I am currently on a multi 'O' retirement visa which expires in June 2014. I will be marrying a Thai later this month. My question is, should I apply for a 'retirement extension' or a 'marriage extension' when I come to apply in 2014?

I have 800,000 in a Thai bank and also jointly own a condo with a 'yellow' book in my name.

Answers appreciated.

With 800,000 all ready in the bank, retirement will be an easier option. immigration will also prefer it, as it is less work for them as well.

If you do not want or need a work permit then extension based on retirement would be the best.

Is there any advantage in having a Non I. O visa based on Marriage over the retirement option? Apart from needing less money in the bank or 40k. baht per month the Marriage option is such a hassle and requires a forest of paperwork, photographs of family and more recently statements from both parties that the marriage is subsisting/ genuine.

The ability to obtain a work permit is about the only practical reason. If not intending to work retirement is easier for everyone if you have the financials.

The Marriage Extension is really not that difficult. Pretty easy in fact.

However if you qualify for the Retirement Extension it will be even easier.

If you intend working you should go with the Marriage Extension.

Thank you all, I do not intend to work, so I shall pursue the Retirement Extension.

The 800K can it be on a fixed deposit? I can prove i have more ready to use money but it's less then 800K.

TIA

If a passbook type cash fixed deposit it is normally accepted. What can not be used are fund type accounts and where cash less interest is not immediately available on demand.

Cna be in a fixed account, but you must be able to take out the money if needed. A fixed account in which you don't have access to the money is not accepted.

I am on a retirement extension, clearly stamped in my passport and have had 4 work permits issued by three different provincial labour offices. When I applied for my first extension I clearly stated I wanted an extension based on marriage, I was given one bassed on retirement. I complained to the Immigration officer saying I wanted to be able to get a work permit. She said no problem, I didn't believe her, but she was right it turned out to be no problem.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I am on a retirement extension, clearly stamped in my passport and have had 4 work permits issued by three different provincial labour offices. When I applied for my first extension I clearly stated I wanted an extension based on marriage, I was given one bassed on retirement. I complained to the Immigration officer saying I wanted to be able to get a work permit. She said no problem, I didn't believe her, but she was right it turned out to be no problem.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

That would depend on the labour office. Some members do not have a problem, but 95 to 99% of the people in your situation have.

It is a problem at most locations and for most employment - obviously you have not faced that but we have many reports from those that have. Is it perhaps your type of employment?

I am on a retirement extension, clearly stamped in my passport and have had 4 work permits issued by three different provincial labour offices. When I applied for my first extension I clearly stated I wanted an extension based on marriage, I was given one bassed on retirement. I complained to the Immigration officer saying I wanted to be able to get a work permit. She said no problem, I didn't believe her, but she was right it turned out to be no problem.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

That was up here in Isaan probably. It wouldn't be done in Bangkok and other paces.

I was a teacher at government schools, maybe that was the difference, or maybe because I was on an extension and not an OA.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Isaangeorge, did your wife go with you when you got your last extension? Did she have to sign anything?

No my wife did not go with me, I always go by myself. The only time my wife went with me, was when I applied for the extension based on marriage, which they gave me one based on retirement instead. However immigration do know I'm married, but when I was working immigration never asked, and I never told them.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app