MrKFC

Hi,

My return flights got cancelled when Covid came, have decided to stay a while, got the 1 year non-O approved last week.

 

But there's a handful of certain brand items I prefer that really aren't available here, mostly vitamins, supplements a couple other things.

 

A friend will ship, no problem, but I've heard stories about opened packages and import duties and VAT being imposed. Retail of the stuff is well under $100US, not a big box.

 

Any guidance will be appreciated. 

 

Thanks,

DS

2 hours ago, bert bloggs said:

I have had two small parcels from the UK the first took 2 weeks ,the second sent two weeks later ,went via Australia? go figure ,it took 6 weeks to arrive.

Thanks - that's a clue, things are a little rocky - jeez!

DS

Wondering if anyone knows how things are going with small packages in regular mail coming from the US ... ?

 

I need to have some vitamins and a couple other things mailed to Chiang Mai.  

 

Thanks,

DS

Is there any place online that has current road conditions for the major highways around Thailand?

Thanks,

DS

 

 

On 6/24/2020 at 10:03 AM, ubonjoe said:

Some states allow you to apply for absentee voting by email and receive your ballot the same way.

I did it that way in 2016 and the only thing I had to mail was my ballot and I mailed it to the embassy.

I can do it electronically in Montana, confirmed this morning, might want to check with your registrar:

  You'll receive your ballot via email PDF. Closer to the election, you will receive an email with instructions on how to vote your ballot. UOCAVA ballots will be sent on September 18, so if you do not receive your ballot within those few days, let us know so we can remedy the problem.

  The ballot may be returned electronically, using encryption to keep your vote secure. Then, we can receive it, process it, and count it.

  Furthermore, you can track your ballot using the My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo. Once ballots are mailed out, you can track your ballot status as it is processed and eventually voted.

14 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

It is possible that CM IO also does not want to handle your application for the 30-days extension of stay because you already being on the Amnesty.  But there is a precedent here, since there is a confirmed case of somebody in exactly that same situation that successfully did this at CW (Bangkok).

So it would only be a matter of finding a more accomodating IO that would not refuse your application for the 30-day extension of stay your Tourist Visa entitles you to, and then use that 30-day permission to stay as the spring-board to apply for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement (and in the last month of that 90-day Visa you can then apply for the 1-year extension of stay based on that Non Imm O Visa).

 

Thanks!

 

Pretty sure I can get TM 30 in Chiang Khong, checking into that now.

 

DS

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

Please do provide the details of your application that was turned down.

Necessary info:

 

- On what Visa did you enter Thailand? E.g. a 1-year Non Imm O marriage Visa issued at a thai consulate abroad

I entered on a US METV, Los Angeles

 

- What was the Visa validity date of that Visa on which you entered Thailand? The Visa validity date is printed on the Visa sticker in your passport.

Was issued on Sept 11, 2019, entered on October 10, 2019.

 

- When did you enter Thailand, and what was the permission to stay date stamped in your passport?

The most recent visa was a land entry stamped and dated at Ranong, Feb 26, expired Apr 25, 2020 and it's the only land entry for 2020.

 

- At which IO did you apply for an extension?

I’ve been trying to do this at Chiang Mai IO.

And btw, I speak pretty well, am always polite, Thai ladyfriend has accompanied me every time. 

 

And for which extension did you apply (30-day, 60-day, 90-day Non Imm O Visa, 1-year)

I have not been allowed to apply for the 30 day extension. Have tried twice. Both times was told to wait till the end of the amnesty, the second time was this afternoon, first was late June.

 

I tried for the non O retirement visa on July 14 using form TM7.

 

The officer at the window refused, said I needed to apply for the non-Imm-O before April 4, twenty one days before the Ranong stamp expired ... the existing July 31 amnesty is not relevant.

 

I told her that in April I didn’t know I’d be staying. Told her I’d been checking in with the volunteers out front, they thought the amnesty would allow the application, they said the application was complete, told me to get in line.

 

She said that didn’t matter, now I have to leave the country and re-enter before I can apply for non- Imm-O. Impossible. 

 

A volunteer suggested that I file again using the TM 86, the officers had been instructed to use this form for people in my situation, here on the amnesty.

 

So I did that July 15. I do have the money in place and the residence documents.

 

I got the new form filled out and I brought all the documents to immigration, an American volunteer (who’s been there a long time) looked them over, said I had everything, get in line. Was about 9:30 am.

 

Went to the window, two officers looked the papers over and the guy said to wait a while.

 

After about 15 minutes he called us back to the window, said he had to show the documents and application to a ‘specialist’ and we had to wait a little longer.

 

After about 30 minutes a lady wearing civilian clothes - not the uniform the officers wear - came to us, she had my passport and documents, said she didn’t speak much English and told my friend Too that she would try to help.

 

She went ‘behind the windows’ and came back about 20 minutes later, a little before 11am.

 

She said the most recent visa (Apr 25) is not valid, will never be valid, so I will not be able to use it to apply for non-Imm-O ... but she had a ‘special channel’ - they could ignore that ‘problem’ and get the non-Imm-O visa finished today for 25,000 baht if I gave her the money before 2pm. That's a good bit more than my monthly miniscule Social Security.  

 

She said I would first have to go transfer the money in my account from Krung Sri to Bangkok Bank because Bangkok Bank would provide a document quickly, Krung Sri would be too slow.

 

She said if I didn’t do it before 2:00 today I have to wait until July 30 and then her ‘special channel’ would give a discount – 18,000 baht. Gave us her phone number.

 

Said she was confident that the ‘amnesty’ would not be extended into August, and on August 1, I would have to leave the country or be subject to ‘overstay’

 

- What was the REASON quoted by the Imm officer to refuse your application?

They have all pointed to the Apr 25 expiration date, and say the amnesty is not regarded as an official ‘permission to stay’ - there’s no stamp for July 31.

 

If that's not clear or you have other questions, no problem. 

 

Thanks, much appreciated!

DS

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

In that case temporary administrative relocation could be considered).  As there is no consistency in how different IOs accept/refuse or will handle applications, you would need to enquire at your local IO about your options.

 

Possible extension options:

- 30-days extension of stay (if not used already, and applicable for those on a VisaExempt or TouristVisa entry); 

 

You would only need a rental contract for a place in that new province and then do the TM-30 (or TM-27) change of address procedure at that new IO, which would then make you eligible to apply for the 1-year extension at the new IO.

 

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

 

 

 

I read through that link you sent, and I guess my question about temporary administrative relocation is regarding the rental contract - does it have to be 6 months? I have a friend in Chiang Khong who owns a guesthouse, but I hate to ask her to do something that's shady, probably illegal, providing a false document. 

 

I just returned from IO. The guy there said to wait a while. He knows that I want to apply for the non imm O visa, said it can't be done with the visa that expired Apr 26. @ubonjoe said there shouldn't be a problem with that visa, but maybe the entire Chiang Mai IO is doing their level best to squeeze every farang for 20,000 baht, which in my case is more than a full month of my Social Security pension. 

 

I also asked about the new requirement for a letter from the Embassy. He said that’s correct. He confirmed that the March 26 letter is out of date, can’t be more than 30 days old.

 

I sent a request for a new letter to the Embassy on Monday, followed up today.

 

Their response was “We are not issuing letters of support of extension of stay to U.S. citizens at this time. Please continue to monitor our website for updates”

 

Wotta flippin headache.

 

DS

 

 

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

in case your local IO is not willing to accept your application for an extension of stay, because of you being on the Amnesty.

 

 

 

I read through that, thanks, there's useful tidbits. 

 

I just found this in Phuket News:

 

      "The "automatic visa extension" continues until Sept 26. In order for short-term visa holders to remain in Thailand after that date, they must apply for an extension to stay before Sept 26.

      For that, they must have a letter from their embassy or a letter from a doctor (in case illness is preventing travel). The 30-day extension, if granted, will become effective from Sept 27."

 

So now I'm worried again.

 

I did receive a letter from the US embassy requesting an extension and this was included.

 

On 7/27/2020 at 2:44 PM, Peter Denis said:

(and in the unlikely case of them refusing it because you being on the amnesty, administrative relocation to a more accomodating IO in another province will solve the issue). 

 

However when you apply after 31 July, the recently announced Amnesty extension (effective from 1 August) will be applicable.  And IO stipulated that any Visa extensions done during the period from 1 August till 26 September, will have 27 September as start-date (instead of day of application).

Hey Peter,

I got knocked down with a cold,  so I haven't been to IO.

 

Wondering what you mean by "administrative relocation to a more accomodating IO in another province will solve the issue."

 

It does appear that Chiang Mai might qualify for  "the roguest of all rogue offices" descrpition. I've considered running up to Chiang Khong to do this - I volunteered at that office a few days helping with English, acquainted with several of the officers - and I suspect they're likely to do it for the normal 1900 baht fee.

 

But I have my residence docs here in Chiang Mai.

 

And sounds like there's more clarity on how this will be administered after July 31. I can probably get it done tomorrow if necessary, for sure the 30 day extension. 

 

What do you think?

 

DS

1 hour ago, Tanoshi said:

I'd apply for that 30 day extension before the end of this month.

They're closed through tomorrow - I plan to do it on Wednesday, to the bank Thursday AM, update that letter, straight to IO and apply for the 90 day non-O visa. ????

Thanks! 

DS

4 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes you do have a entry from a tourist visa and you dd not apply for the allowed 30 day extension of it.

No need for the embassy letter to apply for a 30 day extension and then the 90 day visa entry.

Thank you sir,  your time and input is very much appreciated! 

DS

 

54 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If your read my post again you will notice I was replying to a post by a person that already has a non-o visa There is is no normal 30 day extension for for them.

 

It appears you are on a visa exempt entry that you extended for 30 days or a 60 day entry from a tourist visa. If a tourist visa you do not need a letter from the embassy to apply for an extension since you already qualify for a  30 day extension.

The first step you have to do to apply for one year extension of stay is to a apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) visa at immigration.

Your letter is to old. You would need a new one if needed.

Thank you!

 

I did see that but I guess I'm a bit paranoid at this point, imagining that they're gonna find a way to reject my application, trying to be aware of any potential problems ... looks like maybe I invented one. Sorry about that. 

 

I thought that currently I do qualify for an extension and once I have it I can then apply for a 90 day non immigrant (category O) visa. 

 

I assume what I have is the 60 day tourist visa - the last stamp was at Ranong - says visa class TR - 26 Feb 2020 to 25 Apr 2020 . 

 

And I guessed the letter from the US Embassy is too old, but I sent a request for a new one a little earlier today, see what happens, I've heard they've stopped issuing them - a request to stay due to the Global Level 4 Health Advisory issued by the Department of State on March 19, 2020 which advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.

 

Thanks again,

DS

 

 

19 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Over the last few months their have been reports by people that were able to do them after a 60 day extension.

Not a 30 day extension since there are none for a non-o visa entry other than maybe the 30 day special extension with a letter from their embassy.

Don't mean to be a nuisance but this caught my eye -    "Not a 30 day extension"

 

I'm about to apply for a 30 day extension with the intent of then applying for 1 year non-O retirement - last entry was land at Raynong Feb 26, expired Apr 25.  

 

I do have a letter from the US embassy but it's dated March 26, have $ in place and residence documents. 

 

Thanks! 

 

DS

 

 

 

 

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

You will use a TM86 form since your 30 day extension will be for the entry you got from a tourist visa.

The 30 day extension is not a visa exempt entry.

Got it! Thank you! 

That's what I gave them when they tried to soak me for 25,000 so I guess I should have assumed it's the right one. 

Onward!

DS

39 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

But as mentioned in previous post, you would then need to apply for the Non Imm O Visa when there are still at lest 15 days (some IOs require 23 days) left on that 30-day permission.  

And last week the officer at Chiang Mai said 21 days. ???? 

I'm just gonna try to do it ASAP, maybe the same day.

 

I don't know whether you remember but you sent me a really informative detailed PDF about this process a few weeks ago and I've referred to it more than once, shared it with another guy who had similar questions - much appreciated!

 

In it you said  - When applying for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa you start the process from scratch, so you actually ONLY need 1 monthly income transfer of at least 65.000 THB (with foreign origins proven) for that application.

 

Is that still the case?

 

Thanks again,

 

DS

 

6 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If they do the 30 day extension you could apply for the extension on the same day.

A TM86 is used if you had a tourist visa and a TM87 if visa exempt.

OK - just to be sure I'm clear on this - I came to Thailand on a US METV, issued Sept 11, 2019 - assuming that's not an issue at this point.

 

The relevant 'tourist visa' would be the stamp I got on Feb 26, 2020 land entry at Raynong - expired Apr 25, which is what I now want to extend. 

 

When I apply for the 30 day extension, if approved, that will be 'visa exempt' - then I'll use TM 87 for non-O. 

 

Much appreciated Mr. UJ!

47 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

And so the main question now for those wanting to apply for a long-stay in Thailand from their current Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa entry is:

>> WHEN will this 'new' announcement take effect? 

If it takes immediate effect, unfortunately there is no long-stay option left for those on a VE or TV entry,

If it only takes effect after the current 31 July Amnesty, that will leave those on a VE or TV entry with a narrow escape-route with ONLY 3 days left (29-30-31 July) to apply for that 30-day.

 

 

 

Hi PD,

 

I went to IO here in Chiang Mai yesterday afternoon, talked to a Thai Volunteer who's been there for a couple years, he said they'd have the 'new system' in place by Wednesday - closed Monday and Tuesday. 

 

My plan is to go Wed or Thurs. 

DS

27 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

I am sure if you have not used the 30 day extension allowed they will do it.

Thanks Mr UJ,

 

I'm counting on this, and it seems unlikely they'll reject it. 

 

What I'm wondering is whether I should take my completed TM-86, residence docs and the rest of it along and immediately apply for the non-O. 

 

A couple sources said they're taking Covid infections into consideration and the US is leading the pack there. I can show proof of accident insurance too, I don't have health ins but understand that isn't required. 

5 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Something I read today suggested that people had better get looking for extensions pre Sept 26th or make plans to leave. Extensions will be dealt with on a case by case basis and must be supported. Reasons like medical and no flights available or high infection rates at your home country were mentioned. It also suggested for the latter, Embassy supporting letters might be brought back.

There might also be scare mongering by agents to beware of.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks! I'm gonna try to get it done next week - they're closed till Wednesday.

 

Thanks for mentioning the 'infection rate' thing - I saw it somewhere else too, seems to be a real deal The US is a Covid petri dish, wotta frikkin mess, so I'll include that. 

 

I know they don't require health insurance for this visa and I don't have it, but I do have good accident insurance and receipts to show that I've paid for dental work, full physical checkups etc. Would you recommend that I include that info -  or let it go until they ask? 

 

DS

 

16 hours ago, PaceArrow said:

 Went to Bangkok next day HQ's Immigration and explained what happened

Hey, I appreciate you telling your tale - good on you for following up that way.

 

I've considered doing something similar, I have the incident written out clearly. I don't really want to go to BKK but neither do I want to get my pocket picked. I'm not 100% comfortable just walking away but don't need to have the crew at the local IO looking for a reason to fk with me. 

 

There's an agency directly across the street from CM Immigration - called The Colonel - that charges 25,000 baht to get the non O visa. Rumor has it that it's owned by a guy who did or does run the local office. Someone else who's familiar with the scene here suggested that the woman who made the offer to me probably works there, she was definitely conferring with the uniformed officers. There's several agencies in Chiang Mai that charge about the same amount, 20 to 25K baht - but I know one guy who said he got nicked for 50K. 

 

I've been in contact with another agency here, the owner knows I'm trying to do this on my own to conserve limited resources, and said under 'normal circumstances' it would probably have been a done deal already. 

 

Good news is that it's not an emergency (yet) and they're closed till Wednesday - have some time to think about it. I've seen a couple things that said that extensions will be dealt with on a case by case basis and that high Covid infection rates will be taken into consideration - the US is a mess.  

 

DS

 

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

Nor much of a fan as they have been abused somewhat.

In current times I hear of various Visas being available by using agents, but with amnesty it is not always required.

Hey Jacko,

 

I read that people had been abusing the ED visa, but I actually am working on the language and thought I should at least consider it. The big roadblock on all of these is the usual exit/return path isn't available.

 

And even if there is an open border before Sept 26, a two week quarantine would make it more than a little difficult to get the papers filed with 21 days remaining on a 30 day visa, and that's likely to be required.

 

There's a legal firm in Bangkok where the honcho has been posting videos with their interpretation of what's happening, today he said that the wording of the new amnesty makes it sound as if Immigration will be deciding case by case whether to extend anything beyond Sept 26, thinking it's prudent to assume they're gonna be doing what they can to make things more difficult whenever possible. Hard to say why, other than that's what Immigration often seems to enjoy doing. Hope for the best, plan for the worst is what he's saying, and getting it done ASAP is probably a good idea. 

 

I have this idea that since I have deposited the 800K and I can prove a little additional income (minimal Social Security) residence paperwork is all in order, have good accident insurance, (no health ins) they wouldn't be as anxious to block my application once I have the extension. 

 

I'm trying to avoid paying the agent fee or the bribe because my income is pretty much budgeted to fill the gaps in my GF's income - she's a tailor and like everyone else, business is way down and doesn't seem likely to improve anytime soon. Her son's in his 3rd year of Engineering at Phitsanhulok U and that's been accounting for about 1/4 of my pension. 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

What 30 day Visa do you mean?

Here's another question, just occurred to me. 

 

A farang neighbor who's been here for 10+ years  walked by, told him what I'm doing.

 

He knows I've been working on the language, can read a little, speak clearly enough that Thais often think I'm way more fluent than I am. He asked whether I'd considered an ED visa.

 

I just checked into it a bit, found 2 different articles that said I have to apply from outside the country, but one also said that there's so few students these days the schools are willing/able to do what an agent typically does for the retirement visa, but for no fee, might not have to exit to get it done. 

 

I guess it's good for a year, requires less $ in the bank. 

 

Any thoughts on this? 

 

Thanks,

 

DS

 

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I understand your thinking. To each their own. If you have the requirements in place, money in bank etc, personally I would do it now. Perhaps I'm the nervous Nelly type but if I was here on amnesty only, I would love to see that 12 month permission of stay stamp in pp.

Good luck.

My thinking exactly. I've been in contact with an agent, it's a last resort. He's been helpful, knows I'm trying to do it on my own, no problem. My lady friend is a tailor, her business is down like everyone else, have the $ budgeted to help with the shop and her son's college, in his 3rd year at Phitsanhulok. Thanks for your help!!

DS