Newbie22

My Laos wife was told the same thing at the Savannakhet border and at the Savannakhet consolate: No more entries, and no tourist visas available for Lao citizens. However, she does 30 day crossings in Cambodia, so it's possible for your GF to take a bus to Cambodia and then cross over to Thailand. I don't know which border crossing she uses, though.

As far as marriage, the Laos embassy will NOT issue the paperwork required for marriage. What some other posters are missing is the fact that a Laotian will need a visa to visit countries which do not require that same paperwork. All of the ASEAN nations which allow Lao people visa exempt entry require the document, or they will perform the ceremony but will not actually marry foreigners.

After fruitlessly trying on our own for 6 years, We used an attorney service, for 70,000 baht, and they got us officially married in Thailand. I'm sure there were some brown envelopes passed, but we are legally married and registered in Thailand. We mainly got married so I could get her on my BOI extension of stay as well as to get a green card to the US.

You can PM me and I'll give you the details for the lawyer if you want.

Hope that helps.

Thanks brewsterbudgen.

Regarding paperwork from my employer, what is required? That I work there? That I'm gainfully employed?

I have the certified and legalized copy of the certificate.

And as far as my son, does he also need to get a non-Immigrant O? or is he just kind of assumed?

Thanks again!

Hello all,

this is my first post, although I have lurked daily, and I'm obviously looking for advice about my situation because I haven't seen this particular situation addressed, although it may have been previously and I just missed it.

I am a US citizen on a BOI work permit and extension of stay through Chomchuri Square in Bangkok. I got married to a Laotian girl here in Thailand, and I have a 3 year old son with her who is a US citizen. My question is this: can I get her a visa based on marriage to me so she doesn't have to continually make sketchy bus runs to Cambodia every 30 days? I know Laos and Thailand have a somewhat acrimonious relationship regarding actual Visas, as the last several times we've been in Savannakhet the Thai embassy has always denied her a tourist visa because she's Lao. If it's possible to add her to my extension, what paperwork does she need? We have our registered marriage certificate, as well as my work permit and extension stamps. Is there anything else needed? Would we have to go to Laos? If so, would it be better to attempt getting the visa in Vientiane or in Savannakhet (which is where her family et al lives)?

Additionally, is it possible to add my son without leaving the country? We have his birth certificate, as well as his passport and consular certificate of birth abroad.

I know that's a dense read, but thank you all in advance for your answers/advice.