paddy

Thanks guys, will do Phu Nam Ron and report back

Thanks very much Ubonjoe as always, will do the border and see how I get on. Cheers

Hi All,

Am here on a Multi Non Imm O and have been for nearly 6 years, for the previous 4 years on extensions (so 10 in total). Normally I fly out of the country from time to time for a few days etc so activate the 90 days that way and have so far never had a problem.

This period of 90 days is nearly up and I have to be out by the 29th (visa actually expires on the 13th Feb) and I haven't had any need to fly out so am lazily considering a border crossing. 

Can I still do a border hop in somewhere like Phu Nam Ron (Kanchanaburi) and get another 90 days? Or are there any new issues at the border? Also does doing a border run raise questions when you fly in / out later? I had reason to be in an immigration office a year back and the female IO said to me the border crossings are frowned upon?? Or would it be best to just fly out to Singapore in the morning and back in the afternoon? Is it ok to fly same day?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks Joe, thats the one. Cheers. Paddy 

Guys, where can I download the correct Non Imm O Visa application form for HCMC, I went to the website and downloaded the one and only form they have for applying for a visa http://www.thaiembassy.org/hochiminh/en/services/2886 but it doesn't look like any other previous Non Imm O forms I have filled out.

Thanks as I plan to apply soon and will report back here on my experience there. Paddy 

Thanks again Ubon Joe, I will report on my experience there when complete. 

Thanks very much guys for the info, a few more questions please: 

Looking at the website they say the copy of the Thai Spouse ID and House Book must be certified, I presume they mean just signed? 

Also is it ok that I go alone and not have the wife with me? The marriage cert is from a European country so I don't need translated version do I? 

Lastly, is there no financial requirements at HCMC? I thought Savannakhet was the only regional embassy that had no financial requirements? I have a bank book with over 500k in it so do I need to bring it along?

 Thanks again and I will report back once I complete the visa application.

Hi All,

A quick question, can you get a Non Imm O Multiple in Ho Chi Minh? If so what are the requirements and how long does it take?

I did search the forum but the info is a little dated and want to ensure I have the latest details before committing to renewing there .

Thanks in advance.

Paddy 

As always, many thanks Ubon Joe ! Paddy 

Hi All,

I have a Non Imm O Multiple Entry (based on wife / family) and am wondering what is the process / requirements if I wanted to apply for a work permit?  If I do get a work permit do I just extend my Non Imm O at immigration based on that? 

I know this topic is covered in other posts but there are a few issues causing some confusion for me - firstly some posts state the company needs to have 2 Million THB capital whilst others say it only needs to be 1 million THB, which is correct? The company I intend to apply for my work permit for only has 1 Million THB capital, is that possible or does it need to be changed.  It has 4 full time Thai employees so that requirement is ok.

I don't have a University Degree and I've read that is essential, is that correct?  The role I would have in this company does not require it. 

Anyway any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Paddy 

Thanks Guys, will just have to get used to it I suppose. Cheers for the replies, am glad to hear its not just me ! 

Hi All,

Quick list of my visa history: Have been living in Thailand since around 2010, under 50 married with 2 kids  - don't work here am fortunate to have an income from Europe (tho own some shares in a business here). Started with single Non Imm O Visa's then had 3 years of Non Imm O extensions and for the last 3 years have been using the Non Imm O Multiple from Savannaket. Never overstayed and I only have one visa exempt which I had to cross the border into Burma as the Laos border had problems at the time(this was during the coup). 

I travel to Europe about twice a year for a month or two and also have one or two weekends away or trips to neighbouring countries. All other trips out are border runs to re-activate my Non Imm O Multiple. 

Anyway coming back recently from 3 or 4 days in a neighbouring country and whilst at the Immigration counter at Swampy the lady officer spent an abnormal amount of time perusing my passport, this despite hundreds of people behind me (the airport Immigration was packed), After about 10 minutes she asked did I have family here, which I replied yes, she was curios as to why I was 'living' here. She seemed to me to be considering my entry very carefully, near the end I honestly believed she was either going to refuse me or take it to senior officer. After some polite / respectful back and forth she eventually stamped me in but what is happening? 

I consider myself one of those who follow all the rules, I was respectfully dressed and extremely polite, never had a problem with Immigration at the airport before. My question is, have they changed their view on people staying here on the Non Imm O Multiple? As mentioned I do travel out of the country relatively regularly so do I not fit the criteria? What is the criteria? I don't want to have to worry that every time I enter the country I might be rejected, plus why all the questions? 

Is this going to get worse, do I need to change my visa status?

Thanks,

Paddy 

Many thanks guys, I'll try tomorrow and report back. Cheers, Paddy 

Hi All,

I am due to do a border run (I'm on a Non Imm O Multi) tomorrow and wanted to check if any posters have recently crossed at Phu Nam Ron? I read a few weeks ago that it was back accepting border runs for holders of Thai Visas. If it is open, is it the same procedure as before, 950 THB all in?

I went there 3 Months ago and was refused so dont want to go all the way and find out that its refusing people without Burma visas.

Thanks in advance. 

Paddy 

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

It only leaves 3 options for those who are colour blind (like myself), 1) Don't drive, 2) Drive with no licence, or 3) Cheat with the test. I chose option 3.

I hear you Giddyup. So is this a common problem? Would like to know just how common, I take it scores of farangs are doing like we do and what a mockery that makes of the test. 

I hope they ditch this colour test like everywhere else and start doing proper and effective driving tests - like actually taking the applicant out on the road. Paddy 

Just thought I'd update this topic for those who may have some colour vision problems and are due to sit the driving test.

As mentioned in my first post, after failing the peripheral colour test the driving centre instructed me to go and complete a full eye examination at a local hospital. I went off and a number of vision tests were carried out and I passed them all, I did fail (as expected) some of the colour card tests. The doc gave me a great letter recommending me for driving and that my vision and physical health was perfect etc. He stated I had mild colour blindness that was not relevant to driving and stated how many of the colour cards I failed etc. 

Went back with my letter to the Driving centre and was still refused a license, they claim that any colour issue no matter how slight excludes me ! I wasn't rude in my dealings with them or anything like that, they were adamant that this is the law and they wouldn't sign off on a test as that is the criteria. Thailand is one of very few countries in the world who do this test and as far as I know the ONLY one who sees it as a failing criteria. 

Anyway I went off to a neighbouring province (you can sit your test anywhere) and tried again. This time I passed and received my license, I did have a slight problem with the peripheral colour vision test again but manged to get through it using some creative pre-practiced techniques.... After the test I spoke with examiner and the other staff and they all said the same that colour is taken very seriously and if you have any problems with any of the tests they will not issue a license. There is a minim that you must achieve before they will sign off. 

Long story short - Thailand's driving test does not make allowances for people who suffer any form of colour blindness and I would suggest that anyone that has colour problems to get a few sample runs in before sitting the exam and be prepared for it. It's a pain in the ass.  

Thanks,

Paddy 

Thanks guys,  I was very polite, in fact I think I was too polite and should have asked for another chance.

The problem is you have dozens of Thais standing around you scrutinising everything you're doing so you feel the pressure to move along.

The test is a joke to be honest, I've never in over two decades driving not been able to tell the difference between a red or green light, I completely understand they have a job to do but if I am unable to get a license here because of this it is taking it to the extreme. A vision test is completely acceptable but there has to be some allowances for this. 

Thanks, Paddy 

Hi Guys,

Today I went to renew my Driving License (this would be my third) and was asked to do some tests, the colour vision one today was not the same as last time.

Anyway I have a slight (mild Deutan) colour problem, nothing serious that would prevent one from driving, in fact I believe a large percentage of the male population have this condition. Never a problem for me in the past, getting licenses here or in Europe, I have been driving for over 25 years without any issues related to it. I reckon I have renewed 5 or 6 driving permits in that time in several different countries. 

Long story short I passed the traffic light test but failed the colour peripheral vision test, the lady told me she can't pass me and I have to get tested at a hospital - they won't accept a private doctor. She was very negative and reckoned that a colour test fail means I can't drive in Thailand. Now I am concerned that the doctor will certify me as having a green / red colour issue (one that is NOT a problem for driving) and the folks at the DLT will not issue me with a license. Anyone have any experience with this? Any advice?

Many thanks,

Paddy 

Thanks Elviajero for the reply and details. I'll know tomorrow if they will accept the Police report. Cheers, Paddy

Hi All,

Am due to renew my 5 year driving license so needed a proof of address, I went to my local immigration this morning (central Thailand) to check what was needed, the girl there v politely told me what I needed (certificate of residence application form, 2 x photo, copies of relevant passport pages etc.) so I went off and got all the documents I needed. She asked how much I paid 5 years ago (same Imm office) and I told her 500 THB, she said that should be fine, come back later. 

I returned in the afternoon and handed my documents over to the same lady as earlier, she went off into the 'bosses office' and returned to say they won't issue one. Something about a new team at that Imm office and unfortunately they won't issue me one. They advised me to go to the Police station (literally next door) and get one there. I went off to the main Police station for my area and they were completely baffled by my request, in the end they issued me with a hand written report confirming my address with official Police stamp / signature etc. 

What is going on with Certificates of Residence, how did I get one before and not now? Also will the driving license section accept my hand written document from the Police station? By the way I am here on a Non Imm O Multi Entry and have been for a few years, is that something to do with it? The last time I got a cert of residence I was able to get it (5 Years Ago) it on a single entry Non Imm O so it's all very confusing.

Thanks, Paddy 

Many thanks again HappyLarry, much appreciated. Paddy 

Hi Guys,

Wife and I are getting a divorce - we have been separated for many years but for unavoidable reasons could only finalise the divorce now.

I have been in a new relationship in those intervening years and wish to marry my new partner once we finalise the divorce etc, my question is what does getting the freedom to marry affidavit at my Embassy entail? What is needed, is it simply just walk in and get a sworn statement and what documents are required? 

Also is my divorce here good enough for the Embassy (Ireland), we were married in Ireland so will that be a problem? 

Thanks, Paddy 

Many thanks Happylarry, this is great news for us. Much appreciated. Paddy