On my next visa renewal, I'm considering changing my status from extended by marriage to extended due to retirement.

Considering that I'm already here on a legitimate visa extension (marriage to a Thai national), what paperwork will be needed to change the extension from Marriage to Retired. I qualify financially.

Just the financial paperwork - they may want wife to sign a paper that she understands the change in your status due to joint property provisions of Thai law but once done it will just be you and very easy/immediate extension each year.

Just the financial paperwork - they may want wife to sign a paper that she understands the change in your status due to joint property provisions of Thai law but once done it will just be you and very easy/immediate extension each year.

Lopburi3,

That almost sounds to simplistic. I take in my bank-signed bank statement plus a printout of my bank account, a TM7, a signed statement from my wife -- and all is good. I've dealt with immigration too many time over the last 5 year. It sounds too simple. Do you know of any "official links" that explains in detail the procedure? I've been to immigration before where I had to come back multiple times because different officials wanted different paperwork. I'll be doing this in Chiang Mai in the March / April timeframe. But I like planning ahead. Are you sure that is the only paperwork needed. I'd rather have too much paperwork than not enough.

Thanks!

Retirement Extensions are simple.

Proof of financials only required.

But they may want your wife to appear with you when making the change - just to be sure she knows - and perhaps sign a paper while there so have her go with you and be sure to have some proof of address (although probably will not be required as long as still living with wife). It is one trip and takes about 15 minutes at most places (but could be a queue wait at some). Be sure to make a reservation early in Chiang Mai (two weeks before expiration should be good for extension application date visit).

If you do want to change from 'Marriage' to 'Retired' extension, does the B800k have to be in the bank for 2 or 3 months for first retirement extension?

Marriage extension is getting to be a hassle (especially if they ask for this 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry' form which has been lost by the Amphur!!!!).

2 months it should be, but might be up to the officer. If that is a problem, you can get a 60 day extension first based on your marriage so you can season te money and then apply for based on retirement.

For a combination of income and money in the bank in Thailand no seasoning is required.

Am I correct in thinking that if one changes from extension for Thai wife to retirement, then getting a job in Thailand is no longer allowed on the extension? That's was I always thought anyway, so I always stick with marriage as occasionally need a job with a Thai work permit.

You cannot normally get a work permit with a retirement extension.

Marriage extension is getting to be a hassle (especially if they ask for this 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry' form which has been lost by the Amphur!!!!).

I think I would appeal if they refused to accept my application because I did not have the affirmation of permit to marry if I could not get a copy of it from the Amphoe. I suspect many people might find the Amphoe no longer has the original given to them when registering a marriage several years ago (11 years for me).

I can see them asking for it in case of newly weds or even the first application. But after several applications and married for a number of years it is total nonsense to be asked for it.

Marriage extension is getting to be a hassle (especially if they ask for this 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry' form which has been lost by the Amphur!!!!).

I think I would appeal if they refused to accept my application because I did not have the affirmation of permit to marry if I could not get a copy of it from the Amphoe. I suspect many people might find the Amphoe no longer has the original given to them when registering a marriage several years ago (11 years for me).

I can see them asking for it in case of newly weds or even the first application. But after several applications and married for a number of years it is total nonsense to be asked for it.

I was thinking the same thing, Joe, but I always like to be safe than sorry (especially with Thai Immigration!!!).

I contacted a friend who knows an Amphur official quite well where we registered our marriage 11 years ago (Chiang Rai) and he was told that our paperwork could not be found in amongst all the reams of paperwork kept in their backrooms. So if asked for it next extension, I'm up that familiar creek without any rowing assistance!!

There have only been a few reports of it being asked for and most were the first extension.

You do have the right to appeal to a higher level according to the police order for extensions.

Ok thanks. Feel a good bit easier now. Will probably stick to the Marriage extension for financial reasons.

Also would expect a copy could be obtained from MFA as am sure they keep on record. Would likely require the registration number but suspect District Office would have that if they have not lost the ledger entry for marriage.

^{If a local Amphur office was bad enough, imagine the pinnacles of paperwork at the national MFA!!!}

Actually MFA is a model of efficiency in Thailand from my experience. They run the passport office which is excellent.

Connda.

WHY? do you want to change anyhow.

With a thai wife you only need Baht 45,000 per month.

With a retirement you need baht 65,000 per month.

Another stupid thai rule.

2 people Baht 45,000.

1 person Baht 65,000.

Don't need to be a mathematician to know 1 can live cheaper than 2.

Anyhow good luck with it all.

Should be no worries for you.

I had to go to my embassy and get a stat. declaration saying i get more than Baht 65,000 per month, and show copy of bank book showing the Baht 65,000 for 3 months before i applied.

I HAD to do it because i divorced my Thai wife.

Connda.

WHY? do you want to change anyhow.

With a thai wife you only need Baht 45,000 per month.

With a retirement you need baht 65,000 per month.

Another stupid thai rule.

2 people Baht 45,000.

1 person Baht 65,000.

Don't need to be a mathematician to know 1 can live cheaper than 2.

Anyhow good luck with it all.

Should be no worries for you.

I had to go to my embassy and get a stat. declaration saying i get more than Baht 65,000 per month, and show copy of bank book showing the Baht 65,000 for 3 months before i applied.

I HAD to do it because i divorced my Thai wife.

There is quite a bit more paperwork involved and photos. You also need to bring your wife to be interviewed.

An extension of stay based upon marriage to a Thai lady only requires 40,000 baht not 45,000.

The people that wrote the rules probably assumed that a person married to a Thai would be able to live on a lower budget and the wife could also be working which does not count for the 40K.

Just the financial paperwork - they may want wife to sign a paper that she understands the change in your status due to joint property provisions of Thai law but once done it will just be you and very easy/immediate extension each year.

Sorry to veer off subject a bit.Lorburi3 where can I find more info about "joint property provisions of Thai law". I have been talking to (Thai) husband about our house etc should he fall off the perch before me He is planning on going to the Amphur to get things clarified should this be the case.

Basically marriage is joint property for anything bought during that union (as I believe is the case in many countries) but do not have any links to details. Am sure the marriage/divorce and family forums would have active threads on such matters.

If you are talking about a normal house/land foreigners can not own land (so likely a good reason to obtain citizenship as soon as you can) and believe there is a one year sale provision in such cases.

Per above, you can not own land and would have to sell within a year. But you can own the house and have a usefruct.

Remember one thing, you can`t go back to marriage visa again, after got a retired visa, I have tried it in Hua Hin

We are talking about extensions of stay and yes you can and it is done often - anyone who wants to work has to do it. Just do not have enough money to qualify for retirement if there is such resistance

Just the financial paperwork - they may want wife to sign a paper that she understands the change in your status due to joint property provisions of Thai law but once done it will just be you and very easy/immediate extension each year.

Lopburi3,

That almost sounds to simplistic. I take in my bank-signed bank statement plus a printout of my bank account, a TM7, a signed statement from my wife -- and all is good. I've dealt with immigration too many time over the last 5 year. It sounds too simple. Do you know of any "official links" that explains in detail the procedure? I've been to immigration before where I had to come back multiple times because different officials wanted different paperwork. I'll be doing this in Chiang Mai in the March / April timeframe. But I like planning ahead. Are you sure that is the only paperwork needed. I'd rather have too much paperwork than not enough.

Thanks!

Just the financial paperwork - they may want wife to sign a paper that she understands the change in your status due to joint property provisions of Thai law but once done it will just be you and very easy/immediate extension each year.

Lopburi3,

That almost sounds to simplistic. I take in my bank-signed bank statement plus a printout of my bank account, a TM7, a signed statement from my wife -- and all is good. I've dealt with immigration too many time over the last 5 year. It sounds too simple. Do you know of any "official links" that explains in detail the procedure? I've been to immigration before where I had to come back multiple times because different officials wanted different paperwork. I'll be doing this in Chiang Mai in the March / April timeframe. But I like planning ahead. Are you sure that is the only paperwork needed. I'd rather have too much paperwork than not enough.

Thanks!

Dont know about Chiang Mai, but at end of this month I will be doing my 4th retirement extension.

As usual here in kanchanaburi I will take

1/ British Embassy letter confirming my required income.

2/ 3 5x4 cm photos

3/ signed copies of every passport page and departure card.

4/ Medical certificate (50 baht from local clinic)

It would appear that some immigration offices do not ask for a medical certificate, I have always been asked.

I have not had any problems with my application thus far.

I hope the same applies to you, should you choose this method.

Remember one thing, you can`t go back to marriage visa again, after got a retired visa, I have tried it in Hua Hin

Huhhhhh!!!?????

An extension of stay based upon marriage to a Thai lady only requires 40,000 baht not 45,000.

The people that wrote the rules probably assumed that a person married to a Thai would be able to live on a lower budget and the wife could also be working which does not count for the 40K.

Dont you mean 400,000 Baht in the bank???? or are you talking on a monthly basis?

He means an income of 40k per month - he was correcting the previous statement that it was 45k per month. The alternative is 400k in Thai bank account.

Dont know about Chiang Mai, but at end of this month I will be doing my 4th retirement extension.

As usual here in kanchanaburi I will take

1/ British Embassy letter confirming my required income.

2/ 3 5x4 cm photos

3/ signed copies of every passport page and departure card.

4/ Medical certificate (50 baht from local clinic)

It would appear that some immigration offices do not ask for a medical certificate, I have always been asked.

I have not had any problems with my application thus far.

I hope the same applies to you, should you choose this method.

I arrived on an on enter 30 day visa.

Chiang Mai Immigration then changed that to a 3 month Non-O which then allowed me to go for a retirement visa.

I got my retirement visa in Chiang Mai.

I took a print out of my bank statement, highlighted to show the pension income to the Brit consul and applied for their letter.

Returned the next day to collect and pay 2.250 Baht for the letter.

Took it with copies of passport, visas and pics to immigration and was lucky enough to be seen on the same day, the queue was more than half a day long.

No medical cert was required. Got the visa and bought the necessary re-entry visa at the same time.

As you said, about 15 mins in front of the very helpful immigration officer.

Subai subai

Marriage extension is getting to be a hassle (especially if they ask for this 'Affirmation of Freedom to Marry' form which has been lost by the Amphur!!!!).

I think I would appeal if they refused to accept my application because I did not have the affirmation of permit to marry if I could not get a copy of it from the Amphoe. I suspect many people might find the Amphoe no longer has the original given to them when registering a marriage several years ago (11 years for me).

I can see them asking for it in case of newly weds or even the first application. But after several applications and married for a number of years it is total nonsense to be asked for it.

My Thai son who is a British Citizen has an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from the British Embassy dated 4th August 2010 valid until 4th November 2020. Maybe they have had people coming back years later because of that very problem.