mania

5 hours ago, Skeptic7 said:

Good idea and I suggested this...but after 3 years away and waiting for his wife's Green Card for nearly 2 years, she suddenly got it recently. They were so thrilled and chomping to return that he just booked flights immediately. So answer is...not enough time. Next time he should definitely do this very thing. 👍

Ah I know that one 😉

Way back in 2007 same happened with my wife & we were so happy to be free to travel we too left right away.

But while your in process of green card you cannot leave or is may be considered abandonment of petition

Good Luck to him hope it all goes easy

555 So sorry but you cannot take a shower or wash clothes etc from 9:30am to 3:30pm but...........You can use a super soaker on some unsuspecting victim tomorrow 😉 Bringing Happiness is our mission 😉 

Why not just get the 60 day tourist visa (extendable for 30 more if needed) before leaving & remove the hassle of going to Immigration in Thailand not to mention the "up to the immigration office" 

Here is the E-visa Link

https://thaievisa.go.th/visa/tourist-visa

Here is a better explanation from the Los Angeles Thai Consulate

https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/tourist-visa-visiting-family

Lastly it is only $40 / 1466 baht with no visit to Immigration with is worth another 10k baht 🤣

8 hours ago, sandyf said:

I always book flights well in advance as they are normally at a better price, but I have never provided the booking details on a non O marriage visa application, may be different for a tourist visa. 

On page 3 of the application they ask for the flight number landing into Thailand. You can get that quite easily from the internet, normally the same for a route and time.

I use Emirates and have changed date and time of the flight without charge. Different story if you want to change destination.

I have always gotten a Non ImmType O based on marriage to a Thai & have always been 90 day visa's

Buy yes they have always wanted the airline ticket info

We always fly Korean Air, Japan Air or ANA

Change fees can be rough like $400 each on JAL

Korean is less like $200 but $400 to cancel

Before Covid China Airlines was good about allowing changes free but only on return flight

China no longer has flights for us

10 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

 

 

How do you suppose it affects those who do NOT consider the move to be a mistake?

<snipped to save space>...

Well I guess inadvertently you answered your own question when you said "But only some. I guess misery loves company."

But yes for those that do not consider living for months per year in a toxic environment a mistake then of course so be it for them no problem.

The questions &  concern is not for those people same as there is no concern for lung cancer in those who smoke. Because after all there is always freedom of choice. They chose so be it. They threw the dice some got lucky many did not

You should just be happy your happy & not get so upset every time someone brings up the toxic air subject. Not everyone is a lifelong smoker & not everyone is a septuagenarian+

Some are still young with a life to look forward to & worry what the long term effects will be. They chose not to throw the dice... They hope not to pay the price

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

This has come up a few times in the past. If you are looking at an e-visa site then the amount would be the local equivalent of 400K, for the UK this would be £10,000.

If I remember right it was queried with London and the answer was that the £10K was for the ME visa, when they were available, and that for a SE Non O anything over £1,000 would be acceptable.

If I remember right the application has 2 financial questions, Q4 & Q10, the latter being a bank statement for £10K.

I think I answered Q4 and for Q10 uploaded a reference to Q4.

Thanks that is useful info ....Yes I have seen various sites & it is always converted to local currency. Of course will will likely find a way to go or work around but as always it is frustrating that you can never get a straight answer to an obvious problem.

What makes it worse is before applying for a visa of course we need to book our flights which are usually (in our case ) non refundable or changeable without a big up-charge

So of course would be nice to know if it will be easy to achieve a 90 day visa as usual or not.

BTW: as an aside...Last year I did the Non-Imm O visa single entry 90 day online...I get a email saying I put a wrong expiration date on form for my passport ...I know I didn't as it was a drop down menu & I have my passport in hand while filling it out.

In any case they say they cannot show me the error so I have to reapply

So I did & of course they again charged me another $80 ..So last year was $160 for a single entry. When I complained that I didn't believe it nor should I be charged 2x  they sent me a single line canned response that I still have....

"Consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents as deemed necessary and also reserve the right to reject any application without having to provide a reason."

🙄

16 minutes ago, FolkGuitar said:

Does complaining about it every year really make people feel better?............<snipped to save space>........Frankly, I haven't noticed that those complaints are improving air quality,

Perhaps...Perhaps not.....But what it does do is help those who have not yet made the move avoid the mistake that many have made.

Reading this thread  & also this thread it is obvious many that have been in CM a long time have also either moved or are trying to.

For that reason alone it serves a useful purpose to many

That aside...Does complaining about the complaining make people stuck in CM feel better? 😉 

10 hours ago, Northstar1 said:

So sad they have no plan b, I left myself after health issues, not worth sacrificing my life !

and no. Retirement is not staying indoors with air purifiers on or going out for a walk with a mask on!

I didn’t spend my whole life working hard to subject myself to the all that!

far too many first world countries to retire in!

Hear Hear !! 👏

On 4/5/2024 at 9:51 PM, Nayet said:

This may be old news on the forum, but I just discovered that the consulate in Savannakhet now requires proof of 400k for multiple entry non-O visas.

 

Does anyone know of any good alternatives for people who don't meet the 400k requirement?

It was not old news for us....We (my Thai wife & I) always come to our Thailand home 3 months a year. I always get a Non Imm O based on marriage & it is good for the 90 days no problem. It has always been show $750 in bank & proof of marriage passports etc... All done

But this year they want 400k baht and yet this is not a yearly extension where that is normal just a type O non imm 90 day single entry visa.

But the really odd thing is if you look at the e-visa site they now call this a visit family..ok fine but visit Thai Family is 400,000 baht proof...Visit Non Thai Family 30,000 baht/ $1000 usd proof (which is of course closer to last years $750)

I posted a thread on it here

Sound basically like the same thing your up against now except mine was just a single entry 90 day

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is gearing up for an extended three-week Songkran festival this year, expected to significantly boost the country's tourism sector, with projected revenues reaching into the tens of billions of baht.

Why did Aerosmith Dream On start playing in my head when I read that? 😉 

Well I did get a reply in my email today from the Visa Department of the

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Los Angeles 😉 

This is after I detailed the problem & compared staying with a non Thai family for $1000 vs a Thai family for $15,000

Here is a copy & paste of their detailed full explanation..... Why am I not surprised? 🙄

BTW: Nothing has changed on the E-Visa site. It is still as above 1k vs 15k to visit

 

Quote

 

VISA regulation has updated. Please check Thai E-VISA website regarding which type of VISA is best for your scenario.

 

 

 

Visa Department

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Los Angeles
611 N. Larchmont Blvd. 2nd Floor, Los Angeles CA 90004

Tel: 323-9629574  Email: visa(at)thaiconsulatela.org

 

 

 

 

Add this to the polluted PM2.5 air & we have a real paradise developing  🙄

While living  there the worse for us was when doing those long drives cars would pass us using the oncoming lane in the mountains....while entering a blind turn! It was like Russian roulette we were all forced to play with no option at that point.

Thanks everyone for the replies 🙏

On the one hand I guess it could be an error but on the other hearing reports of others not even using the e-visa system being asked for similar financials does make one wonder

I guess I should not be surprised that it is all clear as mud TIT after all 😉 

On the other hand I guess I could also see with recent events how they may try to screen those requesting 90 day visa's more closely & try to bypass the visa agent fake funds routs for those extending to one year

BUT.....the big but for me is why does the stay with non Thai family show rates that are basically as they always were? Albeit up to $1000 from $750 previously. I guess truth be told I could call my wife non-thai family also since she has dual US/Thai citizenship (hahaha kidding)

Anyway thanks for all the replies again & I will update when I hear back from Thai Imm

33 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

For those living in Thailand, I agree it is best to avoid Immigration as much as possible. The OP visits Thailand for 3 months every year - he is better off (now) getting a 60 day Tourist Visa from home and then one Extension when here. 

Thanks but I am the OP & have to disagree 😉

We are on vacation to our home where we go every year for three months & would not consider a trip to Imm part of any vacation

Also as I mentioned a few times already we do some banking  with Thai mortgages etc & a tourist visa does not fly in banks when doing that type of paper works as a foreigner. I need a valid Non Imm visa in my PP when doing paper work

Last but not least it is also a hassle explaining to many airlines leaving the USA if your return trip date is after your visa expiration so again not easier having a 60 day visa & a 75+ day return date. Some understand some do not

But thanks for the input. If it all gets to be too much of a hassle we will skip this year no problem as we have other options too.

But really I think Imm has a error on their website & will find out on Monday when they open

The requirements for Type O Non Imm to visit family is exactly right when visiting Non Thai family but obviously confused when visiting Thai family. I think they have confused it with 1 year extension because those requirements listed are exactly that as I had to comply with those for many years....ie: 400k THB in bank or 40k per month income

19 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Come as a tourist and then extend.  Check again next time to see if it has changed back.

When dealing with Thailand always tak the simpler/easier method - never look for logic or reason (it will drive you insane).

Well yes that is one option...whether or not it is easier is debatable ..Having lived in Thailand for many years ...now that we don't we prefer to not step foot in Immigration if at all possible 😉 

That aside we also have plans to do some banking things that do not go easy on a tourist visa if at all.

Sent an email to them will see how they respond on Monday

5 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Seems it is slowly a standard now everywhere to ask this insane requirement of money sum even people just obtain a single entry child or marriage visa.

 

I still cant believe this is really true too, i even considered before moving back to europe for a few years due to business and then just obtaining these visa’s hassle free: would make zero sense to then need and deposit or show 400k baht or similar at all.

 

it is easier to just come as a tourist at this point….

I know right?

Look at what I just posted I am really even more confused than ever hehehe 😉 

After further investigation........

Actually going to the Thai E visa site  where we got last years visa from...

Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa (thaievisa.go.th)

It shows that while it is still way more expensive to choose visiting/staying with Thai family vs non Thai it is still quite different

It seems like they have confused visiting a Thai Family with the requirements for yearly extension based on marriage?

I will have to try contacting on a working day.

To stay with non-Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days)

Financial evidence: amount of no less than 30,000 THB, e.g. bank statements, sponsorship letter

To stay with Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days)

Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 40,000 THB or having the current balance of 400,000 THB, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings

Just wondering if anyone has info on this

We always visit our home in Thailand for 3 months a year

My wife is Thai & I always get the Non-Imm Type O visiting family 90 day visa

It has always been these requirements listed below

For the purpose of visiting family (Type “O”)
       - When submitting application  include:

       - Your actual passport - valid for at least six more months (18 more months if applying for multiple-entry visa) and passport must have some blank visa pages - include a copy of the "picture/information" page of the passport
       - Two recent passport-type photos
       - Copy U.S. Permanent Resident card or long-term U.S. Visa (does not apply to U.S. passport holders)
       - Completed visa application [download]
       - Recent bank statement showing at least $700 US
       - Copy of airline tickets or e-ticket and...

       To visit as a spouse of a Thai nationality, Fiance and Fiancee are not eligible for this category.
       - A copy of a valid and effective marriage certificate.
       - A copy of Thai passport /or Thai I.D. of the spouse.
       - A letter from the spouse verifying that the applicant and the spouse are still married and the purpose to visit Thailand.

But today as I get ready for our yearly trip & visit the US LA site I see the requirements have changed & quite a bit

But what is odd is if your visiting a Non Thai Family show $1000 but if visiting Thai family show $15,000 ?

Non-Immigrant Type “O” Visiting family - (thaiembassy.org)

Required documents to upload in the system (Large and clear JPEG or PDF format) to stay with non-Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days): 

Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date)

Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months

Document indicating current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay)

A copy of a recent saving or checking bank statement with an ending balance of no less than $1,000 per person or 2,000 per family that shows the applicant's name and date. In case of submitting a family bank statement, proof of relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided

Personal details of a family in Thailand, e.g. valid government-issued ID card, Passport and Thai visa page, work permit or stay permit in Thailand

Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand (immediate family only), e.g. A copy of marriage certificate/birth certificate/certificate of adoption

Required documents to upload in the system (Large and clear JPEG or PDF format) to stay with Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days): 

Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date)

Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months

Document indicating current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay)

Recent bank statement showing the applicant's name and ending balance of no less than $15,000 or proof of monthly income of not less than $1,500/month) along with the current bank statement showing incoming income

Personal details of a family in Thailand, e.g. valid Thai ID card or Thai Passport

Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand (immediate family only), e.g. A copy of marriage certificate / birth certificate / certificate of adoption

Anyone recently get a 90 day visa based on Married to a Thai know anything about this?

Also does it matter which I choose since in reality we stay with each other in our home not family Thai or non-Thai

Lastly I am wondering if it is all just better these days to go Tourist visa 60 days then extend? I have always done Non-Imm Type O as it was better for banking etc

Any Help Appreciated

3 hours ago, Northstar1 said:

But the expats continue to tell us what a great place it is to live!

Sadly I think those that claim "oh its nothing I have a filter & mask" Just have no option so they put a heavy coat of lipstick on this pig. Sadly once lung cancer among other health problems is realized they will truly have no options.

The recent death of the young doctor Dr Krittai Tanasombatkul in Chiang Mai of lung cancer although having never smoked is sadly telling.

3 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

Does anyone see any actual crops burning? I haven't seen one in months. All I see are forest fires which they are still lighting up to today.  I think the emphasis on crops is over stated and the bigger concern are hill tribes and other mountain people (Thai Yai/Burmese) who are up there foraging in the forests.

I cycle mainly further north & the burning is always at night. Early mornings we come thru & see the work done yet still smoldering.

They are just as cheap at Walmart  in USA 75" runs $448 / 16,461 Thai Baht

All else aside it is a nice looking place 👍

On 3/13/2024 at 7:28 PM, transam said:

Charly Garcia, sounds like German mafia, not British.........😂

Maybe related to Sergeant Garcia from Zorro?