2711

"can you just front up with a bundle of papers though?"

No. Between 1am and 3am at Embassy, so that leaves time to play with, and maybe best to fly out of BKK about 6pm thai air.

I'm waging a guess that Dynasty Grande on Soi 6, is inbetween Suvarnabhumi Airport and US Embassy?

Yeah, you're all right.

Wasn't sure what to book as flight, just settled on a 11:15pm arrival in BKK on a sunday night end of November, to save $250.

The Orbitz is looking for an act fast 4 tickets left on thai air mak mak $149 one way.

Thai Air is as low as 2350baht online 1 way.

I think what I need is motel 1 night as I have to hand in at the US Embassy a ton of evidence of relationship, for spouse immigration to America, on Monday. She had a rough time at her interview unfortunately. And then the ticket to Udon.

Only bad chance with ordering online ahead of time would be any flight delays that could throw schedules off. But if staying sunday night then chances may be better of things running smoothly.

I'm not looking to get hammered so the cab drivers at night must bust my b's... just some rest. Where is good motel to book near US Embassy or within reasonable proximity of the Embassy for reasonable cab fees.

THANKS

Thai Airways (3xday)and Air Asia (2xday)are the two who fly out of Suvarnabhumi.

For schedule and prices please visit their websites, prices vary according to many criteria, such as how far you book in advance and how you pay.

Tickets can be bought online or at the companies ticket counters situated near each one check in lines (B, C for Thai and D for Air Asia)

What else do you need to know?

Nok Air uses old Don Muang

Thanks... I think I will have more questions for sure. Maybe for now the cab fare at midnight from

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang?

2711

Could use info on domestic flight schedules, costs, and which airlines fly for domestic Thailand travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Udon Thani daily?

Where in the airport can domestic tickets be purchased after my arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport ?

Any good advice on the subject welcomed.

2711

Would some one happen to have a near figure on the cost of a taxi from Don Muang Airport to Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok?

My wife will be flying from Udon Thani to Don Muang soon for medical exam for immigration to the U.S. and I am trying to total up the costs.

I need to figure approximate costs on vaccinations for immigration purpose that she might need. Where is a good place on the forum to post that question?

2711

I am sure there is a Buddhist teaching that answers this one....something along the lines of contentment can only be achieved if you eradicate all desire.

If you aim low, you're more likely to get what you wish.

I was aiming high until I came to Thailand. Now I aim as low as I can.

Actually if you can can be happy with nothing, but just some love from your partner. Your really best of. I've you can switch of the materialism and I want this and that thinking.

You are asking for too much!

uh.. slower than the slow times every occasion and so on in LOS??? a ha, maybe people are doublin up on the TOT line because of the loss of the other companies cable lines from the typhoon damage.

I'm in the U.S. The international phone lines are still down.

I don't seem to be having any problems with internet communications to Thailand (forums,emails).

My wife has dissapeared from our msn chats for 3 days. I am not sure the reason, but as far as I read here the TOT internet lines are working pretty good.

Just wondering if slow internet is her excuse this time.

How is the internet connections to U.S. via TOT? Anybody know? The earlier posts say "no problems." ?????

"Can't a guy ask a simple polite question without the peanut gallery blathering on in their know-it-all way?

If someone wants to go to church it's their prerogative and it isn't harming anyone here. You may think it's pointless but I'm sure many people point at your lives and say the same thing, so maybe take another look at the old adage that if you can't say something nice, refrain from making a <deleted> of yourself. "

Yes I agree there is nothing wrong with looking for a church. I don't know if you believe in God as the Creator but if so then please realize that nothing happens in existence that was not preordained before the beginning of time. Maybe there is a good reason for all this happening.

I'm not a "know it all" and far off from being a member of some kind of "peanut gallery." The OP just got a taste of what it's like to profess Christ. May it be no more or less than a blessing to him.

Otherwise you will need to forget the 1 yr visa extension and go to Loas (or other country)every 3 months and get a 3 mo Non-O visa.

CWM... I need to ask a question on obtaining a single entry 0 marriage visa and in particular one from Thai Consulate in Vientiane, Laos.(or elsewhere Laos).

What is the documentation required to do this? Is it the basic - passport,marriage certificate,wifes house I.D.? Is it required to show any income statements i.e. bank deposit,letters, etc... ??

This may be the route that I have to take if a decision to stay in Thailand is made in the face of the complexities I have.

2711

The exchange rate is set by the card system being used and has nothing to do with Thai banks or Thai rates. If your card is Visa based they have a website that will provide the exchange rate used.

Thai banks charge .0025% for wire transfer fee in the range 200-500 baht but you are likely to find the fee to send will be too high for small amounts.

Bangkok Bank allows ACH bank to bank transfers if you want to check that out - fee is quite low but she would have to have a Bangkok Bank account for you to use that system.

Thanks for this info... just checked visa card exchange rates on internet for $/baht.- Also the transfer fee is high on this side $35. 300-500 baht not bad on Thai end.

Thanks all for your inputs! Just talked to wife and she changed her story to "I know Kasikorn exchnge is 34.5and >" That was a quick change from yeterday,lol.

I guess the Thai mostly have that drive to get amap... PEACE2711

Perhaps your wife is reading this thread.

She tells me not to, why would she?? !

Thanks all for your inputs! Just talked to wife and she changed her story to "I know Kasikorn exchnge is 34.5and >" That was a quick change from yeterday,lol.

I guess the Thai mostly have that drive to get amap... PEACE2711

The exchange rate in Bangkok Post is where I check the exchange rate.

I noticed AYUDYHA has a website with the exchange rates posted. I will have to search Kasikorn(Farmers Bnak).

Help me figure this out!

I am in U.S. and leave ATM card with wife in Thailand.

She has allowence of 20,000 baht each month.

Each month I check the exchange rates baht/dollar about 34b/$1. $688 American goes out to wife. It looks like about 2500 baht is unaccounted for- i.e.22,500baht apx is being withdrawn and/or taken in ATM fees. The exchange rate would have to be about 30baht/$1 for $688 equal about 20,000b. Of course their has been a higher ATM fee around but still the difference is about 2000 baht or more. Looks like bank exchage rates at ATM is too low.

Wife told me this morning that the exchage right now is 31 baht/$1. I see over 34b/$1.

The banks don't go that low on exchage rates,do they??????

Can that be true? Or is she still skimming $50-$60 from me?

She was at Kaisicorn ATM.

I know it's only about $60, but I need that $60 right now more than they do.

I don't want to be wrong about my balance if I am wrong.

How many American dollars has been equaling about 20,000 baht these months at ATMs?

I might save the money if I do overseas bank transfers. I can't find the fee's involved in Thai banks.

Does anybody know what the fee is in Thai banks for money transfers from U.S.?

2711 STILL CRAZY

Hey man, It can become complex depending on the situation...

If coming to Thailand to marry the advice already given to you is accurate i.e. report to the U.S Embassy to sign the affidavits needed, bringing of course all of your past divorce certificates, money,passport,and then translate the affidavits into Thai and bring them and your wife to be to the local Amphur office and presto you recieve a legal marriage certificate (unless your wife is still married to someone else that she has not yet divorced then you are easily on your way to the next steps, immigrating her to the U.S.)Note: If you choose to not marry her in Thailand but obtain a fiance visa for her to marry you in the U.S. you will probably not save much time and the downfall of that is if you do not have a pretty clean past police record ,especially in regard to drug and alchohal arrests(I think it is 3 drinking arrests and you are out) or if you have any charges of abuse or domestic violence against you, YOU WILL BE DENIED a fiance visa. If you are already married in Thailand and applying for an alien petition for spouse (I-130) much of that is overlooked unless their is a warrent out for your arrest.

I am 3 years into finding out all I needed to know and do to immigrate my wife to the U.S. Our I-130 petition package is now sitting at an immigration office in the U.S. pending the 6 month waiting period that is in effect at this time... [.quote name=damian5000' date='2009-05-09 03:27:26' post='2721479]

Hello,

1) I'm currently in America. I've had a wonderful Thai girlfriend for a couple years now and though there's nothing set, I want to be prepared to marry her document wise. What should I bring with me from America on my next trip to Thailand??

your past divorce certificates

2) If I want to bring her to America, what documents should I have for the visa application?

Either on the internet or at your local USCIS office in the States you can pick up on the instructions for filing the I-130 alien petition form and biographics for you and your wife.I suggest speaking to a lawyer as your circumstances may be different than my own.Are you staying in Thailand or coming back to the States while waiting would be my first question. I hope that you have time enough on your Thai visa anyway to accomplish what has to be done in Thailand.

My wife was missing 1 of her divorce certificates and we had to recover it from Korat Amphur. They were not very co-operative for some time and the cost was not as cheap as one would expect it to be in Thailand.She also was not sure of her birthdate and had different dates on different divorce certificates,so that had to be corrected$$.The biographic forms also speak for themselves, needing to know things like where the parents were born and so on and on...And thenThai are not always big on keeping records of things. My wife had no birth certificate and we had to go through the ropes to get one accomplished.You may have to find answers to your own delemas as the process evolves.

The documents you need if you are married in Thailand are: Marriage certificate, your birth certificate,all divorce certificates of you and your wifes past marriages(legal I presume), I-130 petition form, a G325A biographic form for you and another for the wife,passport size photos -1 of you and 1 of wife according to USCIS specifications.Make sure all Thai documents are translated and certified as to their accuracy and the competency of the translator.

3) Is it easier to get the visa for her if we're married? Or is it a non issue in their eyes.

Depends on your circumstances-how is your background check looking? They will screen you both FBI and it is possible after being married that it could be easier. Maybe yes maybe no,lol!

4) There was a website devoted to these kind of questions, and it's been referred to me a couple times but I can't find it now. It has all the forms and such in electronic format. Anybody know where I'm talking about? A google search is bringing up only Thai dating sites.

USCIS-United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.Maybe some info at U.S. Embassy Bangkok!

5) Perhaps the most important question, can a friend of mine be a sponsor to her if he doesn't know her? Assuming he's got big bucks? Anybody have a link to the sponsorship form?

Yes if your income is under 125% poverty for household of 2(about 17,500 yearly income) then a co-sponsor is needed be it friend or family member.

Speaking with immigration lawyers is always a good idea if you have problems and questions.You might get by with a cost in total up near $3000 doing this alone. With a lawyer depending who it is by the end of it all be looking at from $5,000 to $10,000 (including the airfare for your wife to come to America).I am not prying into your income but their are non-profit organizations willing to help for minor fees if your income is very low.

Thanks much for the time,

Cheers.

"Are you talking about US Social Security? Are you aware that the domestic and overseas work rules are not the same? In the US they go by how much you earn. Overseas they go by how many hours you work per month.

Too much/many in either situation could lose you $$ benefits.

I suppose difference in the rules make sense to somebody, but..."

Terry, I appreciate your input mak mak...

Yes I am aware, I have been doing nothing but seeking information about the Thai government laws and the US laws for 3 1/2 years. It is allot of painstaking efforts.

Working overseas if you are collecting SSD from the US is only permitted legally as a 45 hour monthly rule. That would give me enough of income to sustain myself and family there.

Right now I am up against the SSA and their work program. In a hard place for sure, if it pans out in my favor i.e. if I can proove that I am no longer able to return to my normal job field and the board approves my case for financial aid for the TEFL overseas then it's a go for me. It is not something they are accustomed to doing but since I have a wife, home and family in Udon it might lean to my favor.

I have to present the TEFL schools requirements and the job availabiities and their requirements for teaching in Thailand (note: without a collage degree) to the vocational department here for my case with them in 10 days.

No comment on the disputes but....

As I see it, I can get a TEFL certificate; stay on a multi-entry 0 marriage visa or an extended single o marriage visa and not fuss around with the B type visa so that won't leave me hangin' with 7 days to get out when the job goes under.

Also there is no need for a teachers licence, but I could get a 2 year temporary one if I would like to.

Work permit will come from a school that hires me through the documentation we give to the Thai government and with that permit then I am legal to teach without a degree from a collage!

If I'm crazy let me know.

I have to present a plan of action to the SS department here in the States including the cost of a 4 week course TEFL in Thailand in comparison to the cost here in the States, along with a list of schools, job discriptions, and their requierments to hire me without a collage degree (TEFL certificate only) in an attempt to get financial aid for the 4 week TEFL course.

That will give me the opportunity to live with my wife in Udon Thani, if it goes over well, with chance of having enough income to make the 40k tote for year extensions on an o visa as long as I can show immigration that I pay taxes on teaching income.

Any advice on this is greatfully accepted. It is a critical matter, and I do have to also get the right input on the schools that will hire me with just a TEFL certificate and their criteria.

I'm at a 3 1/2 years point of pains in the arse trying to figure out how to stay in Thailand and how to handle the SSA.

Thanks.

Can someone steer me to a good source for schools looking to hire English teachers in Isaan?

I am interested in finding their job discriptions and requirements for an English teacher.

OK...

I take it then that a non immigrant O marriage visa (activated in 3 month segments) without extension to 1 year will allow me to work legally as it will qualify me as eligible for work papers since I am married to Thai national. But if I would like to teach English then I can not do it legally without some special other work permit from the school that hires me.

.

I am not planning on running on any other visa besides the multi entry 0 marriage and would like to teach English there.

My catch then is any school possibly willing to issue a work permit for me since I will be attempting to secure work with just a TEFL certficate and no collage degrees to back that with. It seems that without the schools issue of work permit and another type of visa to teach, that I can not legally teach English only having work papers obtained because I am married. And without a collage certificate.

In other words I can't teach English legally in Thailand with work papers only obtained because I am married. ??? The government requires that I have a collage degree to teach English legally. ?

Is there a chance of a school that might issue a work permit for me to teach for them without a collage degree so it is legal?

I am looking to take a TEFL course in Thailand, and work as an English teacher there. My situation is that I am married to a Thai national but I do not hold a collage degree that will ensure a work permit issued from a school when teaching in Thailand. My question is first, would I be able to secure work papers on a type O multi-entry visa for marriage without a year extension issued by Thai Immigration? Secondly, if that is possible then can I legally work as an English teacher without a work permit issued by the school that I work for in Thailand while being on the type O multi-entry marriage visa?

Good info. Helpful in many ways.

I can see better why, after 3+ years of struggling Thailand/U.S, that I made the hardest decision to return to the States.

It would be crazy to try and budget what really isn't enough of money to begin with to stay in Thailand, considering visa expenses and all the hidden stuff that pops up. And in particular with T/W that has no concept of the words "not enough of money."

My road was hard. Still is, but try as I will then it's welcome immigrant T/W to America. Unless the dim chance of survival in Thailand shines through somehow.

I can say I miss the place allot.

OK, Thanks much.

I must say extremely difficult i.e. the money thing.

Later.

Can I ask this here - 2 things:

About the airport - Is there a smoking lounge in the departure on 4th floor or has smoking been banned inside the building.

I have just checked the London airport where I make connection and there is NO SMOKING by law inside the terminal buildings. I would have taken a different route had I known.

Not about airport, but when I come onto the forum I am automatically logged in. What setting can I change this feature on? I would like to log in and out manually using my pin.

I'm sure not Thai??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????!

They work in the U.S. Embassy- ask a question??? Get a probable answer??? Maybe this or maybe that! Take a choice.

All becomes obvious, nobody knows for sure , a smile can cover the weight of any enormous difficulty if you can still have a smile?

I actually like it here very much and I'm not looking forward to leaving.

Now the wife says don't go outside the airport to smoke, don't drink anything not sealed in a bottle, don't depend on the airport staff for help they are corrupt, don't talk with strangers at all, the airport is too big to support security for you and there are not enough of cameras, hold on to your luggage.

I said just give me a break! I don't even have anything worth stealing.

Another of the same old same old today, they need 8000 baht and I have to help.

If my problems were little, I would stay. But as many and as big as they are, I have to consider them little. Then they will be little.

A little much

I'll be back......