Marriage Visa Process

[johndpoole]

I had a 1 year EDU Visa which I was 6-months into but needed to go back to the states due to an emergency a couple weeks ago and didn't have time to apply for a re-entry permit. I also missed filing my 90 day update while I was gone. I am now back in Thailand on the 30 Day non-immigrant visa but intend on staying in Thailand much longer.

My girlfriend and I intended to get married later this year but am considering getting married now in order to expedite getting a visa for myself to remain here. I have no idea what the process is for obtaining such a visa or what requirements or wait times there are. Can anybody give me a little run down on this before I do more research.

Also, is there any way to re-activate my EDU visa? My GF called the school while I was gone and they said I was basically screwed and need to start all over again including paying them for a new year. What is interesting though is I have the all the paperwork from them for the embassy for all the 90 day reporting periods which they gave to me when I went for the first 90 Day report. Also odd is I intend on still attending classes which I have paid for but sounds like I need to pay again if I want a Visa. Then again, I have not spoke to them direct yet since I just got back last night.

At this point I am just looking for the cheapest and quickest way to stay in the country legally for 3 to 6-months. I intend to stay longer but will have other options (possibly work visa) available after that time.

Oh, and is there any issues with doing border runs by plane to keep getting 30 day extensions? I hear they got rid of the "no more than 90 days in the Kingdom w/in 6-months' rule. If this is true, anybody have any cheap destinations to recommend one my fly to? And can I simply pass through immigration at the airport and turn around and board a flight back to Bangkok?

Thanks for any tips or advice!

[lopburi3]

You are now on a 30 day visa exempt entry. Not a visa. There is no visa for marriage but marriage to a Thai would allow issue of non immigrant O visas. This provides a 90 day stay - multi entry for one year of 90 day stays is available at some locations but normally will require a show of 100k or more in a bank account locally - in Oz or home country that would likely not be required.

You have tourist visa options without marriage. You have 30 day visa exempt on flights (but tourist visa with option to extend 30 days would seem better). After marriage non immigrant O visa (or if you want to make a trip to Perth you can obtain now with her ID card). You should be able to continue the ED option if you get a new ED visa from a Consulate.