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.

How many of Thai couple earn 40,000 bath in month ?? I am wondering how much immigration officer earn in month. Maybe somebody can ask

I have a visa based on marriage, which I've extended several times. The local immigration office always suggest I "convert" to retirement at the next extension. According to them the paperwork is much simpler - easier form, less photocopies, no family photos etc. Also, from what they say the local office can issue the retirement visa if all in order. For the family support / marriage visa the forms go to HQ and are vetted "by a committee". This normally take 4-6 wks before its back.

I stick with the marriage because I want the option to work here at some point.

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!

Pardon my ignorance but why on earth would you want to change from extension by Marriage to extension by Retirement./

I sense that your reason may help me with my own plans. NB: I have been living in Thailand for 20 years on and off and continuously for the last 10 years.

Pardon my ignorance but why on earth would you want to change from extension by Marriage to extension by Retirement./

I sense that your reason may help me with my own plans. NB: I have been living in Thailand for 20 years on and off and continuously for the last 10 years.

The plus side is that the application is slightly easier.

The downside is that the financial requirements are double and you would not be able to work if you want to.

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!!!!).

Do they really ask for this? Does that mean that they don't believe that district office officials checked it when they married you? Unbelievable what these bureaucrats can think up to waste time.

One or two offices seem to be asking for it

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!!!!).

Do they really ask for this? Does that mean that they don't believe that district office officials checked it when they married you? Unbelievable what these bureaucrats can think up to waste time.

How about asking for my wife's 24 year old divorce certificate after we had already been legally married for almost 11 years when applying for my 5th extension. Luckily we had a copy at home or it could of been a trip to Yala where she got divorced.

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!!!!).

Do they really ask for this? Does that mean that they don't believe that district office officials checked it when they married you? Unbelievable what these bureaucrats can think up to waste time.

How about asking for my wife's 24 year old divorce certificate after we had already been legally married for almost 11 years when applying for my 5th extension. Luckily we had a copy at home or it could of been a trip to Yala where she got divorced.

Sure, it's only a short skid from Ubon to Yala!!

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.

If I obtained Thai citizenship and got dual citizenship for both here and Australia would anyone know if I could still apply for the Aus pension in 12 years time?(yes I know you need to live there for 2 years prior)Has anyone been there,done that?.My husband is born Thai but Aus citizen for over 30 years and only worked there so he will be eligible if we go down that road.Could I be a part of his pension?.He is 2 years older than me.Anyone have any knowledge of this situation?