The dreaded 12 month Marriage Extension - Samut Prakan

[KruAlastair]

I'd like some clarity and any tips as to what to do and prepare in my situation for the 12 month marriage extension.  
Here's my background with some questions:

• I have never done this extension before at any IO in Thailand. So have absolutely no idea about anything in this process, just some rough info on documents that would be needed.  I have asked agents and they seem to not help with this kind of service for some reason.
• I have had 400k sitting in a Thai bank since January.
• I have 9 year old daughter (so is a witness needed? will she need to also be present?)
• I have a rental agreement and live in a condominium (do the immigration police even visit condos? does the wife and child have to be present whilst they are visiting?)
• Am still married but haven't done anything in terms of updating any kind of marriage documents.  I can't even remember the amphur in Bangkok where we registered at but it wasn't the one where we are now.  So if I do need the documents updated could I do it any any amphur?
• The marriage visa I am on now expires August 1st....when is the best time to kick start this process?
• If anyone knows the current and updated checklist for this extension for this particular office, Samut Prakan, I'd be grateful if you'd share, it'd save me a trip. 

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post about hearsay alleged corrupt incident at an unknown immigration office.

 

[BrandonJT]

1 hour ago, KruAlastair said:

I'd like some clarity and any tips as to what to do and prepare in my situation for the 12 month marriage extension.  
Here's my background with some questions:

• I have never done this extension before at any IO in Thailand. So have absolutely no idea about anything in this process, just some rough info on documents that would be needed.  I have asked agents and they seem to not help with this kind of service for some reason.
• I have had 400k sitting in a Thai bank since January.
• I have 9 year old daughter (so is a witness needed? will she need to also be present?)
• I have a rental agreement and live in a condominium (do the immigration police even visit condos? does the wife and child have to be present whilst they are visiting?)
• Am still married but haven't done anything in terms of updating any kind of marriage documents.  I can't even remember the amphur in Bangkok where we registered at but it wasn't the one where we are now.  So if I do need the documents updated could I do it any any amphur?
• The marriage visa I am on now expires August 1st....when is the best time to kick start this process?
• If anyone knows the current and updated checklist for this extension for this particular office, Samut Prakan, I'd be grateful if you'd share, it'd save me a trip. 

I can't answer all the questions, especially because each immigration office is different.  Every immigration office will accept an application for extension 30 days before your existing stamp expires, and some will accept it at 45 days.  So around 45 days early, go to the immigration office and ask them for their handout for a marriage extension, so you can get the exact requirements for your office, and you can find out if you can apply soon or have to wait until 30 days.

 

Agents don't work with marriage extensions because the local immigration offices cannot process them. They are all sent to regional HQ for approval.

Your daughter should not be a factor as you are not applying for an extension based on supporting a child.

If there is a visit, normally they would want both you and your spouse there. This is something they will plan ahead, it's not normally a surprise visit, as they want you both there and sometimes even a neighbor or two, or maybe juristic person if you're in a condo.

I believe you can get your marriage certificate from any amphur.

[jeffandgop]

4 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Agents don't work with marriage extensions because the local immigration offices cannot process them. They are all sent to regional HQ for approval.

Not correct.  I use an agent here in CM & the application is sent to and returned by the regional or Bangkok office....

[Peterw42]

6 hours ago, KruAlastair said:

I'd like some clarity and any tips as to what to do and prepare in my situation for the 12 month marriage extension.  
Here's my background with some questions:

• I have never done this extension before at any IO in Thailand. So have absolutely no idea about anything in this process, just some rough info on documents that would be needed.  I have asked agents and they seem to not help with this kind of service for some reason.
• I have had 400k sitting in a Thai bank since January.
• I have 9 year old daughter (so is a witness needed? will she need to also be present?)
• I have a rental agreement and live in a condominium (do the immigration police even visit condos? does the wife and child have to be present whilst they are visiting?)
• Am still married but haven't done anything in terms of updating any kind of marriage documents.  I can't even remember the amphur in Bangkok where we registered at but it wasn't the one where we are now.  So if I do need the documents updated could I do it any any amphur?
• The marriage visa I am on now expires August 1st....when is the best time to kick start this process?
• If anyone knows the current and updated checklist for this extension for this particular office, Samut Prakan, I'd be grateful if you'd share, it'd save me a trip. 

As others have said, its usually best to check the requirements of the office you will be attending.

Its not usually the drama people make it out to be. I do a marriage extension in Pattaya every year, they require all the usual documents, passport, tm30 etc, Bank letter stating 400k funds for 60 days,  also want a kor ror 2 (proof still married) from the local ampher . Photographs showing you and wife at your house (standing in front of the letterbox showing house number, sitting on the lounge etc, i submit the same photos every year). After submitting the documents immigration visits your house in the next couple of days, just to check you haven't hired a local bargirl to pretend to be your wife. a couple of weeks later go back to immigration and get 1 year stamp.

I literally do it all in one day, start at ampher when it opens, then to the bank, then to immi office.

[Tod Daniels]

Samut Prakan allows extensions when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp. 
 

I would say seeing as you've never gotten an in country extension at that office (or any office it would appear 😮 ) that you and your thai significant other should slog on over to the immigration office and get the hand out listing the requirements at that specific office as far as, marriage documents, TM30, lease, land lord i/d, wife i/d, house book, bank letter, bank statement updated bank book, photos, map etc  

Believe me going there to get the hand out will save you multiple trips there and back if you don't get it right the first time 

You will apply for the yearly extension, you will pay the 1900baht, get a 30 day under consideration stamp, then go back on that date and they will ink the year extension into your passport.    

This is NOT an immigration office specific list of requirements, BUT it is a good solid general list of what can be asked for.

With over 80 offices in the country that's why I suggested you go get the hand out specific to that office.. 

[proton]

when you go in the reception desk has extension line on the left and 90 day reports and re entry on the right. The girl on extensions is very good and will go through all the paperwork before giving you a ticket, there are now 3 extra forms to fill in all in Thai sign at the desk. TM30 essential. After that it's waiting to be called at the windows 1 and 2 downstairs. No parking now as they are building on the old car park at city Hall next door.

[DrJack54]

Here is one report that is Samut Prachan specific. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1337120-what-are-docs-required-for-non-o-married-extension-please/#findComment-19201814

 

Here is guide from Samut Prachan immigration. 

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

[KruAlastair]

8 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

As others have said, its usually best to check the requirements of the office you will be attending.

Its not usually the drama people make it out to be. I do a marriage extension in Pattaya every year, they require all the usual documents, passport, tm30 etc, Bank letter stating 400k funds for 60 days,  also want a kor ror 2 (proof still married) from the local ampher . Photographs showing you and wife at your house (standing in front of the letterbox showing house number, sitting on the lounge etc, i submit the same photos every year). After submitting the documents immigration visits your house in the next couple of days, just to check you haven't hired a local bargirl to pretend to be your wife. a couple of weeks later go back to immigration and get 1 year stamp.

I literally do it all in one day, start at ampher when it opens, then to the bank, then to immi office.

Thanks for the info, what documents do you need to ask for at the amphur and bank? Is it a quick and easy process? 

[BrandonJT]

1 hour ago, KruAlastair said:

Thanks for the info, what documents do you need to ask for at the amphur and bank? Is it a quick and easy process? 

The list you get from your immigration office will tell you what documents you need to ask for.

[Tod Daniels]

16 hours ago, KruAlastair said:

I have never done this extension before at any IO in Thailand. So have absolutely no idea about anything in this process

 

1 hour ago, KruAlastair said:

Thanks for the info, what documents do you need to ask for at the amphur and bank?

You seem averse to actually going to your immigration office and asking for the hand out listing the exact documents required so you can pull this extension off with one try (rather than the several attempts many people make <- people who don't go get the hand out 😉 

If you've been married more than a year, and were married in thailand you need to get an updated Kor Ror 2 <- the thai marriage document that looks like a form all in thai, costs 20 baht at the Amphur (no need to go to the one you were married at, any Amphur can access the data and print it out for you 

At the bank you need to have the "standard bank letter" <- that's a 5 line letter with your name, the account number, your passport and the balance of the account the day they write the letter 
You also need to request a 3 month detail transaction report <- that shows every transaction in that account so immigrations can see you kept the balance over 400K baht for 2 months before you apply for the yearly extension 
AND 
You need to update your bank book on the day you go to apply for the extension so it shows the balance in the account on that day 

here's what the 'standard bank letter' and a Kor Ror 2 look like 
 

[mancub]

2 Copies of absolutely everything,

If you print a map of your location. they'll want a hand drawn one. or vice-versa !

If they know you have a child, they'll want the birth certicate or Thai ID ( Original + copies)

[sandyf]

On 6/14/2025 at 2:53 PM, KruAlastair said:

Thanks for the info, what documents do you need to ask for at the amphur and bank? Is it a quick and easy process? 

Quick and easy is in the eye of the beholder.

One year immigration said the KR2 was too old and to pop down to the local amphur in Sri Ratcha and get a new one. This was about 10.30 in the morning and the guy at the amphur said come back about 4pm. We drove along to Chonburi and did it in about 15 minutes, back by the time immigration reopened after lunch. 

Best check  with the amphur that nothing taking place before deciding to go, the KR 2 only needs to be recent.

You should be able to get the letter and statement from any branch so look for one close to immigration.

[KruAlastair]

23 hours ago, Tod Daniels said:

 

You seem averse to actually going to your immigration office and asking for the hand out listing the exact documents required so you can pull this extension off with one try (rather than the several attempts many people make <- people who don't go get the hand out 😉 

If you've been married more than a year, and were married in thailand you need to get an updated Kor Ror 2 <- the thai marriage document that looks like a form all in thai, costs 20 baht at the Amphur (no need to go to the one you were married at, any Amphur can access the data and print it out for you 

At the bank you need to have the "standard bank letter" <- that's a 5 line letter with your name, the account number, your passport and the balance of the account the day they write the letter 
You also need to request a 3 month detail transaction report <- that shows every transaction in that account so immigrations can see you kept the balance over 400K baht for 2 months before you apply for the yearly extension 
AND 
You need to update your bank book on the day you go to apply for the extension so it shows the balance in the account on that day 

here's what the 'standard bank letter' and a Kor Ror 2 look like 
 

Yes Immigration offices are like hospitals for me, don't like them 😅but will be going in the mornign tomorrow.  Thank you for takign the time to reply with this information, much appreciated.  One more question.  I will have to get the documents at the bank and amphur on my own as due to the nature of my wife's job, she can only join me in the afternoon at the IO.  Is there a word in Thai I can show at the bank  to save me having to explain what I need?  

[KruAlastair]

7 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Quick and easy is in the eye of the beholder.

One year immigration said the KR2 was too old and to pop down to the local amphur in Sri Ratcha and get a new one. This was about 10.30 in the morning and the guy at the amphur said come back about 4pm. We drove along to Chonburi and did it in about 15 minutes, back by the time immigration reopened after lunch. 

Best check  with the amphur that nothing taking place before deciding to go, the KR 2 only needs to be recent.

You should be able to get the letter and statement from any branch so look for one close to immigration.

So theoretically the KR2 doesn't have to be done on the day, it just has to be recent, the trip to the bank on the other hand needs to be done on the day?

[Upnotover]

6 minutes ago, KruAlastair said:

Is there a word in Thai I can show at the bank  to save me having to explain what I need?  

Here is the Kasikorn letter heading.....translates to "Certificate of Balance in Deposit Account"

 

[Luuk Chaai]

On 6/14/2025 at 2:53 PM, KruAlastair said:

Thanks for the info, what documents do you need to ask for at the amphur and bank? Is it a quick and easy process? 

at the amphur ..  ( any office can do it )  the wife must present her National ID card...    takes 2 minutes 

 

at the bank you ask for a letter confirming funds for immigration   I always get 3 months  that takes 10-15 minutes

[KruAlastair]

1 minute ago, Luuk Chaai said:

at the amphur ..  ( any office can do it )  the wife must present her National ID card...    takes 2 minutes 

 

at the bank you ask for a letter confirming funds for immigration   I always get 3 months  that takes 10-15 minutes

So wife must be there with me at the amphur to get it ? or can I get it on my own? 

[Luuk Chaai]

1 minute ago, KruAlastair said:

So wife must be there with me at the amphur to get it ? or can I get it on my own? 

you can't get it    she must get it

I never even get out of the car   it's so quick

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, Luuk Chaai said:

at the bank you ask for a letter confirming funds for immigration   I always get 3 months  that takes 10-15 minutes

Just to be clear. 

You ask for a 3 month bank statement AND bank letter. 

The bank letter simply shows owner of the account and balance at time of issue. 

The statement shows balances over the 3 months to show financial compliance. 

Both can be obtained prior to attending immigration. (validity 7 days) 

[sandyf]

12 minutes ago, KruAlastair said:

So theoretically the KR2 doesn't have to be done on the day, it just has to be recent, the trip to the bank on the other hand needs to be done on the day?

Generally speaking yes. I have heard of some offices allowing a bank letter from the day before but mine doesn't.

Not sure on the lifespan of the KR2, could be as much as a year but wife goes about a week before. The one we had was 10 year old before they said to get a new one.

[Yellowtail]

If you are married, why not just let your wife handle it? 

 

I think they want you to submit 30 days prior to expiration. 

[KruAlastair]

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

If you are married, why not just let your wife handle it? 

She works full time in HR in the city. It's quite difficult to get her out of the office, especially on a weekday, needs to be planned ahead in advance. I work at home and do the school runs and try to do any menial tasks related to immigration myself. 

[Yellowtail]

Just now, KruAlastair said:

She works full time in HR in the city. It's quite difficult to get her out of the office, especially on a weekday, needs to be planned ahead in advance. I work at home and do the school runs and try to do any menial tasks related to immigration myself. 

She is going to have to go with you anyway. 

 

 

[sandyf]

15 minutes ago, KruAlastair said:

So wife must be there with me at the amphur to get it ? or can I get it on my own? 

A Thai ID number is required for the database, something very unlikely to be on the marriage certificate for a foreign spouse.

[sandyf]

7 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

If you are married, why not just let your wife handle it? 

Certainly at immigration, IOs are much happier talking to the wife.

[KruAlastair]

1 minute ago, sandyf said:

Certainly at immigration, IOs are much happier talking to the wife.

Of course she will be with me on that day yes, but I have to prepare everything. 

[sandyf]

6 minutes ago, KruAlastair said:

She works full time in HR in the city. It's quite difficult to get her out of the office, especially on a weekday, needs to be planned ahead in advance. I work at home and do the school runs and try to do any menial tasks related to immigration myself. 

You could try taking the marriage certificate and her ID to the amphur and see what they say, probably no but you never know.

[KruAlastair]

2 minutes ago, sandyf said:

You could try taking the marriage certificate and her ID to the amphur and see what they say, probably no but you never know.

Maybe if I get her on the phone? Worked at the airport immigration desk after they tried to stop me from leaving with my daughter (this is despite having the right documents in place from the amphur and having done it before on numerous occasions). 

[Yellowtail]

Your wife can get the KR2 on her lunch break. It takes like 5-minutes