Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hi.

 

Non Imm O visa based on marriage, question on gaining an extension.

 

Trying to get to the bottom of it after a visit to the Amphur Mueang office in Korat today, to obtain Kor Ror 22.

Married my wife in Singapore (over 20 years ago). 

 

Have.....

- Singapore marriage certificate and translation from English to Thai endorsed by notary public and the Royal Thai Embassy Singapore.

- I produced these in Korat today, was told that I require to gain endorsement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Laksi in Bangkok before can obtain Kor Ror 22.

Question = Is this correct? I need to go to Laksi MOFA to get another endorsement?

 

Tomorrow I am visiting a different Amphur office to try again.

 

I understand that the MOFA now has an online queue application for appointment that may take weeks. I don't have time to go through that as will leave the country in 5 days.

 

If an endorsement of my marriage documents by MOFA Bangkok is a necessity, can anyone suggest a reliable agent to approach? I don't expect to be back in the country until next year sometime.

 

Thanks in advance

Posted
2 hours ago, soihok said:

Hi.

 

Non Imm O visa based on marriage, question on gaining an extension.

 

Trying to get to the bottom of it after a visit to the Amphur Mueang office in Korat today, to obtain Kor Ror 22.

Married my wife in Singapore (over 20 years ago). 

 

Have.....

- Singapore marriage certificate and translation from English to Thai endorsed by notary public and the Royal Thai Embassy Singapore.

- I produced these in Korat today, was told that I require to gain endorsement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Laksi in Bangkok before can obtain Kor Ror 22.

Question = Is this correct? I need to go to Laksi MOFA to get another endorsement?

 

Tomorrow I am visiting a different Amphur office to try again.

 

I understand that the MOFA now has an online queue application for appointment that may take weeks. I don't have time to go through that as will leave the country in 5 days.

 

If an endorsement of my marriage documents by MOFA Bangkok is a necessity, can anyone suggest a reliable agent to approach? I don't expect to be back in the country until next year sometime.

 

Thanks in advance

 

No expert and ready to be shot down.....from memory we had to do something similar....... took our docks to a little office offering a MOFA service....1000B two days......that was Suk soi 13.

  • Like 1
Posted

Also be aware the district office / amphur may want to keep your original marriage certificate. They wanted to keep ours but I pleaded sentimental attachment and got them to take a copy instead (it was an official copy from the registry in UK, not a photocopy).

  • Like 1
Posted
47 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

The Amphur is correct.

I would also request the full requirements for registering your overseas marriage at your designated Amphur.
They may also require an Embassy certified copy of your Passport ID page, translating into Thai, then legalising by the MFA.

 

To obtain a Kor Ror 22 your overseas marriage must first be registered with the authorities.

There are two parts to the procedure, the first you have already accomplished in Singapore, which is merely 'authenticating' your marriage certificate and certified by the Thai Embassy in Singapore, but that does not register your overseas marriage in Thailand.

 

To register your overseas marriage at any Amphur, you need to have those documents 'legalised' by the Consular section of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Only then will the authorities register your overseas marriage, which will then enable you to obtain a Kor Ror22 in the future.

 

Another consideration is did your wife take your surname or keep her own.
If she took your surname then at the same time as registering the marriage, obtain a 'certificate of name change' and renew her ID.

 

You don't state where you are, but there are a number of Consular offices of the MFA around Thailand.

 

For legalisation of documents by the MFA, appointments are necessary.

The MFA have now opened several centres to have the above documents legalised.
1. 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si District, Bangkok 10210

2. MBK CENTER Shopping Mall, 5th floor, Zone A, Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok

3. Central Pattaya Shopping Center, 4th Floor, No. 333/102, Village No. 9, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province 20260

4. 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary International Convention and Exhibition Center, 1st floor, Rueng Phueng Building 2,
Muang District, Chiang Mai Province

5. Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall Building, 1st floor, back west side, Ubon Ratchathani Province

6. Temporary Passport Office, Songkhla, Laem Son On Road, Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Songkhla Province 90000

7. Central Phuket Festival Shopping Mall, B Floor, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province

 

Office locations, maps, contact numbers

https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/publicservice/สถานที่ให้บริการรับรองนิติกรณ์เอกสาร

 

You must book an appointment here https://qlegal.consular.go.th/customer/index choosing which office and download the barcode once accepted.

 

Hi.

Thank you very much for taking your time to explain this information in great detail. Its very much appreciated indeed.

I'm in Korat for a short period of time, we (wife, kids and me) will return to Singapore in a few days, so no time to arrange the things mentioned on my own at this time.

 

Actually the lady in Amphur Mueang office in Korat explained that marriage certificate needs endorsement by MFA but didn't mention anything else. She also said she couldn't give us any info on where to go to and any procedure at all 🤷, hmmm. Hence, my post here. 

 

Regarding my passport, it needs renewing in 6 months so I think that I might be better renewing it before to gain any further translation and legalisation. I won't be back in Thailand until sometime later next year. The documents obtained in Singapore will then be about 6 years old.  I think that if I wish to gain the required documents from MFA I need to engage an agent to do it for me. Can any be suggested?

 

My wife and I have been married for over 20 years. Her ID Card and passport are using my surname, for over 20 years. Both kids (dual Thai and UK) are my surname. I should have done all this palaver 20 years ago when things were far more easier. Not to worry.

 

Thanks again for such great information and detail. You put the lady in Amphur Mueang office to shame.

 

Posted
5 minutes ago, problemfarang said:

liquorice explained what i wanted to post

so no need mine

 

good luck

Thank you so much 👍

Its very well appreciated 

Posted
50 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

Also be aware the district office / amphur may want to keep your original marriage certificate. They wanted to keep ours but I pleaded sentimental attachment and got them to take a copy instead (it was an official copy from the registry in UK, not a photocopy).

They should never keep the originals, they may be requested in the future for other purposes.

Although I married in Thailand, I had my legalised copy of passport ID page and affidavit to marry all copied by laser jet copier (still have the originals) and the Amphur accepted those as I don't think they could tell any difference anyhow.

 

@soihok Take note and good advice to take good copies of these documents for safekeeping.

 

 

  • Thanks 1
Posted
26 minutes ago, soihok said:

Hi.

Thank you very much for taking your time to explain this information in great detail. Its very much appreciated indeed.

I'm in Korat for a short period of time, we (wife, kids and me) will return to Singapore in a few days, so no time to arrange the things mentioned on my own at this time.

Regarding my passport, it needs renewing in 6 months so I think that I might be better renewing it before to gain any further translation and legalisation. I won't be back in Thailand until sometime later next year. The documents obtained in Singapore will then be about 6 years old.  I think that if I wish to gain the required documents from MFA I need to engage an agent to do it for me.

I'd suggest that when you next return with a new passport, make an online prior appointment with the British Embassy for a certified copy of your passport.

Although I married in Thailand, I prebooked an appointment with the British Embassy whilst in the UK for the day after arriving in Bangkok.

I used and can recommend;

Express Translation Services
866 Phloen Chit Road

Lumphini
Pathum Wan

Bangkok 10330

Tel: 084 656 2459

https://www.expresstranslationservice.co.th

 

They translated the documents and had them legalised by the MFA, then returned via EMS to our home address in Roi Et.

Took 4 working days, but before appointments for the MFA were required.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
1 hour ago, BKKBike09 said:

Also be aware the district office / amphur may want to keep your original marriage certificate. They wanted to keep ours but I pleaded sentimental attachment and got them to take a copy instead (it was an official copy from the registry in UK, not a photocopy).

 

no they dont keep the originals. theya re the ones giving you the originals.. no any case they will ask to keep the originals.. maybe signed copies for the reason you applied.

the only reason they will ask your original marriage certificate is when you get divorce. and if you lost it you should bring your police report. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
40 minutes ago, problemfarang said:

no they dont keep the originals. theya re the ones giving you the originals..

The topic is about registering an overseas marriage.
Any original marriage certificate was issued overseas, and certainly not by a Thai Amphur.

Once a foreign marriage has been registered then an Amphur can issue a Kor Ror 22, which is a copy of the registration, as opposed to a Kor Ror 2, which is a copy of the registration when married at an Amphur in Thailand.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
3 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

The topic is about registering an overseas marriage.
Any original marriage certificate was issued overseas, and certainly not by a Thai Amphur.

Once a foreign marriage has been registered then an Amphur can issue a Kor Ror 22, which is a copy of the registration, as opposed to a Kor Ror 2, which is a copy of the registration when married at an Amphur in Thailand.

 

thanks

so they can ask and keep the original documents? thats my point

Posted
3 minutes ago, problemfarang said:

 

thanks

so they can ask and keep the original documents? thats my point

They can request to see the original documents, but shouldn't keep them, but it's your responsibility to supply good copies.
It's no different with original Thai documents, they can request to see them, but shouldn't keep them.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Posted
28 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

They can request to see the original documents, but shouldn't keep them, but it's your responsibility to supply good copies.
It's no different with original Thai documents, they can request to see them, but shouldn't keep them.

 

thank you

thats what i meant 

Posted
7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

They can request to see the original documents, but shouldn't keep them, but it's your responsibility to supply good copies.
It's no different with original Thai documents, they can request to see them, but shouldn't keep them.

 

Just to be clear here, I'm referring to an original UK marriage certificate. Ours was issued so long ago it's hand written, so rather more 'personalised' than the printed official replacement / additional copies that can be purchased from the registry in the UK (one of which I got the DO to accept instead).

 

The district office in question was Wattana in Bangkok; as we all I'm sure also know, district offices/amphur can make up ''the rules' as they go along, so asking to keep the original UK certificate might have been a quirk of that office, and may not even be the case now. My point in mentioning was simply to share experience. 

  • Thanks 1
Posted
19 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

Just to be clear here, I'm referring to an original UK marriage certificate. Ours was issued so long ago it's hand written, so rather more 'personalised' than the printed official replacement / additional copies that can be purchased from the registry in the UK (one of which I got the DO to accept instead).

Yes, I understood that from your post.

When we married, the staff at the Amphur requested my original UK divorce certificate as proof we could marry.
After pointing out, my divorce certificate was previously authenticated by the British Embassy in order to obtain the 'affidavit' of freedom to marry, they let it slide.

The staff are really poorly trained in the requirements.

 

It should be no different from Immigration, you supply copies which they ask you to sign as a certified copy of the original document, but they can request to view the original. I don't know how true it is, but the wife's cousin is a lawyer in Bangkok and states it's actually illegal for any administration to demand and retain any official original documents without your consent.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
14 hours ago, soihok said:

Non Imm O visa based on marriage, question on gaining an extension.

I believe you're the person who had tried to post on a f/b group I mod asking this same question
but
I declined the post and messaged you. Sadly you never saw the messages 😞 

Keep in mind up in Korat there are THIRTY TWO amphurs, so your thai wife needs to pound the phone and see if there's any amphur that will let you register the marriage without that MFA stamp (which is unlikely at best 😕 )   

I checked the appt (express service and regular 2 business day_ at both offices in Bangkok that do the MFA stamping (Chaengwattana and Central World Mall) and there's nothing until the 25th at the soonest, meaning for regular service you'd get it back on the  30th (two business days after you apply) 

You had mentioned you would be traveling out of town and couldn't make the appt

You do realize that a year extension based on marriage gets a 30 day under consideration stamp once you apply for it, THEN you go back on that date to get the extension inked in and can buy the year long re-entry permit right? 

If you're pressed for time, I'd say you will have to abort the process this go round and try it next time you come back for a couple 3 months (just get a new single entry Non-O visa when you come back)   

  • Thanks 1
Posted
9 hours ago, Liquorice said:

I'd suggest that when you next return with a new passport, make an online prior appointment with the British Embassy for a certified copy of your passport.

Although I married in Thailand, I prebooked an appointment with the British Embassy whilst in the UK for the day after arriving in Bangkok.

I used and can recommend;

Express Translation Services
866 Phloen Chit Road

Lumphini
Pathum Wan

Bangkok 10330

Tel: 084 656 2459

https://www.expresstranslationservice.co.th

 

They translated the documents and had them legalised by the MFA, then returned via EMS to our home address in Roi Et.

Took 4 working days, but before appointments for the MFA were required.

Thank you once again.

Great information.

I'm returning to Singapore on Saturday, will make steps to try to gain the MFA endorsement of my Singapore marriage certificate (which is endorsed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore).

Very much appreciate your advice and suggestions 🙏.

Posted
53 minutes ago, Tod Daniels said:

I believe you're the person who had tried to post on a f/b group I mod asking this same question
but
I declined the post and messaged you. Sadly you never saw the messages 😞 

Keep in mind up in Korat there are THIRTY TWO amphurs, so your thai wife needs to pound the phone and see if there's any amphur that will let you register the marriage without that MFA stamp (which is unlikely at best 😕 )   

I checked the appt (express service and regular 2 business day_ at both offices in Bangkok that do the MFA stamping (Chaengwattana and Central World Mall) and there's nothing until the 25th at the soonest, meaning for regular service you'd get it back on the  30th (two business days after you apply) 

You had mentioned you would be traveling out of town and couldn't make the appt

You do realize that a year extension based on marriage gets a 30 day under consideration stamp once you apply for it, THEN you go back on that date to get the extension inked in and can buy the year long re-entry permit right? 

If you're pressed for time, I'd say you will have to abort the process this go round and try it next time you come back for a couple 3 months (just get a new single entry Non-O visa when you come back)   

Hi Tod, yes it is me.

Sorry I haven't received your message. I had guessed my post was declined, not to worry. Thanks very much for your advice and suggestions, its much appreciated.

 

I've kind of run out of time really, but it is good to know now that there is another round of official endorsement required to obtain the KR22. I was totally unaware of it and had thought that the endorsement by the Thai Embassy in Singapore was sufficient. My Mrs isn't impressed by me overlooking it 🤷.

 

I was also unaware about availability of the 30 day under consideration stamp from immigration. That would be in addition to the 90 day stay? I wouldn't like to be facing this run around with MFA when I eventually stop work (overseas, will apply for a Non Imm O based on marriage in Singapore, I hold a long term pass and ID Card, sad that the 12 month multi entry is no longer issued) and under pressure to get it all together for a visa extension in Thailand. Including getting a bank account, which seems to be difficult now, but have yet to try. During this 3 week visit I thought that I could clear the marraige registration side of things.

 

In retrospect, I should have cleared these requirements 20 years ago, we have been married for 23, but for the majority of that we have been living in Singapore and Malaysia (for work). Anyway it is what it is.

Thanks again 👍

  • Thumbs Up 2
Posted
34 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Get married again in ban rak. 👍

Crossed my mind very briefly, but as my wife and I have the same surname and I would require a document from my embassy stating I'm not already married, would appear rather bizarre 😃

  • Agree 1
  • Haha 1
Posted
12 hours ago, Liquorice said:

The MFA have now opened several centres to have the above documents legalised.
1. 123 Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si District, Bangkok 10210

2. MBK CENTER Shopping Mall, 5th floor, Zone A, Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok

3. Central Pattaya Shopping Center, 4th Floor, No. 333/102, Village No. 9, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province 20260

4. 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary International Convention and Exhibition Center, 1st floor, Rueng Phueng Building 2,
Muang District, Chiang Mai Province

5. Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall Building, 1st floor, back west side, Ubon Ratchathani Province

6. Temporary Passport Office, Songkhla, Laem Son On Road, Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Songkhla Province 90000

7. Central Phuket Festival Shopping Mall, B Floor, Wichit Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province

 

Only for information:

 

The MFA Office in Pattaya offers also walk-in, if you come early no need to make an appointment in advance!

I came for legalization of passport translation after lunch and was still fine without appointment.

 

Bildschirmfoto 2025-07-22 um 05.22.18.png

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted
10 minutes ago, soihok said:

Crossed my mind very briefly, but as my wife and I have the same surname and I would require a document from my embassy stating I'm not already married, would appear rather bizarre 😃

 

Nah,  it will appear bizarre, but everyone knows TiT so no totally understood. Even the Thais 😭

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
33 minutes ago, soihok said:

Hi Tod, yes it is me.

No worries, it's in your message requests on f/b messenger (hard to find them) 

you have good responses on this thread, and @Liquorice knows what's what as do others

Take it a step at a time, don't get ahead of yourself. and if you need to get a new 90 day Non-O visa online from the thai consulate in Singapore before you come back do it, 

Best of luck with it,

  • Like 1
  • Love It 1
Posted
3 minutes ago, Tod Daniels said:

No worries, it's in your message requests on f/b messenger (hard to find them) 

you have good responses on this thread, and @Liquorice knows what's what as do others

Take it a step at a time, don't get ahead of yourself. and if you need to get a new 90 day Non-O visa online from the thai consulate in Singapore before you come back do it, 

Best of luck with it,

Hi Tod 

Yes, just seen your messages now. Sorry to have missed them earlier.

Will reply now.

Many thanks to @Liquorice, yourself and other members that have taken time to advise me and making suggestions. Very valuable information and help indeed 🙏

  • Thanks 1
Posted
38 minutes ago, soihok said:

I was also unaware about availability of the 30 day under consideration stamp from immigration. That would be in addition to the 90 day stay? I wouldn't like to be facing this run around with MFA when I eventually stop work (overseas, will apply for a Non Imm O based on marriage in Singapore,

Slightly off topic but just to reiterate @Tod Daniels comments.

 

Entering with a Non O visa from a Thai Embassy will grant a period of stay for 90 days.

You can apply for the 1 year extension based on Thai spouse at most IO's early with 45 days permission of stay remaining, subject to meeting the 400K requirement which must be seasoned in a Thai bank account in your sole name for 2 months prior to the date of application. You can also apply for a further 60 day extension to the original 90-day entry if you need more time to register the marriage and/or season the required funds.

 

All 1 year extensions of stay have to be approved by the regional office, not the local office.
When you submit the application, the local office will stamp a 30-day under consideration stamp in your passport which could be 30 days after your current permission of stay expires, allowing the regional office time to approve the application.
You cannot be on overstay whilst an extension is under consideration. Return to your local office on the date specified on the stamp to receive the extension, which will be backdated if your original permission of stay expires.

  • Love It 1
Posted
12 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Slightly off topic but just to reiterate @Tod Daniels comments.

 

Entering with a Non O visa from a Thai Embassy will grant a period of stay for 90 days.

You can apply for the 1 year extension based on Thai spouse at most IO's early with 45 days permission of stay remaining, subject to meeting the 400K requirement which must be seasoned in a Thai bank account in your sole name for 2 months prior to the date of application. You can also apply for a further 60 day extension to the original 90-day entry if you need more time to register the marriage and/or season the required funds.

 

All 1 year extensions of stay have to be approved by the regional office, not the local office.
When you submit the application, the local office will stamp a 30-day under consideration stamp in your passport which could be 30 days after your current permission of stay expires, allowing the regional office time to approve the application.
You cannot be on overstay whilst an extension is under consideration. Return to your local office on the date specified on the stamp to receive the extension, which will be backdated if your original permission of stay expires.

Thanks again Liquorice.

What great information this is.

Very much appreciated indeed.

Have a great day.

Cheers 

Chris 

  • Thanks 1
Posted
On 7/21/2025 at 10:02 PM, Liquorice said:

They may also require an Embassy certified copy of your Passport ID page, translating into Thai, then legalising by the MFA.

 

The MFA have now opened several centres to have the above documents legalised.

For information.

There is also an MFA centre in bluport Hua Hin. Walk in.

My amphur in kui buri , prachuap, asked for certified documents, but i was lucky they accepted the original uk marriage certificate with a translation and gave me the khor ror 22. They did tell me to get the apsostillle done in uk because i may be asked for it.

I did get it done when back in the uk recently.

So i have the uk and london legalization done.

However, getting the translation certified to go with the marriage cert has not been straightforward.

Have had to get corrections made to the thai translation twice.

If you had to do appointments each time that would be a lot of time.

Fortunately in hua hin, the MFA staff have been very good, walk in each time and they quickly process.

Soihok should also be aware that a khor ror 22 is only valid for two months at immigration. But you can easily go to any amphur office to get it renewed. You do not have to go to the original amphur where you first registered.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
3 hours ago, jojothai said:

For information.

There is also an MFA centre in bluport Hua Hin. Walk in.

My amphur in kui buri , prachuap, asked for certified documents, but i was lucky they accepted the original uk marriage certificate with a translation and gave me the khor ror 22. They did tell me to get the apsostillle done in uk because i may be asked for it.

I did get it done when back in the uk recently.

So i have the uk and london legalization done.

However, getting the translation certified to go with the marriage cert has not been straightforward.

Have had to get corrections made to the thai translation twice.

If you had to do appointments each time that would be a lot of time.

Fortunately in hua hin, the MFA staff have been very good, walk in each time and they quickly process.

Soihok should also be aware that a khor ror 22 is only valid for two months at immigration. But you can easily go to any amphur office to get it renewed. You do not have to go to the original amphur where you first registered.

Thanks very much.

Regarding the 2 months validity. Does this have to be done at every 12 months extension?

Is it's renewal straight forward (not having to mess about with MFA again)?

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.



×
×
  • Create New...