pinballki

lopburi3,

Again, thank you. You've really helped to put my mind at ease. Whilst I fully expect there to be some kind of curveball thrown at me somewhere during my Chiang Mai - Bangkok - Penang round trip, I'm now as sure as I can be that my documents are in order and I'm confident that I'm well prepared in general.

With a little luck hopefully my trip will be smooth, my non-immigrant visa will be granted and I can come back to Chiang Mai and get on with life. That's my hope ;-)

I'm more than happy to post about my experience in Penang on my return if a) anyone is interested and it's deemed appropriate. Just reply to this post if you have a view one way or the other.

Thanks again, lopburi3 - you taking the time to reply to my question has made a real difference to my peace of mind.

lopburi3,

Thank you for replying so quickly - your comments are much appreciated. I didn't think about asking my wife to write a quick letter, but I can certainly see the sense in it - I'm readying the pen and paper as we speak.

All your other comments - noted - thank you.

One last question.

Coming back into Thailand (Bangkok Airport) from Penang, will I be asked to show evidence of being able to support myself while being here, the same as I've often had to do at Mae Sai (albeit on a tourist Visa)? If so, how much cash should I have with me? 20k, 40k?

Hoping you can answer this one too :-)

Hi,

I'll soon be heading to Penang with hopes of getting a multiple-entry non-immigrant type 'O' visa (I'm married to a Thai and not over 50).

I've spent a lot of time searching and browsing posts at ThaiVisa.com and various other websites (e.g. Thai MFA - http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php) and I believe I've got all my paperwork up together with one exception; a medical certificate.

My first question then; do I actually need a medical certificate?

The Thai MFA website lists a medical certificate as a requirement only for an 'O-A' (retirement) visa but other information on the internet seems to either conflict with that, or at best be ambiguous. In any case, the MFA give their consulate officers a nice get out with the following statement: -

Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional document as deemed necessary.

Which doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside as I dread being told in Penang to produce "document xyz", either not in my possession or back home in Chiang Mai.

So my second question is; would someone be so kind as to glance over my list of documents and tell me if I'm missing something?

1) Application Form TM7

2) Passport + copy (with at least 6 months validity)

3) Two Passport Photos - 4x6cm

4) Marriage Certificate (original)

5) Copy of wife's ID card (as evidence to identify that the supporter or the person being supported has Thai nationality or has residence in Thailand)

I'm not sure if it's required, but the photocopies of my wife's ID card have been signed by her as correct, as has the copy of the house registration document on which my wife is registered (her father's) which I'm also taking along for good measure.

I'm also taking along my daughter's birth certificate (she's Thai), although I don't believe it's required as I'm applying for the visa on the basis of supporting my wife.

I'd be grateful for any helpful advice on the issues above.

Many thanks.