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rito

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Posts posted by rito

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    My yellow book experience in Udon, so far...

    7. Originally had been told the book would be ready in a week, but am now told "We'll call you."

    8. A week later I called and was told it would be done in about a month, and "We'll call you."!

    I guess as always, ymmv and TIT! :o

    Kwarium,

    I was told the same thing, ready in a week. It's been almost 4 weeks and still haven't received mine. The wife was up there yesterday to inquire about it. She was told that it was approved but not processed due to other priorities.

    Unable To Satisfy Non O Requirements - What Now?

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Thanks Billrose, that sounds very encouraging. Do you happen to know where I might catch one of these Agent trips from BKK that I have heard about? I would prefer to accompany an agent on my first visit so as to learn the ropes so to speak.

    Thanks.

    Scout666,

    It's not difficult to obtain a visa in Vientiane on your own. Here's a link to my first time visa run to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane:

    http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715

    Also,

    1. No evidence of income required.

    2. Do have a copy of your wife's ID, signed & dated.

    3. Copy of passport information page (including copy of page with last visa issued)

    4. Copy of marriage certificate

    5. Download the application, fill in the required information & attach two recent passport pics.

    6. It's a two day process, submit application & PP before 1130 one day, next day pick up passport after 1300 (If the 31st is a holiday, you'll be ok submitting on the 1st).

    If you hop a flight to Udon, there's taxi/bus service to the border from the airport. Not sure for return trip, but Nong Khai isn't very big you can take tuk tuk to bus/train station.

    And if you're interested I can recommend a hotel for under 800 bt.

    Here's a link to a map of Vientiane:

    http://www.udonmap.com/images/Vientianemap.gif

    Good luck...

    Hello Rito; brilliant, absolutely brilliant - thank you. I have read the post at http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715 and found it to be informative and definitively written. The compliments within the thread were fully justified and I too, wish to add mine to that list.

    As a result of reading the information provided I feel much more comfortable and confident in venturing out on my own (7 years of being mollycoddled can have its drawbacks) and I thank you sincerely for your interest and assistance. My thanks go also to Billrose, Lite Beer, Lopburi3, TerryLH, and Ozzydom.

    One last question: Where in BKK can I board a bus to go to; would it be Udon Thani or Nong Khai? Presumably, an overnight bus trip so as to arrive at a similar time as you did at the border would make sense. As for recommending “a hotel for under 800 bt” – please do. Actually, one more last-last question: Does Thai language documentation (marriage certificate and ID card) need to be translated into English language and certified in addition to being signed by the spouse?

    Thank you once again – much obliged.

    Translation of Thai language documents to English is not necessary (at least it wasn't for me), certification wasn't required either. You could try asking for a multi non-O (5000bt). Also, according to the Thai Embassy website they're open on the 31st.

    http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/about_officetime.html

    If you take the bus, bypass Udon and go straight to Nong Khai. Other option is the overnight train:

    http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp

    The train station is closer to the Thai border check point than the bus station:

    http://www.udonmap.com/images/nongkhai_map.gif

    Suggestion: when you arrive at the Laos side for visa on arrival, hook up with another farang(s) to split fare to Thai Embassy.

    BTW, thanks for the compliment. Have a good journey and good luck.

    Unable To Satisfy Non O Requirements - What Now?

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Thanks Billrose, that sounds very encouraging. Do you happen to know where I might catch one of these Agent trips from BKK that I have heard about? I would prefer to accompany an agent on my first visit so as to learn the ropes so to speak.

    Thanks.

    Scout666,

    It's not difficult to obtain a visa in Vientiane on your own. Here's a link to my first time visa run to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane:

    http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1376715

    Also,

    1. No evidence of income required.

    2. Do have a copy of your wife's ID, signed & dated.

    3. Copy of passport information page (including copy of page with last visa issued)

    4. Copy of marriage certificate

    5. Download the application, fill in the required information & attach two recent passport pics.

    6. It's a two day process, submit application & PP before 1130 one day, next day pick up passport after 1300 (If the 31st is a holiday, you'll be ok submitting on the 1st).

    If you hop a flight to Udon, there's taxi/bus service to the border from the airport. Not sure for return trip, but Nong Khai isn't very big you can take tuk tuk to bus/train station.

    And if you're interested I can recommend a hotel for under 800 bt.

    Here's a link to a map of Vientiane:

    http://www.udonmap.com/images/Vientianemap.gif

    Good luck...

    Us Driver's License

    in Thailand Travel Forum

    Posted

    :DHi there,

    I am a new member here. I am Thai. I've been living in the US for a year. I have the US driver's license. Can I use it in Thailand ? If not, what should I do ? Could you please tell me step by step. :o Thanks for helping ka,

    Thai girl :D

    PS. I'm sorry if I post in the wrong forum. I have no idea because I am the new member.

    I think it depends on the mood of the officer that stops you, if stopped. I been stopped twice and only shown my CA DL and it got me by. I also have an International Drivers license (IDL) but it wasn't asked for. It probably wouldn't hurt to get an IDL, it's only $15 plus to passport photos through AAA.

    http://www.aaa-calif.com/Root/index.aspx?JSVisit=1&

    Vientienne Visa Run

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    I went years ago as a newbie and got stung by everyone from the tuk tuks to the immigration people. If you haven't been before you should get some help i.e a more expericed friend or a visa run company before you go.

    I've been there before and know the deal. The last time I went though I got to the border in the morning. My OP is more on the topic on the hours of operation of the immigration police at that border. If I do fly I'll be arriving at the Udon Thani airport around 3pm in the afternoon. Just want to make sure the border will be open in the late afternoon for me to cross. I'll need to apply for a Laos Visa at the border too.

    I see. Well let us know how it all goes :o

    Here's a link for phone number and email address, might try calling so you know first hand.

    http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=esarn

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    has anyone had to get the ID page of your passport certified by the foreign ministers office on chang wattana in bangkok after it was translated to Thai?

    Barry

    No never in my case, but then only required to provide a translation on two occasions. One for my tabien bahn and the other was for my daughter's birth certificate when she was born.

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    This morning the wife and I went to the tesaban (Udon city hall) to inquire about the process for the tabien bahn. In no time we saw an official who looked at my documentation and was satisfied with what I presented him. He scheduled us an appointment for 0900 on Monday and ask to return with the documentation and two witnesses (the official specified that the witnesses could be family, friends or neighbors, anyone who could verify who we are). My documentation:

    -marriage certificate, original & copy (ours from US, translation not necessary)

    -wife's tabien bahn (blue) + copy

    -wife's ID + copy

    -my passport + copy & and a translated copy of my passport (information page only, he did however verify my visa (Non-Imm O)

    -fee, forgot to ask

    I'll report back on Monday.

    This a follow up of today's appointment. The process took approximately an hour. Same documentation as above except added copy of visa page (non-imm O), and copy of my son and daughter page's in my wife's tabein bahn (blue book). During the application process I was asked for my parents names, but didn't have to show any documentation proving their names.

    Yellow book should be ready by the end of the week and still don't know if I have pay a fee for this service.

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    This morning the wife and I went to the tesaban (Udon city hall) to inquire about the process for the tabien bahn. In no time we saw an official who looked at my documentation and was satisfied with what I presented him. He scheduled us an appointment for 0900 on Monday and ask to return with the documentation and two witnesses (the official specified that the witnesses could be family, friends or neighbors, anyone who could verify who we are). My documentation:

    -marriage certificate, original & copy (ours from US, translation not necessary)

    -wife's tabien bahn (blue) + copy

    -wife's ID + copy

    -my passport + copy & and a translated copy of my passport (information page only, he did however verify my visa (Non-Imm O)

    -fee, forgot to ask

    I'll report back on Monday.

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    Ya I really wanted to go, but with these Thai lesson's you miss a day and you really have to play catch up. About 20 weeks into it now, so I'm dragging muself there a lot of times when I'm not really into it. Fortunaltely the instructor seem to be able to keep up you enthused to to get through the bad days.

    Oh yeah I forgot, well I hope to start next term, basic Thai. Anyway, back to the tabien bahn. Talking to Val yesterday, he mention that once upon a time the tamien bahn was accepted in lieu of 90 day report (or something to that effect). How true this is I don't know, but it would seem common sense that if you have proof of residence in the form of a yellow book issued by a government agency that it would be acceptable to immigration of an individual's residency status...TIT :o

    Yellow Tabien Bahn Process

    in Isaan

    Posted

    I still can't get it clear in my mind where the advantage is in having a yellow book as opposed to the blue book. What improves?

    Hi Ray,

    The difference between the two (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong), is the that Blue book is for Thai nationals or persons holding Thai citizenship; whereas the yellow book is for foreigners maintaining residency or ownership of a condo or house (but not the land the house sits on).

    In my case, my wife has a house (blue) book naming her as owner. But I "may" also register as owner of the house but will be issued a yellow book. At least that's how it was explained to me. I'll know more next week when I go the Tessbahn to apply for the yellow book.

    BTW, missed you at Su's party... :o

    Vientiane Trip Report

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Thanks for your trip report.

    I am also going to Vientiane next week to change my visa type from non-immigrant (Ed) to non-immigrant (:o. Is it the same process with you? Would it be difficult? Could you please kindly reply me what document should I need to prepare and bring? Thanks in advance.

    Nan Hti Khalain

    I applied for a Non-Imm "O" based on marriage. I don't have a clue what documents you need. I would recommend that you start here:

    http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2492

    or do a search on this forum.

    Vientiane Trip Report

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Did you get a Non O single or multiple entry visa?

    Single entry

    Personally i find it a real pain, are you saying you enjoyed the queue in the 'flaming' heat?

    It wasn't that bad...

    Cool trip report! This is one of the things that Thaivisa is all about.

    Giving trip reports that others can use to get their visas and make their stay in Thailand less difficult. Did you take any pictures?

    Good trip report.

    Badbanker

    Thanks Banker,

    No pic's taken, I'm not one for capturing the moment.

    Vientiane Trip Report

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    The following is my experience at Vientiane for a Non-Imm O visa. I’m a US citizen, 46, married to a Thai (with children), retired and living in Udon.

    On June 21st, my wife and I left the house about 0645, arriving at the Thai border check point about 0735. Stamped out, caught the bridge bus (20 bt each) and arrived at the Lao side of the bridge in about 5 minutes. Bus let us off directly in front a building with two small windows. To the left there are counters for completing forms and seating directly in front of the building in the open. I go to the first window and get behind two guys in line. My turn at the window an official hands me a VOA form & Arr/Dep card. Step away, over to a counter and complete VOA form. Back to first window and hand over VOA form along with passport, one passport picture and $35 (or 1500 bt, if you want to save a few baht and don’t have $$, exchange Baht for $$ and you save a couple hundred baht depending and exchange rate). Wait about 10-15 minutes, second small window opens and see another official waving an open passport, it’s mine. Go collect it and head for the Immigration queue, get stamped in and a few meters up another queue, pay 20 bt entrance fee. My wife already ahead of me is chatting with a Thai lady and turns out she’s married to a farang and are also heading to the Thai consulate. We agree on splitting the transportation fare.

    Just as we agree on splitting the fare, a Lao man comes up and ask if we’re going to the Thai consulate. We say yes, some haggling goes on and then my wife turns to me and says he’ll take us all to the consulate and then drop us off at our hotel for 300 bt. Sweet, here I’m thinking we got a good deal on a tuk tuk ride, turns out it’s a mini bus (with A/C). About 0825 we head out and arrive at consulate about 20 minutes later.

    We get dropped off at the consulate about 0845, we enter a gate and turn left and are in line behind about 20-25 people. At the head of the line is one official behind a counter and appears to be processing applications. About 10 minutes later another official shows up at the counter, single line quickly forms into 2 lines. The wife who is seated (in the shade) up near the counter sees what’s happening and jumps in the newly formed line, she motions me over and I take her place and now I’m about tenth in line. Those ahead of me take between 4-8 min each as they have their turn. Then I’m up, hand my documents, 2 pictures and passport. Official sorts through it satisfied with what I have then he verifies my wife’s name on marriage certificate and wife’s ID. Satisfied once again he tells me to proceed to the building on my right and pay for visa. The process took a few minutes and the official never uttered a word except to go make payment.

    Now in building (consulate) it’s jammed packed, standing room only. Nothing is happening for least 20 minutes, then one of two officials behind a partitioned counter begins calling out names. One by one go up and hand over there payment. About 10 minutes go by and my name is called. Go up hand over 2000 bt and get receipt. Out the door by about 0955, (once outside I noticed about 5-6 people in line over by the visa application receiving counter).

    My documents:

    (1) Visa Application Form (downloaded and completed the night before)

    http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consu...vices_visa.html

    (2) passport photos

    (1) copy passport information page (including copy of page with last visa issued)

    (1) copy marriage certificate (from USA, not translated)

    (1) copy of wife’s ID (signed & dated by my wife)

    Note: I had other documents such as a US bank print out showing over $1400 withdrawn from ATM from 1-20 Jun, proof of income letter from US Embassy, copies of children’s birth certificates, copy of house book, original copies for all of the above. None was asked for and none was volunteered. I brought it just incase.

    Following day, back at consulate by 1215, people are beginning to form line. I’m 8th in line. Gate opens at 1255, back up to the counter, two lines form and now 4th in line, present my receipt, handed passport, verify visa and krap khun krap.

    Mission complete, no drama and good first time experience. Hope the info helps and happy to answer any questions.

    Final note: our mini bus driver charged us 600bt for two days, from Lao border to consulate to hotel and vice versa the next day.

    Isaan - Where Have New House For Rent ? Help Pls

    in Isaan

    Posted

    HOUSE for RENT anyplace in ISAAN ?

    My Gf and I live in Pattaya, and tired of it. We're also "exspecting" a new family member around new year - so, time to move.

    Any reader here who live in ISAAN, who know about any house for rent between 5-10.000 rent monthly ?

    Would like in/near town, house 0-3 year max. Well maintained and look nice.

    2-3 beds, secure and quiet location would be a dream.

    We are both quiet people, no party animals or drinkers - so good teenant promised.

    If you know any nice "New" house for rent - "pm" me, or post it here pls.

    Best regards from "expat2000" :o

    If interested in moving to Udon have 2 bdrm/2 bath townhouse (2 story) for rent. Partially furnished, with A/C, western style kitchen and bathrooms. 5000 bt plus security depost. Near airport area in the vicinity of Asawamit Rd. Short and long term avail, PM me for more info, pictures available.

    American Expats

    in Isaan

    Posted

    Hi

    Do you know if there is a large commnunity of the American expats in KORAT area?  I'm doing this for my dad.  He was in thailand during vietnam war era.  My mom is thai and from Bangkok but willing to move to KORAT with my dad.  They're both currently in the US.  He's afraid by moving back to thailand he'll be too lonely.

    Thanks in advance

    Sorry I don't have an anwser, but there is a VFW. Here's their website.

    VFW Post 10217

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