I just got officially married yesterday (Thai wife obviously) in BKK, but live in Phuket. Now want to apply for 1 year visa.

I read other posts on the subject that says marriage visa is an extension of a non imm.O visa.

I am here with a tourist visa (double entry+extensions since 3 years). That means i need to go abroad and get a non imm.O based on the fact that i am now married? And if so what documents (exactly), copies etc. i have to bring with me?

I point out that i have bank accounts with 800.000 baht since more than 3 months and tabien baan of my condo apt.

Please if you have the necessary experience in the matter tell me step by step what to do...many thanks!!

You can do a change of visa status at immigration (2000 baht). You will before you have less than 21 days left on your current entry. After they do they do the change of visa status they issue a non-o and then they do the 1 year extension (1900 baht). Some immigration offices will do this all at the same if you meet all the requirements for the extension.

You will need your marriage certificate, wifes ID and house book (plus copies), If you wife hasn't done it already she should have her house book and ID updated to show the marriage before you go to immigration.

Copy of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamps and TM6 departure card.

Letter from bank confirming your bank balance (400,000 baht minimum) in an account in your name only. Copy of bank book pages.

Photos of you and the wife in and around your condo and under (or next to) the number of the condo. If you have had a traditional wedding ceremoney pictures of that also. Map to your condo.

A copy of your tambien baan for your condo also (not requred but it would prove your address).

After they accept your application you will be given a stamp that tells you to come back in 30 days while they consider your application.

You will have to apply at immigration in Phuket. I suggest you go there when you have 30 days left on your current permit to stay or slightly before in case you are short any docments they might want other than the above.

Edit: Forgot to mention that you have to take your wife with you when you apply. They will do an interview. And also during the 30 day wait they might make a visit to confirm that you are living as husband and wife.

You can do a change of visa status at immigration (2000 baht). You will before you have less than 21 days left on your current entry. After they do they do the change of visa status they issue a non-o and then they do the 1 year extension (1900 baht). Some immigration offices will do this all at the same if you meet all the requirements for the extension.

You will need your marriage certificate, wifes ID and house book (plus copies), If you wife hasn't done it already she should have her house book and ID updated to show the marriage before you go to immigration.

Copy of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamps and TM6 departure card.

Letter from bank confirming your bank balance (400,000 baht minimum) in an account in your name only. Copy of bank book pages.

Photos of you and the wife in and around your condo and under (or next to) the number of the condo. If you have had a traditional wedding ceremoney pictures of that also. Map to your condo.

A copy of your tambien baan for your condo also (not requred but it would prove your address).

After they accept your application you will be given a stamp that tells you to come back in 30 days while they consider your application.

You will have to apply at immigration in Phuket. I suggest you go there when you have 30 days left on your current permit to stay or slightly before in case you are short any docments they might want other than the above.

Edit: Forgot to mention that you have to take your wife with you when you apply. They will do an interview. And also during the 30 day wait they might make a visit to confirm that you are living as husband and wife.

Thanks for the info Ubonjoe, your reply is what I was looking for!!

Glad to help.

You should not have a problem in Phuket. They will do the change of visa status.

Just go early to be sure you don't get caught by the 21 day rule.

Glad to help.

You should not have a problem in Phuket. They will do the change of visa status.

Just go early to be sure you don't get caught by the 21 day rule.

Some problem...

I went this morning to the immigration in Phuket. I have been told that there are no problems to get 1y visa for me but...i definetely need to have a non immigrant O visa BEFORE i apply. That means i have to go Malaysia (they suggested) to get one with my marriage certificate and wife id copy. It's not a big problem, i can go KL and do it, but with Thai consulates you are never sure about anything....

Did you mention change of visa status.

They should do it. Every time I hear this kind of response from any immigration office it really gets me PO"d.

This is something that is allowed and is done by many immigration offices.

Any nearby consulate will give you a single entry non-o. You will just need marriage certificate, wifes ID and house book.

Did you still have 21 days remaining on your current permitted to stay stamp?

Did you still have 21 days remaining on your current permitted to stay stamp?

Yes, as of today i have 31 days remainig (exp. 16 june). They just don't like tourist visa

Did you mention change of visa status.

They should do it. Every time I hear this kind of response from any immigration office it really gets me PO"d.

This is something that is allowed and is done by many immigration offices.

Any nearby consulate will give you a single entry non-o. You will just need marriage certificate, wifes ID and house book.

Yeah...what can i do....but i learned that arguing with immigration officials here gets you only in one direction: troubles.

So i have to make a nice trip to Malaysia next month, mai pen rai.

If the wife has not been to Penang it makes a good vacation. City of Georgetown has a nice feeling of Thailand before the apartment blocks were built and the trees cut down.