Marriage Visa

[Bchef82]

So, I am a 35 year old male from the USA, I have been together with my Thai fiancee for over 5 years now. We have finally decided to get married (next year) and have choose our wedding venue (in Saraburi) in my fiancee's home town, we are now finalizing the details of the wedding. Anyhow, to cut to the question, I will be flying from the USA to Thailand in March of 2018, our wedding will be a week after my arrival into Thailand.  My question is, what kind of Visa should i get from the Chicago Consulate in my home country prior to flying into Thailand for the wedding?  I've read that it should just be a 90 day visa that can be extended after the wedding in Thailand, "1 year extension of stay based on marriage"? Is this correct? After the wedding i do not plan on having to leave Thailand again in the immediate future unless it cannot be avoided. Any advice concerning what kind of Visa I should attain would be helpful. I understand that there is information available concerning this issue on Google, however, after i did a quick Google search i was simply left with more questions, and as the laws in Thailand regarding visas and extensions change so frequently i was hoping to get some advice from a real person who has first hand knowledge regarding the situation. Thank you all in advance.

[Lite Beer]

Once married you can get a 12 month extension of stay.

You need 400,000 Baht in the bank for a period of 2 months before application.

OR an income of 40,000 Baht a month.

Plus a few other things.

 

You have to start with a Non Imm O Visa.

I doubt if you can get one in U.S .

You can certainly get one in a neighbouring country to Thailand once married.

 

You can convert a Tourist Visa entry to a Non Imm Visa at Immigration but you need at least 15 days remaining on your permision to stay.

[Bchef82]

The 400,000 isn't an issue for me. 

However, I don't think i can get a Non Imm O visa in the USA before our wedding.

So, basically, I would come to Thailand on a Tourist Visa obtained from Chicago, then after the wedding travel to a neighbouring country, apply for the Non Imm O visa there, travel back to Thailand, then apply for the 12 month extension of stay based on Marriage? 

[Lite Beer]

You might be able to convert to a Non Imm Visa in Thailand.

You need at least 15 days left on your stay.

Otherwise a trip to Laos or Penang will be needed

[Bchef82]

Just now, Lite Beer said:

You might be able to convert to a Non Imm Visa in Thailand.

You need at least 15 days left on your stay.

Otherwise a trip to Laos or Penang will be needed

Thanks for the info!

[Lite Beer]

2.18 In the case of being a family member of a Thai national (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):  Each permission shall be granted for no more than one year.    (1) The alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).  (2) The alien must have proof of relationship.  (3) In the case of spouse, the relationship must be de jure and de facto:  (6) In the case of marriage to a Thai woman, the alien husband must earn an average annual income of no less than Baht 40,000 per month or must have no less than Baht 400,000 in a bank account in Thailand for the past two months to cover expenses for one year.

 

[khwaibah]

2 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

You might be able to convert to a Non Imm Visa in Thailand.

You need at least 15 days left on your stay.

Otherwise a trip to Laos or Penang will be needed

 

You can get an O-Multy good for 12 months based on marriage and showing no monies at the Thai Conciliate in Savannkhet Lao. All you need is your passport and Thai marriage certificate. Cost is 5000 baht.

[Lite Beer]

A Rough Guide.

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM)

 

(6) In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.

 

Letter from your Thai Bank showing balance and up to date bank book.

OR.

If income from outside Thailand: Letter from your Embassy showing income. Now may also need proof of income as back up.

If Income from Thailand: Statements showing Income Tax receipts.

Marriage Certificate. (Kor Ror 3)

Marriage Registry entry. (Kor Ror 2)

Wife's Tabbien Baan and ID Card.

Your Passport.

Copies of everything.

Photos of you and your Wife in and around the house.

A map showing the way to your house.

Passport size photos and 1,900 Baht fee.

Take your Wife to be interviewed.

One or two witnesses may be required.

You will be given a 30 day under consideration stamp.

Go back in a month and get the remainder.

 

[Lite Beer]

2 minutes ago, khwaibah said:

 

You can get an O-Multy good for 12 months based on marriage and showing no monies at the Thai Conciliate in Savannkhet Lao. All you need is your passport and Thai marriage certificate. Cost is 5000 baht.

He does not want to leave Thailand unless he really has to so a 12 month extension will suit him.

[lopburi3]

Believe he does not want to travel and says the 400k is not an issue so probably best to make the one trip to Savannakhet for single entry non immigrant O visa and 60-70 days after return visit immigration to start one year extensions of stay.

[Bchef82]

Looks like they like to be thorough. 

[Lite Beer]

1 minute ago, Bchef82 said:

Looks like they like to be thorough. 

Don't worry.

It is a lot easier than it looks.

[khwaibah]

5 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

He does not want to leave Thailand unless he really has to so a 12 month extension will suit him.

 

 If he gets a 

5 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

He does not want to leave Thailand unless he really has to so a 12 month extension will suit him.

 His best option is to get  a Tourist visa at the Thai consulate which can be converted inside Thailand to single entry O-visa.

[BritTim]

Just as a digression, have you verified the requirements before you can legally marry in Thailand? Most important, you will need an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from the US Embassy in Bangkok. If you have not already read it, this page from the US Embassy website is probably also worth reading.

[JackThompson]

4 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Just as a digression, have you verified the requirements before you can legally marry in Thailand? Most important, you will need an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from the US Embassy in Bangkok. If you have not already read it, this page from the US Embassy website is probably also worth reading.

^^THIS^^. 

Also note that the "marriage ceremony" has nothing to do with being "legally married" - which is done at an Amphoe office.  Be sure your fiance checks with the local amphoe for what they need to legally marry you, because the requirements vary by amphoe.