32 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

99% of Amphoes will request an Embassy certified copy of Passport, translated and legalised as a minimum.

 

Not trolling, just fact checking 🙂

 

Please provide evidence that 99% of Amphurs require the above, can't be hard to provide, you stated it so therefore must have evidence to back up your statement?

 

All I do is mention sometimes that one person's experience can not be extrapolated to mean the whole of Thailand.

 

"Currently, there isn't, but if they go e-visa?", according to your train of thought, maybe every retiree should keep 1.6 million in the bank 'just in case' they change the rules ? Why not just quote the extant rule?

2 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

Please provide evidence that 99% of Amphurs require the above, can't be hard to provide, you stated it so therefore must have evidence to back up your statement?

 

All I do is mention sometimes that one person's experience can not be extrapolated to mean the whole of Thailand.

I certainly don't have to answer to you, or justify what I already know to be fact.
When I obtained my Yellow book, the only requisite was a translation of my Passport, which I did myself, but that was 9 years ago.
Times have changed.

 

Better still, give me the name of your Amphoe that has no requisition, and I'll get the wife to phone and check back with you.

 

2 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

"Currently, there isn't, but if they go e-visa?", according to your train of thought, maybe every retiree should keep 1.6 million in the bank 'just in case' they change the rules ? Why not just quote the extant rule?

When you obtain the Non O and enter Thailand, the 400K must be seasoned for 2 months to apply for the extension.

Granted, at this present time there is no financial requirement for the single entry Non O, but a good idea to ensure that 400K is deposited beforehand.
Being forewarned is being forearmed.

7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Being forewarned is being forearmed.

 

Totally agree 🙂

 

However giving incorrect advice (400k for a single entry), is not being forwarned, it is being scaremongered.

On 10/8/2024 at 4:29 PM, Liquorice said:

Please come back and advise the forum if they allow you to change the reason from employment to Thai spouse, or if they insist you obtain a Non O.

 

I'm happy to share that I successfully changed from a Non-B to a Non-O (Thai spouse) visa without needing to leave Thailand. I want to thank everyone here who offered their advice and guidance - it was very useful!

5 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

I'm happy to share that I successfully changed from a Non-B to a Non-O (Thai spouse) visa without needing to leave Thailand. I want to thank everyone here who offered their advice and guidance - it was very useful!

If possible at some point outline your experience as this question comes up quite often. 

After obtaining extension based on marriage did you obtain work permit and subsequent work

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

If possible at some point outline your experience as this question comes up quite often. 

After obtaining extension based on marriage did you obtain work permit and subsequent work

 

Hello, you're absolutely right - what I did was change the reason for my extension of stay from work to Thai spouse.
 

As for the work permit, I haven’t applied yet, but I hope to have the opportunity to check and share my experience soon!

 

Just bumping this up. 

My school contract and non-b are due to expire April 30 (WP also)

I'm going to go to the Nonthaburi immigration office next Monday to submit my paperwork for a non-O based on marriage. 

My school plans to cancel my WP the same day. I'm concerned that if I have an issue with my paperwork and my WP gets cancelled. 

Is it possible to cancel my WP after I have submitted my paperwork for the non-0?  What is the usual procedure? 

 

 

2 minutes ago, DavisH said:

Just bumping this up. 

My school contract and non-b are due to expire April 30 (WP also)

I'm going to go to the Nonthaburi immigration office next Monday to submit my paperwork for a non-O based on marriage. 

My school plans to cancel my WP the same day. I'm concerned that if I have an issue with my paperwork and my WP gets cancelled. 

Is it possible to cancel my WP after I have submitted my paperwork for the non-0?  What is the usual procedure? 

 

 

edit, according my my wife when we visited immigration a week ago,  they told up it should be cancelled that day or the day before applying for the Non-O. 

You're not cancelling a non-B.  You are cancelling a work extension.

You are not applying for a non-O, you are applying for a new extension based on marriage.

 

Yes you should cancel your WP and your extension a few days ahead, with the paperwork from the employer.  This paperwork should have a date of last work, and when they cancel your extension they will then stamp you in again to the date on the paperwork.  

 

You can do this 1-2 weeks ahead at most immigration offices, and that gives you time to apply for the new extension based on a different reason.  A requirement of marriage extension is 400,000 baht in your bank account for 2 full months on the day of application, so hopefully you planned ahead and have that ready.

On 3/21/2025 at 3:12 PM, DavisH said:

Just bumping this up. 

My school contract and non-b are due to expire April 30 (WP also)

I'm going to go to the Nonthaburi immigration office next Monday to submit my paperwork for a non-O based on marriage. 

My school plans to cancel my WP the same day. I'm concerned that if I have an issue with my paperwork and my WP gets cancelled. 

Is it possible to cancel my WP after I have submitted my paperwork for the non-0?  What is the usual procedure?

Take a letter from your employer stating your last day of work to immigration before your job ends.  They will change your permitted-stay to end on that date.  Then, you can apply for an extension based on marriage.  The office-policy will determine whether you can do this without having to leave the country and return.

 

The work-permit is an issue with the labor-office, and your employer should handle this.

EDIT - you can have a work-permit with a Non-O based on marriage, so no reason you would need to cancel it to qualify for the extension.

On 3/21/2025 at 3:12 PM, DavisH said:

Just bumping this up. 

My school contract and non-b are due to expire April 30 (WP also)

I'm going to go to the Nonthaburi immigration office next Monday to submit my paperwork for a non-O based on marriage. 

My school plans to cancel my WP the same day. I'm concerned that if I have an issue with my paperwork and my WP gets cancelled. 

Is it possible to cancel my WP after I have submitted my paperwork for the non-0?  What is the usual procedure? 

 

 

Actually, as it's explained in the thread by someone else, it's possible for the employer to cancel the WP a couple of weeks before the visa extension expires. So, it is doable and would give you time to apply for a marriage extension, which is what I did. My WP was cancelled and a few days later I went to my local immigration office and applied for a new marriage extension.

 

Make sure you keep a copy of the WP before it is cancelled because, if I remember correctly, I was asked for it during the marriage extension application process.

 

On 3/23/2025 at 9:20 PM, Rob Browder said:

Take a letter from your employer stating your last day of work to immigration before your job ends.  They will change your permitted-stay to end on that date.  Then, you can apply for an extension based on marriage.  The office-policy will determine whether you can do this without having to leave the country and return.

 

The work-permit is an issue with the labor-office, and your employer should handle this.

EDIT - you can have a work-permit with a Non-O based on marriage, so no reason you would need to cancel it to qualify for the extension.

All finished now. When I handed my papers in I had organized for my school to cancel my WP that morning and bring me the paperwork. But having talked to the officer who first checked my papers, he said it was not necessary. So i contacted HR and asked her not to cancel it. Which she did. paperwork was fine, and I got a letter from out marriage registration office stating that then no longer kept the "single status" document that they said they required (not all offices require that). They accepted that, and also had an email from my embassy stating they cannot retroactively give a letter for that. Forgot to update the bankbook showing  a transaction on the date, so wife sent her secretary to do that. Fortunately, we had a contact in immigration, so the process was smooth and in and out in less than 2 hours (waiting for the bankbook update took the longest. 

Hi everyone,

 

I wanted to share an update since my last post in this thread. I successfully changed the reason for my extension of stay from Non-B (work) to Non-O (Thai wife) without leaving Thailand. After that, I was also able to obtain a work permit based on the new extension.
 

Now, my current extension of stay will expire in December, and I’ll need to renew it soon.

 

I still have the marriage certificate that I used last time, already translated, certified by my embassy, and legalized by the Thai MFA. Does anyone know if immigration will accept the same certified documents for the renewal, or will I need to go through the entire process again (getting a new certificate, new translation, embassy certification, MFA legalization, etc.)?

 

Any recent experiences or tips would be really appreciated!

 

Thanks again to everyone who helped me the first time, your advice was invaluable!

17 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

I still have the marriage certificate that I used last time, already translated, certified by my embassy, and legalized by the Thai MFA. Does anyone know if immigration will accept the same certified documents for the renewal, or will I need to go through the entire process again (getting a new certificate, new translation, embassy certification, MFA legalization, etc.)?

 

Any recent experiences or tips would be really appreciated!

I assume you married overseas, and those documents were for you to register the overseas marriage at an Amphoe.

If indeed that is what you did, then for proof of still being legally married, you request an updated Kor Ror 22 from any Amphoe office.
Immigration will only accept a Kor Ror 22. Cost 20BHT.
Kor Ror 22 is the registration of the marriage.

On 9/5/2025 at 12:09 PM, Liquorice said:

I assume you married overseas, and those documents were for you to register the overseas marriage at an Amphoe.

If indeed that is what you did, then for proof of still being legally married, you request an updated Kor Ror 22 from any Amphoe office.
Immigration will only accept a Kor Ror 22. Cost 20BHT.
Kor Ror 22 is the registration of the marriage.

 

Hello,

 

thank you for your kind reply, and sorry for my late answer. I have been travelling abroad for work.

Yes, I married in Europe, but now living in Thailand with my wife. When I applied for the visa extension for Thai wife, almost 1 year ago, the requirement about the marriage certificate were as in the attachment: so, I submitted a copy of my original marriage certificate that I had to translate to Thai, certify by my Embassy and by the Thai MFA. It was a long and expensive process. With that, I was able to get the Kor. 22 at my Amphur.

 

I ma now wondering if I have to go through that painful process all over again, or I can use the old copy of the original marriage certificate. I will check with my Immigration office, but I thought to ask here in case someone had experience to share.

 

Thank you again!
 

2 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

I ma now wondering if I have to go through that painful process all over again, or I can use the old copy of the original marriage certificate. I will check with my Immigration office, but I thought to ask here in case someone had experience to share.

No, as I previously stated, as you've registered your overseas marriage in Thailand.
For extension applications, you need a copy of your original marriage certificate (KR2) + an update copy of your marriage registration document (KR22) available from a local Amphoe 20 BHT.

If your wife took your surname, then a copy of the 'name change' certificate.

1 minute ago, Liquorice said:

No, as I previously stated, as you've registered your overseas marriage in Thailand.
For extension applications, you need a copy of your original marriage certificate (KR2) + an update copy of your marriage registration document (KR22) available from a local Amphoe 20 BHT.

If your wife took your surname, then a copy of the 'name change' certificate.

Just to be sure, the copy of my original marriage certificate can be the one I used 1 year ago (translated and certified), or do I need to reiterate the entire process with a "fresh" copy?

 

6 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

Just to be sure, the copy of my original marriage certificate can be the one I used 1 year ago (translated and certified), or do I need to reiterate the entire process with a "fresh" copy?

 

After you had your documents verified, translated and legalised by the MFA you took them to an Amphoe to register the overseas marriage.

The Amphoe issued you a Thai marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) and a Thai marriage registration document (Kor Ror 22).

 

You need a copy of the marriage certificate and an 'updated' copy of the registration form available from a local Amphoe.

39 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

Just to be sure, the copy of my original marriage certificate can be the one I used 1 year ago (translated and certified), or do I need to reiterate the entire process with a "fresh" copy?

When you marry overseas, Thailand has no record of that marriage.
Your wife is still listed as single, widowed, divorced on their database.
They do not accept foreign marriage certificates without going through a legalisation process.

 

Your original overseas marriage certificate is first authenticated, translated to Thai, then legalised by the MFA.
That is a one of process you do not have to do again.

 

Any documents that were translated and legalised by the MFA are then taken to an Amphoe to register the overseas marriage, and the Amphur issues a Thai marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) and a Thai Registration certificate (Kor Ror 22) of the marriage.
It is that Thai marriage certificate and registration issued by the Amphoe I am talking about.

1 hour ago, Globenauta said:

With that, I was able to get the Kor. 22 at my Amphur.

You have to obtain an update copy of that each year for an extension from any Amphoe, cost 20BHT.
The Amphoe just supply a copy of the original but stamp it with the current date.

 

Since you registered the marriage, if you divorced or wife deceased, then the Amphoe would not issue that document.
The fact they do, informs Immigration that as far as reasonable you are still cohabiting as man and wife.

On 10/1/2025 at 12:13 PM, Liquorice said:

You have to obtain an update copy of that each year for an extension from any Amphoe, cost 20BHT.
The Amphoe just supply a copy of the original but stamp it with the current date.

 

Since you registered the marriage, if you divorced or wife deceased, then the Amphoe would not issue that document.
The fact they do, informs Immigration that as far as reasonable you are still cohabiting as man and wife.

 

Hello @Liquorice,

 

attached is what my local Immigration office documents list requires regarding the marriage certificate. According to it, in case of marriage abroad, you have to submit both the original marriage certificate (translated, certified, etc.) plus the kor. 22.

 

Last year, the Amphur only issued the kor. 22 to me, not the kor 3.

 

Getting an updated kor. 22 shouldn't be a problem (I hope), but going through the same process again as last year for with a newly issued marriage visa would be quite a pain in the ass. That's why I was asking if I can use the copy from last year (which is already translated etc.).

 

Sorry if I misunderstood anything.

 

Regards

 

 

 

 

17 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

going through the same process again as last year

Should not be required to repeat this  Just take the docs you got from the amphur when you did that process, plus what you submitted to get it (2x copies, plus bring originals to show, if asked)   Also, get a new KR-22 from the amphur.

 

That said - always apply for your extension as soon as you can - 30 to 45 days before your current extension expires - in case they change something in the future.  Changes could include the map, home pictures, your neighbor or PuYaiBan needs to sign a form, etc - variations by office and year are endless with marriage-based extensions.

47 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

Last year, the Amphur only issued the kor. 22 to me, not the kor 3.

When you registered your foreign marriage, the Amphoe should have issued 2 marriage certificates (KR3).
These are not replaceable, only being issued once.
They should have also issued a registration of the marriage (KR22), which you request an updated copy of each year.

 

It sounds as though your particular IO also request the original overseas marriage certificate, translated and legalised.
Although you should take the originals for viewing if requested, you should only offer them copies of any originals.
That's the point in signing copies, certifying them as a copy of the original.

 

I've previously read of Amphoes keeping that original overseas marriage certificate and the translation, legalised by the MFA, which they shouldn't do. The originals are yours to keep, and only supply certified copies.

6 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

Should not be required to repeat this  Just take the docs you got from the amphur when you did that process, plus what you submitted to get it (2x copies, plus bring originals to show, if asked)   Also, get a new KR-22 from the amphur.

 

That said - always apply for your extension as soon as you can - 30 to 45 days before your current extension expires - in case they change something in the future.  Changes could include the map, home pictures, your neighbor or PuYaiBan needs to sign a form, etc - variations by office and year are endless with marriage-based extensions.

 

Thanks!

5 hours ago, Liquorice said:

When you registered your foreign marriage, the Amphoe should have issued 2 marriage certificates (KR3).
These are not replaceable, only being issued once.
They should have also issued a registration of the marriage (KR22), which you request an updated copy of each year.

 

It sounds as though your particular IO also request the original overseas marriage certificate, translated and legalised.
Although you should take the originals for viewing if requested, you should only offer them copies of any originals.
That's the point in signing copies, certifying them as a copy of the original.

 

I've previously read of Amphoes keeping that original overseas marriage certificate and the translation, legalised by the MFA, which they shouldn't do. The originals are yours to keep, and only supply certified copies.

 

Maybe I didn't explain myself clearly, sorry.

 

Last year, I submitted my foreign marriage certificate, translated and certified, both by my embassy and the Thai MFA.

The Amphur only issued the kor. 22 to me, not the kor. 3.

 

I submitted double copies of everything to the IO, and I still have the originals with me, including the foreign marriage certificate (translated etc etc).

 

My worry is that the IO won't accept the same marriage certificate as last year, but may require a newly/recently issued copy.

 

I hope this clarifies. However, I will ask the IO directly.

 

Thanks

17 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

The Amphur only issued the kor. 22 to me, not the kor. 3.

They should have issued you a KR3 marriage certificate as well.

 

17 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

My worry is that the IO won't accept the same marriage certificate as last year, but may require a newly/recently issued copy.

Even the Amphoes don't issue updated marriage certificates.
No, that's why you have to supply an updated KR 22 from the Amphur.
Since registering your marriage, should you divorce or the wife decease, then that would be noted on the Amphoes database, and they wouldn't issue an updated KR22. The fact they issue it means on the balance of probabilities you are still in a de jure and defacto relationship.

 

I wouldn't ask them anything, just present the same documents as last year with an updated KR22 (20 BHT)
An unsure applicant and a corrupt official leaves you vulnerable.

 

2 hours ago, Liquorice said:

They should have issued you a KR3 marriage certificate as well.

 

Even the Amphoes don't issue updated marriage certificates.
No, that's why you have to supply an updated KR 22 from the Amphur.
Since registering your marriage, should you divorce or the wife decease, then that would be noted on the Amphoes database, and they wouldn't issue an updated KR22. The fact they issue it means on the balance of probabilities you are still in a de jure and defacto relationship.

 

I wouldn't ask them anything, just present the same documents as last year with an updated KR22 (20 BHT)
An unsure applicant and a corrupt official leaves you vulnerable.

 

 

I agree on the "unsure applicant and corrupt officers" part, but my problem is that if eventually it turns out that the IO does r require an updated marriage certificate (not only an updated kor. 22), then it will be too late: the entire foreign marriage certificate process takes months to be completed, mainly due to the queue for the embassy certification appointment.

 

I guess there's no other way to find out than going to the IO and ask them, although I agree with you that will put us at risk of corrupt officers.

 

Regards

 

17 hours ago, Globenauta said:

I agree on the "unsure applicant and corrupt officers" part, but my problem is that if eventually it turns out that the IO does r require an updated marriage certificate (not only an updated kor. 22), then it will be too late: the entire foreign marriage certificate process takes months to be completed, mainly due to the queue for the embassy certification appointment.

I married in Thailand but still use the same and only issued marriage certificate for Immigration.
A marriage certificate, whether issued in Thailand or overseas and legalised, is proof of being married.

 

Immigration don't question the marriage certificate, they question whether the marriage is de jure and defacto. In other words, are you still cohabiting together as man and wife. That's why you obtain an updated KR 2/22 as evidence, since you married there is no record of divorce or decease of the partner. They can of course do a home visit to confirm the relationship is de jure and de facto.

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

 

just a quick update. I was able to apply for the extension of stay using the same marriage certificate as last year and getting an updated Kor. 22 certificate from my Amphur. I obtained a temporary one month extension and will need to go to the IO by the and of this month to get the remaining 11 months.

 

Thanks again to everyone who shared their advices, your support was very useful!

 

16 minutes ago, Globenauta said:

. I obtained a temporary one month extension and will need to go to the IO by the and of this month to get the remaining 11 months

Update? Your thread is a year old. 

Just to be clear... you received an "under consideration stamp" 

Return on date indicated for final stamp. 

Suggest you maintain funds in bank during this period.