whiplash77

Have you discussed if she even wants to keep the child yet? The answer may surprise you!

I had a similar situation, and my ex was very accomodating about giving me sole parental power. She didn't want to move back to UK, but understood that it was far far better for our child to be brought up in the UK, what with the education standard and future opportunities being so much better than in Thailand.

School holidays are spent in Thailand, and it works well. But, it is me who has sole 100% parental power over our child.

It frees mum up to do her own thing, and mum and child can keep regular contact over skype and visit during holidays. For you, you have the opportunity to work properly in UK for a good wage, enjoy the usual child benefits and tax credits you're entitled to, and the child has a much better upbringing and education.

Try to get this from her, and you'll all be fairly happy with the outcome, i think.

This is well worth trying. If you can put this together with her consent then the process will be a whole lot less stressful.

The Thailand Elite 5 year visa (granted on the spot for 5 years) for 500kTHB is also a good backup option visa wise.

Your best course of action legally may be as follows:

Obtain a divorce by consent by registration at the local Amphur. You would have to prior agreed custody and your contribution for child support; there is no legal obligation to provide for your ex, but of course there is with your child. IF she agrees to you having full custody that can be so recorded by the official; otherwise shared custody is a must and it will be recorded. All of course subject to what is in the child's best interest. The court option applies if she does not see the light about the huge advantages of a consent order at the Amphur; however you may not qualify for a court ordered divorce, which requires specific somewhat 'dated' grounds.

You would qualify for a non-imm visa being 'to support a thai child'. But immigration requires divorce and a document officially confirming under Thai law that you have custody (either by agreement at Amphur or via the court if she will not do this by consent). Note that while shared custody does qualify for this visa category, some immigration offices take the view that you must have sole custody. That is not correct but you would have to challenge et al. Overseas you should not have difficulties obtaining the visa with a shared custody order.

In Cherngtalay area the best is the Twin Palms Xmas buffet - Xmas day as well as before and after Xmas. May be fully booked by this time.

Thank you - most helpful. Will visit on Monday.

To Moderator: please move my post to a motoring forum

Thanks

I have a 7 year old low mileage 3 series that needs a gear box repair. Barcelona Mtrs can only replace the gearbox (260,000 THB). Does anyone know of a mechanic that can repair a BMW gear box - I suspect hard to find in Phuket, so a Bangkok referral is also good as I can ship the car to BKK.

Facebook postings say more than 200 dead (24 hrs ago), but figure that will be released to media likely to be substantially less.

I am driving from Bangkok to Phuket later this week, with a planned overnight in Hua Hin. I see there is flooding in Hua Hin and pretty much all the way South. I note one comment said forecast is for rain to ease and Hua Hin should be OK this weekend. Any thoughts about the planned road trip to south Phuket?