Hi, I'm gonna try to make this short

Someone from a legal advice company told me that the (foreign) parent a Thai child cannot extend its non-O visa (I know these are not hard to get, but they do last only 2-3 months) for one year unless they are divorced AND have custody of the child. 

Can anyone confirm that?

Let's say, in my case, that I'm not divorced - that would mean that the extension stamp will write 'Thai wife', and not 'Thai child'. Correct?

Or I can have a 'Thai child' visa while still being married?!

Thank you.

If are legally married to your child's mother most immigration offices will not issue an extension based upon being their parent. The extension based upon being the parent of a Thai is intended for single parents.

The only difference between the requirements is that the 400k baht does not need to be in the bank for 60 days to apply based upon being a parent. And of course the supporting documents.

Without paper of custody, etc.. cannot get the 1 year extension even if have the 400k ?

 

So, the 1 year extension is only for father who have paper from the Court etc.. no exception, right ?

9 minutes ago, Danielsiam said:

Without paper of custody, etc.. cannot get the 1 year extension even if have the 400k ?

So, the 1 year extension is only for father who have paper from the Court etc.. no exception, right ?

The primary requirement to apply for the extension is that you are the legal parent of your child by way of marriage or legitimization.

If you were married they would want divorce papers giving at least joint custody. The divorce and custody can be done at an Amphoe.

To have you parenthood legitimized it can be done at a Amphoe if your child is 7 years of age or older. Under 7 it has to be done at a court.

I don’t have 400,000 in the bank. I have 3 children that stay with me and I take care of them. Their housepaper is registered at my rental house. Their mother and I were never married and she travels a lot outside the country with her new partner and only provides financial support for the children. The oldest child is 8 years old. What are my options for a 1- year Visa extension , traveling out of the country every 3 months is an emotional strain on the children so I have to find an alternative 

38 minutes ago, kimpil01 said:

I don’t have 400,000 in the bank. I have 3 children that stay with me and I take care of them. Their housepaper is registered at my rental house. Their mother and I were never married and she travels a lot outside the country with her new partner and only provides financial support for the children. The oldest child is 8 years old. What are my options for a 1- year Visa extension , traveling out of the country every 3 months is an emotional strain on the children so I have to find an alternative 

You would have to have the 400k baht in the bank or proof of 40k baht to apply for a one year extension.

You could get your parenthood legitimized for you oldest child at an Amphoe that would qualify you for the extension.

You can get a 60 day extension to visit your children for any entry to the country. If get a single entry non-o visa that would give you almost 5 months of stay without having to leave the country.

Thank you for your precise answer. I guess the easiest option for me is to go to the Amphur and get the oldest child legitimized. I have lived here the last 13 years mostly on Non-b work visas.