1-Year Extension of Single Entry Non-O Visa Based on Marriage and Re-Entry Permits

[JuanCF]

I am a Malaysian, married to a Thai lady for over 10 years. I've been "living" in Bangkok with a "multiple entry Non-O based on marriage visa" for several years now, leaving the country every 90 days and applying for a new visa every 12-15 months. However I just returned from Kuala Lumpur today after applying for a new Non-O visa but was only given a SINGLE ENTRY Non-O valid for 90 days instead of the usual Multiple Entry visa valid for 1 year. The clerk at the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur just told me to get an extension in Bangkok when I queried why I wasn't given the 1-year multiple entry visa!

 

Can anyone please help to explain the intricacies of the Non-O visa extension based on marriage and also, the re-entry permits?

EXTENSION OF SINGLE ENTRY NON-O VISA BASED ON MARRIAGE

1. Where in Bangkok can I apply for the 1-year extension - Chaeng Wattana or Suan Phlu?

2. Any URL link that you can point me to with regards the documents and requirements for applying the extension?

3. Am I correct to say that I need to apply at least 30 days before the expiry of my 90-day single entry visa?

4. Is it possible to get MULTIPLE ENTRY for the 1-year extension?

5. How many days do I get to stay in Thailand with the 1-year extension Non-O visa by marriage? Can I stay for the whole year without leaving Thailand but will need to do the 90-day reporting?

6. Can the 1-year extension be RENEWED every 12 months indefinitely in Thailand? Are there any special conditions or requirements for this "renewal"?

6. As Malaysians are not charged for the Non-O Visa, do I have to pay for THB1900 fee for the 1-year extension? 

 

RE-ENTRY PERMIT

7. How many times can you apply for the SINGLE re-entry permit during the 1-year visa extension? Or the single re-entry permit can only be used once during the 12-month period and thereafter the visa will be "burnt"?

8. How many days stay do I get when I return and enter Thailand with my re-entry permit? Do I get to stay until the expiry of my 1-year extension?

9. Again, since Malaysians are not charged any visa fees, would there be any re-entry permit fees charged to Malaysians?

 

Thank you in advance for any feedback and advice.

[Monomial]

1. Chaeng Wattana, assuming you live in one of the 52 districts of Bangkok. Otherwise, at the province where you live.

2. Changes all the time. Best you physically go there and ask, or else ask someone who just did it. I have never had a single year where the paperwork was the same.

3. Not earlier than 30 days. I usually do it about 15 days before the end of the visa

4. Yes. Get the extension, and then apply for a multiple re-entry permit. Fee is 3800 baht.

5. Yes

6. Only that you show 400k money in the bank for 60 days or 40k a month income from overseas certified by your embassy. Beyond that, there may be other requirements like an interview with your neighbours if you don't have children.

6b. This is an extension of stay. Not a visa. Visa fees have no bearing. You will be charged.

 

7. As many times as you want. They are 1000 baht ea. If you are going to leave more than 4 times, it makes sense to get the multiple for 3800.

8. Correct.

9. Yes. Re-entry permits are not visas. You pay like everyone else.

 

[ubonjoe]

As said you apply at Chaeng Wattana immigration. You can apply there during the last 45 days of your 90 day entry from your visa.

Basic requirements are here (click Eng for English at the top of the page) https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_18

My list is here but note some do not apply at all offices. Marriage Extension Requirements 2.pdf

If you want a multiple entry non-o visa you can get one in Savannakhet Laos without financial proof.

[JuanCF]

Many thanks to Monomial and ubonjoe for your quick feedback; much appreciated. Will apply for the 1-year extension sometime next month. Cheers.

[JuanCF]

In the Immigration Bureau website under "Documents to be submitted", there is a clause in Item No.5 that states "An affidavit must also be submitted confirming the alien’s marital or parental status with a Thai national." How and where can I get this affidavit in Bangkok? Is this the same as the kor ror 22?

[ubonjoe]

That is a statement your wife will complete (it is only in Thai) when you do the application. After it is completed you both will have to sign it. 

[JuanCF]

Thanks ubonjoe for the clarification. Cheers.

[JuanCF]

I have not been to Chaeng Wattana but from what I have read, it seems to be a big messy place.

1. Where exactly (which building, floor, office etc) do I go to apply for the visa extension?

2. What time should I be there to ensure a quick processing?

3. If my 90-day visa expires on 14 April, when should I apply for the extension?

[ubonjoe]

1. Map and other info is here. http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/location1.html

2. That is hard to predict. Early morning would be best.

3. The earliest would be around March 1 and no later than April 1st in case you are not successful the first time.

[JuanCF]

Ubonjoe thank you kind sir for the detailed directions and map.

[JuanCF]

Would anyone know how long it takes the Immigration Department to process an application for the 1-year extension at Chaeng Wattana? Would they be holding onto my passport during the processing period? If I need to travel overseas during the processing period what are my options?

 

[ubonjoe]

Just now, chuan said:

Would anyone know how long it takes the Immigration Department to process an application for the 1-year extension at Chaeng Wattana? Would they be holding onto my passport during the processing period? If I need to travel overseas during the processing period what are my options?

 

They do not keep your passport.

After your extension application is accepted they do a under consideration stamp with report back date on it 30 days from that day. On that day you go back to get the one year extension stamp done in your passport.

It is possible to get a re-entry permit that will be valid for entry up to the report back date on the stamp.

[JuanCF]

Thanks ubonjoe for the info. If my current TM6 entry expires before the 30-day processing period, can I continue to stay in Thailand until I get the 1-year extension stamp? Example: if my current TM6 expires on 6 April and the 1-year extension stamp will only be ready on 15 April, can I continue to stay in Thailand without being charged for overstaying? Or do I need to exit the country on/before 6 April and apply for a re-entry permit? What happens if I dont apply for a re-entry permit and return on a 30-day tourist visa; would this invalidate my application for the 1-year extension? Appreciate your advice; thanking you in anticipation.

[JuanCF]

One more question: when I go to get my passport stamped with the 1-year extension after the 30-day processing period, do I need to bring any other documents? I remembered reading somewhere that they may want to see my bank book balance again?

[ubonjoe]

15 minutes ago, chuan said:

Thanks ubonjoe for the info. If my current TM6 entry expires before the 30-day processing period, can I continue to stay in Thailand until I get the 1-year extension stamp?

The under consideration stamp you will get allows you to stay in the country until your extension is approved. No overstay to worry about.

The 30 day report back date is just that it does not end the under consideration period.

6 minutes ago, chuan said:

One more question: when I go to get my passport stamped with the 1-year extension after the 30-day processing period, do I need to bring any other documents? I remembered reading somewhere that they may want to see my bank book balance again?

There have been reports of Chaeng Wattana immigration wanting to see your updated bank to book to prove the 400k baht is still in the bank when you go back for the extension stamp. That and you passport is all that you will need.

[JuanCF]

Ubonjoe many thanks for the feedback and info, much appreciated.