Well, it looks like I am going to have to bite the bullets so to speak and apply for a Type O Non-Immigrant visa based on marriage to a Thai national. I am 60 years old and have been living in Thailand for 4-years using a standard type O that I was able to obtain in my home country Canada until last year. I have a few questions and I hope some of you might be able to help!

1. As I live in Chiang Mai can I get this Visa locally or do I have to go to Bangkok?

2. How long is the application process one day two days etc.

3. I understand that one has to pay for the process to start do you know the amount?

4. How long does this process (investigation) take.

5. Does one need a police report or health certificate from a hospital?

What I am aware of is that I will require a minimum of 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account, letter from the bank and a copy of the bankbook. In addition passport pictures, copies of my passport.

If I am missing something please feel free to add it as I want to get this darn thing going so I can then chuck the Visa runs.

Oh yes, can one get a Multi-entry Type O Visa (marriage) and if so what is the cost.

1. Chiang Mai immigration can and should handle it but it must be approved in Bangkok.

2. The application takes about an hour, with wife. The approval is about a month or two later. You receive 30 stays from immigration while waiting.

3. TM.7 application is 1,900 baht. No other charge involved but your bank letter will cost 200 baht.

4. Normally about 60 days but could be less or more.

5. No police or health reports.

You both need to appear with her ID card/home register and copies as well as copies of your passport pages/TM.6 entry card. Bring photos of you together (at home preferred). 4x6cm photos of you taken within six months. Bank passbook and copies. Bank letter current within the week and in agreement with bank passbook final total. I would also bring proof from bank of foreign transfer of these funds such as wire transfer receipts (may or may not be asked for). All copies should be signed by the person they apply to.

Re-entry permit is 1,000 baht for single or 3,800 baht for multi. They are valid for the time indicated by your permitted to stay stamp (so you do not want to get until final extension granted unless you have to travel during the 30 day(s) period.

If you are talking about a multi entry O visa from a Consulate believe the cost is about $125 and you have to make 90 day exits of the country. These are not issued by many Consulates.

If you have pension income you may want to take a copy of that paperwork as there will be a question of your income that has to be answered on the interview form.

If you can afford the retirement extension of stay 800k/65k per month or combo that is a one step process but does require the 50-300 baht extra for medical certificate and if pension used the letter from your Embassy.

1. Chiang Mai immigration can and should handle it but it must be approved in Bangkok.

2. The application takes about an hour, with wife. The approval is about a month or two later. You receive 30 stays from immigration while waiting.

3. TM.7 application is 1,900 baht. No other charge involved but your bank letter will cost 200 baht.

4. Normally about 60 days but could be less or more.

5. No police or health reports.

You both need to appear with her ID card/home register and copies as well as copies of your passport pages/TM.6 entry card. Bring photos of you together (at home preferred). 4x6cm photos of you taken within six months. Bank passbook and copies. Bank letter current within the week and in agreement with bank passbook final total. I would also bring proof from bank of foreign transfer of these funds such as wire transfer receipts (may or may not be asked for). All copies should be signed by the person they apply to.

Re-entry permit is 1,000 baht for single or 3,800 baht for multi. They are valid for the time indicated by your permitted to stay stamp (so you do not want to get until final extension granted unless you have to travel during the 30 day(s) period.

If you are talking about a multi entry O visa from a Consulate believe the cost is about $125 and you have to make 90 day exits of the country. These are not issued by many Consulates.

If you have pension income you may want to take a copy of that paperwork as there will be a question of your income that has to be answered on the interview form.

If you can afford the retirement extension of stay 800k/65k per month or combo that is a one step process but does require the 50-300 baht extra for medical certificate and if pension used the letter from your Embassy.

Hello lopburi3:

Thank you so much for the reply it is greatfully received and I hope it helps others as well!