GoonDizzy

You can get a single entry non-o based upon marriage in Vientiane or Savannakhet without a problem.

Cheers guys. You've put my mind at ease.

You can even get a non-O multiple from savanakhet, with the correct documents, but no need to show money in the bank.

Cheers Mario. Like I said, I won't need a one year multi entry. I won't be here that long and it's 3,000 down the drain (2,000 for the 3 month or 5,000 for a one year non O).

So, the fact I've just finished a non O and had a 60 day visit Thai wife stamp won't be an issue?

I can waffle a bit, so the important bits are in bold.

Simple question:

If you've had a non O (400k) 90 day report visa and then got a 60 day visit Thai wife stamp straight after it, can you get a 3 month non O from Savannakhet?

I don't have the 400k anymore and I've decided to return home to study and try and bring wifey over. I have about 200k left after uni fees and just need a month or two before going home. My wife's family live quite near Savannakhet, about 5 miles from Mukdahan. My wife's address book probably gives me a good reason to be doing the visa there instead of Bangkok if they asked.

I'm not keen on trying for a tourist visa. I have just one tourist visa in my passport in the last 5 years. Despite this, I would feel safer with the non O due to the tourist visa run crackdown. I'm not interested in a one year multiple entry non O as I won't be here that long.

My visit Thai wife visa ends next month and the reason I want to do it early next week is that my passport has just over 6 months left on it (Laos does not accept the UK passport extensions). I've held back on getting the passport extension due to the crisis in issuing renewals abroad (UK passports). I had a feeling I may need to extend and it looks like I may have been correct in waiting.

Also, can you get a tourist visa for entry into Laos on arrival at Savannakhet and how much is it? I know the 3 month non O is 2,000 baht already.

If I can't get the non O due to having one already (plus a visit Thai wife 60 day stamp), then I won't bother going to Laos and instead return home to the UK next month. The last thing I want is to be stranded in Laos when I could've stayed in Thailand until mid August!

I would like to say my goodbyes, take care of business and have a nice break with the Missus until I go home in September. Funny thing is, I'll probably be a tourist but it's too risky to try and get a tourist stamp! T.I.T.

^

Glad you liked it!

"every man's dream" - like the rest of your comments you seem to be making huge and unbiased assumptions.

Profound apologies. I meant every straight hot blooded male who at some point in their life (when single of course) might well have considered such a fantasy. I should have said every lesbian or Bi girls dream as well I guess. When I joined TV I was single!

But we digress, back on topic. I am amazed to find so many people seemingly on the wrong side of the law, who are prepared to come on to TVF to try and justify their impropriety, and flame the law abiding guys who actually do have the correct visa.

I have a visa ,dude. Just not sure about staying any longer. Those ladies? Yes, I would. But the only Thai women I've seen go down to their underwear in public have been....

Maybe you've just got really good friends? If so, tell them I've still got all my own teeth.

Not true - if you have the right paperwork the immigration officer can't refuse you for not smiling and being rude.

Are you sure about that ? I have seen immigration officers make the wrong decision and when questioned they hold their ground even if they know you are correct.... Face is what it is called. Nothing is ever for sure here, nothing !!!

Once had it happen to me! Went for a 60 day visit Thai wife stamp. The officer asked for my bank book. I explained politely that it was for a 60 day visit stamp and it's not a requirement. She said I need 400k. Again, politely I explained I don't want to extend for a year, just a 60 day visit stamp is all I need. Wouldn't back down so I left. Came back the next day, saw someone who knew what they were doing and got the stamp. I didn't mention the previous day's issues with the the second officer (and neither should you).

I honestly believe the first lady realised her mistake, but didn't want to lose face. She pretty much waved me away and started speaking to the next punter. My advice? Renew/extend any visas as early as allowed. If you get any problems, you've got time to sort it out.

Thinking out loud. If the Ed visa is also successfully tightened up - and it should be - it could leave us with just a core expat population who are here within the law contributing to Thai society living here on the correct visa. The next stage surely would be easier extensions (marriage or retirement) and who knows the ridiculous 90 day report might become a thing of the past. I would gladly pay 10000 up front for a 5 year visa, where perhaps the 90 day report could be replaced with a 365 day one. Just thinking out loud and hoping this is read by the Immigration Minister / Commander.

Not judging you fella, but that avatar?

Isn't prostitution illegal in Thailand?

You only need half a million Baht for the 5 year Elite card.

I guess the keyword here is "only", for the best comical effect.

So that 500k or 2m. Is that still yours? (like on a 400k marriage visa)

Or is it the cost of the visa? If it's the cost of the visa and non-returnable...you must be mental (or with money to burn). 500k is a lot of money btw. 2m is a shit load in the modern world.

This all seems rather dark and real to me. If you've got 2m baht, then go for the Elite card. Personally, I'm not all that interested in staying long term. Remember that there are always other options. Be it going home to a first world country. Be it going to a nation that isn't 'clamping down' every five minutes. To me (I could be wrong) it seems like the powers that be are moving from one visa to the next. First, the 'waiver' system. Then, the visa runs/tourist visas. Then, the Ed Visas for Thai Language. Now, even those on full time degree courses are getting hassles. So, what's next? Got to be the Marriage visas/retirement visas.

Like I said, I could be totally wrong, but if they start smashing up the amounts/conditions for marriage/retirement visas then we'll know. Bottom line is, if they start making me feel unwelcome...I'm outta here. Perhaps the 'Elite Visa' is the future. Old, rich dudes can spend their money and perhaps lose it all to a tricky Thai wife. That's not for me. I'm no muggins.

Like I said, unwelcome=see you later.

Spend, spend, spend...or go away. Perhaps.

You only need half a million Baht for the 5 year Elite card. 2 Million is for the 20 year membership.

20 years? Bloody hell. Good luck with that one!

This all seems rather dark and real to me. If you've got 2m baht, then go for the Elite card. Personally, I'm not all that interested in staying long term. Remember that there are always other options. Be it going home to a first world country. Be it going to a nation that isn't 'clamping down' every five minutes. To me (I could be wrong) it seems like the powers that be are moving from one visa to the next. First, the 'waiver' system. Then, the visa runs/tourist visas. Then, the Ed Visas for Thai Language. Now, even those on full time degree courses are getting hassles. So, what's next? Got to be the Marriage visas/retirement visas.

Like I said, I could be totally wrong, but if they start smashing up the amounts/conditions for marriage/retirement visas then we'll know. Bottom line is, if they start making me feel unwelcome...I'm outta here. Perhaps the 'Elite Visa' is the future. Old, rich dudes can spend their money and perhaps lose it all to a tricky Thai wife. That's not for me. I'm no muggins.

Like I said, unwelcome=see you later.

Spend, spend, spend...or go away. Perhaps.

Pretty obvious what this is all about. Some moron decided to save money. It's gone tits up. Now, it's all about the tax money. Overseas residents aren't paying tax (some are to be fair). We aren't voting. Miss Miggins' two week holiday in Magaluf is more important to them than a potential overstay.

Oh, you can get an ETD. No reason for overstay. Hmmm. So, if you have a contract abroad you'll need to fly to the UK, get a passport via fasttrack, fly back...and hope your employer is ok with this. All for the paltry sum of a ONE WAY flight to the UK and baack, as Thai Imm may ask q's about the return flight to Thailand. All for what? 100,000baht? Remember the money you may need to show on your return. And they may get arsey of your return is within 3 months. So, you could be looking at 200,000baht if you need to stay in the UK for 3 months.

What can you claim back? Nothing!

It's a disgrace. Leaving the UK makes you a non citizen it seems. If you've been abroad outside the EU for a period, you'll find it difficult to get social secuirty/student loans/bank accounts/rent agreements.

Good luck to all with this shambles.

Yep. I forgot to add the Immigration Policeman asked me how long it took to get my passport. When I told him he laughed, shook his head and told my TGF that they had received phone calls from the bosses in BKK that the UK passport system was broken and just help UK citizens as best they can. May, Pugh, lost any face yet???

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

All they care about are votes. We are dead to them. Until you get Channel 4 showing loads of UK citizens in Thai/Chinese/Singaporean jails due to their imcompetence. They'll wait. Trust me. They haven't got a clue. Heads must roll.

By the way. Good to hear Thai Imm were understanding about the situation. They're not all bad eggs.

Pretty obvious what this is all about. Some moron decided to save money. It's gone tits up. Now, it's all about the tax money. Overseas residents aren't paying tax (some are to be fair). We aren't voting. Miss Miggins' two week holiday in Magaluf is more important to them than a potential overstay.

Oh, you can get an ETD. No reason for overstay. Hmmm. So, if you have a contract abroad you'll need to fly to the UK, get a passport via fasttrack, fly back...and hope your employer is ok with this. All for the paltry sum of a ONE WAY flight to the UK and baack, as Thai Imm may ask q's about the return flight to Thailand. All for what? 100,000baht? Remember the money you may need to show on your return. And they may get arsey of your return is within 3 months. So, you could be looking at 200,000baht if you need to stay in the UK for 3 months.

What can you claim back? Nothing!

It's a disgrace. Leaving the UK makes you a non citizen it seems. If you've been abroad outside the EU for a period, you'll find it difficult to get social secuirty/student loans/bank accounts/rent agreements.

Good luck to all with this shambles.

If person has been here on a non-b visa or extensions of stay they will be able to still get a a new exempt entry at a border crossing. There are not doing away with all visa exempt entries.

The "crackdown" is for border runners that are trying to stay here full time on exempt entries.

Cheers Joe. I bow down to your superior knowledge. However, I have heard of problems with non B visa runs? Any truth in that?

The only thing I have read was at one crossing from Malaysia when people were asked to show money.

If you have valid visa you will not have a problem entering the country.

3rd time I'm saying this:

I re-entered the country recently with a valid ED visa from a government university and had a problem.

He accused me of working and demanded I show my university ID card. Then passed me on to a supervisor for greater scrutiny.

Seems a surprise to be targetting those doing a degree or masters. If that becomes a common theme, people can't keep burying their heads in the sand.

Not all, but many will be studying to meet the MOE requirements and work legitimately in Thailand at a later date. To get on their backs seems harsh, but it is what it is. First we had degrees (apart from an Education degree) not being applicalble for Work Permits when waivers end. Many weren't aware of this as they didn't look on sites like this or their school/Moe/Imm never told them. Next, the Visa run crackdown. An Ed Visa crackdown seems to be gathering pace. So what's next?

Perhaps marriage visas? Retirement visas? I'm talking about the amount of cash you have in those instances. It seems as though they're going for a new 'target' every few months at the moment.

Maybe this will blow over. I'm certainly not planning anything long term in Thailand from here on in. Just a feeling a I have.

If person has been here on a non-b visa or extensions of stay they will be able to still get a a new exempt entry at a border crossing. There are not doing away with all visa exempt entries.

The "crackdown" is for border runners that are trying to stay here full time on exempt entries.

Cheers Joe. I bow down to your superior knowledge. However, I have heard of problems with non B visa runs? Any truth in that?

I'm starting to get the hint. I have no issue with stopping border jumpers/deadbeats giving all foreigners a bad name. I just think this hasn't been thought through properly. Or perhaps it has and they just want all of us gone. Example? Let's say you jumped through all of the hoops and get yourself a BA in Education/PGCE/M.Ed (coming next surely). You breathe a sigh of relief. You're good for as long as you like, surely? However, your new boss is an <deleted>. Or the school closes. Whatever. You get a new job offer at another school.

I'm not 100% sure, but it seems the only option of a border run (to cancel visa/work permit in order to get a new one when you re-enter) may be out of the question. Anyone that has taught and changed jobs has had to do this. It is 'technically' possible to change schools without leaving on a WP, but almost impossible in reality. Perhaps I'm wrong and they would allow a visa run if you hadn't done one for years? However, going into Cambodia/Laos or wherever for half an hour may see you refused entry. And Thailand would lose a good teacher. If that were to be the case, they don't deserve them.

Thailand could easily fix this by allowing a transfer of employer on a work permit. There are reasons they won't do this even for those well qualified. They want you to try it out for a few years at the same school and bugger off.

Are Thailand just telling us all to go away without actually saying it, which is typically Thai? To those sneering in a bucket of smugness...you could be next.

smugness aside in this situation why not travel a little further than the border (sometimes less than a few km!) and apply for a tourist visa. once new employment is sorted go back and get your non-immigrant B. a pain in the ass yes but a reason to go home..?

individuals will have to decide if the lifestyle is worth it

edit: i misread your post, if you already have new school just head for nearest border and get a new B visa, restart the process

You may be correct. Thing is, leaving Thailand for a few weeks and returning could be an issue. I wouldn't feel confident doing it at the moment. The situation was hypothetical by the way, but it is one I could realistically have in the future. If Thailand really wanted us here, they wouldn't make their teachers mess around with borders runs in order to do a much needed job. Not having a go at you btw, I agee with your points. Just ranting a bit. I've got a picture in my head of Ed Norton in American History X saying ''See that? It says ...NOT...WELCOME..''

I'm starting to get the hint. I have no issue with stopping border jumpers/deadbeats giving all foreigners a bad name. I just think this hasn't been thought through properly. Or perhaps it has and they just want all of us gone. Example? Let's say you jumped through all of the hoops and get yourself a BA in Education/PGCE/M.Ed (coming next surely). You breathe a sigh of relief. You're good for as long as you like, surely? However, your new boss is an &lt;deleted&gt;. Or the school closes. Whatever. You get a new job offer at another school.

I'm not 100% sure, but it seems the only option of a border run (to cancel visa/work permit in order to get a new one when you re-enter) may be out of the question. Anyone that has taught and changed jobs has had to do this. It is 'technically' possible to change schools without leaving on a WP, but almost impossible in reality. Perhaps I'm wrong and they would allow a visa run if you hadn't done one for years? However, going into Cambodia/Laos or wherever for half an hour may see you refused entry. And Thailand would lose a good teacher. If that were to be the case, they don't deserve them.

Thailand could easily fix this by allowing a transfer of employer on a work permit. There are reasons they won't do this even for those well qualified. They want you to try it out for a few years at the same school and bugger off.

Are Thailand just telling us all to go away without actually saying it, which is typically Thai? To those sneering in a bucket of smugness...you could be next.

"Commission on Higher Education take note of approval of this course as of 23 December 2556"

If you print out that cover, officially stamped as it is, and show it to the MOE or CHE, they can confirm its been officially approved and its completely legit.

Well done. Hope it's going well for you and your students. You could turn out to be the TEFLR saviour!

Sorry, Soutpeel. You are correct.

Simple solution for Thailand.

1. 30 days (90 if first time visit). And that's your lot on a tourist visa. For two or three months.

2. IQ test for teachers. I'm serious. I've seen teachers with master's degrees that are absolutely useless. I've also seen some that were fantastic to be fair. The best teacher I've seen didn't even have a degree. Would the UK/USA take a teacher without a PGCE/Masters? No chance. So why should Thailand? Here's why. Are Thai degrees anywhere near UK/US degree standard? Apart from one or two exceptions, not even close. Are A level/ HND/BTEC National/ US High School Diploma more advanced than a Thai degree? Probably. Not all, but quite a few.

3. Are there some good teachers out here without a degree? Absolutely.

4. My solution is this. Have the MOE assess those with excellent grades at aged 18 education levels. Also those on failed waivers due to non Ed degree.. Observe them for a week and decide if they can help Thaland. If so, give them temp work permits and let them do a degree in Ed. Seeing as it's a requirement now, provide a course. They can study at Uni over here on the government course (or by distance learning from the UK). Let them work in temple schools/orphanges etc and provide food, accomodation,  extra course materials and, transport only. Only the folk with a passion for teaching would stand the test. Luckily, I'm not in that boat (I can get hold of a few quid to help me with my degree out here), but many are. It would get rid of the sexpats (that have caused all the problems for everyone else) and create a better Thailand.

5. Two work permits. Grade A and B. Grade A for those with M.ED/BA. Subject teachers in other words. B for those with any degree and TESOL (native speakers only) 120 hour. They will teach English in non international schools. However, if they obtain QTS, they can move up to the next level.

Or maybe I'm a dreamer? I'm not trying to tell Thailand what to do, but they are in a unique position with loads of sexpat (and awful) 'teachers' and thousands of excellent ones with a high IQ/good grades at 18. Thailand could use this to their own advantage. Don't put all westerners in the same boat.

Reason I'm saying this is that two wonderful teachers are about to leave Thailand as their waivers ended. One is off back the the US and has no idea what he'll do (poor family etc) and the other is off to Uni in the UK but can't start the course for three years (3 year abroad rule). So three years wasted, unless he pays for it himself (which he can't for a few years).

Just seems a waste.

An extension of stay (it is not a visa) allows you stay and only make 90 day reports.

A multiple entry visa only gives 90 day entries.

You only need the single entry visa so you can apply for the the extension about 60 days after arrival.

Thanks, Joe. I'm good for the single entry then. Phew.

This is what confused me. Read the first few lines.

http://www.webster.ac.th/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions/visa-residency/student-visas/

I'm talking about this bit

Students seeking permission to study in Thailand should apply for ED visa (education visa) at least a month before their trip to Thailand. To get this visa you will need a valid passport that does not expire before the end of your intended stay in Thailand

I think many are waiting to see if the first lot to graduate get work permits next year. If so, it's all good. It seems legit though, but who knows until then?

You can get a single entry non-ed visa with only 6 months remaining on your passport. If you were applying for multiple entry visa you would need 18 months on your passport.

When you apply for a one year extension of stay here at immigration if your passport validity is less than a year your extension would only be up to the date your passport expires.

Thanks. Is the multiple entry one the one where you don't have to leave Thailand for the 90 day stamp? Obviously, I would prefer the visa which lets you just report to local Imm every 90 days over doing those visa runs, but it may be out of the question. Unless they can get me in now of course (they have I may be able to come in earlier if required). My passport runs out Jan 17 2016.

In a nutshell, if I start a degree course in September (in Thailand) and I only have fifteen and a half months left before the passport expires, can I get the visa?

The course lasts longer than the 15 or so months left on my passport and the Imm forms for a visa ask how long you expect to be in Thailand. I presume (possibly wrongly) they may be asking this to see that your course will last longer than passport validity.

It's a UK passport with a one year extension. I didn't want to risk getting a new passport looking at the current delays at UKPA. I've snooped around the internet and not seen a definitive answer yet.

Bit of a bump. Interesting stuff. My only fear would be doing it for three years and The MOE turning it down (the degree itself not the college). Perhaps a call to the MOE by applicants may clear it up? Or maybe it won't. Either way, check it out but it does seem legit to me. If it is legit then you would be able to do a Masters pretty much anywhere. You may find it difficult getting a teaching gig outside of Thailand and a few other nations, but I suppose for 120k it will be worth it to many. If graduates get a 4 year waiver, they could always save for a year or so and do a Masters in Education via distance learning or full time study. You'll probably be able to go almost anywhere with a M.Ed/PGCE/PGDE from the UK/USA. Or if you stay in Thailand you could apply for gigs that pay well. We'll know much more when the first lot graduate (later this year I heard). You can be certain quite a few will be rushing off to get their work permits. I hope they get them. If it is scam (I don't think it is btw) then anyone who can take advantage of someone desperate for a BA should be shot in front of his/her family. Live on television. Hopefully, this will end with happiness, fluffy bunnies and weights off shoulders.

120k does seem rather cheap, but Ram has a similar priced degree and so do a few other establishments within Thailand. Reading stuff from a few posters I trust, it actually does seem to be real. The course (again stuff I've read from a few posters I trust not the obvious salesmen) appears to be challenging. Just a quick look at their modules on their website and you can see it's no beach TEFL.

The Unesco database of Uni's/Higher ED Establishments thingy (I believe it's the worldwide recognition thing for degrees) has the college listed (page 4 I think). It shows up as Withayalai Thongsook. There are plenty of 'Withayalai' thingies. I presume this translates as Thongsook College, but my Thai isn't all that. A few searches confirmed it is the same place. I might be inclined to contact the MOE and ask for written proof that the course itself is ratified by them. Although, I doubt Thongsook (with a license to have degree courses) would want their name tarnishing. Have there been instances in Thailand of Universities/Colleges claiming a course is legit only to have their students collect a useless piece of paper? And if it did happen, were they shut down/fined massively/jail sentences for fraud etc. Anyway, I'm going on a bit. Here's thee Unesco doo-dah (page 4).

http://www.iau-aiu.net/sites/all/files/t_nw.pdf#Thailand

Good luck to all on the course and I hope it works out for you. Perhaps this may ease any worries further. Unless someone has other news.

Like I said, I'm no betting man but if I had to choose between it being accepted or not by MOE, I would go for it being accepted. But, I've been wrong before. Good luck.