I'm going to renew my 3rd consecutive marriage visa 1 year extension on Monday and just noticed some people mentioning that the marriage certificate itself is not enough anymore, that you need a statement from the amphur that the marriage is still valid.

Is that true? When I called Immigration they never told me that and last year I didn't need it either.

That request is rather unusual and was perhaps made by an immigration office with the first application for extension of stay in order to save the work of having to visit the applicant at his residence and interview neighbours.

In Bangkok, I understand that for repeat applications it is necessary to bring along your wife and she will be asked a few questions, perhaps even has to sign a paper, to ascertain that your marriage continues to be de facto.

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Maestro

That request is rather unusual and was perhaps made by an immigration office with the first application for extension of stay in order to save the work of having to visit the applicant at his residence and interview neighbours.

In Bangkok, I understand that for repeat applications it is necessary to bring along your wife and she will be asked a few questions, perhaps even has to sign a paper, to ascertain that your marriage continues to be de facto.

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Maestro

I think you meant "de jure", or lawful (registered) marriage.

de facto is an unpopular term in Muang Thai.

....you need a statement from the amphur that the marriage is still valid.

How the hel_l can the Amphur confirm that a marriage is still valid?

I renewed my one year marriage extension last week, they only asked to see the original marriage certificate and requested 2 photocopies (2 copies of everything). No statement from the Amphor was necessary. Your wife will have to be with you to counter sign every piece of paper in the world, I am sure that the paperwork for one visa extension equates to at least 3 large trees!

I think you meant "de jure", or lawful (registered) marriage.

No. The marriage certificate is evidence that you are legally married. The presence of your and the official's interview with her confirm that she is still living with you as your wife.

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Maestro

I can now confirm the marriage certificate is all they wanted to see (and be careful, they don't really treat the original with care unless you tell them to).