Marriage Visa And The 400,000 Question

[spot]

I am currently in Thailand, under 50 and married to a Thai woman.

I want to change my B visa to a marriage visa.

Is this possible?

If so, I understand that I need to show 400,000 in my Thai bank account - I am owed some money from a friend in Hong Kong. If the money was wired from Hong Kong and not my home country, would this be acceptable?

My wife and I are not living together yet, would this be a problem?

Thanks

spot

[eugengeri]

My wife and I are not living together yet, would this be a problem?

The Immigration officers visited us before they grant my visa and wanted to speak with our neighbours also. Can only speak from my experience - maybe not always and not everywhere. I don't know is that clever.

[SamuiJens]

I am currently in Thailand, under 50 and married to a Thai woman.

I want to change my B visa to a marriage visa.

Is this possible?

If so, I understand that I need to show 400,000 in my Thai bank account - I am owed some money from a friend in Hong Kong. If the money was wired from Hong Kong and not my home country, would this be acceptable?

My wife and I are not living together yet, would this be a problem?

Thanks

spot

I would think that where the money comes (which country) from is irrelevent...But ,I could be wrong ..Phone and ask?

Good Luck

[spot]

From what I gather, it doesn't matter where the money comes from as long as it's from outside Thailand.

I got a list of requirements from my local immigration office. Most of it I understand, but....

4. Certification of wife (interview with immigration)...has anyone been through this?

5. Certification of marriage and evidence of status before marriage...What is evidence of status - who's evidence?

10. Location map of residence...who's residence, mine?

We don't yet live together.

spot

[lopburi3]

You are expected to be living together as husband and wife.

[spot]

Her family won't allow it until we have the actual ceremony. If we explain this to the immigration officers (who seem pretty ok here) do you think they will allow it?

spot

[lopburi3]

I take it you have a registered marriage at a District Office but have not had a traditional ceremony. You will have to ask immigration but as you say they try to be helpful. Without an explanation they would tend to believe the marriage might be a sham so it does need the explanation.

[wolf5370]

5. Certification of marriage and evidence of status before marriage...What is evidence of status - who's evidence?

I would suggest they mean documented proof that you were both free to marry. I.E a letter from your embassy stating that you were free to marry (divorce certs etc too if applicable) and her Thai paperwork showing that she's unmarried or legally divorced. Its another test to make sure its not a sham marriage. You would have needed these doc's anyway when you went to the District Office to get married.