Non-O marriage extension...the lunacy continues

[Psychic]

So back at Petchaburi Immigration for my yearly visa extension non-o based on marriage.

 

So a short recap of how they seem to have gone off the rails here.

 

After opening the new office so Petchaburi residents go to Tha Yang rather than Hua Him I was hoping some sanity would return.

 

But no, the stamp from Chang Wattana MFA for income letters from the Canadian Embassy is still needed (only for marriage, not the same letter for retirement).

 

2 years ago they came out and visited the house. Took photos. Said I should change shirts in the photos then they wouldn't have to come out.

 

Last year I asked and was told that I didn't need the stamp from Chang Wattana...only the first year.

 

Until I handed the paperwork in...then I needed it.

 

Still came out and visited for photos.

Told me they wouldn't if the wife also changed shirts.

 

Today up show up with photos with many shirts, stamped letter and they tell me I need a witness.

 

Before I had been told only the first time in a new province.

 

So witness sent for. Still coming out to visit.

 

A stack of multi-copied paperwork all requiring signatures. I think I must have signed over 100 times. Plus the forms.

 

I'm stuck doing this and it only happens once a year.

 

I, jokingly asked what they planned in changing next year.

 

Sarcasm doesn't work well here.

 

"Don't know yet."

 

Guess I am going to start using some investment income and migrate to a retirement visa. Much easier.

 

Which is strange. You'd think a long standing marriage would make things easier every year instead of more difficult.

 

But this nonsense is one of the reasons I don't advise friends to retire here anymore.

 

 

 

 

[Maradona 10]

Why don't you just go to Savannakhet and get a non 'o' based on marriage? I choose to do this as what you have to do is an utter nightmare...non 'o' in Laos is the way to go..at least until one is 50 anyhow..

[from the home of CC]

Did my app for extension of permission to stay (marriage) in Hua Hin last week. The IO wanted pictures of him with us in our condo - a first for me. We go over prepared every time just to be sure and it all worked out but I agree it's an onerous process. Quick question if you have time: what does the CDN embassy require for issuing the income letter and does this income have to be automatically deposited to my bank here in Thailand to count? Thank you in advance Sir.

[Psychic]

18 minutes ago, from the home of CC said:

Did my app for extension of permission to stay (marriage) in Hua Hin last week. The IO wanted pictures of him with us in our condo - a first for me. We go over prepared every time just to be sure and it all worked out but I agree it's an onerous process. Quick question if you have time: what does the CDN embassy require for issuing the income letter and does this income have to be automatically deposited to my bank here in Thailand to count? Thank you in advance Sir.

They prefer proof of income, which I submit. But they'll do it in your sworn word. I printed the wrong letter out accidentally that didn't show a figure and they were OK with that.

 

With the appropriate amount of income.. 400K for marriage, 800K for retirement you don't need the funds in a Thai bank.

 

I'm getting much better returns on the money in Canada than I would if I had to put that money here.

 

Costs $50C or 1300 baht at the Embassy. 400 baht for the MFA stamp (plus 60 baht return postage if you do it by mail as I did this year..recommended as it saves the trip to Bangkok and the havoc at CW).

 

Hope this helps.

[Phuket Man]

11 minutes ago, Psychic said:

They prefer proof of income, which I submit. But they'll do it in your sworn word. I printed the wrong letter out accidentally that didn't show a figure and they were OK with that.

 

With the appropriate amount of income.. 400K for marriage, 800K for retirement you don't need the funds in a Thai bank.

 

I'm getting much better returns on the money in Canada than I would if I had to put that money here.

 

Costs $50C or 1300 baht at the Embassy. 400 baht for the MFA stamp (plus 60 baht return postage if you do it by mail as I did this year..recommended as it saves the trip to Bangkok and the havoc at CW).

 

Hope this helps.

Those are not the required amounts if using the income method.

Marriage = 40,000 Baht a month.

Retirement = 65,000 baht a month.

 

[from the home of CC]

8 minutes ago, Psychic said:

They prefer proof of income, which I submit. But they'll do it in your sworn word. I printed the wrong letter out accidentally that didn't show a figure and they were OK with that.

 

With the appropriate amount of income.. 400K for marriage, 800K for retirement you don't need the funds in a Thai bank.

 

I'm getting much better returns on the money in Canada than I would if I had to put that money here.

 

Costs $50C or 1300 baht at the Embassy. 400 baht for the MFA stamp (plus 60 baht return postage if you do it by mail as I did this year..recommended as it saves the trip to Bangkok and the havoc at CW).

 

Hope this helps.

Hey thanks for replying. Been transferring the 400k over for years and like you I'd rather keep it at home. Sorry for being stupid but: So you have your bank send a letter to the CDN embassy stating the amount you have in the bank? Or do they send it to you and you just forward it? If I have CPP/Lira being deposited into my  bank account do they want proof of the amount annually is at least 400k or that you have at least 40k being deposited monthly? (read that option also exists-not sure if true) And you also say they'll take your word for it? If I do this down the road I think I'll follow your lead and provide proof (who knows when things change) And finally what's this chang wattana MFA business? Is this like a  government notarization Thai style? What do I google for the address etc. Sorry for the hassles, no rush in your reply. I appreciate the time you're taking for me. 

[ubonjoe]

5 minutes ago, from the home of CC said:

34 minutes ago, Psychic said:

 

Hey thanks for replying. Been transferring the 400k over for years and like you I'd rather keep it at home. Sorry for being stupid but: So you have your bank send a letter to the CDN embassy stating the amount you have in the bank?

It is proof of 40k baht monthly income not 400k baht annual income. You show your actual income on the statutory declaration. You need proof of the income going into a bank in Canada or from your pension provider or where ever you income is coming from.

6 minutes ago, from the home of CC said:

And finally what's this chang wattana MFA business?

Very few offices want that. They verify the signature of the consular officer that witnessed your statutory declaration.

[from the home of CC]

Hi Joe,  I'm getting a little confused here (understandable since I'm not the sharpest pencil in the cup). I like to be prepared when I do extensions and Psychic is saying they asked him for this MFA and you're saying it's a rarity. Since I live in the same area as him I think when I try to do this method of meeting financial requirements I'll have this done to avoid hiccups at the office. Is the address of this office listed in TVF someplace? ( I couldn't find it but that doesn't mean it's not here-if you say it's on here I'll keep looking). Secondly, does the Canadian embassy supply this statutory letter form? Tried to call the embassy but due to all the cut backs it's a total sh** show there now. So in steps:

 

1/ get my bank to send a letter to me saying I ether have 40k /month coming into my acct. or have 400 k deposited in my acct.

2/download this stat declaration form, (from  CDN embassy I assume?) declare and sign and send with letter from bank to the  CDN embassy for their signature.

3/ Send the returned declaration to this CW MFP for their signature (in the case of imm. in Hua Hin)

4/When in possession of the notarized stat declaration, take to immigration when doing the extension of permission.

 

I read somewhere on TVF this letter has a lifespan of 6 months - Is that true?

Thank you to you, Psychic and Phuket Man for helping this (as the Brits say) thick Canadian.

[Psychic]

As Ubonjoe said, very few offices want the stamp.

 

But it started for me in HH where it was necessary for some, not all, nationalities.

 

Canadian, unfortunately, was one of them.

 

They may have changed...TIT.

 

 

UJ also linked the website for the legalization paperwork. Its on another thread I started.

 

If you decide to mail to CW you need this form, signed photocopies of your passport picture page, visa page, I also sent the TM6.

And your application for extension of visa.

 

 

I'll dig up the instruction sheet later, take a pic and upload it. I hope it will be eligible.

 

A money order for 460 baht...400 for processing and 60 return mail.

[from the home of CC]

Hey thanks man, I appreciate it.

[Psychic]

...CC.

 

Essentially that's it.

I haven't tried getting the statement from the Canadian Embassy by mai. I  pick one up when I come back to BKK. 

Usually a quick trip in on the skytrain and back out to the airport for my bus.

 

But the lady there told me it can be done by mail. Forgot to ask for details.

 

The trouble is that the embassy is only open mornings and its a haul across Bangkok to face the organized havoc in CW....much easier to mail it.

 

If you get details from the Canadian Embassy on mail ins, please let me know. Either post here or PM me.

Thanks.

[from the home of CC]

Will do Psychic. I'd rather go to hell than Bangkok so I'll be definitely looking into the mail option. Thanks again

[Psychic]

...CC.

 

Here's the DFA instructions. Oh yeah forgot also another copy of the income statement.

 

Can't remember if that needed signed, but since apparently everything here does I sent onecopy signed, one unsigned.

[holy cow cm]

Quote

400k is not much to keep in the bank. 

 

[ubonjoe]

7 minutes ago, from the home of CC said:

Hi Joe,  I'm getting a little confused here (understandable since I'm not the sharpest pencil in the cup). I like to be prepared when I do extensions and Psychic is saying they asked him for this MFA and you're saying it's a rarity. Since I live in the same area as him I think when I try to do this method of meeting financial requirements I'll have this done to avoid hiccups at the office. Is the address of this office listed in TVF someplace? ( I couldn't find it but that doesn't mean it's not here-if you say it's on here I'll keep looking). Secondly, does the Canadian embassy supply this statutory letter form? Tried to call the embassy but due to all the cut backs it's a total sh** show there now. So in steps:

 

1/ get my bank to send a letter to me saying I ether have 40k /month coming into my acct. or have 400 k deposited in my acct.

2/download this stat declaration form, (from  CDN embassy I assume?) declare and sign and send with letter from bank to the  CDN embassy for their signature.

3/ Send the returned declaration to this CW MFP for their signature (in the case of imm. in Hua Hin)

4/When in possession of the notarized stat declaration, take to immigration when doing the extension of permission.

 

I read somewhere on TVF this letter has a lifespan of 6 months - Is that true?

Thank you to you, Psychic and Phuket Man for helping this (as the Brits say) thick Canadian.

Info for getting the signature verified is here (click to enlarge).  http://www.consular.go.th/main/th/services/6441/71860-ขั้นตอนการรับรองนิติกรณ์เอกสาร---Legalization-Proc.html Map here: https://goo.gl/maps/j7nEoykBwux

You can also do it by mail. http://www.consular.go.th/main/th/services/6441/72113-บริการรับรองเอกสารทางไปรษณีย์---Mailing-Service.html

Application form: http://www.consular.go.th/main/contents/images/text_editor/files/แบบฟอร์มคำขอรับรองนิติกรณ์เอกสาร - 60 E(2).doc

1. A copy of your bank statement would be enough. It would have to show 40k baht going into the account. You cannot use 400k baht in a bank in Canada.

2. Look here for the form (I cannot find it)  or contact them for it. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/thailand-thailande/consular_services_consulaires/legal-juridiques.aspx?lang=eng

3. Answered already.

4. Yes

[Psychic]

3 minutes ago, holy cow cm said:

 

True but I get nearly 40K dividend and any capital gains in Canada.

 

Also not a lot but a hell of a lot better than I can do here.

 

I have free transfers on my monthly pension through my bank. So that is my preferred method.

YMMV.

[Naam]

2 hours ago, Psychic said:

I'm getting much better returns on the money in Canada than I would if I had to put that money here.

are you aware of the fact that CAD lost nearly 30% vs. Thai Baht in the last 5 years?

[Psychic]

24 minutes ago, Naam said:

are you aware of the fact that CAD lost nearly 30% vs. Thai Baht in the last 5 years?

Cool, when that trend reverses as these things tend to do I look forward to the 30% uplift to the Thai baht.

 

Might even convert 400K then.

 

You know, buy cheap.....

 

Canada became a petro-currency.

 

If oil prices spike again which they show every sign of doing $C will likely recover.

 

I'm not smart enough to foresee currency swings.

 

But my math is good enough to know that $C dropping from 30 baht to 25 baht in the last 5 years is around 17% not 40%.

 

10% compounded is around 60%.

 

Yes I still need to bring in living money every month but I'd still have to do that if I maintained 400K in the bank. Or I could spend that, endure the lockup and bring another 400K to earn nothing.

 

As I said, its a personal choice. If $C should suddenly swing towards 35 baht I'd think about moving 400K here. 

 

Didn't intend to turn this into a financial planning forum.

 

?