Liquorice

Often expats speak of jumping through hoops and over hurdles for extensions based on Thai spouse. You mention a 'lot' more documents. Can you name the additional documents required for an extension based on Thai spouse against that of being based on retirement?

Witnessed the problem many times. Foreigners attends with wife who sits at the front speaking Thai to the IO, whilst he sits behind with not a clue of what's going on or required. It's left to the wife, she's Thai, she'll know! Granted. That and living 100Km from your IO I can fully appreciate. Supplied many with a list of required docs. Less intrusive than a tradesman visiting to carry out a repair. Mind you, they don't have to be present when a labourer calls. Very few IO's make annual home visits, compared to the 82 IO's. Agreed, and his decision could be based on which Immigration he'll use, which he hasn't mentioned.

OP stated planning to return in the near future, which doesn't suggest he has time to make 12 x monthly overseas transfers.

Well, you advised me to read more posts. I've been reading them for the last 13 years. Don't believe everything posted on AN. Some make excuses to cover their inabilities to understand even the basics of Thai Immigration. Retirement is easier for them to understand, and they don't need the wife to attend.

That's one out of 82 Immigration offices. Any more? How many Immigration offices require you to revisit again for the extension stamp based on retirement?

He'd need 12 x monthly overseas transfers, regardless of the extension being based on retirement and Thai spouse, and may want to make the move before that time period.

Name an IO that makes regular home visits for each extension application based on Thai spouse. Distance from the IO and returning at a later date for the extension stamp. Not easy for the wife to attend or wife uncooperative. Other than the KR 2/22 all other documents should already be in your possession, you only need to make copies of them.

How would you know the child is definitively yours without a DNA test! The Mother is known, having given birth, but anyone can be named as the Father on a birth certificate. If legally married, Thai law assumes you are the Father. Not so when you're not legally married. The child is also required to live with you permanently for an extension based on Thai child.

Less intrusive than having a tradesman enter your home to fix an issue. The appointment was arranged, they took 2 photos on the porch and did not want to enter the house. They had the 2 witnesses sign a prepared statement that we lived together at that address. 15 minutes, done and dusted. Very rare.

Those that complain of jumping through hoops and over hurdles tend to be the lazy, unorganised type. The main differences are few and far between; A home visit for the first extension application to confirm the marriage is de jure and de facto. Non-Intrusive, takes 15 minutes. There are also reports of home visits for first extension applications based on retirement. Photos in and around the house and a copy of the marriage certificate - that's a real hardship (not)! Updated copy of Kor Ror 2/22. The wife always obtains this from the local Amphoe whilst I go to the bank for a 3-month statement, so no skin off my nose. 30 day under consideration period and return visit for stamp once approved. Don't you have to return the following day at certain IO's even for extensions based on retirement. I'm a believer that you should apply for the visa and extension applicable to the reason for your stay in Thailand. If changes happen, extensions based on marriage will be less impacted than extension based on retirement. At the end of the day, which type of extension you apply for could come down to ease of access and the location of your local IO.

There is no 'retirement' or 'marriage visa as such. You apply for the Non Imm O visa for the reason of retirement or Thai spouse. Both will grant a stay of 90 days on entry. Your Non O visa is now invalid, but your Immigration status is Non Immigrant. You cannot extend a visa, you apply to extend your 90-day permit of stay for 365 days for the reason of retirement or Thai spouse. The extension based on retirement requires 800K deposited in a Thai bank account in your sole name, for 2 months prior to the date of application. The 800K must be maintained for 3 months after the extension is granted, after which you can make a withdrawal, but must maintain a minimum balance of 400K throughout the rest of the year. The extension based on Thai spouse requires 400K deposited in a Thai bank account in your sole name, for 2 months prior to the date of application. After the extension is granted, you can withdraw and use the full 400K. Other differences for the 1-year extension applications are documentation and processing times.

It depends. In terms of applying for a Non Imm O visa from a Thai Embassy, based on a Thai child, then the child's birth certificate with you named as the Father on the certificate is sufficient for them to issue the visa. Applying for the 1-year extension of stay at Immigration based on Thai child is a different kettle of fish. If you were married to the Mother when the child was born, then you're automatically recognised as the legal Father under Thai law, and one would assume when you divorced/widowed you were granted full parental rights, as the child lives with and is supported by you. On the other hand, if you were not legally married to the child's Mother at the time of birth, then Thai law does not automatically recognise you as the legitimate Father. In this situation, you need to legitimize the child, with which you acknowledge before the law that you are the father of the child, in order to be granted full parental rights. Old archived thread on the subject here: https://aseannow.com/topic/381917-how-to-gain-parental-rights-as-a-father/ I assume the child is registered in a Tabien Baan and has a Thai ID card? Requirements for an extension based on Thai child; https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/visa-extension/#1610937437663-90b1feab-b48a Item 18. Thai Child: Each permission shall be granted for no more than one year. Criteria for Consideration Applicant must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O) Having proof of relationship Having evidence of nationality of Thai children Children, adopted children, or stepchildren being considered for guardianship must meet the following criteria: Must be unmarried, must reside within the same household and under 20 years of age, except in cases of illness, disability or the inability to support themselves and must remain under the care and protection of either the father or mother Having evidence of definite financial the father or mother must maintain an average annual income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month, or must have no less than 400,000 Baht in a bank account in Thailand or have a combination of an average annual income and a deposit totaling at least 400,000 baht to cover expenses for 1 year List of Documents Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant. The photo cannot be older than 6 months. Statement (No.3) Form for acknowledging the criteria and conditions required for temporary residence permission within the Kingdom. (STM.2) Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM 6), Report address (TM30), Report 90 days Evidence of relationship Copy of Birth certificate and household registration of Thai children Copy of Registration of Child Legitimacy (Khor Ror.11) and a copy of the court judgment (if any) In the case of parents register their marriage in Thailand Copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3) Copy of Registration of Marriage (Khor Ror 2) In the case of parents register their marriage abroad Copy of Marriage Certificate Copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22) * In the event of divorce, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration Copy of Identification and household registration of Thai pare School certificate (If the child is currently enrolled). A picture of the father or mother with the child in front of the school (Within the last 6 months) Documents supporting financial status of the father or mother In case of working in Thailand Foreigner’s work permit A certificate from the employer company, signed by an authorized person, should include details about job duties, the type of position as per the work permit, and a monthly salary of no less than 40,000 baht Form of filing income tax withholding (Phor Ngor Dor 1) past 3 months and latest personal income tax (Phor Ngor Dor 91) together with receipt must be certified by The Revenue Department The original certificate of company registration and the list of company shareholders (B.O.J. 5) must be certified by The Department of Business Development within the previous 6 months 2 pictures depicting individuals in the act of performing their work duties, 2 pictures with the office building in the Background and Company map In case of having money in a bank account in Thailand (Fix/Saving Deposit) Letter from the bank certified the account in the bank no less than 400,000 Baht A copy of bank passbook dated as of the application submission date, showing a balance of no less than 400,000 Baht In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension Letter from the applicant’s Embassy in Bangkok verified monthly pension or other income not less than 40,000 Baht In the case of have a combination of an average annual income (Evidence according to Section 8 (3)) and have total calculated deposits of not less than 400,000 baht. (Evidence according to Section 8 (2)) If your current residence does not match the address on your house registration, please provide the following documents: A rental contract or a certificate from the homeowner, A copy of Homeowner’s ID card, A copy of the house registration of the landlord (if renting) or proof of house ownership (if you own the house), Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner Family picture of applicant for 4 pictures (The photo cannot be older than 6 months/ Outside house 2 pictures, Inside house 2 pictures, House Map Application fee is 1,900 Baht Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau REMARKS: 1) Applicant and spouse must contact in person for an interview 2) The originals of required documents must be shown to the competent officer and photocopied with certified signature by applicant

Will you be applying for the Non O from a Thai Embassy or from Thai Immigration? Was the child born in wedlock and does he/she live with you?

Reminds me of a friend when he's stoned. He always repeats, "I know exactly what I'm doing, I just don't know what I'm f****** talking about".

While the lights are on 'red'. 😱

Not to be confused with Resident's certificate for those with PR (permanent residency).

OP wasn't looking for a long term stay, just up to 6 months per year. One entry via air and another by border bounce within the same year doesn't need checking, it's well within the regulations.

No, you don't need the SETV. Just enter VE (visa exempt) for 60 days + 30 day extension, then border run for a further 60 days + 30 day extension = 180 days. Should they revert to only a 30 day entry without a visa, then apply for the METV, which will give you the same 60 + 30, border hop, 60 + 30 = 180 days.

Have you considered changing your username to 'Captain Chaos'? 😉 You know it's why you love Thailand, what else could you have done in those wasted hours.

Concur with @DrJack54 For the very first extension of stay application following entry from a Non Imm O-A visa, Immigration will insist the extension is based on retirement as the O-A was specifically based on that reason. Thereafter, if married to a Thai, you can change the reason for the extension from retirement to marriage with no Health Insurance requirement. It only sticks with you unless you change the type of visa, or the reason for an extension of stay. Prior to Covid, many folk that entered on the Non Imm O-A and later obtained extensions of stay, departed Thailand without a re-entry permit to kill of any remaining permission of stay, then either re-entered on a Non Imm O visa, or VE > Non O > extension, to avail themselves of the mandatory Health Insurance requirements.

As the 60 day VE entries only commenced from 15th July + 30 day extension, it will be sometime next year (3rd or 4th back to back entries) before we get a clearer picture. Legally married to a Thai you can get an additional 60-day extension. Once Immigration conclude, you're attempting to stay in Thailand throughout the year using VE entries, then they'll start refusing entries. I'm in total agreement with the opinion of @DrJack54 that 'unlimited' does not mean 'back to back' entries and not a good long term plan. The Non Imm O ME is still available from Savannahket, but requires 400K in a Thai bank account for 2 months. The single entry Non Imm O is available without any proof of finances. Entry grants a stay of 90 days + 60 day extension = 150 days. The MFA announced that they hope to have all Thai Embassies using the e-visa application system from Dec 2024. When/if that happens, then proof of financials will be required even for the single entry Non O from Savannahket. If you don't have 400K to deposit in a Thai bank, or proof of 40K per month overseas transfers, then obtaining a 1-year extension of stay based on retirement (subject to being 50 years old) through an agent may be your only long term option. Whilst you still have permission of stay from a Non Imm O visa, you should consider that as a further option.

The ME Non O visa is still available from Savannahket, but you now require 400K in a Thai bank account. The single entry Non Imm O is still available with no financial requirement and the 90 day entry can be extended for a further 60 days = 150 days - repeat. Again, you can extend that 60 day entry for a further 30 days + a further 60 days based on Thai spouse. At some point, I fear you will be questioned and/or even refused entry using 60 day VE entries and told to get the correct visa type for staying long term in Thailand.

If he does another border hop in December just prior to the visa expiry date, he can get a further 60 days + 30 day extension, taking him through to March.

Glad you got it sorted, Tim. The blue writing is just a notation your previous Yellow book was lost and their report number.

US laws apply to Americans who break USA laws, in the US. In Thailand, it's Thai laws that apply. So what action did the US Embassy take regards these perpetrators of US law ....... zilch, nada! What! When the US, UK and Australian Embassies ceased the income letters, affidavits, and stat decs those already in a position of obtaining one were good to apply for annual extensions of stay for 6 months thereafter, (Jan - June 2019) that being the validity period of the letters. Many started overseas transfers of 40 - 65K and had extension renewals due in the later part of that year (July - Dec 2019) and couldn't therefore provide evidence of 12 x monthly overseas transfers. Immigration were instructed to show leniency in these cases and complied with that request. I've been reading longer than you, and have practical experience. Yes, I've witnessed rejections due to missed monthly payments, which can be set up automatically by the way. I've never witnessed 4 weekly (13 payments) UK pension payments rejected as no months were missed, and two transfers once in one month. The only folk that were pushed into using agents were those that could never meet the financial requirements in the first instance, hence false claims of income. They neither had the 800/400K, or 65/40K incomes to begin with. Perhaps rather than constantly rant how Immigrations rules constantly force folk into the hands of agents, you should ask why when there is a financial requirement to stay in Thailand, why do so many folk choose to ignore them, then circumvent the system by using agents. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse, they have choices, but choose to use an agent of their own free will.