I am a foreigner(Canadian) married to a Thai, it would be appreciated that policies change regarding residency. We are currently building a house in Chiang Mai and plan to live in Thailand for the rest of my life. I find it biased and rather harsh with the immigration policies and demands put on me. Why should I apply for extensions, a bank account that must show 800,000 baht and over and an income statement. I have been with my wife over 5 years and married for two. It's time to change these laws, at least for married expats who wish to live in Thailand. Thank you for your consideration.

I believe that in every country you ned to apply for an extension from time to tme and meet some financial requirements.

As for 800,000 baht, that is for an extension based on retirement. Based on marriage to a Thai you only have to show 400,000 baht.in a bank accoount in your name in Thailand.

It's called the 'law' and we were well aware of the regulations before we came here.

We have 2 choices - accept it, or live somewhere else.

That does not mean to say that I don't agree with - I do where the fallacy of 90 day reporting is concerned and applying for annual extensions. Perhaps after, say, 1 extension you could be eligible for a 3 year extension - a similar system works with the 1 the 5 years driving licence.

By the way you only need 400k in the bank.

(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.

(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.

Whilst I understand that for a Retirement extension you can combine income/bank deposit, I thought for a Retirement extension it was either/or with no combination allowed.

The following extract from Siam Legal website has caused me to question that belief:-

Marriage Visa Special Requirements

Must be married to a Thai nationalNo criminal history and must be able to enter ThailandMust meet the financial requirements as follows: Bank Account of at least 400,000 THB* or Monthly income of at least 40,000 THB or a combination: Thai bank account + Yearly income= 400,000 THB

* Must be at least 2 months in the bank

That is wrong.

It is one or the other not a combination.

Marriage Visa Special Requirements

Must be married to a Thai nationalNo criminal history and must be able to enter ThailandMust meet the financial requirements as follows: Bank Account of at least 400,000 THB* or Monthly income of at least 40,000 THB or a combination: Thai bank account + Yearly income= 400,000 THB

* Must be at least 2 months in the bank

Might be some consulate rule for Visa.

The OP is asking for extension of stay at immigrations in Thailand where the combined income is not allowed.

(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.

Whilst I understand that for a Retirement extension you can combine income/bank deposit, I thought for a Retirement extension it was either/or with no combination allowed.

The following extract from Siam Legal website has caused me to question that belief:-

Marriage Visa Special Requirements

Must be married to a Thai nationalNo criminal history and must be able to enter ThailandMust meet the financial requirements as follows: Bank Account of at least 400,000 THB* or Monthly income of at least 40,000 THB or a combination: Thai bank account + Yearly income= 400,000 THB

* Must be at least 2 months in the bank

A criminal history is not checked when applying for a visa or an extension of stay. (of course a criminal history can be a reason to deny someone entry or continued stay in Thailand, if one is deemed a danger to the public).

The information about finacial requirements are wrong. At many consulates there are no finacial requirements for getting a visa based on marriage. A combination of income and money in the bank is not allowed for people on a extension of stay based on marriage.

Thank you for those confirmations.

I am simply trying to learn a little more each day about the visa processes. When I come across conflicting information it is nice to know that I can get the true facts from the experts on this forum.

Thanks again.