cheddarburger

Hello all,

I have a follow up question.  I now have the marriage certificate from overseas.  It was sent for "legalization/certification" by Thai Embassy in the country where we were married.

We are here in Thailand and not in that country.  What is net step? Do we exit Thailand and take legalized marriage certificate to embassy in any country to get Non-O for spouse?

One person above said cannot get in any embassy in SE Asia, but not sure why.  For example,  if I married to Vietnamese woman in Vietnam, why cannot get spouse dependent visa in Vietnam?  Seem like that example must be possible.  My case different of course, but now have legal certified marriage documents from Thai Embassy complete.

Thank you for advice!

On 2/3/2024 at 3:53 PM, les1 said:

I have just completed this however I and my wife are British, so I don't know if it is the same for you both. All that was needed was our marriage certificate had to be authenticated at the British home office UK then sent to Thai Embassy London for Certification. Both enter Thailand on a 90 day Non O visa with 800,000 in the bank. I suppose your wife needs the Non O to qualify. We are in Chiangmai. 

Hello,

Thank you to all for responses.  Big problem seems to be Thailand not a part of 1961 Hague Apostille treaty.  So it look like I need document authenticated by home government, then Thai Embassy at home, like you did.  Problem is, we are here now, not there!  Thailand such mess sometimes.  I think maybe I Thai Embassy can authenticate and then I can bring to Thai MFA confirm.  Then after all that, maybe can use at immigration to change visa type.

Hello,

I have Non-O retirement visa with extension. I recently marry outside Thailand to another foreign person. What is process for adding new wife to retirement visa as dependent?

I read on websites I can add in Thailand or at Thai Embassy outside. Is one way easier than other way? What documentation is required? Anything documents need special stamps from my government (at embassy maybe) to authenticate documents or do I need Thai translations?

Thank you for your help and advice!

Hello friends.

An update on the situation. The ED Visa was approved earlier this week. It was very surprising to him and for school. He was on tourist visa since just before covid happen and then many extensions until now when he is approved for ED Visa at Bangkok immigration. Thank you for your words and advice.

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

If your friend entered on a tourist visa or visa exempt he can obtain a covid extension prior to May 25.

CW were being very rude with "this is your last one" however many reports of what you state.

Friend should try CW, there is no reason why should not be issued with a CE.

 

Yes can obtain in another province with a new TM30 but messy option..

 

Thank you Dr Jack.  Do you know if people who told same kind of thing at CW were able to get covid extension in the end, or were they denied?

Hello friends. I have acquaintance who received many covid extension on tourist visa. Last time did covid extension they say 'last time go home!' This at Bangkok immigration.

He start work to change to ED Visa. He already taking Thai classes before applying. School say not sure if ED Visa will be approved. Education ministry approve the study. When he applied for visa at immigration, they comment about many covid extensions. Not sure if can get and said it is boss decision to approve.

School think probably he will be denied visa. Wednesday this week he will know if approval granted or denied.

Question is what is best option if denied? He has 3 weeks left on current extension. Should he try to apply for another covid extension? Is it ok to apply at Bangkok immigration again after they say 'last time go home' or better to take trip to other province? He can book hotel and get TM30 then apply at province office? Is this option? Or maybe it not work well? If another province is best idea then which province is suggested? My friend is not old enough for retirement visa and also not married.

Thank you kindly for advice.

On 10/29/2021 at 4:17 PM, DrJack54 said:

CW up to 45 days prior.

You will receive extension same day you apply.

Be aware of all the requirements such as bank letter, TM7 form with photo etc, etc. 

Photocopies of required pages of passport etc.

Since your going to exit and return you will need to purchase a reentry permit.

Can be obtained same visit at CW or at airport when your departing. 1000 single and 3800 multiple.

Extension is 1900baht. 

Link to report of extension.

Not appointments currently unavailable.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1178531-2020-bkk-cw-retirement-extension-trip-report/

Thank you Dr Jack.  Very appreciate the information!

Hello,

I will soon be applying to extend my retirement O visa for the first time (at CW) after 1 year and am planning a trip home after renewal is complete.

Can any person help with some advice?

I have money in bank as required (I never let it decrease to below 800K). 

How soon before expiration of extension can I apply? I read some people say 30 days and some people say 45 days.

How long does process take? I go to CW to apply. Do they give extension same day? Or do I go return on future date to get receive stamp? (If I go back, is it typically 1 week? 2 weeks? More?)   I need to make flight arrangements and need to plan accordingly.

Anything else I should know about doing my first 1 year extension?

Thank you kindly for your advice.

4 hours ago, Max69xl said:

The by far easiest way to open an account at Bangkok Bank is using a Resident Certificate from the local immigration office. It's one of the accepted documents together with the passport which is also stated in the list of requirements at their website (in English). 

Can people get it with tourist visa?  I think Bangkok Bank only allow for people with permanent residence.  Also, I look up requirements to get this certificate and many papers needed with long trip to CW Immigration and long lines. Lucky I did not need to go this way!  But it is a good idea to try if no other option.

On 7/27/2020 at 8:32 PM, ubonjoe said:

Immigration will accept a foreign currency deposit account at a Thai bank. But some odd offices might not accept them since they are not familiar with them.

When applying for the visa or the one year extension the bank will need to write a letter stating you balance in baht based upon the exchange rate for the day it is written.

Thank you Ubonjoe.  I have decided to be extra safe and will put money here in Thailand.  Bangkok Bank said I can put money into a fixed term CD here in Thailand and that is fine with immigration.  I am okay to do this as I can earn a little more interest.  I plan to leave money in and never use it for anything except getting letter for immigration each year to extend permission of stay!

Do you know if it is okay with immigration to keep in CD?

On 7/28/2020 at 10:43 PM, RaduAlex said:

To cheddarburger: I am in a similar situation to yours and asked immigration directly today if an early long-stay application is possible. They were very clear: No. You have to be 50+ a day in order to apply. You also need a valid visa or a slip of paper from immigration in order to open a bank account. That means if you're on amnesty, you need to be 50 plus 2 months in order to park the required 800k, unless the option with an international branch of Bangkok Bank works.

Thank you RaduAlex.  I was able to open Thai Bank account at Bangkok Bank.  Here is what happened:

I tried many different banks and locations.  Bangkok Bank said they need reference letter from bank in home country or a certified copy of my passport - certified by embassy as being real.  I tried to get appointment with embassy. 

While I wait for appointment, I got a "Bank Account Verification Letter" from my bank in home country that shows my name, address, and how long I have account with bank, average balance last 3 months.....  (To be clear, this is not a normal bank statement.  It is like this: https://www.am22tech.com/bank-account-verification-letter-for-visa-or-immigration/ )  My bank addressed the letter to Bangkok Bank and they sent it by fax to friend back home.  He scan it and email to me.

Bangkok Bank say this letter not normally acceptable, but they said they do an exception.  Now I am waiting for funds to arrive in Thailand.

So to any one else in same situation, it is possible to open bank account on tourist visa that is extended by amnesty!  Just keep trying different locations and always with a smile and friendliness.  Everyone has rules they have to follow - even rules that seem silly - and making effort to try to meet their rules can help them to help you.

18 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

If they all follow the notification and date all 30 day extensions starting from Sun 27th Sept, then that permit to stay will end on Monday 26th October.

They appear to have used the start date of the amnesty, March 26th, as a reference point.

I see what you say.  Back in 2018 I had a 60 day TV.  It was to expire on 17 Oct.  I went to CW and got 30 day extension a few days before it expired.  Extension said 16 Nov.   If I do the same calculation on the 27 Sept, it ends on 26 October, so 1 day short!  

17 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Reading the announcement they said the 27th to encourage people to apply very early for the extensions.

If a person applied on the 28th it would normally start on the 29th.

That is when the extended ministerial notice went into effect which is when the emergency decree started.

This is a good idea.  I have amnesty now to 26 Sept.  Or maybe not amnesty but grace period?  If it is okay to apply on 28 Sept because 26 Sept is a weekend, then it should be okay to 28 Oct.  But then again immigration may say no to 30 days because I did not apply during amnesty/grace period.  I guess there are never easy answers with immigration issues!

I will set up the bank account and put funds in and then talk to an agent about helping with the rest.

I have seen on two agent sites that it is ok to put funds in a foreign branch as foreign currency and keep it there, not convert to baht here.  So I can put 800,000 equivalent of bath in US dollars in Bangkok Bank New York branch.  (I would put 900,000 to be safe.)  Anyone know if this is right?  What are problems of doing this?  It would save a bad currency exchange rate and feel safer if it is in US.

Thank you again!

3 minutes ago, Tanoshi said:

Your absolutely correct that the 30 day extension will start from 27th, being day 1 of the count, but the 26th Oct will be the last day.

You must be 50 and have at least 15 days remaining permission of stay, so your right on the borderline.

Some IO's require longer than 15 days remaining however, but you don't state which office you'd apply.

 

It would be Chaeng Watthana.  Hopefully they are only 15 days.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes you can. Make sure what method you wish to use is in place. If your can afford it money in bank most fool proof. 

So set up your account either money bank or income transfer. 

You will obtain your extension to METV since you have not used that. Straight away obtain your non o.

That's 90 day visa.

In last 30 day obtain your annual extension.

If that does your head in or you don't have the cash an agent will do it for 25k.

Good luck.

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

I have already answered them.

1 hour ago, Tanoshi said:

I calculate he's 3 days short of being able to apply for the Non O.

Must be 50 and have at least 15 days permission of stay left.

Thank you all for your help in the other thread.

1 hour ago, Tanoshi said:

26th September is a Saturday, so the last day you could apply for the 30 day extension would be Friday 25th.

25th counts as day 1 of the extension, therefore your 30 days will expire on 24th Oct.

You must be 50 to apply for the Non O and have at least 15 days of permission of stay left from the 30 day extension.

Unfortunately your 3 days short, unless your Immigration office cut you some slack on the basis you would be 50 by the time they approve and issue your Non O.

Hmm, I'm not sure.  The information card from immigration says that the extensions are valid from 27 Sept to 27 October.  So As they say, it is to reduce overcrowding.  I guess they realize that if they don't do this, then everyone will wait until that last day to apply so they get the most out of 30 days!

Plus, I think that is how normal 30 day extension on METV/TV works in past.

https://www.immigration.go.th/?avada_portfolio=ครม-เห็นชอบร่างประกาศ-มท

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

1. They have done them during the amnesty before.

2. It would be close since you must have 15 days remaining on your 30 day extension to apply for the visa. But some offices want 21 days.

3. Insurance is not required. You would need 800k baht in a Thai bank on the day you apply for the the visa or proof of 65k baht income.

Requirement for the visa application is here: http://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/08-edit_NON-O.pdf

4. Others have been able to open an account with a tourist visa entry. You have to try different banks and different branches of the same bank.

5. Having the account would make no difference when applying for the extension.

 

Thank you ubonjoe!  Very helpful.

On 7/23/2020 at 7:15 PM, ubonjoe said:

You cannot apply for a one year non-o visa at immigration.

If you are on a visa exempt or tourist visa entry you can apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa entry (category O) visa and the during the last 30 day of the 90 days you can apply for a one year extension of stay based upon retirement.

What type of 30 day extension do you plan on applying for. If you entered visa exempt or on tourist visa did you already apply for the 30 day extension? If you did extend it there is no 30 day extension possible now.

 

 

My situation is almost the same!  I turn 50 on 12 October and I do not know if I have enough time to get 90 day non immigrant visa entry (category O).  If I can get 30 day extension to my METV (I did not apply for one before amnesty) then maybe I can.  I have lots of questions but won't post here since I already ask on the other page.  I wish I saw this one first!

Anyone can help with my questions on other page?  Thank you !

7 minutes ago, samisaurus said:

I dont mean to hijack the thread but im here on tourist 60 day visa and had my extension already.... would seeking out an agent help in extending my stay. Is there a way to get some sort of visa without having to leave come September 26th?  

 

Just curious what my options might be 

I am on similar situation but I did not use normal 30 day extension, but I think maybe it does not matter.

Thai government has been very understanding to now.  I wish they continue.  Happy to pay 1900 baht fee to stay every month and spend my money here!  Best is pay for many months stay in one visit.  12000 baht for 6 month stay okay for me if it is offered.

On 7/25/2020 at 6:43 AM, 0815 said:

That's why people should act early as possible now.
Find an immigration office that can help or an agent who can do it.

Can I go to any office in Thailand?  I thought have to go to office near where I live.  What are best offices?

Reading lots of the posts and signed up now to ask something I need advice for.  I know best answers come from immigration, but am thankful for advice anyone has here.

Currently have 6 month METV that ended March.  I took trip before it ended and got 60 day on the last entry that was supposed to end in middle of May, and now I am under the amnesty.  I never applied for normal 30 day extension at end of my regular 60 entry on METV, so maybe I have that option, maybe not.  Not clear to me.

My situation is this.  I turn 50 on 12 October.  I want to get the retirement visa.  Is this possible?  Here are my questions --

1.) Do they give people on METV/TV who do not previously apply for 30 day extension, the ability to apply for 30 day extension now without embassy letter?  Has anyone here successfully received an extension under the same circumstances?

2.) If I can get 30 day extension, how much time do I need to apply for the 90 day non-immigrant retirement visa?  (I read that extension would be valid 27 September - 27 October.)  I am 50 on 12 October and would have 16 days before 30 day extension ends on 27 October.

3.) Do I need insurance, funds in bank, other items, ready before applying for 90 day visa?  Or are things prepared during the first 90 days of the new retirement visa, before I apply for 1 year extension of permission to stay?

4.) If I need bank funding before I apply for 90 days, can I open bank account at banks using my expired METV that is currently on Amnesty?  I can do that this week and hopefully move funds in time.

5.) If I get funds to bank before I apply for 30 day METV extension, do you think it help for immigration people to know?  Or if they know, does it hurt my chance to get 30 day extension?

Sorry for complicated first post!  I thank you for your help and advice.