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owenjones

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Posts posted by owenjones

    90 Days

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi,

    I just remembered that I haven't done my 90 days submission... and it is about 90 days late :-(

    I used to be so punctilious with this, but having spent five years out of the system in Europe, and with all this Covid stuff, it just completely slipped my mind.

    I am in Uttaradit with a married visa extension of one year which was granted in February.

    Can anyone give me any advice re: fines, penalties, strategy?

    I will, of course, phone them tomorrow.

    Regards,

    Owen

    Spanish Visa Update

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    Some of you will remember previous posts.

    Anyway, on Thurs 6th Nov, we went to the Spanish Emb in BKK with our paperwork thinking our probs were over and we would be in Spain on the 24th.

    How naive!

    They suddenly wanted a Special Branch criminality check and a WHO health report on my wife, which need to be verified by the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and they said that the MFA validity stamp on our marriage cert was not sufficient, because it only stated that the papers had been seen. They have to guarantee the registrar's signature.

    So, off the police headquarters. It says on the wall: do this, do that and seven days later you have your certificate. From the 6th, that still gave us plenty of time, but when the crunch came, they said that it would take at least until Dec 16th.

    That meant the flights and my Thai visa would expire. So, off to Laos, eh?

    No, because I only have one page left in my passport and you need two.

    So, I phoned the British Emb for an Emergency Travel Doc.

    "Cannot, sir, not until you have explored all other avenues".

    "But how will you know that I have?"

    "We will believe you".

    "Well, why not just do it now?"

    "Cannot, sir. Try applying for a new one in London".

    "But my visa expires in about three weeks..."

    "Sorry, sir".

    We obtained the health report and then left for Pattaya to sort the marriage cert out.

    The registrar from 10 yrs ago had moved on, so they performed some magic with a photocopier and promised that we had what we needed.

    Jomtien to talk to Immigration.

    The officer was helpful and sympathetic, suggesting we enter Laos, stay one night and return with a 15-day visa, and then return to her for another 30 days (please remember this point, I have a question).

    After that my passport will be full and it will take me to 8-9 Jan.

    OK, I asked the Spanish Emb how long they need to process our papers over Christmas etc, if we hand them in on Dec 20th.

    About 21 days, which takes us to the 10th, which overshoots my visa by a day or two, unless Jomtien can give me another 60 day visa because I am married.

    Do you think this is possible?

    That will also allow me to pick a day for the return flight with a comfortable padding of 10 days, because I don't trust that the police report will arrive on time.

    Sorry for the long post, but the details are necessary.

     

    Regards,

    Owen

    PS: If you are wondering why I came here with only two pages, that is another story which happened in Spain.

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted · Edited by owenjones

    On 10/13/2016 at 6:07 PM, 7by7 said:

     

    That letter is basically explaining why a British embassy cannot 'validate' a local marriage; because only a court can rule on that; if such a ruling is ever necessary.

     

    As said, and as it says in the letter, the normal situation is that if the marriage is legal in the country where it took place then it is also legal in the UK as well. In which case the court would rule that the marriage is valid in England and Wales.

     

    Note that attachment is about the situation under English and Welsh law, not British law. As the letter says, the law is different in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

     

    Whether the Spanish, or anyone else, will accept that letter as 'validation' of a Thai marriage I cannot say. Click here to download it.

     

    I do, and the Spanish do not accept it.

    I have asked the British Emb in BKK how to validate our marriage and they have forwarded my inquiry to the FO in London.

     

    Owen

    • Like 1

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    4 hours ago, 7by7 said:

     

    Unfortunately, that was in 2007. More recent experience of some members has shown that the British embassy no longer issue such letters.

     

     

    There is no need for a British court to 'validate' or 'legalise' a foreign marriage because under the Foreign Marriages Act 1892 (as amended) any marriage which is legal in the country where it is registered is also legal in the UK.

    'No need' is true, but the Spanish Emb in BKK demanded it of us and refused a family policy visa for my Thai wife.

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    1 hour ago, lopburi3 said:

    No - actually there is no official notary system in Thailand - just have translated and they can get it registered with MFA and deliver the official copy to you.  Often documents are accepted without the official legalization by MFA but good to have one or two just in case and you are not in Thailand when asked.  

    Are you talking about the Hague stamp?

    If so, is that obtainable from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in BKK?

    And if so, where is that, please?

    I know that this info is important to me.

     

    Regards,

    Owen

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    1 hour ago, theoldgit said:

    Whilst the Netherlands is a bit more relaxed with genuine applicants for spouses, or in my case a partner, of EU Nationals, you still have to satisfy them that they are the Consulate with jurisdiction for your main destination.

    No your main destination doesn't have to be the country you enter the Schengen Area but you do have to supply evidence what is your main destination.

    When we flew in Schiphol recently my partner, armed with a longer term Schengen Visa, was asked about our stay, and some fellow passengers were being fairly robustly questioned.

    The Netherlands is a lot more expensive to live in and colder - I'll stick with Spain :-)

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted · Edited by owenjones
    Clarification

    The second Clause 3 is what they use against us:

     

    Requirements for Spanish or E.U. citizen Family visa.

    Family member of the EU citizen are entitled to apply for this type of visa. Should the purpose is to reside in Spain, after the visa has been granted the applicant must apply for a residence card in Spain not less than one month after entering Spain.
    Documents required:
    1.    2 visa applications duly filled. Applications not duly filled will not be accepted.
    2.    Valid passport and its copy.
    3.    2 photographs, colour, with white background, less than 6 months old.
    4.    A letter of consent from the EU citizen stating that the applicant is accompanying/joining or will live with him/her in Spain, with copy of certificate of “Inscripción del Registro Central de Extranjeros” (Central Registry Office for Foreigners).
    5.    Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and Spanish/EU citizen.


    1.    Spouse of Spanish, French, and Portuguese citizen: Family book issued by that country member.
    2.    Marriage certificate issued by EU country of that national or a document issued by EU authority recognizing a marriage to have the same legal effects as that EU countries member.
    3.    In the case of marriage registration carried out in Thailand or in other non EU countries: the marriage registration must be certified according to the consular procedures of that EU nationals´ Embassy.
    4.    In case of family reunion for children under 18, a certificate from the respective authorities confirming that the person has the parental power over the child. The document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing that country.
    5.    For family member over 21 years of age: document proving that the applicant has been financially supported by the EU family member for more than one year.
    6.    Document proving that EU citizen and the family member is travelling together or reuniting in Spain.


    Following documents may be required by Spanish authority in Spain when applying for the residence card.
    •    Medical certificate at least in English stating the applicant does not suffer from “any of the diseases that might have serious consequences for public health, according to the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR)” (http://www.who.int/ihr/health_risks/en/).
    1)    small pox
    2)    poliomyelitis due to wild type poliovirus
    3)    human influenza caused by a new subtype, and
    4)    severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
    •    Police Clearance Certificate issued by the relevant authorities of the country of origin or residence, regarding the last 5 years. The validity of the certificate is 3 months. The certificate must be legalized by the concerned Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spanish Embassy representing that country, or certificate with Apostille stamp as the case may be.
    •    All foreign documents, to have legal effects in Spain, must be legalized and translated into Spanish with certified translation by the Embassy. To obtain a residence card please see the link: 
    http://extranjeros.empleo.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos/CiudadanosComunitarios/hoja103/index.html#requisitos

    As of January 3rd, 2011 - The visa application must be submitted in person.

    Citizens from Cambodia, Burma/Myanmar and Laos may apply for EU Family visa at the Embassy of Spain in Bangkok, Thailand.

    The visa fee is exempted.

    You must request an appointment to submit your visa application at [email protected]
    Visa applications will be submitted on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 12 hour

    Visa can be picked up from Monday to Friday from 12 to 13 hour

    Bangkok, 26-10-15. 
     

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    2 hours ago, 7by7 said:

    That was slightly different as the Spanish embassy were demanding a document confirming the UK recognised a Thai marriage from the British embassy; a document which doesn't exist. A complaint was made to SOLVIT and the Spanish were, as you say, reprimanded and the Spanish immigration authorities confirmed that such a document was not required.

     

    It seems that the Spanish embassy is now trying a different approach in their efforts to deprive EEA nationals and their non EEA family members of their rights under the Freedom of Movement Directive. Presumably so they can make a bit of dosh by charging for visas which should be issued for free.

     

    I recommend making a complaint to SOLVIT.

    This is what they tried on us. I said that only a British court can validate a marriage, so we would have to go to the UK, but we wanted to go to Spain. The man shrugged.

    But the shrug was a lie.

    In Spain two solicitors told us that we had to go back to TL to get a Hague validation stamp, but this is also no true. Couples with a proven relationship of 3+ years have the same rights as married couples.

    We are going belt and braces next time and complaints will be issued.

     

    Thanks,

    Owen

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

    I think I recall another member last year banging his head against the Spanish Embassy wall re- their demands for documentation for Schengen visa-related matters that doesn't legally exist. Even having the Spanish Immigration in Spain confirm that it wasn't required cut no ice with the troglodytes at the Lake Rajada offices.

    That is my experience too.

     

    Owen

    Validating a Thai Marriage Certificate

    in Visas and migration to other countries

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    No, I mean a Thai marriage cert.

    Why? Because my wife was refused a family policy 180-day Schengen visa at the Spanish Embassy in BKK 'because the certificate might not be genuine' You can buy them in the market, he told me.

    Anyway, I have since found out that you do not need to be married for the visa I want for my wife, I only need to prove that we have had a long-standing and meaningful relationship, but that cuts no ice in the Spanish Emb. They want to see a Hague stamp of authenticity on the document.

     

    Regards,

    Owen

    Two-month Tourist Visa

    in Central Thailand

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    I am currently in Phichai with my wife who is too sick to travel. Until May, I had about ten one-year married visa extensions from Pattaya and then Nan, then we moved to Spain. I am 62.

    My wife should be OK in about two months, so where is the nearest place I can obtain such a visa?

    Phitsanulok (77km) would be ideal because we have to go there for the hospital; Uttaradit (45km) next. Nan (285km) takes five hours to get to.

    Do I need anything special for this visa?

     

    Thanks,

    Owen

    Tricky Visa Issue

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    Thanks, guys.

    I have now worked out that 60 days will just about cover it, but I am prepared to pay the overstay if necessary.

    I am not sure where the confusion arose that my wife and I are not together.

    Anyway, I said 90 days in case the doctor changes his mind, at the moment the flight on Nov 23rd looks safe.

     

    Regards,

    Owen

    Tricky Visa Issue

    in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    After living here for 12 years, in May, I tried to fulfil my ten yr old promise to take my wife to Europe to live cancelling a 12 month marriage at the airport (with 9 months left to run :-(  Sick) .

    It took me 11 wks to get residency in Spain, so that did not leave enough time for my wife to complete her application so we returned to TL.

    I got a 30 stamp at the airport.

    I was intending to go to Laos for a 90-day visa, to give my wife time to reapply for a Schengen visa, but she has fallen ill and cannot travel.

     

    So, my question is, under these extenuating circumstances, can I get a 90-visa at my designated station in Nan or MUST I go to Nan?

     

    I thought I had read somewhere that it was possible in extreme circumstances.

    Apparently, they will issue a 60-day visa in Nan, but that puts me on a few days overstay.

    Perhaps that is worth the fine.

     

    On top of that, I only have two pages left in my passport (Laos and return to TL is a page each).

     

    Any suggestions gratefully received.

    Thanks in advance,

    Owen

    PS: I phoned Nan today, but the girl couldn't follow me in English, or my wife in Thai.

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