Does anyone know who in this forum has the most knowledge on the most feasible ways to change my retirement visa to a marriage visa? I have specific personal options I wish to ask about that can help me choose which suits me best. 

You've asked the question, wait for replies.  There are many knowledgable members to help you.

1 minute ago, brewsterbudgen said:

You've asked the question, wait for replies.  There are many knowledgable members to help you.

thanks

9 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Does anyone know who in this forum has the most knowledge on the most feasible ways to change my retirement visa to a marriage visa? I have specific personal options I wish to ask about that can help me choose which suits me best. 

Marriage visa you only need Baht 400k in the bank whereas the Retirement visa requires 800K

38 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Marriage visa you only need Baht 400k in the bank whereas the Retirement visa requires 800K

thanks.. i know the general information... i need someone who can help me with a specific situation so they need to know the ins and outs of the topic... 

 

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Does anyone know who in this forum has the most knowledge on the most feasible ways to change my retirement visa to a marriage visa?

You don't have a visa.

You have an extension of stay.

Each your to extend the permission of stay you need it based on example  retirement or marriage etc.

You will be looking to change what your extension is based on.

 

You will need to maintain the financial requirements for retirement until you apply for next extension.

You will then present all the docs required for based on marriage.

The Thai wife will need to be with you.

 

Here is attached thread and in my first post I have links to other threads etc. Have a read of that info.

 

Come back to this thread for further clarification if required.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1314382-change-from-reirement-to-marriage-visa/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1282233-changing-visa-extension-based-on-retirement-to-marriage/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1329482-can-i-switch-back-from-extension-based-on-retirement-to-marriage/

 

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=942532&key=2b9c0a3aeb8537d334f181402709b16c

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You don't have a visa.

You have an extension of stay.

Each your to extend the permission of stay you need it based on example  retirement or marriage etc.

You will be looking to change what your extension is based on.

 

You will need to maintain the financial requirements for retirement until you apply for next extension.

You will then present all the docs required for based on marriage.

The Thai wife will need to be with you.

 

Here is attached thread and in my first post I have links to other threads etc. Have a read of that info.

 

Come back to this thread for further clarification if required.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1314382-change-from-reirement-to-marriage-visa/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1282233-changing-visa-extension-based-on-retirement-to-marriage/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1329482-can-i-switch-back-from-extension-based-on-retirement-to-marriage/

 

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=942532&key=2b9c0a3aeb8537d334f181402709b16c 41.52 kB · 54 downloads

IMHO based on the years of I have read stories of extensions of stay based on marriage and retirement, folks seem to be less impacted by the extension based on retirement vs that based on marriage.  Yes, financially based on retirement one must keep more funds in their acct but then the list of necessary requirements seems to me to be much more intrusive upon one's life in regards to immigration needs.  In either case, best of luck and DrJack  seems to be pretty knowledgeable on immigration matters.

26 minutes ago, Presnock said:

  Yes, financially based on retirement one must keep more funds in their acct but then the list of necessary requirements seems to me to be much more intrusive upon one's life in regards to immigration needs

Good summary.

There are many guys that while married to a Thai opt for extensions based on retirement for reasons you mention. 

 

You mention "intrusive" ...perhaps I'm odd in this regard in that the home visit would not sit well with me.

 

The OP should be aware that while he can change the basis on what the extension is based on from Retirement to marriage.

Note immigration prefer based on retirement as less work.

 

Edit: Note to OP. Assume that you have been obtaining extensions and this will not be your FIRST extension.

If someone obtains a Non O based on retirement then the very first extension must be based on retirement.

After which they can change to based on marriage. 

This sometimes comes up with first extension from a Non O-A 

18 hours ago, thesetat said:

Does anyone know who in this forum has the most knowledge on the most feasible ways to change my retirement visa to a marriage visa? I have specific personal options I wish to ask about that can help me choose which suits me best. 

 

Extensions NOT visas! visas cannot be changed

At extension time, you submit same form TM7, with what ever 'your' Imm office asks for the marriage visa extension.  At the bottom of TM7, instead of 'retirement' as reason to extend stay, you simply write 'marriage'.

 

Unless I'm missing something, it's pretty simple if extending '0 non immigrant visa'.  I've done it a few times, changed from marriage to support of Thai national to retirement to marriage, back to retirement.

 

Using Imm offices at Udon Thani & Hua Hin.  

 

As stated, retirement is less paperwork & more finances, instant approval.  No 30 day 'under consideration' wait.  Both way too simple.

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Good summary.

There are many guys that while married to a Thai opt for extensions based on retirement for reasons you mention. 

 

You mention "intrusive" ...perhaps I'm odd in this regard in that the home visit would not sit well with me.

 

The OP should be aware that while he can change the basis on what the extension is based on from Retirement to marriage.

Note immigration prefer based on retirement as less work.

Fwiw....I've had marriage extensions for last 5 years, and now wish to change to retirement. 

Recently applied for marriage extension in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) and have to go back for PP stamp on April 1st. 

Here's the thing: had wanted to go for the retirement option and was under the impression that a 12 month bank statement was required. I couldn't get one from the bank on the day so just shrugged and went for the 3 month statement and the marriage extension.

 

After my application was submitted, and the fee was paid, the IO happened to ask my wife why I had not gone for the reitirement option. She explained that it was because I couldn't get the 12 month bank statement. So then he said 'No, No!' and told her I only need a 2 month statement (in my case, I have 800k+ in bank 3 months+). On the way out she tells me this and I feel like tearing my hair out in frustration!! 2 months! If that's true I could have got it.

 

So what's the point of this post? I guess  it's to see if you, Dr Jack, or anyone else...disagrees with the info the IO gave my wife about a 2 month statement being required and not a 12 month statement. Is he right? (Yes, I know, I should have double checked there and then but didn't. I did, however, note that if I want to change the extension to retirement any time after getting the PP stamp for marriage, it will cost me 2000 baht. (I do want to change, probably only a month or so into the new marriage extension!!! I know it makes no sense and I should just save money and do it right this time next year, but.....there you go! 😉)

 

But anyway.....just wondered what comments people may make about the 2 month/12 month bank thing. I apologise for kind of hijacking the original topic matter! 🙏🙏

 

If i leave Thailand and my retirement extension is cancelled. When i return to apply for a marriage visa will I still be required to show any documents for the time i had the retirement extensions? 

23 minutes ago, Toolong said:

But anyway.....just wondered what comments people may make about the 2 month/12 month bank thing. I apologise for kind of hijacking the original topic matter! 🙏🙏

2 months statement is required for the 1st retirement extension.  The reason for the 12 months statement is to show that you fulfilled the financial requirements for the previous years extension, which in your case would not have applied.

4 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

2 months statement is required for the 1st retirement extension.  The reason for the 12 months statement is to show that you fulfilled the financial requirements for the previous years extension, which in your case would not have applied.

Ah....I get it. Thanks, Upnotover!

 

That answers that! Now I know. 👍🙏

36 minutes ago, Toolong said:

disagrees with the info the IO gave my wife about a 2 month statement being required and not a 12 month statement. Is he right?

For once I agree with the io.

You should have shown the 800k in bank for 2 months prior to application based on retirement.

 

Financials are checked retrospectively. 

23 minutes ago, thesetat said:

If i leave Thailand and my retirement extension is cancelled. When i return to apply for a marriage visa will I still be required to show any documents for the time i had the retirement extensions? 

No.

Just to clarify some terms.

If you exit Thailand without a reentry permit your permission of stay ends. 

You then have two options.

1. Obtain Non O eVisa (marriage)

2. Enter Thailand visa exempt and obtain Non O marriage at local immigration office.

 

You would already have a bank account so thinking # 1 is good option

42 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Fwiw....I've had marriage extensions for last 5 years, and now wish to change to retirement. 

Recently applied for marriage extension in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) and have to go back for PP stamp on April 1st. 

Here's the thing: had wanted to go for the retirement option and was under the impression that a 12 month bank statement was required. I couldn't get one from the bank on the day so just shrugged and went for the 3 month statement and the marriage extension.

 

After my application was submitted, and the fee was paid, the IO happened to ask my wife why I had not gone for the reitirement option. She explained that it was because I couldn't get the 12 month bank statement. So then he said 'No, No!' and told her I only need a 2 month statement (in my case, I have 800k+ in bank 3 months+). On the way out she tells me this and I feel like tearing my hair out in frustration!! 2 months! If that's true I could have got it.

 

So what's the point of this post? I guess  it's to see if you, Dr Jack, or anyone else...disagrees with the info the IO gave my wife about a 2 month statement being required and not a 12 month statement. Is he right? (Yes, I know, I should have double checked there and then but didn't. I did, however, note that if I want to change the extension to retirement any time after getting the PP stamp for marriage, it will cost me 2000 baht. (I do want to change, probably only a month or so into the new marriage extension!!! I know it makes no sense and I should just save money and do it right this time next year, but.....there you go! 😉)

 

But anyway.....just wondered what comments people may make about the 2 month/12 month bank thing. I apologise for kind of hijacking the original topic matter! 🙏🙏

 

Irrelevant what other think, the IO told you what he requires, and you apparently had it.  2 months statement of 'seasoned' funds in bank was enough for him at that office.  Since it was an extension and not a first time application, 2 months vs 3 makes sense.  

 

Bummer your wife didn't tell you, as could have went to bank, got statement returned, stamped & done.

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Bummer your wife didn't tell you, as could have went to bank, got statement returned, stamped & done.

In reality the io most likely would accept photocopies of bank book pages for 2 months prior to application showing the 800+

 

16 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

In reality the io most likely would accept photocopies of bank book pages for 2 months prior to application showing the 800+

 

Seems the IO was ready to just approve the retirement version, but wife didn't relay that info.  After stamped & paid, a wee bit late to tell the hubby.   

 

One good thing about 'retirement' extensions, they can be a bit more lenient when in a good mood.

 

Got Led Zep's 'Communication Breakdown' going a round in my head 

 

 

29 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Irrelevant what other think, the IO told you what he requires, and you apparently had it.  2 months statement of 'seasoned' funds in bank was enough for him at that office.  Since it was an extension and not a first time application, 2 months vs 3 makes sense.  

 

Bummer your wife didn't tell you, as could have went to bank, got statement returned, stamped & done.

Indeed a 'bummer', but to be fair, the IO only told her after submitting and paying for the marriage extension. So by then a bit late anyway! Not her fault. Oh, well. 😉

26 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

In reality the io most likely would accept photocopies of bank book pages for 2 months prior to application showing the 800+

 

The statements I had just got from bank for marriage ext. were actually 3 months, so if we had known about 2 month ret. ext option  BEFORE already submitting the marriage docs & paying, we would have and he'd maybe be ok with that, as you say.  But one of those things. A lesson learned! 😉

2 minutes ago, Toolong said:

  But one of those things. A lesson learned

Bottom line is you have your permission of stay for next 12 months + .

Small note for next extension.

If you change from based on marriage to Retirement the 12 month extension will start from date of application and not date of current expiry. 

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Bottom line is you have your permission of stay for next 12 months + .

Small note for next extension.

If you change from based on marriage to Retirement the 12 month extension will start from date of application and not date of current expiry. 

Sorry for slow reply.

 

Ah....that's interesting, regarding what you say about extension start date being from date of application (the day I change). And I'm assuming it will expire on the same date the 12 month marriage ext. was originally set to expire. It would make sense. 

 

(Though if I'm wrong about that, I would welcome any correction.)

 

Thanks very much meanwhile, for the solid info'! 👍🙏

4 minutes ago, Toolong said:

Sorry for slow reply.

 

Ah....that's interesting, regarding what you say about extension start date being from date of application (the day I change). And I'm assuming it will expire on the same date the 12 month marriage ext. was originally set to expire. It would make sense. 

 

(Though if I'm wrong about that, I would welcome any correction.)

 

Thanks very much meanwhile, for the solid info'! 👍🙏

The 12 months will start on the day of application/issue.  It will end 12 months later.  The earlier marriage extension is irrelevant.  Don't apply early, if you're worried about losing a few days/weeks.

@Toolong the post above from Upnotover explains it exactly. 

24 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The 12 months will start on the day of application/issue.  It will end 12 months later.  The earlier marriage extension is irrelevant.  Don't apply early, if you're worried about losing a few days/weeks.

Well, surprise, surprise.....I got that wrong! Wouldn't be the first time! 😉

 

I'm glad I DID get it wrong, as I feel more like I'll now get my money's worth spending the 2000 baht change fee.

Great news!

 

And thanks for the advice about not applying (too) early. 👍

 

Much appreciated, Upnotover, Thanks. 🙏

 

 

 

 

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

@Toolong the post above from Upnotover explains it exactly. 

I very much appreciate your reply and help re this, DrJack54!

 

Cheers! 👍

On 2/19/2025 at 2:14 PM, thesetat said:

Does anyone know who in this forum has the most knowledge on the most feasible ways to change my retirement visa to a marriage visa? I have specific personal options I wish to ask about that can help me choose which suits me best. 

When I changed over from retirement to married I had to leave Thailand and come back in ( Pathum Thani immigration )

On 2/18/2025 at 2:45 PM, dayo202 said:

 

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