In The Process Of Marrying Thai Girlfriend

[65Craig]

I've been with my girlfriend here in Chiang Mai for 3 years now and we are finally going to marry. I'm 36 years old from the US and have basically been in Thailand about 3/4 of the time for the last 3 years. Basically I've been doing the whole tourist visa and monthly trips to Myanmar (which I kind of enjoyed as I got to buy all the latest DVD's). Regardless, the new immigration rules won't allow this anymore. Here's my problem: I have lots of money in the bank (plenty for the old rules), but I can't prove 40,000 baht a month, and my soon to be Thai Wife only makes 7,000 baht a month as a teacher. In June I will begin working again via the internet and could then easily prove over 40,000 baht a month. Problem being, I don't want to have to leave Thailand for 90 days as my current tourist visa will run out the first week of April. Question, is it possible to leave the country (say go to Malaysia) and get a 90 day Non Immigrant Type O visa without showing the 40,000 baht a month and only proving the legit marriage to a Thai citizen? Or would it be possible to leave the country and apply for a 60 day tourist visa when I've already crossed the border twice already (Myanmar). Not sure that would work as I would already have been in Thailand for 90 days already. Anyway, any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

[Maestro]

Once you are married, your best option is to get a multiple-entry non-O visa from the Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur. Bring your marriage certificate, a copy of your wife’s ID card, signed by your wife, and although it will probably not be asked for bring also a copy of your wife’s house registration, again signed by your wife.

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Maestro

[lopburi3]

You can apply for a 60 day extension to visit family after your marriage is registered to give breathing room if you like. You can obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa from most Consulates but KL is probably the only chance in the area of obtaining a multi entry without bank account information. If you have (you say you do) banks accounts you could also probably obtain in Singapore but believe they will require 400k baht on deposit. Also be sure to take marriage certificate and signed copy of her ID card or passport as there are normally required now.

[65Craig]

Once you are married, your best option is to get a multiple-entry non-O visa from the Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur. Bring your marriage certificate, a copy of your wife’s ID card, signed by your wife, and although it will probably not be asked for bring also a copy of your wife’s house registration, again signed by your wife.

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Maestro

Thanks I appreciate all the input. But what about the 40,000 baht a month. I probably won't be able to prove that until May at the earliest (and in the meantime my 90 days will be up in early April). So is Kuala Lampur less stringent on this part of the process? And pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is a House Registration? I've seen her Thai ID Card and she has a Thailand Passport, but I've never seen a House Registration (but I'll ask her for it)... Anyway, is the 40,000 baht just a requirement for a multiple entry entry non immigrant O or is it also for a single entry non immigrant O? Also, how long does the process take in Kuala Lampur? Will I have to stay a couple of days, or is it something that is processed right away and I can fly in and out? Never been to Malaysia... How is it? Is it worth staying a few days and exploring? Once again, I appreciate all the help. Kind of new to all this and appreciate the help from people who have dealt with the same issues. Thanks!!!

[Lite Beer]

Once you are married, your best option is to get a multiple-entry non-O visa from the Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur. Bring your marriage certificate, a copy of your wife’s ID card, signed by your wife, and although it will probably not be asked for bring also a copy of your wife’s house registration, again signed by your wife.

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Maestro

Thanks I appreciate all the input. But what about the 40,000 baht a month. I probably won't be able to prove that until May at the earliest (and in the meantime my 90 days will be up in early April). So is Kuala Lampur less stringent on this part of the process? And pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is a House Registration? I've seen her Thai ID Card and she has a Thailand Passport, but I've never seen a House Registration (but I'll ask her for it)... Anyway, is the 40,000 baht just a requirement for a multiple entry entry non immigrant O or is it also for a single entry non immigrant O? Also, how long does the process take in Kuala Lampur? Will I have to stay a couple of days, or is it something that is processed right away and I can fly in and out? Never been to Malaysia... How is it? Is it worth staying a few days and exploring? Once again, I appreciate all the help. Kind of new to all this and appreciate the help from people who have dealt with the same issues. Thanks!!!

Every Thai is registered as living somewhere, she will have a document to say this.

In April you can get another 90 day Non IMM O , or maybe as Maestro said you would be better off getting a multi entry Non 0 from Kuala Lumpur which seems to be the easiest place to get one. No money in the bank needed.

When you eventually get round to getting a yearly extension in Thailand you will then need to show 40,000 Baht a month income.

[torrenova]

Can this Bt40,000 be forgotten if you have sufficient cash in the bank. I'm not married but may as well be what with the baby on the way etc. but I don;t really want to have to prove income but am happy to show cash.

[Maestro]

Can this Bt40,000 be forgotten if you have sufficient cash in the bank.

No. For new applicants after 1 OCT 2006, evidence of income is required.

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Maestro

[Mahout Angrit]

Can this Bt40,000 be forgotten if you have sufficient cash in the bank. I'm not married but may as well be what with the baby on the way etc. but I don;t really want to have to prove income but am happy to show cash.

If you are not married then you cannot get an extention of stay based on being married. The Thai authorities wont consider that you "may as well be".

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Can this Bt40,000 be forgotten if you have sufficient cash in the bank. I'm not married but may as well be what with the baby on the way etc. but I don;t really want to have to prove income but am happy to show cash.

If you are not married then you cannot get an extention of stay based on being married. The Thai authorities wont consider that you "may as well be".

the funny thing is that they want to see the marriage certificate