Hello, I am 41 and from the United States
I am currently here on a tourist visa, which expires on February 18th. I am getting married to my Thai girlfriend on March 16th. I went to the local immigration office, and the officer told me they would only be able to give me a 7 day extension, since I have already gotten the 30 day extension. She said I would need to leave the country and come back on a new tourist visa, and then convert to non-o after marriage.
My questions are this.
Is Laos the best country to do a land boarder crossing from? I am pretty close to Chiang Mai, so that would be the closest boarder for me to travel too (Besides Myanmar, which was confirmed to me yesterday to be closed to boarder crossings)
Once I get my new visa after re-entering the country, that will give me enough time to get married and be able to get the documents for marriage visa.
For the marriage visa, I know there is a 400,000 baht financial requirement. I do not have that much in savings, but my soon to be wife does, and doesn't mind storing it in an account in my name. Some places say the money needs to proven to come from an overseas source, is that true? Or can we park that money in a savings account for 2 months and apply? Does the account have to be in my name only, or can It be a joint account in both names? That money would stay in the account unused specifically for the purpose of the marriage visa, and yearly renewals.
I have heard another option is going to the Thai embassy in Vientiane Laos, and getting a 90 day O Visa based on marriage, and that does not require the financial proof. I know I would have to leave after 90 days, but I have to go back to the states in June anyways so that 90 days would be enough for me. Is it true that I am able to get a 90 day O visa from Laos? If so, what other documents are required. Do they give you a stamp same day in the embassy or do I need to plan to stay a couple days in Laos? I will need a re-entry permit when I apply for that visa, because we will be traveling to Singapore end of march, and will need it for return to Thailand. Will they give that to me at the same time, or do I need to apply at my local immigration office before we leave?
How much are the visas for boarder crossings? Visa on arrival fee for Laos, and new tourist visa in Thailand?
She will be moving to the states after she gets her visa, but that could take over a year, so I will be traveling back and forth every 6 months until she is approved to come.
Thanks in advance for any advice