a marriage visa extension in Thailand after marrying a Thai citizen?

December 6, 2023
10 months ago
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi I need a bit of guidance please. I am coming to Thailand 22nd Feb and getting married to a Thai lady on 2 March .I understand the need to then register that marriage and the documents required in order to do that. Once registered I intend to apply for the marriage visa extension as outlined on your guidance note 7th April 2023.

What I am not yet clear about is which type of visa I need in order to get the extension.(I shall be dealing with the immigration office in Korat ) Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on the type of visa needed to apply for a marriage visa extension in Thailand after marrying a Thai citizen. They plan to marry on March 2 and are unclear about the visa process, particularly concerning the marriage registration and extension application. Comments suggest various pathways, such as entering on a tourist visa, applying for a Non-O visa for marriage, or considering a retirement visa, highlighting the importance of being married for at least two months before applying for the Non-O visa in most immigration offices, including in Korat.
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Stuart ***********
Are you over 50 John and if so, why not consider applying for a retirement Visa instead.

I believe the retirement Visa is much easier to obtain than the marriage Visa (someone will correct me if I am wrong).

I think you can convert from retirement to marriage Visa a year later.
Ellie *******
@Stuart **********
, people have different views, priorities, and definitions of the wording. Something easier to one person is not always easier to another.

Non-O visa/extension based on retirement requires you less number of documents, but that doesn't always mean "easier".

and this is one of the reasons why this group doesn't allow the posts to ask "what's your opinion" type questions.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
Thanks . Yes I’m well over 50 but all in all it seemed to me an easier option to get the marriage visa extension.

There may well be advantages in having retirement visa that I am not aware of . I’m also not keen in tying up 800k in the bank!
Stuart ***********
@John ******
I am not aware of any advantages other than it being easier John, but I read a lot of posts from people saying they were giving up on the marriage visa and reverting to retirement as it's too much hassle.

I have no personal experience, so it was just a suggestion.

Whatever you decide, I wish you good luck.
Tod *********
You have to remember that many immigration offices require you to be married a minimum of two months to apply for an in country non o visa based on marriage. (Bangkok is hard on this rule). So while it's all week and good to come here, get your stuff sorted, get married, you also have to stay here looking enough to be able to apply for a visa based on marriage too.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod
Ellie *******
Many people enter on a tourist visa or visa-exempt, and do this

1. enter on tourist status (as above)

2. apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa based on being married to a Thai which gives you 90 days of stay, when you still have 15 days or 21 days with your stamp

3. apply for 1-year extension based on being married to a Thai when your first 90 days stamp goes 30 days or less

BUT as you will get married to a Thai person after you enter, you may not be able to apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa in time. This is because most offices allow you to apply for Non-O marriage only when you have been married for more than two months.

You may have two choices.

A: get married, correct the necessary documents, then go to the embassy/consulate to apply for single entry Non-O marriage to a Thai there

B: do border bounce or visa run for a Single Entry Tourist Visa until your marriage hits 2 months, then apply in-county Non-O

You need to go to Korat immigration office to get a handout of requirements for the initial in-country Non-O being married to a Thai when you arrive there, and check with them about details, such as their policy of marriage "months age" for application.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Thank you so much for this advice . I am now clear as to what I need to do
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