Why are marriage visa costs so high in Thailand, and can I do it myself?

@Julie-Anne ************

because my visa agent was in hua hin and the marriage stuff was in Bangkok. No idea where poster lives and I don't live in hua hin anymore

@Rod ******

I'm not exactly sure what that has anything to do with the discussion, but I have a life rule ..... Never get annoyed about things that I am powerless to change.

@John *********

yes. Pink ID card is for foreigners.

But you need to be in a yellow house book.

In theory, having one should replace the need to get a Residence Certificate for things that require that. But I don't know how it actually works.

@Matthew ********

this really varies from Amphur to Amphur. I've just been through it in Hua Hin and it was...challenging. Not saying it's difficult, but they insisted on a new copy of my passport stamped as authentic by the British Embassy in Bangkok (I had already done this once to get married and had colour copies), then translated and certified at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once they had these documents they sent us away for 5 weeks until they had an appointment available. When we returned for our appointment they asked us to sign a few copies of documents and sent us away for another week whilst the Sheriff checked everything was okay. A week later we waited for 2 and a half hours for them to issue the yellow book and pink ID card. So, all in it probably took me about 2 months to get the yellow tabian baan, when other people seem to get them with no problems. Before anyone says it, yes we go smartly dressed and are always polite.

@Pamela ******

Please do, we need more like you,

@Pamela ******

Well OK yeah,

@Rod ******

it is pretty easy to do if you have the bt400,000, or equivalent in a bank account in your name only. To use the monthly payment method you need a notarized wage statement from your embassy, and very few do that anymore. There is no yellow book requirement for the type O visa based on Thai wife. Bt70k is way overpriced. Call Siam-Legal.com they are legitimate, and fair priced.

@Rod ******

have you considered that the people saying it is complicated are either; 1. not very good at following basic instructions or 2. Have a vested interest in 'selling services' to you? It could be that they simply want to feel better about using an agent themselves or their girlfriend is an agent. Getting a visa for Thailand is very straightforward, just a few simple questions on an A4 form and providing copies of documents. The immigration office and staff are helpful, just be polite and dress appropriately.

@Rod ******

only real obstacle is opening a bank account, so dress nice, grab your wife and start at her bank. Bring a residence certificate, Thai DL, your passport, lease agreement, and a whack of cash.