UbonTaz

Do you know if multiples were available?

No, sorry I don't. Didn't ask any questions while I was there.

Sorry this is not a horror story. It is about a boring, smooth, uneventful visa run to Savannaket.

I went to apply for an initial 90 day Non-Imm O visa for being married to a Thai. Arrived on Monday afternoon and Tuesday at 11am I headed over to the Thai Consulate. Last time I was there about 200 applicants were crowding the waiting area. This time there were about 5.

I got my number and application from window one (now they have a bank type number dispenser and LED sign). I sat down to fill out my app and just as I finished my number was called. The officer look through my paperwork and asked me to make one front back copy of marriage document. Along with that and copy of my passport photo page all he needed was copy of my wife's ID and house registration. I was in and out in 15 minutes. The cost had increased from 1900 to 2000.

The next day at 2pm I went to pick up my passport. The guy was friendly and even joking. He showed me my passport with his hand covering my photo and asked, "is this you?" while laughing. 10 minutes later I was at the Savannaket bus station on the 230pm bus to Mukdahan and at 330pm I was on a bus back home.

Just a post about a good experience.

I wonder if they've seen an increase in marriage licenses lately?

Actually the last time I went to Phibun Mangsahan to try and get a tourist visa extension I was told the only way they could do it was if I produced a marriage certificate. So I went to Savannaket and got a new tourist visa with no problem. When I returned to Phibun with my marriage certificate they gave me a one time 60 day extension. Who knows what this means. It could be their intent to get more to marry or leave.

If their intention is to crack down on those working illegally with a tourist visa they should just do random checks at the schools to check work permits and visas. If found working illegally, send them home and also take action against the school directors or president. That would do a lot to reduce what they consider a problem.

Can anyone confirm that the expiration of the visa is different than the duration of stay? My girlfriend's visa expires on 31 December, but we were not planning on arriving in the United States until 15 December. I had planned on staying until 17 January, but will she be able to?

It's important that she does not overstay...does anyone have a 100% for sure answer to this question?

--matt

A visa is issued that is valid til a certain date at which time it expires. Duration of stay is how long you can stay once you use to visa for entry. Legally she cannot stay past the date her visa expires.

I know many Thais who get 10 year multi entry visas for the US but each duration of stay is limited to 60 days.

Hope this helps.

Thanks.

Yes there are several places to rent motorcycles. Suzuki downtown on Khuan Thani rd. Chao Wattana on rents cars, vans and motorcycles located on Suriyat Rd.. These are two places where you should be able to get yourself a motorbike. Good luck.