Converting Non-B To Non-O Pro'S & Con'S

[rufanuf]

Hi

I have lived in Thailand for 4 years, during which time I have been on a Non B Visa which I renewed historically in the UK when I returned home anually to see my family. I plan to marry my Thai partner of 4 years soon before my Non B expires in June next year.

My question really is a simple one. Many have told me that if I convert my Non B to Non O there are some aspects of maintaining the Non 0 that are easier or more convenient than the Non B. I have always until now avoided the Immiggration scrum at Thai Immigration offices to do 90 day report, taking the 90 day visa run option instead. However I have been told that if I get Non 0 the 90 day reporting process is far less tedious than if on a Non B....can anyone let me know their experience of going from Non B to Non 0.

My main obective in changing will be to negate the need to return the UK but also possibly negate the need to go to Cambodia every 90 days reporting is relatively hassle free. My Immigration Office will likely be Hua Hin, so any info on that offifce specifically would be great (ie is it busy, easy etc etc?)

Thnks

[lopburi3]

As you do not provide gender and say marriage to partner it makes specific advise difficult. If a registered marriage to a Thai woman:

1. No difference in visa requirements between non immigrant B and O except you would have to use marriage documents rather than employment at Consulate and only local Consulate that routinely issues one year non immigrant O visa is KL and they would require proof of 100k in bank account.

2. For extensions of stay from Immigration (no border runs required) no practical difference in 90 day address reporting or obtaining extensions of stay. For work would require extension work/financial paperwork. For Thai wife would require extension marriage/relationship/financial paperwork.

3. The advantage of Thai Wife extension of stay is that it would not end if work ends. Although it would end if marriage ends so may not be that much advantage for some.

4. If you are a woman the extension of stay process would be easier without financial paperwork.

[rufanuf]

Well I am male, if it makes a difference. You state in point 1 that KL is the ONLY consulate that routinely issues one year marriage visa's. I thought could your visa renewed in Thailand if your married? You can certainly get a non-b transferred to non and get another year I am told? Any opinions on that?

[lopburi3]

What you obtain here are extensions of stay as I stated in my post. They do not require a specific non immigrant visa entry type but just extend for a specific reason (work/Thai wife).