banglassie

I never had real problems with this. If picking a taxi waiting st a tourist dedtinstion like the ones mentioned, asiatique or ksr well then they are likely scums.

But most guys on the road turn on the meter without a question.

I saw a taxi refusing a wedtern girl near samsen 8 a few days ago. A police came up and forced him to take her on meter. Personally i wiuld rather wait for a decent guy than going with a pissed off driver...

Refusing passengers is another dtory. Happens all the time.

Still most seem to except you if you know the prices, st least in my area.

From ksr to thewet it should be about 40 baht with meter. Tuktuk still ask for 60. When you tell them it's more expensive than taxi they either do not answer or possibly agree with 40 baht. If you stop one on the street you're dtill likely to get there for 30 baht though imo. Win moto is of course cheaper too for short distanses. But safety might concern some..

Maybe he should learn the term "tao rai krab?", "how much?" would work just as fine in most cases... If you blindly buy something or jump into a tuktuk without asking the price first then you can hardly get pissed off for the over price, or yea, you can, but it will only lead to troubles... (exception are the songtaews in Chiang Mai where it's apparently way better to just tell destination and jump on then hand him 20 baht (or was it 10? I've forgot...) when you arrive since the price is fixed. While asking the price will indicate that you "hire" the whole songthaew as a taxi (which will not stop him from picking up other customers on the way...)

Ok, so to try and clear this out

When I arrive at Swampi or Don meuang I always write the address where I live, it's my fiancee's condo and it's not in my name, even-though I pay half the rent.

So if we go to visit parents in the province for 2-3 days I need to report it to the immigrations?

If we go for a short trip to Chiang Mai, the south or any other destination I need to report that I'm on holiday?

And as Ubonjoe stated, most hotels will make sure immigrations get notified. Does this include low budget hotels and guesthouses/bungalows? Many times I never even show my passport but we simply get a room by my fiancee checking us in. But I do check into a hotel for a night and then return home, do I need to report that I returned "home" again?
If so this is truly ridiculous, and I will much prefer to pay up the 2000 baht than going through the hassle...

According to the article valid ID's are Passport, copy with immigration stamp or Thai drivers license.

What about a European driving license? What about a Swedish ID from the police? What about the Norwegian ID's on the back of Visa debit-cards?

I will bring a copy that's for sure, getting it stamped I'm not so sure about, where should I do that? Chaengwattana?
I could get a stamp from Crown property Bureau, will they like that? Might look good, but I guess stamped by immigration means stamped by immigration.
When I return after one entry on my tourist visa is done, could I bring a copy of my passport to the immigration checkpoint and ask him/her stamp that as well? Guess they wouldn't like that since there is usually lots of people and they are quite busy...

Right now it seems this goes for Huahin so I will not change anything before I know more about it.
Just carry a copy and see how that works.

And regarding the motorbikes, it's a real headache. I tried to argue with the guys at koh Phangan that I am not allowed to give him my passport under any circumstances. After a loooong time he would let me rent if I gave him 20k in guarantee, the same went for most other companies in Thong Sala.
I rented a bike in Muang Mae Hongson (not Pai), he was very sure he "had to take care of my passport", I argued that we are close to the borders and that there will likely be some military checkpoints as we ride close to the border all the time. He said that was true but it was no problem cause I had his card, so I could just tell the military to call him...

I have been searched many times by police in the night, and I have never carried a passport, there was never a problem since I was very cooperative and talked politely with them, they always thanked me and let me go in the end, so I guess this could be something that some will not care much about, others will see as a potential way to earn lots of extra cash. I would be careful around Khaosan road, Sukhumvit and Silom, since those are perfect spots to cash in if anyone realizes the goldmine they could make, 2000 baht official fine, or 1000 baht straight to the cop perhaps, do not believe corruption has left the police...

 

I told my fiancee about the statements I've seen here from time to time of people fearing Thailand to become more similar to Singapore.

She laughed hard and said "That's impossible! We'll always find problems, thais "like to have problems" (chop haa reuang) with each other. You think we will be free from corruption and all super clean? Impossible.. There will be fights again, and again".

I kind of see how she views it from a historical perspective. Since this is sensitive times I'm not sure how much is allowed to be said or not, but I will try to keep within the rules.

The "90% are happy with someones job" is just impossible. 90% is not a likely number, we all know that. Just think of all the reds in Isan and the North, as you know loss of face is feared like the plague here. I don't know one red-guy in Isan that today agrees he was wrong, which the "polls" suggest most to be saying.

Also, corruption can take many forms. While things are getting cleaned up and while I think the leader is doing a good job, I still fear how lower rank guys will handle tasks, maybe not the way police used to do, bribes and bribes. But being intimidating and using authority as a way to get what one wants can be a problem as well, which Bangkok post and others wrote about just a few days ago regarding some village in the national park in Buriram that was cleared out, according to the villagers they where intimidated and left out of fear, which brought human rights watch to the scene. I don't know what actually happened there cause I was not there, but power in the hands of the few is a very risky thing. It might all turn out good, but it feels like everything is heading in the direction of our western neighbor when it comes to elections and power.
Also, while it seems very good to bring happiness back to the people, and I truly hope they do, letting people go to a free cinema for learning the history of the HRH  Somdet Naresuan while having military mascots dressed outside could be viewed as populist policies as well I believe. Not saying they did anything wrong, and it was a nice thing to give to the people. 
But I just wonder, who payed for it, or did SF and Major hand it for free for the country?

My point is corruption and populist policies will always be around in one form or another, they will morph and things will change, but I hardly believe in the direction of Singapore. At least not for a few generations more.

You just say that you are supporting yourself. Then if they want proof show some form of proof that you have funds coming into the country from abroad. The best proof would be a Thai bank book showing transfers in.

This is going to really hurt a lot of English Teachers that have been using the ED visa while they teach.

The only income they have is teaching but they are not going to be able to show it.

This is also going to mean more work for Embassies as they are going to have to verify the income much like they do for us younger folk.

Should be interesting to see how this works out.

I agree though with all the abuse it is about time they did something to resolve the abuse.

Ok, I know this solution will make them loose some $$ on the way, but can't they just wire the income by western union or similar to someone in their home country, then have that person send the cash back to a Thai account showing that he/she got funds from some relative abroad?

Ok, it would be to abuse the system, I'm aware of that. And yes, teachers should get a non imm Visa + working permit, but at the same time immigrations and ministries and schools should make it easier to get these qualifications IF they want these ESL/TEFL teachers, which obviously many do.

For me, I'm going the marriage route, had no plans to get married in 2 years, and we still will not hold the official ceremony at the province in 1-2 years. It kind of sucks to get married before the intended time, just like getting a child before you're ready. But if those are the rules then so be it. There are a lot of qualifications that will get easier once married with children, so since I really want to stay here I better just like the situation.

However, I've been thinking of the ED-visa for a year as well. I only speak Thai normally except when I write here or when I talk to my mom or some friends back home, so I'm not really scared of officials testing me. How much does the immigration want you to show?

And since most of my money are in a Norwegian bank account, they will only see Norwegian kronor, is there somewhere I can make a certified translation of printings from bank as well as what it's worth in baht?

Absolutely right!

And get a bloody haircut. Young people, what do they think this is? A bloody fun park!

You gotta suffer matey - like I did - we had the war - you don't know how lucky you are!

And another thing - a fair days work for a fair days pay!

5555, yea, I'm so glad I'm not from your era, you have no idea...

Why should I care of you had the war? How would that concern me. That war is over, things are not like they were in the 40's or 60's or whatever period you lived in..

And why would I think it's a fun park? Why should I need to suffer just because you didn't have the cash and I do? Ridiculous...

Work does sound nice though, hopefully will have that one sorted out before the end of next month (without having to get a haircut)

It was a joke. A jest. A little humour.

A ha ha ha ha erm....maybe not.

Seriously though, I wish you every success in staying here and hope you get everything sorted out before your nearly dead and ready for your retirement visa.

555, if so, sorry for not understanding it was a joke (or was it? :/ hahaha) I might have some hidden autism after all.

Seriously though, I'm aware this is an internet forum, and people love to bash each other. it's normal, at least all places were people stay anonymous. (Just like youtube comments).

I thought I saw lots of sarcasm in your post, but then again this is Thaivisa, you never know! (I still don't know! haha)

No matter joke or not I never take real offense from things written on internet by people who don't know me.

And thanks for the good wishes regarding success, wish you the best in everything and hope your life turns out just the way you want it no matter what age you are. (and that goes for all here, even the those stuck in negative loops)

What visa?

Which visa is it that I should go for at 29 years age, living on savings, spending between 20 to 30k/month. Searching for jobs but still studying for my bachelor from abroad by online studies.

Which visa should I use?

Am I a tourist? Doubtful since I live with my fiancee, I don't travel much unless when she has vacation and what I do most is looking for jobs outside of the teacher sector since I'm a Non-native English speaker and don't hold a degree. That leaves sales job as a good option, and it's not like I'm not trying to get them, I'm even prepared to commute between BKK and Huahin, staying in HH during the weekdays for job and going home from Friday to Sunday.

But there are many young Scandinavians who want those jobs. And I have yet to wait for my luck to land one.

So what am I then?

What visa can I apply for? Which one would be the right??

All this has led to me and my fiancee hurrying up our marriage 2 years for the official part since that might give me a chance. But we are still not married.

I have done nothing wrong, I have abused nobody. I'm not sitting drinking beer in a sleazy bar wearing a tank-top... I'm just a guy who wishes to live round the people he loves. And while I still can afford it without working, then why hurry(?)

But why would it be impossible for someone to be tourist more than 30 days?

And what am I if not a tourist??

Should I just leave Thailand cause I'm not wearing a suit and working? Am I not welcome to just live and spend the money I earned after 6 years working in Norway? Why does some of you seem to have a huge problem with that?

And if I'm not a tourist, but still should get chance to stay here, what should it be based upon?

I still haven't got a decent answer to this one.

I would LOVE to go for a non imm Visa of any kind. I would love to do what is expected of me and follow all rules.

But at the moment I can't figure out what that would be, except getting married or land one of all the jobs I applied for quickly, which won't happen since even-though I've been to interviews and have interviews coming I'm just one of more than 100 applying, and need to wait 2-4 weeks from each company to let them see who they choose, perhpas get a mail that said they found other candidates for the post, and then start the cycle from the beginning since the all the same companies will hand out new positions all the time. So it may take awhile..

The answer is a very hard one. There is no visa for you!!!

In such a case you should go instead to one of those wonderful countries who will give you a visa to match you cirmumstances. That is if you can find one.

If you cannot you need to return to your own country, get a proper job and continue your studies.

You will have to wait, as I did, until you are old enough to get aretirement visa. Alternatively you can get the necessary qualifications and experience to get yourself a proper job in Thailand.

Hard I know, but this is reality. Face it. You have no God given right to live in Thailand unless you can meet the requirements. This country belongs to Thais not foreigners.

Absolutely right!

And get a bloody haircut. Young people, what do they think this is? A bloody fun park!

You gotta suffer matey - like I did - we had the war - you don't know how lucky you are!

And another thing - a fair days work for a fair days pay!

5555, yea, I'm so glad I'm not from your era, you have no idea...

Why should I care of you had the war? How would that concern me. That war is over, things are not like they were in the 40's or 60's or whatever period you lived in..

And why would I think it's a fun park? Why should I need to suffer just because you didn't have the cash and I do? Ridiculous...

Work does sound nice though, hopefully will have that one sorted out before the end of next month (without having to get a haircut)

So, some guy who is successful enough to have made it by 40, to be wealthy beyond the imagination of the author of this Phuket news drivel, to be smarter and richer and contribute more to Thailand than a hundred of the ilk of this author or a truck full of immigration office [removed], who happens to be too young for a retirement visa, who spends more on hotels than this dumb author can imagine, is automatically feckless because he has too many stamps in his passport?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

For every 1 like this, there are 300 who are living on a shoe string getting by.

Easy, you got cash and your young?? There is a visa for that !!!!!

What visa?

Which visa is it that I should go for at 29 years age, living on savings, spending between 20 to 30k/month. Searching for jobs but still studying for my bachelor from abroad by online studies.

Which visa should I use?

Am I a tourist? Doubtful since I live with my fiancee, I don't travel much unless when she has vacation and what I do most is looking for jobs outside of the teacher sector since I'm a Non-native English speaker and don't hold a degree. That leaves sales job as a good option, and it's not like I'm not trying to get them, I'm even prepared to commute between BKK and Huahin, staying in HH during the weekdays for job and going home from Friday to Sunday.

But there are many young Scandinavians who want those jobs. And I have yet to wait for my luck to land one.

So what am I then?

What visa can I apply for? Which one would be the right??

All this has led to me and my fiancee hurrying up our marriage 2 years for the official part since that might give me a chance. But we are still not married.

I have done nothing wrong, I have abused nobody. I'm not sitting drinking beer in a sleazy bar wearing a tank-top... I'm just a guy who wishes to live round the people he loves. And while I still can afford it without working, then why hurry(?)

But why would it be impossible for someone to be tourist more than 30 days?

And what am I if not a tourist??

Should I just leave Thailand cause I'm not wearing a suit and working? Am I not welcome to just live and spend the money I earned after 6 years working in Norway? Why does some of you seem to have a huge problem with that?

And if I'm not a tourist, but still should get chance to stay here, what should it be based upon?

I still haven't got a decent answer to this one.

I would LOVE to go for a non imm Visa of any kind. I would love to do what is expected of me and follow all rules.

But at the moment I can't figure out what that would be, except getting married or land one of all the jobs I applied for quickly, which won't happen since even-though I've been to interviews and have interviews coming I'm just one of more than 100 applying, and need to wait 2-4 weeks from each company to let them see who they choose, perhpas get a mail that said they found other candidates for the post, and then start the cycle from the beginning since the all the same companies will hand out new positions all the time. So it may take awhile..

The answer is a very hard one. There is no visa for you!!!

In such a case you should go instead to one of those wonderful countries who will give you a visa to match you cirmumstances. That is if you can find one.

If you cannot you need to return to your own country, get a proper job and continue your studies.

You will have to wait, as I did, until you are old enough to get aretirement visa. Alternatively you can get the necessary qualifications and experience to get yourself a proper job in Thailand.

Hard I know, but this is reality. Face it. You have no God given right to live in Thailand unless you can meet the requirements. This country belongs to Thais not foreigners.

What a bunch of BS. I have a fiancee here and a family. Why would I go somewhere else? Even the immigrations are more understanding than you in that case. As long as I can prove I'm not working here a tourist visa works fine

My question was hypothetical.

I can still get in on tourist visas. I haven't been living here non-stop for eternity and have no previous visas.

I'm applying for jobs, so sooner or later I'll find one.

Wait 21 years to get retired? Thanks but I'll pass on that one, Marriage seems way easier. Which of course will be the next natural step.

I might however study Thai for a year before that, partly because I want to be more fluent, and partly because it will allow me to stay here. Would that be a wrong visa in your opinion, and if so, why? I do want to study, and I do want to stay. Would it be wrong just because of the last part?...

As for proper job I'm in the process of that. But my study-funds will be hopefully be enough to meet a 40.000/month requirement for an extension of a non Imm O visa based on marriage.

If not I will simply get 400.000 in a Thai account 2 months in advance after I get the first Non Imm "O" at Savannakhet for 90 days, and then apply for the extension after I the money has been in my account for more than 60 days.

I know there are many ways around this. But it's just tiring to see people with retirement visas or business visas looking down on all others as "illegal workers" or "people who don't belong here", without having a clue about the person that writes background and ties to Thailand except from what he/she writes here.

(I have ties to this country since I was born, but I have no reason to go into those details)

(and yea, my visa expires 23rd September so will make sure I'm back before then. Would you say it's a safer bet to go by air than land? I prefer air of course, but land is way cheaper.. Either way works, but if poipet or Koh Kong are ok alternatives I might as well go that route.

I see no reason why you should be able to enter with the 2nd entry of your tourist visa but be sure you do it before the enter before date on your visa sticker.

Thanks Ubonjoe!

Just heard some people got problem to enter on a tourist visa. I know that I have no back to back visas, was more concerned about my previous visa exempt history. Also got a bit wary after hearing some people got denied entry even on tourist visas.

Would be awesome if I could get 60 days more to sort things out here instead of having to go back to Sweden to sort things out.

I guess flying is is way better than going in by land(?) (And I will especially stay away from the border at Narathiwat)

Ok, I have written my whole story here many times before so won't go through all the details. Basically I am not working, I am living on savings, I am searching for jobs within sales jobs for Scandinavian companies based in Thailand. There are a few, they give decent salary, but I'm far from alone to want the few positions they give every now and then.

I'm a non-native English speaker and I don't hold a degree, so I don't see that I would have much luck getting a job as a TEFL teacher.

I have enough money to support myself for 3-5 month's more. But I might get state-funds for my studies from Sweden (studying online) which would give me about 45,000/month, but there would be gaps in the summer of about 2 month's or so. If I don't get a job or don't get state-funds before the beginning of September I will go home and sort things out...

Now to my Visa and exempt history, all in () are outside of Thailand, I will start from about the same time last year:

(all in green are Thailand)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17.03.2013 - arrival (suvarnabumi - Visa exempt) - 18.03.2013 -departure (Nong Khai)

(Laos: 18.03.2013 - arrival (vientiane) - 18.03.2013 - departure (Vientiane))

(Vietnam: 18.03.2013 - arrival (Hanoi) - 24.03.2013 - departure (hanoi))

24.03.2013 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - Visa exempt) - 01-04-2013 - departure (Suvarnabhumi to Norway)

16.06.2013 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - Visa exempt) - 21.06.2013 - departure (Surin border)

(Cambodia: 21.06.2013 - arrival (Siem reap) - 23.06.2013 - departure (poipet))

23.06.2013 - arrival (Aranyaprathet -Visa exempt) - 06.07.2013 - departure (mae sot)

(Burma: 06.07.2013 - arrival (Myawaddy) - 06.07.2013 - departure (mae sot))

06.07.2013 - arrival (mae sot - Visa exempt) - 21.07-2014 - departure (Chiang Khong) - 1 day overstay (500 baht)

(Laos: 21.07.2013 - arrival (houaysai) - 27.07.2013 - departure (Vangtao))

27.07.2013 - arrival (ubon - visa exempt) - 11.08.2013 - departure (Suarnabhumi to Norway) - overstay less than 24 hours (no fee)

22.12.2013 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - visa exempt) - 24.12.2013 - departure (Suvarnabhumi)

(Vietnam: 24.12.2013 - arrival (HCMC) - 28.12.2013 - departure (HCMC)

28.12.2013 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - visa exempt) - 12.01.2014 - departure (Suvarnabhumi)

23.03.2014 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - visa exempt) - 19.04.2014 - departure (Don Meuang)

(Cambodia: 19.04.2014 - arrival (phnom Penh) - 22.04.2014 (Phnom Penh)

22.04.2014 - arrival (Suvarnabhumi - Visa exempt) - 21.05.2014 - departure (Suvarnabhumi)

(Cambodia: 21.05.2014 - arrival (phnom Penh) - 24.05.2014 - departure (Phnom Penh))

24.05.2014 - Arrival (Don meuang - Visa exempt) - 23.06.2014 - departure (Suvarnabhumi) - overstay less than 24 hours (no fee)

(Laos: 23.06.2014 - arrival (Vientiane) - 26.06.2014 - departure (Vientiane))

26.06.2014 - arrival (Nong Khai - double entry tourist visa) - ???

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first 60 days expires 24.08.2014.

Since I still got money I planed to go visit some friends in Phnom Penh for a week or two and then head back to BKK (Suvarnabhumi or Don Meuang).

But now it seems like there's a chance I might not be able to get in although I have a double entry tourist visa.

My stamp-history should show that I am not here to work, I never stayed long enough.

I have no previous Thai visas in this passport. This is the first one.

I am here to live with my fiancee. I have money enough to survive, but I'm not retired, nor am I 50.

Will I be denied entry on this visa, even if I spend 2 weeks in Cambodia?

Are there any extra papers or proofs I should bring?

I live with my gf, should I write our condo address? After all that's where I reside, but I don't own any condo in Thailand.

Should I tell them the truth that I am waitinf for answers from a few different jobs and show them the applications and the companies if I'm asked?

I want to be honest with them that I really want to stay here long term, but I still haven't figured all out regarding how to survive in the long run, and I have absolutely no intentions to work illegally.

Would it be a good idea to bring my passport and go and ask at Chaengwattana? or will that create more problems?

I am a Swedish citizen

29 years old.

No criminal history.

Any tips? Any ideas?

Would be glad to get straight answers in the style of Lite beer or Ubon Joe, cause all the "Get a proper visa and pay tax, until then, just pack your bag and leave you scum!", those kind of replies doesn't really help and only makes it harder to sort out the actual, factual and on topic answers.

As always a huge thanks for those that try to help bring out the correct facts here. Your work and knowledge is very much appreciated!

So, some guy who is successful enough to have made it by 40, to be wealthy beyond the imagination of the author of this Phuket news drivel, to be smarter and richer and contribute more to Thailand than a hundred of the ilk of this author or a truck full of immigration office [removed], who happens to be too young for a retirement visa, who spends more on hotels than this dumb author can imagine, is automatically feckless because he has too many stamps in his passport?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

For every 1 like this, there are 300 who are living on a shoe string getting by.

Easy, you got cash and your young?? There is a visa for that !!!!!

What visa?

Which visa is it that I should go for at 29 years age, living on savings, spending between 20 to 30k/month. Searching for jobs but still studying for my bachelor from abroad by online studies.

Which visa should I use?

Am I a tourist? Doubtful since I live with my fiancee, I don't travel much unless when she has vacation and what I do most is looking for jobs outside of the teacher sector since I'm a Non-native English speaker and don't hold a degree. That leaves sales job as a good option, and it's not like I'm not trying to get them, I'm even prepared to commute between BKK and Huahin, staying in HH during the weekdays for job and going home from Friday to Sunday.

But there are many young Scandinavians who want those jobs. And I have yet to wait for my luck to land one.

So what am I then?

What visa can I apply for? Which one would be the right??

All this has led to me and my fiancee hurrying up our marriage 2 years for the official part since that might give me a chance. But we are still not married.

I have done nothing wrong, I have abused nobody. I'm not sitting drinking beer in a sleazy bar wearing a tank-top... I'm just a guy who wishes to live round the people he loves. And while I still can afford it without working, then why hurry(?)

But why would it be impossible for someone to be tourist more than 30 days?

And what am I if not a tourist??

Should I just leave Thailand cause I'm not wearing a suit and working? Am I not welcome to just live and spend the money I earned after 6 years working in Norway? Why does some of you seem to have a huge problem with that?

And if I'm not a tourist, but still should get chance to stay here, what should it be based upon?

I still haven't got a decent answer to this one.

I would LOVE to go for a non imm Visa of any kind. I would love to do what is expected of me and follow all rules.

But at the moment I can't figure out what that would be, except getting married or land one of all the jobs I applied for quickly, which won't happen since even-though I've been to interviews and have interviews coming I'm just one of more than 100 applying, and need to wait 2-4 weeks from each company to let them see who they choose, perhpas get a mail that said they found other candidates for the post, and then start the cycle from the beginning since the all the same companies will hand out new positions all the time. So it may take awhile..

Not correct, if you are Japanese, Korean etc, you can't work in the same way as a person from Cambodia.

Indeed, as some official or similar stated awhile back, Koreans are one of the reason for the current crackdown due to their 90-days visa exemptions at borders. (ok, so if they really where targeting this group one could argue that they may simply restrict the amount of days instead of cutting it off for everyone. But as I see it there may be two different reasons for that, 1) As long as Korea will let Thai people in without a visa or a Visa-on-Arrival they will stay on good terms, 2) after all, might be good to get rid of all illegal workers while at it..

Cambodians etc can get a border pass, a little white paper book that they can use instead of a passport. They can then work in the province near the border, which might be Surin or Aranya Prathet, in markets like Rong Kleua.

About 7 years ago I was living in Wattana Nakhon just outside Aranyaprathet. Cambodians came and went over the border, no problems what so ever, when they returned they might have to pay some bribes to the Cambodian officials which happened quite often. Thailand only checked and stamped their border-books and may have searched suspect people for weed, yaba or ice since it was (and probably still is?) epidemic in Cambodia (yaba and ice, that is..)

me and my then khmer-gf could easily go to Wattana Nakhon. Go further and there would be the first military check point, this one was still quite relaxed and would let her through.

We could easily go all the way to Meuang Sa Kaew.

A few times we went to Bangkok, all without visa or passport.. Just pass the right check-points and pay a few 100 bahts and promise to return within a week or before the border-pass was expired and that was about it... Guess they can't be as corrupt anymore, at least for awhile... it's not like Thailand is going to be corruption free, we all know it, no country is.. Things might get better, then slowly going back the way they were, since money talks louder than anything...

Anyway, I got a friend from Korea who used to live here. Except for the 90-days exemption she didn't really have any privileges compared to people from "farangland"....

how typical that there wouldn't be a single intelligent answer from the subscribers on this site

Then why don't you give an intelligent answer instead of whining about what others write?

This is usually the case between neighbors isn't it?

As an example, I'm from Sweden, the Scandinavian countries have special agreements making everything extra simple to move and work between the countries, they are more or less as one country in that sense. The next step is the Schengen countries, very straight forward and easy, no borders really, might check your passport on the train sometimes, sometimes not. Then there's UK, still easy as hell if you come from Sweden or any other western European "Farang face" nation including USA. (Canada, Australia and NZ I take for granted due to their relationships with the UK, but to be honest I don't really know anything about the facts..)

Then there is the far west from my side, which would be USA. Still not that hard, getting a green card and work permit and all that stuff seems very easy for friends who decided to go that route, from Sweden or Norway that is.

Then there's the far east Europe + Russia. Here it can be a bit more tricky. Not as simple anymore..

Then the border of Asia appears at Turkey, Istanbul is still not too complicated to become an entrepreneur, but go further to Iran, Iraq or similar and it will not be as easy. Starts to get easier again when you end up in Pakistan and finally India, or if you go down south to Dubai or any other oil kingdom in the Arab dessert.

Looking at it this way it makes perfect sense why there's a "double standard", or even triple.

I would say:

1) Neighboring countries use to get better deals if they are on good terms, the fact that Thaland is a part of ASEAN clearly has a role in this as well.

2) More developed countries or special economical zones, like Hong Kong, tends to be more relaxed and more libertarian when it comes to Visa rules and WP's. And seems they have understood that if someone, anyone, creates a successful business, that will bring more jobs to the population and be one of many factors in an increased welfare.

3) I think Thaland still fears western money. While its fairly easy to buy land in Malaysia it's more or less impossible here. I get a feeling this is because they believe we will do some-kind of economical occupation, but instead of taking the land like the French or British Empire, this time we'll simply buy it...

It sure would be nice if I could get a 90 day exemption at a Land border like the Koreans instead of a 15 days. But since Sweden demands Thai citizens to have a proper Schengen Visa at hand to visit our nation that will never be the case... Kind of simple really.

Regional, Economical and depending on relations.

You can open a bank account with a Tourist Visa.

You might have to try a few though.

Yea, I've read a lot about this, and recently watched a video of Scott Maloon on the topic at youtube.

It seems to be very much up to each bank, and how used they are to dealing with foreigners. When we went to Kasikorn they said I could not get a savings account unless I had a WP. We then asked them some questions (I don't remember exactly which), and it became very clear that the girl in the counter didn't really know anything.

One of her seniors came by and looked at the situation and said I could open a savings account if I used my fiancee as guarantor. Oh, and this was while I was still on a visa exempt. So it sure seems possible to open accounts nomatter what visa you got, but it also seems a tad more difficult depending on your status.

As married and with a non Imm visa I'm sure there would be no problems. And if so I could easily get money from abroad to solve the later story of extensions.

A final question to you.

After sorting out the marriage, do I need to go abroat to Savannakhet etc to make the Non-imm O, or can I transform my Tourist visa within the country at Chaengwattana etc?

If you have the 400k baht in the or proof of 40k baht income you can do a change of visa status to get a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at CW only.

The basics to get married.

1. Affirmation of permit to marry from your embassy. You might need to show proof of divorce if you have been married before. You should be able to find info on your embassies website to find what is needed to get it.

2. Take the affirmation of permit to marry to a translation servie and have it translated to Thai. Then the translation needs to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (translation service can get this done for you for a fee). If you have a divorce certificate get it translated in case needed for the next step.

3. Go to a Amphoe (Khet in Bangkok) with your fiance and two witnesses and register your marriage. You will need the translated and certified affirmation and your fiances house book and ID.

Cheers for excellent information!

But regarding CW, do I only need to show funds to get a non Imm O there for 90 days, or would the same requirements be needed in Laos?

Was thinking of this in regard to Lite beers comment: "

You don't need any income to get married. (Your future Wife might have other views)

A Non Imm O Visa can be quite easily obtained in the region.

You can even get a Multi Entry Non Imm Visa from Savannakhet Laos once you are married.

No finances need."

So if I have understand everything correct now. The marriage in itself is very straight forward.

After that I can either go to CW, if I have proof of funds, and get a Non Imm O.

Or I could leave to Savannakhet and get a 90 days Non Imm O based on marriage without funds, however, would I like to make an extension after those 3 months I would need to have either 400k in a thai account 60 days prior to my application, or I would need an income of 40k baht, either a salary within Thailand, or an income from abroad (not from working since that would be illegal work without a WP).

Am I correct so far?

You need to prove your income of 40k + to be able to get married.

Utter nonsense.

You don't have to show 40k income baht to get married.

Edit: I have removed a post of yours while I was mating this one for it being false info.

They must have been making it up then.

Who is they.

The affirmation of permit to marry from some embassies has a space on it for income but nobody asks for proof of it and their is certainly no requirement for it to show 40k baht.

A final question to you.

After sorting out the marriage, do I need to go abroat to Savannakhet etc to make the Non-imm O, or can I transform my Tourist visa within the country at Chaengwattana etc?

Now I've read that a person needs 400.000 in a Thai bank account 2 months prior to applying for a visa

Are you in Thailand now? What visa did you use to enter the country? You probably need to be here on a Non-Imm O visa (or convert to one) and then apply for an extension of stay (not a visa at that point) based on marriage.

I suggested to moderators that they move this to the Visa forum where you'll get more coherent and detailed responses once your current status is understood.

Yes I'm in Thailand now and have been since February when I quit my job in Norway.

Before that I travelled back and forward to Thailand pretty much 3-4 times/year since 2006.

I do only have one tourist visa in my passport, but I got loads of visa exemptions before that. However I also got alot of travelling and many weeks outside Thailand.

I currently live on savings. But will, hopefully, get a renewal of my study allowance+loans, which will make up about 45.000 baht.

At the same time I am looking for jobs and have been to a few interviews and a few coming up.

The visa I am on now is that only touist visa. A double entry turist visa issued in Vientiane. Since my first entry expires the 24th August my plan was initially to go to Sweden and make an exam which needed to be done in Sweden + visiting some family and sorting out some economical aspects for 2 weeks or so, then come back. But now I feel less certain that I would be allowed to come back on m second entry.

Now I hope I will get a job here before that time line since it would sort out any issues. But as for now that's not something I can rely on, and therefore need to have alternatives.

Someone may ask, "Why not go back to Sweden or Norway to work for half a year or so?"

-Because my family lives here, my fiancee can't leave her job and we are pretty much tied to Bangkok. On top of that this is where I want to live and feel at home.

The ED visa seems like the only option I can see right now. Should be no problem since I already speak and write the language (if they do random tests and some have claimed), I also want to become more fluent and more proffecional in my writing skills and reading different fonts. So school does not seem to bad. That is, if I can make sure I get an income from my government first.

The Swedish embassy beside Nana BTS is good. The income letter only cost 550 baht. And they do it in one day.

But I don't belive they will give you any letter based on your study loan/allowance. It's not an income.

Thanks, I appreciate your answer. However, step one is getting married.

Step to is getting a non-imm O visa

After that I can solve the other problems.

So all in all, the extention is not really the point of this thread. Because if I have a non-imm O I can open a bank account, especially if I have my fiancee as guarantor with papers from CPB stating her salary.

So now that I seem fairly sure the Non-Imm O won't be a problem as soon as getting married is all done, I just need to figure out the details of marriage. Which again comes many different forms, where some claim you need to show money that you will support your wife, which I will not. Some claim you don't need to show any cash at all exept the fee.

Some claim you need a criminal record from your home country, some say you don't

Some say you need to get papers at the Thai embassy in your origin country, which doesn't make much sense to me, cause a Thai embassy should be a Thai embassy nomatter where it is.

But yea, got the blue book today from the province.

Gonna try to find a reliable

1, 2, 3-guide to how we should proceed in registering a marriage.

You need to prove your income of 40k + to be able to get married.

Utter nonsense.

You don't have to show 40k income baht to get married.

Edit: I have removed a post of yours while I was mating this one for it being false info.

Ubon Joe saves the day as always!

I had a gut feeling Lite beer was right on this one, but this just comfirms I trusted the right source. Thanks a lot!

I had 400.000 in bank but decided to give money to my wife to invest in shop. Now I'm 4 months before my marriage visa expires.

I try to get loan, we can get it but to process all and when I add all expenses I get to high 50.000 + THB. For that money I go back my home, visit my family, get non "O" visa and still money to spare.

This is far better option than loan. I have to add that to get loan we must waste about 7 days to get it, also, no money from shop.

Please don't attack me about spending all my money on my wife, she is very decent woman and I not regret it.

Hmm, so what you're saying is that if applying for Non-imm "o" from your home country you don't need to show any proof of funds? Very interesting indeed.

You must be married. And show all the proper documents at the Embassy in Stockholm

Why would I need to go to Stockholm?

Why you all fighting? 40k is ~ 1k euro its not hard to make that money/month or in case someone not working, just get non "O" visa and that's it, no money required.

Yea, sure. 40k is pancake if staying in where you will get about 100,000 for working at Burger King or similar. But here it's not really that simply unless you are

1) old enough to get a pension

2) Got a bachelor or master

3) Are a native english speaker

Your post brings up this interesting question again though that I'm very courious about. What's all this I hear about "or in case someone not working, just get non "O" visa and that's it, no money required."

What kind of Non-imm "O" is that? based on what?

I really would like to know, cause I want to stay legally and do everthing correct. But with constantly changing rules it seems better to know too much than too little.

Yep.

The Non imm O Visa is pretty straight forward to obtain.

You do not have to prove any income to be able to get married.

A rough guide when applying for the Marriage Extension:

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM)

(6) In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.

Letter from your Thai Bank showing balance and up to date bank book.

OR.

If income from outside Thailand: Letter from your Embassy showing income. Now may also need proof of income as back up.

If Income from Thailand: Statements showing Income Tax receipts.

Marriage Certificate. (Kor Ror 3)

Marriage Registry entry. (Kor Ror 2)

Wife's Tabbien Baan and ID Card.

Your Passport.

Copies of everything.

Photos of you and your Wife in and around the house.

A map showing the way to your house.

Passport size photos and 1,900 Baht fee.

Take your Wife to be interviewed.

One or two witnesses may be required.

You will be given a 30 day under consideration stamp.

Go back in a month and get the remainder.

Hmm, thanks!

But this is the kind of double information that makes me confused. The poster before you just said I can't get married unless showing 40+k /month. While you are saying that it's not necessary and that it's only for the extention those funds are needed to be shown(?)

The extention will be a second problem, I hopefully have a job or at least state-funds by then, or I could make sure to have 400.000 in an account.

But how to obtain a Non-imm O in the first place?

Some say you need to have funds, others say you don't. The same goes when googling the subject.

I truly hope you are correct (cause your info seems not only more throughout, but also way more positive in my case! )

You need to prove your income of 40k + to be able to get married.

In short if you want to stay here without a job or pension, a marriage and following visa is useless.

Get a job here first and then get married if you really want to.

Marriage is just the same as a false education or tourist visa unless you have income as they will suspect you of working illegally.

Get a job and a non-B visa then you don't need a marriage visa.

Yea, if it only were that easy to get a job.

I'm still studying to fullfil my bachelor. Without it many jobs are hard to get.

Working as a teacher without one you are most likely to end up with a salary between 20 to 30k/month. Which wouldn't be enough for a visa would it? (very confusing, since many do work on these salaries and have WP and Non Imm

Well, as for "false" education I kind of know what you mean. There are many using this visa as a mean to just stay. And sure, I would do so as well, but I would in the same time study and make sure I get value for the cash I payed to the school. I'm not sure if it can be called false if someone just wishes to stay here with the family and friends he loves but at the same time doing all that's expected from him? (but yea, I know some schools in Patty are hadning out comfirmations for ED visas like candy and never expect their "students" to appear...)

Get a job would be nice. Really nice indeed, and that's what I'm spending most of my days trying to find.

But being a non-native English speaker, no finished bachelor and 29 years old, that's not the easiest thing. I'm a good worker and have always done a good job nomatter how much stress has been involved. But the bachelor thing is what gets in my way, since teacher is one of the few jobs that are avaliable all the time...

If you are not on non-immigrant status already, after getting married go to immigration with the marriage papers and let them convert you to non-immigrant. At the same time, apply for a 60day extension based on visiting family.

Walk to a few banks and find one that will open an account for you. Deposit 400k baht. Wait 2 months.

Read from the police order http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/doc/temporarystay/policy777-2551_en.pdf what you need for an extension based on being married to a Thai. Walk to immigration to apply for the 1y extension. Wait for a period they'll stamp on your passport. Return to immigration to get the 1 y stamp.

Go to immigration every 90 days to do a 90 day report. After 1y, rinse and repeat.

Not that complicated.

Thanks! Makes much sense. O somehow got the information wrong I think, since I always believed you need to have the 400k deposit in the first place to get married. But if I can get a Non-Imm "o" without showing funds for 60 or 90 days, then that would be well sufficient enough.

Right now my school has holiday, so I need to wait for about a month until I get state-funds again from abroad. I'm looking for jobs within sales and similar to make sure I can get money enough. The more I can make the better, so right now Scandinavian companies based in Bkk are to prefer, but I have started looking in Hua hin as well, (I hate yet to go the Pattaya route, have heard about so many scam companies there, and I want one that guarantees a 50k/month salary before you reach budget and start to earn commision, plus one that will give me WP from day one. They are hard to find, but they are around)