One Year Marriage Extension

[Melpomene]

Hello all,

 

I've been in and out of the country on a one year multi entry non-imm visa based upon marriage.  I'm now going to be staying in Thailand permanently and as my current visa is ending I want to do the 1 year in country extension.  However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year. 

 

This is all fairly straight forward, however, I've stumbled across a visa agent who claim to be able to get me a 1 year extension for around 40k and I don't need 400k in the bank.  To be honest I'd happily pay the 40k for one year to save me the hassle of going a redoing the visa again, I can then start doing my own 1 year extensions from next year.  However, I'm a bit concerned how legit this is, I know TiT and all that, but I thought the 400k in a bank for two months was non-negotiable.  Apparently it's not done at my local immigration centre, but rather an upcountry one and they will also take care of my 90 day reporting during the year.  The agent seem to be fairly well recommended on various sites, but I wondered if anyone has experience of doing the extension this way ?

[Lite Beer]

This would be illegal and could land you in big trouble.

[brianthainess]

Where is your local Immigration office ? Is it not possible just to do a boarder run ?

[brianthainess]

7 hours ago, Melpomene said:

Apparently it's not done at my local immigration centre, but rather an upcountry one

You wife has to be present with you at the immigration office where your extension is applied for. To the best of my Knowledge.

[BritTim]

I would not recommend the use of an agent in your particular case. It is unlikely to be a problem in the short term, but your history of using an agent to circumvent normal requirements will be visible to experienced immigration officials, one of whom might be prejudiced against you as a result.

[DrJack54]

12 hours ago, Melpomene said:

I've stumbled across a visa agent who claim to be able to get me a 1 year extension for around 40k and I don't need 400k in the bank.  To be honest I'd happily pay the 40k for one year to save me the hassle of going a redoing the visa again, I can then start doing my own 1 year extensions from next year

The agent would most likely be obtaining an extension based on retirement (assume you are over 50).

You do realize that the 400k only needs to be in bank for two months for annual extensions and after final stamp can be used.

In your situation use of agent would be poor option.

 

An option would be border bounce to enter visa exempt and obtain non O based on marriage and subsequent extension. 

Or go to Savannakhet to obtain a ME Non O marriage (visa valid for 12 months) 

 

Many threads re this. 

[arithai12]

OP, I don't quite understand. You have the 400k, why not just go the legal way? You say you want to save yourself the hassle of "going redoing the visa again", but then with the agent you need to travel to some unspecified northern province - presumably with your wife. And the 90d reports, what if online doesn't work for you on one particular occasion, travel again? And extensions, travel again with your wife?

But first and foremost, what the agent is offering is illegal, even if he is well connected there is always a chance that they find out. I remember a case of numerous foreigners with such creative visas/extensions being busted in Phuket not a long time ago. Peace of mind is priceless.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, Melpomene said:

Hello all,

 

I've been in and out of the country on a one year multi entry non-imm visa based upon marriage.  I'm now going to be staying in Thailand permanently and as my current visa is ending I want to do the 1 year in country extension.  However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year. 

 

This is all fairly straight forward, however, I've stumbled across a visa agent who claim to be able to get me a 1 year extension for around 40k and I don't need 400k in the bank.  To be honest I'd happily pay the 40k for one year to save me the hassle of going a redoing the visa again, I can then start doing my own 1 year extensions from next year.  However, I'm a bit concerned how legit this is, I know TiT and all that, but I thought the 400k in a bank for two months was non-negotiable.  Apparently it's not done at my local immigration centre, but rather an upcountry one and they will also take care of my 90 day reporting during the year.  The agent seem to be fairly well recommended on various sites, but I wondered if anyone has experience of doing the extension this way ?

Do it the legal way, you may be setting yourself up for future trouble..

Do a border hop, allow your deposit to become seasoned and do it your self for 1900 baht.

[bigt3116]

7 hours ago, Lite Beer said:

This would be illegal and could land you in big trouble.

How is it illegal? The issuing IO's senior officer has dispensation in the issuing of extensions, it may not be the "best" way of doing it, but unless the stamps are fake, it is not illegal.

 

[Tod Daniels]

The 40K is the amount that agents charge to get yearly extensions based on marriage from outside the province you live in (meaning they are NOT using the immigration office you use) AND a great part of that 'fee' goes toward greasing the wheel to get around the seasoning requirements on the funds. While it is a real stamp from a real office by a real officer, it's not a stamp from the office where you live <- and that's the issue that will bite you later on 

I think you will find that trying to "push your own paper" and get a year extension at your immigration office with an out of province agent gotten stamp in your passport is gonna be like pushing a rope, and you're just opening a can of worms.   

Here's a thought, rather than go down the slippery slope of paying an agent to get you a back door under the table year extension, why not just suck it up, slog to the thai consulate in Savannakhet get a year long multi-entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai for 5000baht (they don't ask for proof of funds there) and then just bounce in and out every 90 days like that visa allows for the next year until you can get your act together to meet the proof of funds where you have the 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for the in country year extension based on marriage..

 

[Lite Beer]

54 minutes ago, bigt3116 said:

How is it illegal?

 

Because it is.

Also Marriage extensions have to be signed off by head office which makes it extra dodgy.

[bigt3116]

4 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

Because it is.

Also Marriage extensions have to be signed off by head office which makes it extra dodgy.

And they also have the dispensation to allow extensions that don't tick all the boxes.

[Melpomene]

43 minutes ago, Tod Daniels said:

The 40K is the amount that agents charge to get yearly extensions based on marriage from outside the province you live in (meaning they are NOT using the immigration office you use) AND a great part of that 'fee' goes toward greasing the wheel to get around the seasoning requirements on the funds. While it is a real stamp from a real office by a real officer, it's not a stamp from the office where you live <- and that's the issue that will bite you later on 

I think you will find that trying to "push your own paper" and get a year extension at your immigration office with an out of province agent gotten stamp in your passport is gonna be like pushing a rope, and you're just opening a can of worms.   

Here's a thought, rather than go down the slippery slope of paying an agent to get you a back door under the table year extension, why not just suck it up, slog to the thai consulate in Savannakhet get a year long multi-entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai for 5000baht (they don't ask for proof of funds there) and then just bounce in and out every 90 days like that visa allows for the next year until you can get your act together to meet the proof of funds where you have the 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for the in country year extension based on marriage..

 

Thanks Todd, and to everyone else who replied.

 

You've all confirmed my worries about the agent. So it sounds like the best course of action is to go and get another non-imm based upon marriage and then do the yearly extension once the 400k has been there for two months.

 

Thanks again everyone ????

[Jelli]

15 hours ago, Melpomene said:

Hello all,

 

I've been in and out of the country on a one year multi entry non-imm visa based upon marriage.  I'm now going to be staying in Thailand permanently and as my current visa is ending I want to do the 1 year in country extension.  However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year. 

 

This is all fairly straight forward, however, I've stumbled across a visa agent who claim to be able to get me a 1 year extension for around 40k and I don't need 400k in the bank.  To be honest I'd happily pay the 40k for one year to save me the hassle of going a redoing the visa again, I can then start doing my own 1 year extensions from next year.  However, I'm a bit concerned how legit this is, I know TiT and all that, but I thought the 400k in a bank for two months was non-negotiable.  Apparently it's not done at my local immigration centre, but rather an upcountry one and they will also take care of my 90 day reporting during the year.  The agent seem to be fairly well recommended on various sites, but I wondered if anyone has experience of doing the extension this way ?

Do it yourself, learn the ins and outs and you'll build knowledge and confidence to manage your own account. You're going to essentially fill out all the paperwork yourself and present yourselves to immigration presumably with the agent. Why bother? Oh yes, the illegal magic that might compound problems later down the road.

 

Never understood the agent thing save for the desperate brokies.

[Melpomene]

34 minutes ago, Melpomene said:

Thanks Todd

Oops! Apologies, that should say thanks Tod ????

[brianthainess]

58 minutes ago, Jelli said:

Never understood the agent thing save for the desperate brokies

Don't forget the disabled.

[westsail]

I used a visa agent one time during covid.  If I was even able to leave Thailand I knew that I could not return, and they always waited unitil the last minute to announce whether covid extensions would  be available.  I decided to use an agent since I never knew when I might find myself on overstay.  I changed from a non-O Retirement to a 12 month marriage extension. That worked fine until I went to the IO in Phuket 10 months later to renew my visa.  The Immigration Officer saw the stamp from upcountry and asked me about that.  He told me I would be deported if ever did that again.  I had to leave Thailand, return on a tourist visa, applly for a 60 day visa and so on.

[Crossy]

On 9/8/2023 at 3:17 PM, Melpomene said:

I've been in and out of the country on a one year multi entry non-imm visa based upon marriage.  I'm now going to be staying in Thailand permanently and as my current visa is ending I want to do the 1 year in country extension.  However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year.

 

Since you are married you can get a 60 day extension to "visit your wife", would that give enough time to ensure your funds are "seasoned"?

[Moonlover]

10 hours ago, brianthainess said:

11 hours ago, Jelli said:

Never understood the agent thing save for the desperate brokies

 

10 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Don't forget the disabled.

An agent is not necessary for a disabled person, providing they have a cooperative partner or friend. My (now deceased) German neighbour was an amputee and could not attend the office in person. His wife did 2 extensions for him and they were very cooperative and helpful.

 

Read the second page of a TM7. (see attached)

New TM7.pdf

[brianthainess]

4 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

 

An agent is not necessary for a disabled person, providing they have a cooperative partner or friend. My (now deceased) German neighbour was an amputee and could not attend the office in person. His wife did 2 extensions for him and they were very cooperative and helpful.

 

Read the second page of a TM7. (see attached)

New TM7.pdf 135.13 kB · 3 downloads

I had a married  disabled friend, his bitch of a wife left him on his own and unable to do Anything and I mean ANYTHING for his self, she took all his money in the bank, M/C and car, he Needed to change quickly to a retirement visa, the only way was to use an agent (RIP Jeff)  MND is awful. 

[Moonlover]

5 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

I had a married  disabled friend, his bitch of a wife left him on his own and unable to do Anything and I mean ANYTHING for his self, she took all his money in the bank, M/C and car, he Needed to change quickly to a retirement visa, the only way was to use an agent (RIP Jeff)  MND is awful. 

Well, there are exceptions to every rule and I did say 'cooperative partner or friend'. Who was taking care of him may I ask?

[brianthainess]

Just now, Moonlover said:

Well, there are exceptions to every rule and I did say 'cooperative partner or friend'. Who was taking care of him may I ask?

I had to drive 7hrs one way to go rescue him, my wife and I got him a  cheap place very near us, my missus found a lady, to give him day care, at only 4k+ her own room, a month, as he slowly got worse she moved in with him, until he passed away last year. All he had was a disability pension from OZ. 

 

[billd766]

55 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

 

An agent is not necessary for a disabled person, providing they have a cooperative partner or friend. My (now deceased) German neighbour was an amputee and could not attend the office in person. His wife did 2 extensions for him and they were very cooperative and helpful.

 

Read the second page of a TM7. (see attached)

New TM7.pdf 135.13 kB · 3 downloads

I use the IO at Kamphaeng Phet as I live in the province for my marriage extension based on income.

 

A couple of weeks before my extension last October I fell and damaged my right arm and elbow and couldn't write or sign anything.

 

My wife explained to the lady IO and she said that it would be OK and that she would sort it out for me, and she did.

 

I have to renew it next month and I am building the files for the extension (2 copies, 1 for KPP and 1 for region 5 at CM.

 

I have used the offices at Mae Sot, Nakhon Sawan and KPP over the years and I have always found them farang friendly and very helpful.

 

For the OP. It may be an idea to visit your normal office and explain your situation. They should give you advice and hopefully give you a work around for your problem.

[Sophon]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

 

Since you are married you can get a 60 day extension to "visit your wife", would that give enough time to ensure your funds are "seasoned"?

He did say:

Quote

However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year. 

 

[Liquorice]

13 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

And they also have the dispensation to allow extensions that don't tick all the boxes.

No, they don't, although I'm sure that's what they'd like you to believe.

 

ORDER OF THE IMMIGRATION BUREAU No. 327/2557

Subject: Criteria and Conditions for Consideration of an Alien’s Application for a Temporary Stay in the Kingdom of Thailand 

5. In the case where an alien applicant does not meet the full qualifications stipulated by the criteria herein or in other cases not specified in this Order but a competent officer equivalent to or higher than inspector is of the opinion that the alien has legitimate reason for staying in the Kingdom of Thailand, the application shall be forwarded to the Commander of the Royal Thai Police or an authorized competent officer for further consideration of the alien's application.

 

[Moonlover]

1 hour ago, brianthainess said:

I had to drive 7hrs one way to go rescue him, my wife and I got him a  cheap place very near us, my missus found a lady, to give him day care, at only 4k+ her own room, a month, as he slowly got worse she moved in with him, until he passed away last year. All he had was a disability pension from OZ. 

 

Thanks for sharing this tale. It's heartening to know that there are people out there who care.

[Moonlover]

13 hours ago, Jelli said:

Do it yourself, learn the ins and outs and you'll build knowledge and confidence to manage your own account. You're going to essentially fill out all the paperwork yourself and present yourselves to immigration presumably with the agent. Why bother? Oh yes, the illegal magic that might compound problems later down the road.

 

Never understood the agent thing save for the desperate brokies.

Absolutely spot on @Jelli. I've been doing my own marriage extensions using the income method for the last 7 years. We've had a couple of hic-ups along the way, but our friendly and cooperative IO has always helped us to sort out these issues without any drama.

 

And just this week we went down to Sakon Nakhon to do number 8 and it went without a hitch. In and out in 45 minutes. 

 

I always cringe when I read, yet again, 'use an agent'. 

[Tuvoc]

6 hours ago, Liquorice said:

No, they don't, although I'm sure that's what they'd like you to believe.

 

ORDER OF THE IMMIGRATION BUREAU No. 327/2557

Subject: Criteria and Conditions for Consideration of an Alien’s Application for a Temporary Stay in the Kingdom of Thailand 

5. In the case where an alien applicant does not meet the full qualifications stipulated by the criteria herein or in other cases not specified in this Order but a competent officer equivalent to or higher than inspector is of the opinion that the alien has legitimate reason for staying in the Kingdom of Thailand, the application shall be forwarded to the Commander of the Royal Thai Police or an authorized competent officer for further consideration of the alien's application.

 

Last sentence - "authorised competent officer" - well that could be anyone.

[Liquorice]

18 hours ago, Tuvoc said:

Last sentence - "authorised competent officer" - well that could be anyone.

It wouldn't be an official you'd likely meet at your Provincial IO.
Only a senior ranking official from HQ.

 

Provincial IO's don't even have the authority to sign off extensions based on marriage.