Imd8ta

They might have been confused, but ya gotta follow that Yellow Brick Road. When I went back yesterday to apply for the non O the front line girl was pretty adamant that my wife needed to be with me for an interview before her boss (my friend) stepped in to tell her it was ok. A few minutes later she wanted the map to my house, again the boss interceded on my behalf. They ended up calling my wife while I was there and sending four pages home with me for her to sign, which I took back today verifying that she was indeed married to me and knew what I was doing. Almost three hours into it and too many signatures yesterday, I was set free, (minus my 2000 Baht). Today they told me to come back on 8 November as my application of stay was "under consideration". I was also advised about the aged funds and different schemes allowed, but they also told me upon renewal I'd have to call the bank a week ahead of time to get the full 12 months of statements. What a mess. We all know that there is no continuity in the IO's, and they are indeed "confused" I can't see how all these different variances are dealt with in BKK.

My original OA WAS based on retirement, then changed to marriage once here.

Agree. Most are made in Japan to begin with.

Just a heads up. I did my crossing on Friday 13th. to kill off the OA. Went to the Udon IO on Monday. Prior visa was an OA based on marriage. I was told that I would have to bring the necessary docs for marriage (wife's ID card, house book, pics of us in the house ect. for the FIRST time only, after that I could go alone. Fortunately I knew a supervisor there and she agreed to take copies.

Anytime as long as it's 15 days prior to expire. Info from Udon IO.

I've got mine coming up next week. Currently on marriage visa. I stopped by the office in Udon yesterday asking about switching to a retirement visa as the time and effort is greatly shortened, the Ms. don't have to take a day off work and no witness is needed. Front desk girl said that "I don't think my boss will allow that because you were on a retirement visa before". She also told me that I'd have to provide an insurance policy. As my Ms. works for the government, I've got free medical. I believe she's way off about switching (could be divorced or widower) but it would be hard to show any insurance so I'll be staying with the marriage visa. (BTW I've been using the same pics, map and other things needed for 4 years)

My wife's sister was a proper pharmacist in Pattaya and asked me if I could get her a visa to the US. With the licenses, money in the bank and property, she was given a 10 year visa, but had to re-enter every 6 months to stay legal. She got a great job as a chef in a Thai restaurant in PA., makes $100/ day, pays taxes (questionable), travels around quite a bit, and speaks perfect english now. She sends the Ms. money to keep her car in shape and to renew the insurance and tags. She's sent money here so we could build her a house on a piece of my 20 rai, money for her father and my full time worker. It's been about 7 years since she's been back. Like one say's "Livin' the dream".