daveman

Hi I am living in Laos and getting married to a Lao national. I know we could be waiting for more than a year for our marriage papers and could not leagal at least live together in Laos.

• Marriage papers in any case may cost as much a 2000 dollars. So rather than giving the 2000 to some marriage company, how easy would be to go to Thailand or Vietnam and get married. I should add that I have no full embassy in Thailand only a consulette but i do have an embassy in Vietnam. do we need a lot of paperwork? How long does it take to be legal? is there any extra costs? I have lots of questions. Does anyone know the procedure ?

Sorry to say this champ, but those cynical rude posts are the winners here.

If you can accept the risks involved both emotionally and (especially) financially, then go ahead, cause no matter what anyone says, once your mind is made up, you will taste the poison pill.

No doubt, no one here hopes it doesn't work out for you, so all the best to you, but I would seriously take note to some of those people you would rather have not heard from in the previous posts.

Is it always a poison pill? as I Have not heard from anyone here yet that has a single positive thing to say about my situation or their past situation.

@ Daveman: I had tried to get a visa last year for her to come to Ireland and stay for a couple of months, but that was refused. so i guess the only way to be together is to get married.

Sorry, now my advice too.

- Do not married about the visa. Give you and your GF more time.

- May go to the village and married her by Budda. Then nobody loose face.

Spend the time with her family. This will tell you a lot about her too.

- Do look for a .... visa again, that she can visit you first for any weeks in your home.

... after this start the real "operation marriage".

I wish you and your GF all the best.

Thanks for the advice. It's just sooo hard to be apart. I will run this by her.

To get married in Thailand

You need to visit your Embassy or Consulate in Thailand and get an "Affirmation of Freedom to Marry" signed by the consulate. The form is usually available online or email your consulate for the form. This must me presented at the Consulate/Embassy in Thailand with your passport (and original divorce certificate if divorced)

3000bht at UK Embassy, completed form presented next day.

You must them get this translated into Thai and take the translation and the original along to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Both original and translation will be stamped on the front and have a sticker and stamp put on the back.

A translation service agent can do the whole thing for about 2500bht within 1 week.

(just got mine done this week by post, agent in CM took the affirmation on Monday and gave me the completed and stamped work back on the Friday after translating and posting to BK for me)

You may then get married at any Amphur office, you need this document, your passport, her ID, Her Tabien Baan blue book.

As for the religious wedding, I have told mine she can have a budget of 25kbht if she wants to have one (or a nice holiday for us in Krabbi instead). Her reply is the wedding should cost nothing as the money brought by the guests should cover the cost ..... I'm a bit doubtful about that)

Sinsot

Brought up by the family but I asked for 20kbht and they decided not to. They though it was amusing that I wanted cash to marry her (2 previous careful owners produced kids so I thought they should pay me).

Good luck!

Thanks For the info. And I wish you the very best with your new Mrs.

If you are getting Married , I take it you will be coming to the UK on a settlement visa , if so your lady will need a chest Ex ray, and if you are putting in an application for a visa, You will need an appointment to put your visa in (Submit).If you get all your paperwork ready before you go to Bangkok , that is if you are getting married in Bangkok, you could book your appointment before you go to Thailand , usually about 2 Weeks before you go . that way you will save time .IE get married in 3 days then put your visa in(submit)then if you are lucky it will be processed in a few weeks.

Thank you. But I am not sure if it is the same procedure in Ireland.

Ignore the cynical replies - you are obviously both v much in love. The fact that you have only actually been together for a few weeks means nothing in these circumstances. That is why she was talking about marriage - she loves you too much.

Don't worry that the language (and cultural) difference means that you can't actually communicate.

Isaan women are famed for their loyalty to their husbands rather than their families, so you have no worries there. I've no doubt that she won't ask you to support her family in Thailand.

As a previous poster pointed out, getting married may not mean that she can get into Ireland easily - the cynical Western governments aren't convinced that these marriages are based on love rather than money.

You need to prove to her family that you truly love her by providing as large a dowry as you can afford - they will find it v hard that you are taking her far away, so you need to show your commitment.

Now I know i am moving to fast, that doesn't sound like any Issan woman I have ever met. Its all about family. Now I don't mean that in a derogatory manner it's Issan culture thats all

Thanks for all the replies, all have been welcome. I shell try and respond to all so far

Richm7 – Yes I clearly need help lol. I am using a search engine and researching Thai weddings. I still have a lot to discuss and with my girlfriend and I will be slowing down. I am aware of the horror stories that is why I ask these questions here about sin sot, and ask for advice from people who have been there, done that.

Tongkorn – I am not sure what you mean by ex rays and surrender your visa application. Could you please elaborate?

Jonathanpattya – Caution noted, thank you for your best wishes

Maxman 71 – I was the one who called her and asked her for a quick weeding. Although while I was in Thailand in November, she did ask me a lot, to get married, I always tried to talk sense to her and told her to wait. Now that I am back home and miss her like hel_l. I just want her here with me. The weeding seemed to be the easiest way, I clearly didn't think everything through thou, and I thought I would just fly over for a couple of weeks and get the paperwork, never even thought if girlfriend wanted a weeding ceremony.

Goldfinger – I asked about her son, she is fine with him staying with his grandma. Grandpa is dead. I am not sure what to think of this arrangement as my wife would miss him. Although I did tell her we would be able to visit for 1 month every year. Not scared of cost of the weeding, I just want to know what to budget for.

Thommo- Cheers for the heads up. It's good to know what to budget for; I don't want any surprises that's all. Best of luck with your new wife, I hope you will be very happy.

Xonax – Very good advice, I do want her to visit here before we marry, that's why I tried to get her visa last year.

I get the impression she thinks the streets are paved with gold here. It's hard to explain to her that it's hard work here too, and expensive to live.

I am reasonably sure she has no criminal record that was not why the last visa was rejected.

I might try again if she is willing to reapply. Poor girl spent 3 weeks last year waiting in Bangkok for a visa; I was trying to tell her it would take longer. We clearly have a bit of a language barrier as well. After a total of 8 months including the appeal and refusal she got very disheartened and did not want to go through all that again. She also said she would not be able to fly on plane for that long alone, so I would have to go and get her if she did get a visa. It might be hard to get her to try again. but maybe that is the way to go rather the get married stright away. I might be able

Hansni - €200 seems ok to me. I have been talking to a friend of mine who tells me his ladies family wanted €12000 and she is a bar girl with two kids. Needless to say they are not together now the weeding never happened. As for the sons father, he is still around somewhere close, as she was showing me some photos on her phone I spotted her son with another man. I asked who he was and she told be sons papa. "House question" I am not sure what you mean…. Something else I have to learn. I wanted to get civil marriage in Bangkok as it is easier, I would need to make visits to Irish consulate and other Thai government offices. I don't have any family except my Mum. Her house will be mine one day.

Trickcyclist - My Girlfriend did visit Frances at the holiday shop early in 2009 and I have spoken to her on the phone, unfortunately this was after we had submitted our last visa application. I am sure if she had been involved in the original submission it would have been successful. I will be contacting her again I am sure. Nollaig Shona Duit!

Brasseye – I appreachte your bluntness or is It rudeness, but some of the world's greatest romances are between lifers locked up together. Believe me I would love to quit my job and go to LOS, I had planned for it, I hoped my investment in the good times would have doubled by now, instead its worth less then I put in, I have a 2 year old car I can't sell for the right money, and my savings would only last 4-6 months at best without work or a business in LOS. No matter I am farang, so I am filthy rich. My mum is getting on a bit now, so it's hard to leave. This is as real as it gets. As for "Bar Girls" if anyone would here would care to admit it, is why at least 50-70% of expats are in Thailand. Right or wrong? Many have married and yes there are many horror stories, I am not that naive I know the odds are against us, but surely there are a lot of happy families as well.

Rgs2001uk- Bingo! That was why she was refused visa last time. But what about all those questions, why are they so important, I doubt she even knows all the answers herself. I will tell you what I know or what she has told me. She has one brother who works selling t-shirts in bkk and 2 sisters. Her mama is alive and well, papa died many years ago. I was at her house once and I didn't see any livestock only chickens. The biggy is her English is not great, not good enough to work in Ireland at least. So I would have to say she would not be able to get work here at the moment, I have tried explaining this too her, although I might be able to get her a job cleaning.

Assuming this is her first Irish visa application - You should allow 7 weeks for processing as the application must be processed in Dublin.

Owen01

This would be her second applaciton the last one took maybe 5 months with appeal, which was refused,but we were not married. is it any easier when you are married?

Yes You can get all your paperwork, and Ex rays done in three days and get Married. If you book your appointment on line to surrender your visa application, You just put your relevant paperwork in and submit it at the time given to you, The process for surrendering your visa is about one hour , it could take up to 12 weeks to process. As for getting married at an Amphur you can literally walk in off the street with out an appointment. good luck all the best.

EX RAYS?

Does the son really come with the mother??

If so, it will take more time and will be a"bit" more expensive, because the (Thai)father has to agree.....

If the boy stays with the grandparents, the OP has to calculate monthly about 200 euro+ to send to Thailand.

Not sure if he thought about that, because he scares about the costs of a wedding party in Issan.

Not scared just a little green. and I had thought of her sons upkeep. I have taken all replays, advice on-board most of it is good. I perhaps am a little rushed. I have known this lady for a year and a half, although we have only spent a few weeks together (and a lot of time on the phone) and I have been to her village only once.

I had tried to get a visa last year for her to come to Ireland and stay for a couple of months, but that was refused. so i guess the only way to be together is to get married. I wouldn't be the first to make that silly sod mistake, and I wont be the last. sometimes it works, but

I do need to slow down and think it through, but anymore advice is welcome, the more I know about this subject the better.

If things go well I am planing to go to Thailand in Feb to marry. It will be only a quick visit maybe 2 weeks as I want to keep my job in Ireland, My wife will then join me here in Ireland once she has a visa.

I think I have figured out how to get a legal civil wedding in Bangkok, which means visit to consulate and MFA, translate some papers. (Correct me if I am wrong) I hope i can get this done in 2 or 3 days. maybe this was dealt with in and earlier post, if someone could please send me the link.

I have only just started discussing it with my girlfriend but I believe she wants some kind of religious ceremony in her village near Nongbualamphu Issan. thats fine by me. but I don't know anything about Thai Weddings.

(probably a stupid question) Am I expected to Pay for ceremony? How Much should I expect to pay?

We have not discussed a dowry yet (but i believe it is custom). I should add that my girlfriend is 32, divorced and has one son, so should I have to pay any dowry at all?

What do I ware at a Thai wedding, a western suit or is there something traditional.

How Long will she have to wait for a visa to Ireland once we are married (I should add that it is my Idea that we live in Ireland as I would not be able to make enough money in Thailand)

Can I do all of this in 2 weeks?

I am sure I will have more questions. and I will add once they come up. thanks in advance for any help

All applications who enter the UK for 6 months or more are required to have a TB test and submit it with the application.

Relevant information can be found TB Requirement

Requirement for Tuberculosis testing for applicants visiting the UK for longer than 6 months

All applicants submitted in Thailand wishing to come to the United Kingdom for a period longer than six months will need to obtain a certificate confirming that they are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB) before submitting their visa application. The categories of applicant that will be affected by this new requirement include long-term students, work permit holders, other employment and domestic workers, volunteer workers (plus all dependants of the aforementioned), and all settlement and marriage cases. Please note that those failing to submit a certificate at the time of application will be refused and the visa fee not refunded

Does this also apply to republic of Ireland

One more question...

I think I read that you have to be married 3 years before your thai spouse is allowed a visa to visit Ireland... Or is that a work Visa?

No you have to be married for 3 years before she can apply for citizenship.

Work visa will not matter as she is married to an Irish Citizen, i.e she can work.

When she applies for a Spouse of Irish Citizen visa she will do so in Bangkok. Make sure you give them more than what they need. Always worked for me.

Then in Dublin or wherever you settle she will get a one year visa,renewable.

Thanks for that.

One more Question. How long might it take for my then wife to get a visa for Ireland. if she still needs a visa

Proceed with extreme caution.

You run two significant risks - Introducing your wife/girlfriend to people she might (and you might) prefer not to meet.

Meeting Khun Latch - or as I pointed out from our own experiences (yes more than once) Thai people are not very good at being alone - On more than one occasion we've met Thai people overseas who have "Latched" on to the Thai contact we've offered - in the worst case a woman who used to wait outside our house for us to come home from work - I mean we really could not get rid of her.

So proceed with extreme caution.

OMG. Not sure what Khun Latch is.

I did realise that Thai people are not good at being alone and get very homesick. I was passably looking for someone fairly local (ie another married Thai lady living here, that my GF/Wife could have a natter.

I guess you can meet nutters everywhere, I have meet quiet a few myself here in Ireland.

I assume you live near balinasloe then or around that area. Is there a thai restaurant in the town. Probably a good place to start..........

Yes I am in B'sloe, but I don't know of a Thai restaurant only a few Chineese, but come to think of it there is a Thai Restaurant in Athlone.

I have been discussing marriage with my Thai GF, She is in Thailand and I am in Ireland. but at the moment I would not be able to move long term to Thailand as I could not get the same kind of work and be unable to support her and her family.

I am asking my GF to give up a lot, and moving to Ireland would be a great culture shock for her.

It would be helpful to know if there was a Thai community living close that could help her make friends in the transition period for her if she decides to move over here with me.

I am in the east Galway/ Midlands area, but I guess distance is not that Important as long as we could meet up now and again.

If you plan to stay in Thailand I would advice applying for a tourist visa, which will give you 60 days, but to get married only will take a few days. You could try applying for a non-O visa straight away from the consulate in Hull by post. Email them. They should do it.

The affadavid is good for 2 or 3 months.

Thank you!

This advice is useless if you are a citizen of The Republic Of Ireland. You need to consult the Thai Consulate in Dublin, if there is one.

I have heard Hull is good even for an Irish Citizen. thank you

The Irish Consulate is closed from 21st December 2009 to 4th January 2010. They advise that you post to Cardiff.

So I doubt Hull would be a problem then.

Hull is apparently very quick and efficient I believe, from the experts such as Mario.

One more question...

I think I read that you have to be married 3 years before your thai spouse is allowed a visa to visit Ireland... Or is that a work Visa?

If you plan to stay in Thailand I would advice applying for a tourist visa, which will give you 60 days, but to get married only will take a few days. You could try applying for a non-O visa straight away from the consulate in Hull by post. Email them. They should do it.

The affadavid is good for 2 or 3 months.

Thank you!

Thanks for the help. I arrived in Bangkok early as i was coming form Udon on overnight train. after finding a place to stay I went stright to bung sam ran 240bhat taxi. I arrived at 9am and fished till around 6pm although the guide finished at 5pm. Fishing 1000bhat, 500bhat rod, 1000bhat guide, and bucket of bait beteen 130 and 165bhat I used 3 or 4. also went trough 4 rigs costing obout 80-100 bhat each so the whole day cost around 3800bhat still expencive, but hay I will never get a chance too catch fish like that again.

I got around 12-13 fish the first 4kg (I wanted to take a photo, but the guide laughed and said "only small, throw back" )

he next 18kg then about 7fish over 20kg 2 fish over 25kg and 2 fish over 35kg. not to mention the ones that got away (of course they were at least 50-100kg )

If you are there a few times you will learn to make up the bait and people fishing there will be glad to help, but i would recomend a guide for the first time fishing there.

EEA citizens can't be treated less favourably than the indigenous population, so, that you are British living in Ireland does not hinder your ability to act as a sponsor.

Scouse.

I think that not being resident in Ireland would restrict a individuals ability to invite someone to Ireland - no matter what the nationality.

On a general note - I was previously advised to provide "excessive" supporting documentation when applying for a visa - since qualification is essentially a box ticking exercise and you never know what combination of documentation will cause some of the more difficult boxes to get ticked (eg. proving you know each other, proving intention to return etc.). This advisc has served me well. I provided multiple Irish payslips, Irish bank statements, copies of all passport stamps since I started coming to Thailand, etc. etc. Plus the usual letters of application & guarantee using the text provided by the consulate)

It's very hard even for and Irish Citizen to get a visa for Thai GF. I thought I had given all paperwork and it took 7months including appeal for a refusal, they seem to change the rules to suit themselves. and as for phoning the department of Justice/Imegration, good luck trying to get through without them hanging up on you after 20 min on hold.

Are you from Northern Ireland do you hold a UK/Irish passport ?

I am form southern Ireland (Irish Pastport)

Hi I was wandering if I could obtain this document before travelling to Thailand Affirmation of Freedom to Marry. I know there is no Irish Embassy in BKK only a consulate. How long is the document valid for?

Should I get a visa for more then 30 day tourist when visiting and getting married in thailand?

happy to oblige

บ่อตกปลาบึงสำราญ ซ.นวมินทร์42

Show that to a taxi driver, will be easy.

I forgot to mention that beer chang was ony 25baht for a can. The Thai food was also excellent and very cheap.

Thanks for the help. I will let you know how it went.

I too would like to do some fishing, and I like the look of bung samran, I don't like the cost the tour company's are quoting, 6500 baht for 6-8 hours fishing.

I figure i would go to the lake myself and hire equipment i needed, and a modest bungalow. (You can hire rods there, right?)

I wood need a guide as i wouldn't know the rigs tackle and bait too use.Does anyone know if it is possable to hire a guide at the lake(how much?)

I figure i could do this for half the cost of the tour company.

I can take a taxi or public transport to the lake from downtown Bangkok right?

I will be in Bangkok around 13Th or 14Th November if anyone can help.

Sorry I know this is for ex pats which i am not. but I am hoping to be one day.

Its easy to get there by meter taxi for about 100baht from central Bkk. Its on Nawamin road at soi 42.

All equipment is for hire, and they have English speaking guides waiting. You dont need to rent a bungalow, its good fun fishing on the walkway there and just as many fish Im sure.

I had previously only fished there with my ex Thai boss who always paid for me about 200 or 500 baht. Recently I went alone and they charged me at least double that and lady at the counter also made some stupid remark(in Thai to her coworker) about not wanting farang to come in. Guide was about 500 baht and was very good until I bought him a beer and after drinking 1 chang appeared very drunk and wouldnt stop bragging.

Lots of big catfish there and very easy to catch, good fun for half a day.

However, in light of the poor attitude and double pricing for farang/japs etc I will not be going back. There is also a big tackle shop there, great for a bit of window shopping but about 50 to 100% more expensive than you would pay at Rangsit shops or parknum.

Thanks very much for the info. Thailand is very racist in many ways, If we in the UK/Ireland charged Asians more for everything we would be taken up in front of the European court for human rights.

anyway I might just try and make my own way there, as I am tired of catching nothing at home. Is there somewhere I can get the address in Thai and print it out for the taxi driver? my tai pronunciation is not very good. I got into a cab last year and asked to be taken to Khao san road, the taxi driver nearly had a hartattack, he was sure I said Khon Kean. lol