Please Clarify Tourist Visa To Non 'o' (marriage)

[Wentworth]

I am staying in Thailand on a Tourist Visa. It is likely that I will be getting married to a Thai lady soon. I have enquired about changing to a Non 'O' - Marriage.

Mae Sai immigration tell me that I have to get a 3 month visa from outside Thailand. A month before that visa ends I should apply at their office with proof of marriage and income guarantee.

Chiang Mai immigration just handed me a leaflet, which really only gives details of extensions.

I rang the Thai immigration helpline (1111) as advertised on this site. They told me that I don't need to leave Thailand. I need to go to an immigration office with:

Proof that I have registered marriage in Thailand(presumably at an Amphur).

Copy of Passport.

Marriage Certificate.

Proof of income guarantee.

2,000 Baht visa fee.

Copy of wife's ID card.

As you can imagine I am well confused. I would be grateful for some guidance.

[Mario2008]

There is the possibility of converting a tourist visa in a non-immigrant visa. But you would have to have at least 21 days remaining on your permission to stay and you would need to qualify for the one year extension. In essence you would need to be able to show an income of 40,000 a month or have 400,000 in a Thai bankaccount.

Incoem from within Thailand is shown by tax-documents, income from abroad by letter from your embassy confirming your income.

The information you got from the helpline is right. But don't forget also to take the misses with you.

[ubonjoe]

You will find that some immigration offices don't know about or do a change of visa status.

I suggest you use the information you get from the office where you are going to apply for the extension.

If you are getting close to needing another visa after you get married I suggest that you get a single entry non immigrant O visa based upon marriage instead of the tourist visa. You can get it easily from any consulate with a copy of your marriage certificate, your wifes ID and house book.

[Mario2008]

Based on your marriage with a Thai you can also get a 60 day extension from immigration.

[frenchFARANGbkk]

Based on your marriage with a Thai you can also get a 60 day extension from immigration.

Hi,

Are you talkign about a 60 days extension on a tourist visa because of marriage ?

Is the fee 1900 thb as for tourist visa extension ?

Thanks.

[Lite Beer]

Yes, all extensions are 1,900 Baht.

2.24 In the case of an alien

visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission

will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time

[lopburi3]

You can obtain a 60 day extension of stay to visit wife but she should be with your and have marriage certificate and her ID/home register to be sure. It will cost the same 1,900 baht as any extension of stay and use the same TM.7 form/photo.