Latest update on Penang visa run

[BestB]

Let me first say, nothing drastic has changed, here are some minor changes, I have used Jim once again

 

1. You have to go to consulate yourself, some keep saying Jim does it and once again, he does not . Tourist and NON O, B have to go yourself

2. Jim advised for tourist visa, if going through Donmuang or border, must have 20 000 cash

3. Consulate NOT as busy as it was 6 months ago

4. Guy who makes photos and copies from the back of his car, has updated to a Van, seems to work faster

5. Using agent still recommended, in my opinion because they check all your paperwork , taxi there and back twice. I paid 380 ringgit for NON B, visa fee is 300, so agent fee is 80 ringgit. 625 baht. Even if i used grab, it would cost 12 ringgit each way, so 48 ringgit just on taxi fare. leaving 32 ringgit for agents work.

6. Previously if your passport and application was accepted at the time you lodged, it was guaranteed you have been approved and you collect it back next day, not any longer, 1 guy had his application rejected when he went to pick up passport.He was told, even though clerk checked and accepted an application, boss denied it. So i guess "boss" does check all applications

7. Penang had regulation that for NON B, work permit must be valid for over 3 months, mine had only 2 months left and it was NOT a problem

8. Penang also has regulation for NON B single entry must have work contract, i only had a letter confirming i am employed by my company with my salary, again this was accepted with no problem at all

9. Changing money, better to buy ringgit in Thailand than to buy ringgit in Malaysia, rate in Thailand at least 15-20% better.

10, Those applying for NON B without work permit, they quite demanding, checking every single page, those with work permit must more relaxed

 

If want good hotel near Jims place, Kimberly hotel is a good choice, got a standard queen room for 600 baht. Very comfy, small room, but very cosy and relaxing.

[lemonjelly]

So, having to show up in person for the non-O is being enforced again.... bummer

[BestB]

2 minutes ago, lemonjelly said:

So, having to show up in person for the non-O is being enforced again.... bummer

For all visa types not only non o

 

Non O was actually easily accepted, guy in front of me, started to give them sub story about keeping money in the bank, they were not interested at all, took his application without checking much.

[lemonjelly]

2 minutes ago, BestB said:

For all visa types not only non o

 

Non O was actually easily accepted, guy in front of me, started to give them sub story about keeping money in the bank, they were not interested at all, took his application without checking much.

Accepted the (guy in front of you) application..... but who knows if it was approved.

[BestB]

2 minutes ago, lemonjelly said:

Accepted the (guy in front of you) application..... but who knows if it was approved.

I know because he was there to pick up next day with me ????

[Letseng]

I have had a non-imm O multientry for years. However, I always went back to Europe to get it. Can one apply for this in Penang?

It is not based on marriage. 

I usually have to show 200.000 Thb and proof of being OAP.

[JackThompson]

32 minutes ago, Letseng said:

I have had a non-imm O multientry for years. However, I always went back to Europe to get it. Can one apply for this in Penang?

It is not based on marriage. 

I usually have to show 200.000 Thb and proof of being OAP.

The only nearby location I have read reports of this being done (1 year muliple-entry) is Savannakhet - but with the 800K / 65K rules.  Even so, only a few reports of this occurring, so might not be reliable.

[ubonjoe]

57 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

The only nearby location I have read reports of this being done (1 year muliple-entry) is Savannakhet - but with the 800K / 65K rules.  Even so, only a few reports of this occurring, so might not be reliable.

Penang has been doing them for some time now if you can show 800k baht in a bank or proof of 65 baht income along with proof of retirement.

[Letseng]

On 2/25/2019 at 11:55 AM, ubonjoe said:

Penang has been doing them for some time now if you can show 800k baht in a bank or proof of 65 baht income along with proof of retirement.

Tks. Yes we can meet this. Does this  amount need to be "seasoned"? I guess it needs to be in our Thai acc.

In our home country we can show the amount (equivalent of 200.000 Thb) to be in any bank a/c no matter where in the world plus proof we are retired and that we are residents.

Penang will be more convenient than flying home.

 

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, Letseng said:

Tks. Yes we can meet this. Does this  amount need to be "seasoned"? I guess it needs to be in our Thai acc.

In our home country we can show the amount (equivalent of 200.000 Thb) to be in any bank a/c no matter where in the world plus proof we are retired and that we are residents.

Penang will be more convenient than flying home.

 

The money can be in any bank. It only has to be in the bank on the date you apply.

[Letseng]

15 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

The money can be in any bank. It only has to be in the bank on the date you apply.

Tks ubonjoe

[likewise]

why bother using an agent if you have to go to consulate yourself? Is this new?