Badtz

July 28, 2007

Well not Thai but Issan Lao. Sounds like kêe-gìat.

kêe-gìam - Means Gecko in Issan Lao

May 27, 2007

Sawadee Kap,

I have researched this as much as I can through my group of friends in Thailand and don't have a clear cut answer on what my next step should be. I am a 39 year old American who has been living in Thailand for 2 years. I initially came on a triple entry tourist visa issued in Miami and then followed it up for the remainder of the year with Cambodia runs. I flew back to the States and received a 1 year multiple entry O-Visa through the Denver consulate in July of 2006. The Visa was issued for the STATED purpose of "extended travel in Asia" (not marriage or investment). The visa runs out in July of this year and with extensions I should be good till October. At that point I have a dilemma I believe.

It is my understanding that Denver and other Honorary Consulates in the US are no longing issuing 1 year multiple-O visas based on: (Extended travel, visiting friends, looking for investments, writing a book etc.. etc..)

In addition to the above I have been with my Thai girlfriend for about 22 months now. We are talking marriage but I really don't want to rush it because of Visa requirements. Kind of unromantic and I really want to get married properly when I do. Big Issan wedding and all that LOL.

I am American Passport Holder, 39 years old, Single, Able to meet any 400k or 800k Baht requirement. Have no pension and or "Income" other than bank transfers I make each month for my budget in Thailand.

1) Can I get a 1 Year Multiple-O Visa based on visiting friends, looking for investments (Anything NON-Marriage) at ANY US Consulate/Embassy ? Denver and Houston seems to be a no at this time.

2) Can I as an American get this Visa in Hull, England ?

3) Can I as an American get this Visa in Perth or Brisbane, Australia ?

4) If I can't get a Multiple 1 Year Visa again is my only option marriage ?

5) If I get married how can I show this 40,000 Baht a month income ? I don't have an income as I live off my Investments/Savings.

6) I can easily meet the 400,000 Baht a year needed previously for a marriage visa BUT I hear now you have to show it as Pension/Income.

7) What EXACTLY is thier definition of "Income" ? If I pay my self xxx K Baht a month through bank transfer is that considered Income ? I read that different Embassys have different takes on this. Anyone familiar with how the US Embassy deals with this ?

8) How will this "Income" determination affect me one year from now when it comes to an extension based on marriage to a Thai National ?

Sorry ahead of time that this is so convoluted. I want to do this properly but am very unclear as to what my options are as I am not married and not over 50 years of age. I don't want to pay a lawyer to start a shell company and go that route or any other route that skirts the spirit of the Thai immigration code.