What visa options do I have in Thailand without leaving the country as an expat married to a Thai citizen?

Mar 26, 2021
4 years ago
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Some advice needed. I am currently on a Thai Elite visa which expires in July. I do not want to renew this. What visa can I change to without needing to leave Thailand. I’m married, over 50 and own a business. My preference would be a non b but if not possible I’m open to alternatives.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on what visa they can switch to without leaving Thailand, as their Thai Elite visa expires soon. They are married, over 50, and own a business. Several commenters suggest that the most suitable options are the Non-O visa based on marriage, which requires proof of income or funds in a bank account, or the Non-O visa for retirement, which also has specific financial requirements. It is generally believed that obtaining a Non-B visa or making a conversion while staying in Thailand may be challenging.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Tod *********
I personally haven't seen or heard of anyone going from an Elite entry stamp or extension to a Non-Immigrant Type visa inside the country :/

It MIGHT be able to be done by cancelling your elite extension applying for a covid extension (which you have until the 30th of March to do) and then applying for an in country Non-O visa

BUT

I'd make damn sure that would work at the immigration office BEFORE you cancel your elite extension and jump on the covid extension bandwagon
Benjamin ******
My advice: contact your local immigration office or the Thai Elite visa and ask them.

For an extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national, you will need a monthly income of 40K THB or 400K THB in a Thai bank account seasoned for two months. I do no think you can get a non-O visa based on marriage inside Thailand.

For an extension of stay based on retirement, you will need 800K THB seasoned in a Thai bank for two months OR 65K THB in monthly income. You can get a Non-O visa based on retirement/ over 50 years of age at some immigration offices.

It will be VERY difficult to get a Non-B visa or an extension of stay based on employment inside Thailand especially if you own a business.

I don’t see the value in keeping this post open.
Marty *********
His question is - what can he do without leaving Thailand?
Tristan *********
I read the other week that you can extend a 5 year Elite to a 20 year Elite for just 400k (or maybe 500k in your case) extra. I know it’s not really what you asked but just thought I’d mention it incase you believe it’d cost you another 500k for just 5 years
Max *********
You should be able to do a conversion to non immigrant. If marriage is an issue Non Immigrant O for retirement is an alternative
James ********
Keep it simple...

If you are married to Thai get the Non O and its extension of stay for one year as married.
Siam *****
importance is
*****
0 baht within 2 months before apply visa
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
can this be done without leaving Thailand?
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