Can I Get A 12 Month Extension?

[Leesoi2]

I am married to a Thai lady and have several children with her. I came here a bit over a year ago on a non immigrant O that I got in the states then when it was about run out I went to KL after thinking I read that I could get a multi entry O there if I had at least 30k in a Thai bank. They said that was not enough and instead gave me 3 months and said I could get a 12 month extension in Bangkok if I put more money in the Thai bank. This 3 month visa will expire in about two weeks. I can put more in the bank here but how much? Is there enough time on this visa to get it extended? Does anybody know what options I have without leaving Thailand? Thanks for any sound advice, best regards, Lee

[InterestedObserver]

You need 400,000 baht on deposit in a local Thai bank account for 2 months or 40,000 baht income per month to qualify for a 1 year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai lady. Must be in your own name, not your wife's. Unless you can get a 60 day extension, under 2.24 of the extension rules, you appear to be a little short of time for the cash in the bank route.

[thaiphoon]

Financial requirements for 12 month extension of stay based on Thai wife are either 400k in Thai bank for 2 months before first application or 40k/month income (if from abroad certified by embassy, if from in Thailand supported by Thai tax receipts).

If necessary you can apply for 60 day extension at Thai immigration on basis of visiting wife which would allow you more time for funds to season/get documents together.

[Leesoi2]

You need 400,000 baht on deposit in a local Thai bank account for 2 months or 40,000 baht income per month to qualify for a 1 year extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai lady. Must be in your own name, not your wife's. Unless you can get a 60 day extension, under 2.24 of the extension rules, you appear to be a little short of time.

Thanks for your reply. I don't have that much income but I can put the 400k in the bank, it is a joint account in my name and my wifes, would that be OK?, it would only have been there for a few days before I have to go to the immigration office though. Is a 60 day possible? Any other way? Thanks, Lee

[thaiphoon]

Funds should be in your name and properly seasoned when applying for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage using bank balance option. You can apply for 60 day extension now as will start from the end of your current permission to stay. Financials are not required for 60 day extension. Visit Immigration with wife. You will need to take with you marriage certificate, wife's ID card, tabbien bahn (house book), completed application form TM7, copies of passport pages/TM6 departure card + passport photo. Some offices are also asking for photos of you and wife around the house and map to house. Fee 1900 baht. Then apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage as soon as your funds have properly seasoned.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

(print the two-sided form on a single sheet of paper or obtain/complete at immigration)

[Lite Beer]

From the Police Order.

12 month extension.

(6) In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.

60 day extension.

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

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de

jure (legitimate) and de facto.

[Leesoi2]

Funds should be in your name and properly seasoned when applying for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage using bank balance option. You can apply for 60 day extension now as will start from the end of your current permission to stay. Financials are not required for 60 day extension. Visit Immigration with wife. You will need to take with you marriage certificate, wife's ID card, tabbien bahn (house book), completed application form TM7, copies of passport pages/TM6 departure card + passport photo. Some offices are also asking for photos of you and wife around the house and map to house. Fee 1900 baht. Then apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage as soon as your funds have properly seasoned.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

(print the two-sided form on a single sheet of paper or obtain/complete at immigration)

Thanks, looks like a 60 day extension will be the way to go until the funds season. Is my wife's presence required at the immigration office? We live in Chiang Rai and have 6 kids, some in school and some in diapers and still nursing so it would not be easy for her to go as the kids would have to come with us. Bangkok is a tough destination with a whole family in tow especially since I need to do this when there are travel advisories out there.

Do you think a joint bank account is OK? My name is on it with her. Thanks again, Lee

[Leesoi2]

Funds should be in your name and properly seasoned when applying for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage using bank balance option. You can apply for 60 day extension now as will start from the end of your current permission to stay. Financials are not required for 60 day extension. Visit Immigration with wife. You will need to take with you marriage certificate, wife's ID card, tabbien bahn (house book), completed application form TM7, copies of passport pages/TM6 departure card + passport photo. Some offices are also asking for photos of you and wife around the house and map to house. Fee 1900 baht. Then apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage as soon as your funds have properly seasoned.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

(print the two-sided form on a single sheet of paper or obtain/complete at immigration)

Thanks, looks like a 60 day extension will be the way to go until the funds season. Is my wife's presence required at the immigration office? We live in Chiang Rai and have 6 kids, some in school and some in diapers and still nursing so it would not be easy for her to go as the kids would have to come with us. Bangkok is a tough destination with a whole family in tow especially since I need to do this when there are travel advisories out there.

Do you think a joint bank account is OK? My name is on it with her. Thanks again, Lee

It would be a lot easier to take one of our kids along if I need one of the family with me rather than the wife and all the kids. Of course it is much easier to travel solo if that would work. Best regards, Lee

[Lite Beer]

You have to go to your local Immigration Office. Not Bangkok.

The money has to be in your account , not a joint.

Your Wife definitely has to be there for the 12 month extension to be interviewed and sign a statement.

It would help if she was there for the 60 day one also.

[Leesoi2]

You have to go to your local Immigration Office. Not Bangkok.

The money has to be in your account , not a joint.

Your Wife definitely has to be there for the 12 month extension to be interviewed and sign a statement.

It would help if she was there for the 60 day one also.

Hi Lite Beer,

Thanks. Local would be much better. Wonder how I find out which one is correct? I think there is one in Mae Sai, about 45 minute drive from here if that would work. No problem to take her there.

Seems odd they would require a husband to have a separate bank account from his wife. A bit at risk if he would die. I can open another account just I would not normally open an account without putting her name on it.

Thanks again! Lee

[Lite Beer]

You do have to use your local office. Mai Sai would be it.

The money has to be your money. Not joint money.

the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank

[lopburi3]

I would call Mai Sai and ask about the account name. Believe some offices have allowed joint accounts with wife (as they should in my opinion - the purpose is to show funds to support for the year). If not allowed, set up in your name now so will have the 2 months before the extension ends.

[Leesoi2]

I would call Mai Sai and ask about the account name. Believe some offices have allowed joint accounts with wife (as they should in my opinion - the purpose is to show funds to support for the year). If not allowed, set up in your name now so will have the 2 months before the extension ends.

That makes good sense, we will call. I could understand making it a requirement to have the wife's name on the account as the money is for support but can not imagine why it would be required not to be on there unless it was by error when they made the law. Thanks a lot for your help guys. Best regards, Lee

[Lite Beer]

A couple of years ago it was Family Income.

That changed to Husbands income November 2008

[lopburi3]

It was only family income for a very short period - prior to that it was support Thai wife stamp and income was allowed in a joint account at most locations but had to belong to husband and foreign input was checked to confirm this. Then it was family income. Then it returned to husband income but they did not allow joint accounts (but at same time did not check the source of the money in the account as had often been the case earlier).

[Lite Beer]

(but at same time did not check the source of the money in the account as had often been the case earlier).

So now it can be your Wife's money providing she puts it in your account