I use Moneygram cash pickup. My wife gets the money instantly (well next time she goes to the bank). It appears properly on my bank statement, and I have a paper record who receives the money and why, if anyone is asking. Standard charge is 5% but most of the time they discount it to 2 or 3%. Way cheaper and quicker than normal bank transfer. Probably no good for large amounts. I read that Bangkok bank has overseas locations. While you can't open an account at these location, you can transfer from domestic banks to these, then effectively an internal transfer to Thailand.

@Greg **********

some people don't read. The couple are already married. The question that was asked whether it was easier to remarry. My response indicates that foreigners need permission from the MFA to take to the Amphur. To get that permission they need to go to the US Embassy to get a freedom to marry certificate, whereupon the scheme falls apart. They are in Thailand now, and perhaps they didn't pack their US marriage licence, or its an utter ballache to travel 7 hours to sit in a waiting room to be confronted by suspicious state department officials. A department that's been cut to the bone, so that will be used as an excuse in collective foot dragging. The documents presented to the MFA are already notarized. Going to block you chap for being a barrack room lawyer.

You misunderstand. You fill in the form from 72 hours. You can fill it out in Bangkok. That's why they provide kiosks. You can probably get help at check in.

@Greg **********

That's my point. They won't get MFA approval to marry as they are not free to marry.

@Jidel *****************

you need Thai government permission to marry. To get this you need a statement from the US embassy that you are not already married.

"Califorrnia" is also the name of multiple towns in the US, not just a state.

Bad planning.

@Pe *******

Currently it is 5 years. The Conservative opposition has said they will extend the requirement to 10 years online with other residency requirements. The next general election will be no later than August 2029. The Conservatives are highly likely to form the next government, if in coalition with Reform. Policies like this will be top of the agenda, and likely strongly endorsed by Reform. For planning purposes, if you are starting this process, certainly if any visa isn't due to start until H2 this year, I would not make the assumption that the current arrangements will be in place in 5 years. Assume the cost to obtain ILR (including nhs surcharge , inflation adjustments) in the order of £30-40,000 as a result and budget accordingly. It's a changing world and any government is looking for the easy wins in this area.

@Podge ********

And the problem is the costs in 5 years might be even higher. Then they add 2 more visa requirements, and then you are looking at 10 years just to live together in a cold, wet miserable land where people hate your wife. It's not worth it.

If married, don't need loads of photos for visitor visa. My wife has a record from Malaysia. 2 applications, 2 visas granted, no issues. Simple one pager of invitation. Thai people like the idea of the uk, but the reality is a let down. My wife came over for 6 weeks last year in September/October. That made her mind up. Too cold and terrible food. A spouse visa is expensive. For the first 2.5 years, it's costing you £1500 in home office fees, not refundable, and £3000 in NHS fees. Plus you need a decent salary. Plus she has to go an English test in Thailand, and a medical examen, so another £500. After 2.5 years, rinse and repear. After 5 years, she can apply for indefinite leave to remain, the first step to a UK passport. But that's moot, because the current government is proposing to change that from 5 to 10 years. And by then, you will need a salary of £5000 per annum. She can get a job in the UK, but unless it's in the NHS or care home, she has to pay £1000 a year for the NHS on top of NI and tax. If you marry in Thailand, that's automatically recognised in the UK. It's advisable to get the certificate translated, but not essential. I suspect getting a UK marriage certificate recognised in Thailand is a faff. We're are content with visitor visas now. The UK has become too hostile.