The government of Thailand has introduced new immigration options for same-sex foreign spouses who are married to a Thai national or to a foreign visa holder who can sponsor a spouse.
Following the new changes, a same-sex spouse can apply for a 90-day Non-Immigrant “O” visa at a Thai embassy located abroad, VisaGuide.World reports.
Both foreign and Thai marriage certificates (Kor Ror 3) are accepted, according to a report from Fragomen. Applicants are advised to follow the guidelines from their local Thai embassy carefully after the requirements vary by location.
A same-sex spouse legally married to a Thai national can apply for a long-stay Thai spousal visa through the Thai Immigration Bureau. If the marriage was registered in other countries, a Family Status Registration (Kor Ror 22) must be completed in Thailand.
According to the report from Fragomen, a Long-Stay Dependent Visa for same-sex spouses, (In-Country Process) of eligible international visa holders is still being finalized for applications within Thailand.
As a result, same-sex foreign nationals with a long-stay employment visa (Non-Immigrant B visa) in line with the Board of Investment of regular business sponsorship will have to wait until the guidelines are announced.
New Changes Through Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
Earlier this year, Thailand legalized same-sex marriage, providing equal rights to LGBTQ+ couples, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to recognize equal marriage.
Such changes affect immigration policies, especially those for residency, dependent visas and permanent status.
Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code uses gender-neutral language, permitting same-sex couples to marry. However, the changes to the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) are still required in order to ensure equal immigration rights.
Among the key points to be considered, according to a report from Magrath Sheldrick are:
- Dependent Visas (NON-O Visa): Same-sex spouses should be eligible for dependent visas if their partner is a citizen of Thailand or a long-term visa holder.
- Permanent Residency: Legal recognition should be applied to residency applications, ensuring stability for same-sex couples.
- LGBTQ+ Skilled Immigration Programs: Special visas for LGBTQ+ investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Additional Visa Changes Since the Beginning of 2025
Since the beginning of this year, authorities in Thailand have introduced several visa policy changes.
Earlier this month, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced that the period of visa-free stays will be reduced from 60 to 30 days, as part of efforts to reduce the risk of irregular businesses abusing the visa exemption program.
In January this year, Thailand’s Cabinet facilitated the rules for long-term visa applicants.