One Year Extension Based Upon Marriage

[Dave1954]

Could anyone please give me an up-to-date list of Required Documents for an Extension Based upon Marriage at Pattaya Immigration? Thanks

[Woof999]

1.) 2 original handwritten TM7, in blue ink (some will say printed is OK, or black ink is OK, but I always hand write both)

2.) Photocopies of passport data page, plus every page that has anything related to Thailand (x 2)

3.) Copy of original marriage certificate, both sides (x 2)

4.) New (within 6 months I believe) marriage license document that you get from the Bang Lamung district office. Only 20 baht each but can take an hour or two (x 2)

5.) ID card of your wife, copy of both sides on 1 page (X 2)

6.) Copy of your wife's house book (x 2)

7.) Letter from your bank stating the standing of your account - just ask bank for VISA letter (1 original and 1 copy)

8.) Copy of bank statements for at least 2 months prior to date of application - I get 3 months (1 original with bank stamp and 1 copy).

9.) Copy of all relevant pages from your bank book. Main page plus transaction pages - I do the full year from last extension date but I believe they only demand 2 months (x 2)

Note that Jomtien require all the bank info to be dated within 2 days of your visit. You MUST make a small transaction (deposit or withdraw 100 baht or so) so that your bank book and statements are all up to date. Some offices apparently are demanding it's dated the same day as your IO visit, but not so for Jomtien, at least as of mid January this year. 400,000 baht must have been the minimum balance for a full 2 months prior to your application. (I don't know the amounts for the income based method as I don't use it).

10.) Your house lease agreement if renting (x 2)

11.) Copies of house book of your rented house if renting ( x 2)

12.) If house book above does not list your landlord, you might also need a copy of the chanot, both pages - I have to do this (x 2)

13.) Copy of landlords ID card. Both sides on 1 page (x 2)

Note that if you own your condo or you live in your wife's house, the requirements for 10/11/12/13 will be different

14.) 6 photos, 2 per page of you and wife. Outside house with number visible. Kitchen. Sofa. Her wardrobe. Sitting on bed. Near bathroom sink (1 original photos and 1 photocopy)

15.) Hand drawn map of how to get to your house from Jomtien immigration office. I've had highlighted printouts from Google Maps refused. Never had a hand drawn one refused (1 x your original scribble and 1 copy).

16.) Your actual passport (obviously)

17.) 90 day reports up to date

18.) TM30 reporting accurate - I had an issue with this just recently. The house owner name did not match my rental / purchase agreement. It appears that there are 2 houses with the same number and another TM30 report updated my home details with the wrong info. This was sorted the same day but required a nearly 2 hour wait in room 10.

19.) Thick skin and patience (x lots).

20.) Sign every single piece of paper - the worst part of the whole process for me.

 

Desk 6 for Thai family matters at Jomtien is actually pretty painless and has gotten better over the years, but it's still crazy busy I believe.

 

EDIT - 2 colour passport photos glued to the TM7 forms. They really do appreciate it if you've already attached them.

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Woof999

[chang50]

After seeing that list I think I'll stay with my retirement extension as long as I can afford to...

[Jackbenimble]

29 minutes ago, chang50 said:

After seeing that list I think I'll stay with my retirement extension as long as I can afford to...

using an agent eases the pain - there are some good ones.

[Muhendis]

You might like to look at this web site for extension based on marriage.

http://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/list-of-documents-for-support-thai-wife/

[Lemsta69]

47 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

You might like to look at this web site for extension based on marriage.

http://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/list-of-documents-for-support-thai-wife/

OP wants info for Patts, not SP.

[spidermike007]

I recently switched back to the retirement visa. I found myself getting very frustrated with immigration. I did not feel it was worth the aggravation. 

 

The upside to this visa, is that only 400,000 is needed as a deposit, and it does not have to stay in the bank, once your visa is granted. The downsides are:
The hurdles you need to jump over, in order to get a marriage visa are stupid, ridiculous, unnecessary, draconian, wasteful, and silly. I understand the need for them to verify that you are a legitimate couple. Upon the first application. But, the dumb requirements should not relate to renewals. You should not be required to show fresh images of the house each time, copies of the marriage papers, the house documents, either come with a local Thai witness, or bring a signed affidavit from a local Thai each time, provide new maps to the house, and dozens of other requirements.

 

I just do not even know what to say about the process. I felt like a street dog by the time I left. After hours of paperwork, copy after copy after copy, each page having to be signed, and then being grilling by the surly officer, I literally felt like a street dog. The level of disrespect that immigration shows married couples here, and foreigners in general, is totally uncalled for, beyond the pale, and inane. The copy woman, the guy sorting our papers, they were all nice. But, the officers? Such sourpusses. The woman who was helping us was so difficult to work with, when she finally rejected us over the tiniest thing she did not like, after nearly an hour of reviewing every document with a microscope, so to speak, and finally I responded by saying YES, you are going to do this. YES, you are going to do this right now. YES, you are going to stop saying NO to me right now. This ends now! She looked at me and did not know what to say. I asked for the manager. The top brass came over, and we had it sorted in 30 minutes. Took nearly 3 hours. And as usual, it will be a month, until I have final approval. Is it worth it? NO. It was my last marriage visa. I went back to a retirement visa. It was that, or leaving the country, before I subject myself to that abuse one more time.

 

Frankly, I think at least some of this comes from the rather extreme level of xenophobia and the toxic racism of the army. It filters down throughout the government. I do not think they want us here. And making these procedures difficult is one way of expressing that. 
 
Fortunately, I feel very little of that sentiment from the non governmental Thai people. 

[khunjake]

Or bypass doing all this BS, get a new Non-O ME visa in Savannakhet and enjoy a holiday from Thailand every 90 days to unwind. The list of requirements for these “temporary extensions” are simply ludicrous and totally unnecessary for those who are here taking care of their wives & families.

[Muhendis]

1 hour ago, Lemsta69 said:

OP wants info for Patts, not SP.

Clarification for you and the OP.

The list of documents is universal so it is the same in Pats (Pattaya) as all other offices including Samut Prakan.

[scottiejohn]

21 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

Clarification for you and the OP.

The list of documents is universal so it is the same in Pats (Pattaya) as all other offices including Samut Prakan.

The printed list may be "universal" but the IO's interpretation of the requirements vary from most Imm Officers and Imm Offices.

We know they shouldn't but this is as it is, as This is Thailand (T!T)!

 

 

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by scottiejohn
Punctuation

[Muhendis]

3 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

The printed list may be "universal" but the IO's interpretation of the requirements vary from most Imm Officers and Imm Offices.

We know they shouldn't but this is as it is, as This is Thailand (T!T)!

 

 

 

Totally Wrong .

The list is a Thai government list of required documents.

If you don't believe it then check other on-line lists before you mislead other readers.

They are all the same.

[DrJack54]

4 hours ago, Muhendis said:

Clarification for you and the OP.

The list of documents is universal so it is the same in Pats (Pattaya) as all other offices including Samut Prakan.

Perhaps the funniest/most strange post for today.

 

Immigration offices have their own requirements and sadly some that are just flat out incorrect. 

 

 

[scottiejohn]

1 minute ago, Muhendis said:

Totally Wrong .

The list is a Thai government list of required documents.

If you don't believe it then check other on-line lists before you mislead other readers.

They are all the same.

Can you read?

 

If so please re-read the post you have quoted!

 

In that post I have totally agreed with your earlier post in it's entirety!

That is with the very slight addendum regarding the interpretation that individual officials, and the offices they work in, have their own variations and interpolations into their implementation of the said "Thai government list of required documents"!

In Plain English;  It does not a matter a fig what the rules say the IO's requirements are the only rules that rule!

TiT!

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

Totally Wrong .

The list is a Thai government list of required documents.

If you don't believe it then check other on-line lists before you mislead other readers.

They are all the same.

Since you persist then name your immigration office and my guess is that I can point out a difference to that office from another..

 

There are approx 75 offices. 

And you start with "totally wrong" 

More strange than your first post..

 

[wwest5829]

Just switched from an O-A Visa for reason of Retirement to an O Visa for reason of Marriage in Thailand previous to departing for a trio abroad. I cannot address the Pattaya immigration needs but after 12+years in the Kingdom I can state that using an agency for either Visa has been worth the cost to me. I believe therevto be some validity in a good agency knowing the latest local immigration office interpretation as to the stated rules. They know this, and who best to deal with the requests.

[sandyf]

16 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I do not think they want us here. And making these procedures difficult is one way of expressing that.

That could be said about many countries around the world.

It is an awful lot easier for a foreigner to live in Thailand than a foreigner to live in the UK, or many other major economies. 

About ten years ago the UK brought in a financial threshold for foreign nationals which effectively prevented those on a state pension from ever having a foreign spouse, and you think you are hard done by. Of course the "hostile environment" that exists in other countries would never be seen as xenophobic or racist on this forum, reserved explicitly for the Thai government.

For some reason expats in Thailand think they are entitled to benefits not afforded to others. Hypocrites complain about a lack of standards but are quite happy when the lack of standards suits them, nowt so queer as folk.

[trubrit]

Happily not my problem at the moment but just thinking what if it was.I am on a marriage extension, have been for the last 15 years without any major problems .The house is in wifes name .Recently a close friend of the wife about same age, died from stomache cancer, she was married to a Thai so no problems there, but it made me think what if my wife were to die. I am nearly 90, crippled with arthrittis, so not able to change my life very much .I understand I will be given a year to sell, transfer the house to a Thai, but it's the visa situation that worries me, I read on here that a man recently divorced had his marriage visa cancelled as from the date of divorce , as it was no longer valid. how about if my wife died, technically mine would be invalid too.is their any consideration to enable me to dispose of the house?How could I sell it from outside the country ?Also am I expecting too mich for consideration of my personal physical circumstances .I have read as much as I can on line about this problem but can't find any discussion on what happens. Anyone have knowledge of it .My wife dismisses my concerns so won't bring the subject up to ask immigration personell.

[Red Phoenix]

On 4/17/2023 at 10:38 AM, trubrit said:

Happily not my problem at the moment but just thinking what if it was.I am on a marriage extension, have been for the last 15 years without any major problems .The house is in wifes name .Recently a close friend of the wife about same age, died from stomache cancer, she was married to a Thai so no problems there, but it made me think what if my wife were to die. I am nearly 90, crippled with arthrittis, so not able to change my life very much .I understand I will be given a year to sell, transfer the house to a Thai, but it's the visa situation that worries me, I read on here that a man recently divorced had his marriage visa cancelled as from the date of divorce , as it was no longer valid. how about if my wife died, technically mine would be invalid too.is their any consideration to enable me to dispose of the house?How could I sell it from outside the country ?Also am I expecting too mich for consideration of my personal physical circumstances .I have read as much as I can on line about this problem but can't find any discussion on what happens. Anyone have knowledge of it .My wife dismisses my concerns so won't bring the subject up to ask immigration personell.

Your post is on a totally different subject than the thread, which explains why you didn't get any responses yet.  May I suggest you repost it as a new topic with a fitting title, e.g. 'House is on wife's name, what if she were to die?'  

[pans]

ello,    I am confused and hope someone can advlse and clarify. ...    turned ln forms  for year extention of marriage visa.(JOMTIAN).  This is forth or fifth time and all seemed in order as the IO accepted and approved the package. BUT,instead of keeping my passport she gave it back and told me to look *online* in 3 or 4 days for visa approval. I asked where on line and she pointed to small slgn on thr counter and had my Thai wife photograph the information on the sign which looked like two or three *links* Also no mention of a home visit like those done the prior times.(no longer being done?) So today I went to the immigration website via my PC ,same site used for ninety day reports, browsed around, but could not find the apprval information or even a place to inquire about approval. Also tried on the cellphone but no luck.      I dread going back to the office as it is a madhouse, and the IOs are overburdened and, understandably, short tempered.  So,a couple of questions please. . . am I wrong in thinking the info will be on the website accessible by Google PC, or is it going to be found only on a cellphone? If on the Thai immigration webesite,where on the site? Also, have the home visits been dropped?   Thanks for any clarification you can firnish.     

[CartagenaWarlock]

On 3/29/2023 at 10:45 PM, Woof999 said:

1.) 2 original handwritten TM7, in blue ink (some will say printed is OK, or black ink is OK, but I always hand write both)

2.) Photocopies of passport data page, plus every page that has anything related to Thailand (x 2)

3.) Copy of original marriage certificate, both sides (x 2)

4.) New (within 6 months I believe) marriage license document that you get from the Bang Lamung district office. Only 20 baht each but can take an hour or two (x 2)

5.) ID card of your wife, copy of both sides on 1 page (X 2)

6.) Copy of your wife's house book (x 2)

7.) Letter from your bank stating the standing of your account - just ask bank for VISA letter (1 original and 1 copy)

8.) Copy of bank statements for at least 2 months prior to date of application - I get 3 months (1 original with bank stamp and 1 copy).

9.) Copy of all relevant pages from your bank book. Main page plus transaction pages - I do the full year from last extension date but I believe they only demand 2 months (x 2)

Note that Jomtien require all the bank info to be dated within 2 days of your visit. You MUST make a small transaction (deposit or withdraw 100 baht or so) so that your bank book and statements are all up to date. Some offices apparently are demanding it's dated the same day as your IO visit, but not so for Jomtien, at least as of mid January this year. 400,000 baht must have been the minimum balance for a full 2 months prior to your application. (I don't know the amounts for the income based method as I don't use it).

10.) Your house lease agreement if renting (x 2)

11.) Copies of house book of your rented house if renting ( x 2)

12.) If house book above does not list your landlord, you might also need a copy of the chanot, both pages - I have to do this (x 2)

13.) Copy of landlords ID card. Both sides on 1 page (x 2)

Note that if you own your condo or you live in your wife's house, the requirements for 10/11/12/13 will be different

14.) 6 photos, 2 per page of you and wife. Outside house with number visible. Kitchen. Sofa. Her wardrobe. Sitting on bed. Near bathroom sink (1 original photos and 1 photocopy)

15.) Hand drawn map of how to get to your house from Jomtien immigration office. I've had highlighted printouts from Google Maps refused. Never had a hand drawn one refused (1 x your original scribble and 1 copy).

16.) Your actual passport (obviously)

17.) 90 day reports up to date

18.) TM30 reporting accurate - I had an issue with this just recently. The house owner name did not match my rental / purchase agreement. It appears that there are 2 houses with the same number and another TM30 report updated my home details with the wrong info. This was sorted the same day but required a nearly 2 hour wait in room 10.

19.) Thick skin and patience (x lots).

20.) Sign every single piece of paper - the worst part of the whole process for me.

 

Desk 6 for Thai family matters at Jomtien is actually pretty painless and has gotten better over the years, but it's still crazy busy I believe.

 

EDIT - 2 colour passport photos glued to the TM7 forms. They really do appreciate it if you've already attached them.

OMG 20 documents. No wonder my friend hands over his Passport and bank book to an agent for his extension.  

[pans]

Hello,    I am confused and hope you can advlse and clarify. ...    turned ln forms  for year extention of marriage visa.(JOMTIAN).  This is forth or fifth time and all seemed in order as the IO accepted and approved the package. BUT,instead of keeping my passport she gave it back and told me to look *online* in 3 or 4 days for visa approval. I asked where on line and she pointed to small slgn on thr counter and had my Thai wife photograph the information on the sign which looked like two or three *links* Also no mention of a home visit like those done the prior times.(no longer being done?) So today I went to the immigration website via my PC ,same site used for ninety day reports, browsed around, but could not find the apprval information or even a place to inquire about approval. Also tried on the cellphone but no luck.      I dread going back to the office as it is a madhouse, and the IOs are overburdened and, understandably, short tempered.  So,a couple of questions please. . . am I wrong in thinking the info will be on the website accessible by Google PC, or is it going to be found only on a cellphone? If on the Thai immigration webesite,where on the site? Also, have the home visits been dropped?   Thanks for any clarification you can firnish.  

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, pans said:

BUT,instead of keeping my passport she gave it back and told me to look *online* in 3 or 4 days for visa approval. I

Just bumping your question.

Perhaps Jomtien is so under the pump they are scheduling this return for stamp.

Hopefully Pattaya folk can advise. 

[BritTim]

On 4/17/2023 at 10:38 AM, trubrit said:

Happily not my problem at the moment but just thinking what if it was.I am on a marriage extension, have been for the last 15 years without any major problems .The house is in wifes name .Recently a close friend of the wife about same age, died from stomache cancer, she was married to a Thai so no problems there, but it made me think what if my wife were to die. I am nearly 90, crippled with arthrittis, so not able to change my life very much .I understand I will be given a year to sell, transfer the house to a Thai, but it's the visa situation that worries me, I read on here that a man recently divorced had his marriage visa cancelled as from the date of divorce , as it was no longer valid. how about if my wife died, technically mine would be invalid too.is their any consideration to enable me to dispose of the house?How could I sell it from outside the country ?Also am I expecting too mich for consideration of my personal physical circumstances .I have read as much as I can on line about this problem but can't find any discussion on what happens. Anyone have knowledge of it .My wife dismisses my concerns so won't bring the subject up to ask immigration personell.

When your wife dies, your extension of stay remains valid until its expiry date. It is not the same as with divorce. However, you will not be able to extend further based on marriage to a Thai. In the worst case, use an agent to simplify getting and appropriate extension.