From Retirment To Family Visa

[Phuketscooter]

Have someone resently gone from retirment visa to family visa. I have had non O visa many years and wanted to change to family visa. I am married to a Thai girl and we have a doughter. Is it easy and what kind of documentation is needed. I have the 400.000 Bath in the bank for thre months.

[LivinginKata]

I'm assuming you mean the one year extension to your visa..

It's much easier & quicker to process the retirement extension. The marriage visa requires a lot more paperwork, and interview, maybe a home visit, 2 Thai people to vouch that your marriage is genuine (1st application), and then you have to wait at least 2 months for Bangkok approval. Also Immigration have changed the rules over the past few years regarding the finances, and caught me out the last 2 times I renewed by marriage extension. Currently it's 400,000 baht in the husband's bank, or 40,000 baht/month husband's income.

That's a very quick explanation. Have a look at the Immigration & Visa forum.

[Phuketscooter]

As you say, the ruls changes all the time. I heard rumers that it was easier this year. That is why I wanted to hear if there are someone that reasentli have gone trought the prosess here in Phuket.

[LivinginKata]

As you say, the ruls changes all the time. I heard rumers that it was easier this year. That is why I wanted to hear if there are someone that reasentli have gone trought the prosess here in Phuket.

Doubt it's easier. Each year it seems more difficult. As I said, the last 2 years I had difficulty complying with the financial requirements (because they changed the rules) and their solution to my 10th year extension application ... leave the country. No compassion at all. I was lucky I had an alternative solution. I'll be back in December 2009 for my next extension application. See how it goes this year ...