Penang Non-Imm O Visa, multi-entry, based on Thai family, application on Monday 25 June, 2019 - Report

[RedCardinal]

So this might not be as useful since fewer people apply for Non-Imm O based on Thai family/children, but here's my report on getting a ME Non-Imm O at Penang.

 

First thing, docs needed:

 

1. Current passport with pages free for visa and stamps;

2. Filled application - 1 copy only. I used a PDF version I found on Penange Consulate website that allowed you to type in the fields and then printed it. KL require 3 copies of application, but Penang only wanted 1. I left Guarantor for Malaysia and Thailand fields blank - no issue. Another aside, a guy in queue had used the generic Thailand Visa application form and was told outside by security guard to fill out a new form with Penang Consulate in title (identical forms, just different titles);

3. Two recent passport-sized photos attached to filled application form;

4. Since I'm not married I submitted my son's birth cert (copy of TH and EN), his Legitimization order from Family Court, Legitimization cert from Thesabaan;

5. Copy of ID page from passport;

6. Copy of passport page with entry stamp to Malaysia.  This wasn't identified in any docs I saw, and I only included this because others in queue outside said it was required.  It might be only for TV applications, but the staff member took this, and also wanted to see my second passport where the entry stamp was.  Guy doing photocopies and passport photos from boot of his car outside consulate must make a killing. I copy 2 Ringgit;

7. Copy of house book with my son's entry (this was never required when I got same visa from London or Dublin previously);

8. Copy on son's Thai Passport;

9. I included copies of my prior Non-Imm O ME visas as I didn't want a SE visa from them.  Probably wise as I submitted a brand new passport with no stamps;

10. Thai bank statement showing required funds;

11. Copies of bank book inside cover with name and account number (wasn't requested, but better safe than... ).

 

I arrived at the Penang Consulate at approx. 8.30 AM.  Taxi from Georgetown takes about 10 mins, and Grab costs about 7-8 Ringgit.  There were maybe 5 or 6 others already standing outside locked gate.  By 9am there were probably closer to 30 or 40 people already in the queue.  They apparently process a maximum of 100 walk-ins per day, so best to arrive early.

 

Once moved inside the courtyard to second queue, the security guard again checked application form.  If you had any issues he would pass you by and give the numbered check-in forms to the next person that had the correct application form.  3 or 4 people ahead of me in queue were passed in this way and told to rejoin the queue at the end.  About 20 people are allowed into courtyard at a time, and then people allowed to enter to consular office in groups of 10.

 

The interesting bit came when consular staff checked my application.  I was first in the queue for Non-Imm visas.  He started by asking about my son and checking the Family Court document (which he read carefully).  I explained that I had 2 passports, with my application passport being new.  He checked second passport also and returned to me.  He then asked me about my "Thai wife".  I politely explained that my application was based on having a Thai citizen child and that I was not married.  He again asked about my "Thai wife" - where she was and whether we lived together.  I answered honestly, and again explained politely that my application was being made solely on the basis of my Thai son over whom I have joint custody.  He checked all of the docs, and returned tot he application where I had written "MULTI" for "Number of Trips".  He then told me "You want 3-month visa right".  I again politely asked for a multi-entry.  More checking of docs on his side.  Finally he asked for 750 Ringgit and stamped my collection document.

 

Returned today at 1.30 PM (collection document indicated between 2PM and 4PM).  Many people already at consulate by this time - probably 40 or more.  Much of an informality - told to form a line outside, and then people went in 10 at a time to collect their passports.  Only took 2-3 minutes after gate opened just after 2PM.  Received passport with Non-Imm O ME visa and receipt stapled inside.

 

For people who say "only go to an agent" - a friend was also here to get a TV and went to "Jim" (probably the best-known agent in Penang). Well it turned out Jim is on vacation in Europe for a couple of months, but his office is still accepting agent fees. Only difference is that his staff are not coming to the consulate to do everything for you. Instead they sent all their customers by taxi as walk-ins. Not really sure what the fee covered, especially if they send customers to do all the legwork themselves.  Unless you have some very particular problem with your application I honestly don't see any point in using agents.

 

And to anyone who thinks I'm using a loop-hole: this visa type is the best fit for me as I do travel, although less frequently than before.  I also had to show bank statements with adequate funds to support myself and my family in Thailand.  So it's no different from SE with extension-to-stay at in-country Immigration office.  But I suspect the days of ME Non-Imm O are numbered, and that within the next few years the only option for Non-Imm married and family visas will be SE with extensions to stay and 90-day reporting.

 

I hope this might help others with similar challenges around recent changes to Non-Imm O issuance.

 

Last item - huge thanks to @ubonjoe who has answered my queries here, and seems to be a one-may machine helping many foreigners traverse the ever-changing Thai Immigration landscape.  Thank you!

[HTC]

Many thanks for taking the time to write this report.

I recently renewed my non o ME and wanted initially to head to Penang. Instead, I chose Savannakhet due to uncertainty of whether a visa could be obtained in Penang after reading about limitations of amounts issued daily and reluctance to issue multi entry versions.

So in a nutshell, we can say it is possible if you arrive early and have previous multi entry visa. Also, no need to use agents these days. I have previously used Jim and I did not have to physically go to the consulate. I've read that this has been stopped and all applicants must attend in person.

[Deerculler]

Thank you very much for your very informative post. Excellent.

[4evermaat]

On 6/25/2019 at 3:18 PM, RedCardinal said:

For people who say "only go to an agent" - a friend was also here to get a TV and went to "Jim" (probably the best-known agent in Penang). Well it turned out Jim is on vacation in Europe for a couple of months, but his office is still accepting agent fees. Only difference is that his staff are not coming to the consulate to do everything for you. Instead they sent all their customers by taxi as walk-ins. Not really sure what the fee covered, especially if they send customers to do all the legwork themselves.  Unless you have some very particular problem with your application I honestly don't see any point in using agents.

 

On 6/26/2019 at 8:11 AM, HTC said:

So in a nutshell, we can say it is possible if you arrive early and have previous multi entry visa. Also, no need to use agents these days. I have previously used Jim and I did not have to physically go to the consulate. I've read that this has been stopped and all applicants must attend in person.

 

I went and jim was on vacation also, (perhaps to escape the madness that is running a visa app service.  My understanding is that they do still run applications.  but the requirements are much stricter.  If they tell you that you must go yourself, then your "paperwork" didnt meet their "rigorous" requirements.

 

I just went myself.  it was a friday and it was dead.  But that is normal for Fridays.  At least you didn't go Monday/Thursday.

 

 

On 6/25/2019 at 3:18 PM, RedCardinal said:

Taxi from Georgetown takes about 10 mins, and Grab costs about 7-8 Ringgit. 

 

GRAB is only 8 ringgit from chulia st?  Was that a taxi car or motorbike?

 

 

On 6/25/2019 at 3:18 PM, RedCardinal said:

And to anyone who thinks I'm using a loop-hole: this visa type is the best fit for me as I do travel, although less frequently than before.  I also had to show bank statements with adequate funds to support myself and my family in Thailand.  So it's no different from SE with extension-to-stay at in-country Immigration office.  But I suspect the days of ME Non-Imm O are numbered, and that within the next few years the only option for Non-Imm married and family visas will be SE with extensions to stay and 90-day reporting.

 

unlikely.  unless they want to break up a lot of families, and the income stream from that.  You even noticed it yourself the non-immigrant queue line is much shorter than tourist visa queue.

Edited August 31, 2019 by 4evermaat

[metempsychotic]

On 6/26/2019 at 9:11 AM, HTC said:

Many thanks for taking the time to write this report.

I recently renewed my non o ME and wanted initially to head to Penang. Instead, I chose Savannakhet due to uncertainty of whether a visa could be obtained in Penang after reading about limitations of amounts issued daily and reluctance to issue multi entry versions.

So in a nutshell, we can say it is possible if you arrive early and have previous multi entry visa. Also, no need to use agents these days. I have previously used Jim and I did not have to physically go to the consulate. I've read that this has been stopped and all applicants must attend in person.
 

im unclear as to what you are saying here. forgive my confusion
 

Did you receive a ME non-O based on having a thai child from sahvannakhet? 

But you received the original from Penang and renewed?

also what were the requirements from savannakhet for renewal.

 

i have had numerous multi entry Non Os in the past however been working regionally and not applied for one in at least 3 years.

 

[gyruss]

Thank you so much for the detailed post! 

I am thinking to try and go to Penang to obtain a NON-O Multi (I am legally married to a Thai spouse). 

I have been doing extension for the last 3 years, but a problem with my investment back in my home country left me pretty dry so I am going for the Multi NON-O this time.

How much is the amount requested to be deposited on the Thai Bank Account? And documents are the same which are requested at Savannakhet? Just in case Savannkhet still ask no finance proof for the Multi Non-O?

And last but not least... The TM 30 must be shown to the embassy/consulate for obtain the visa?

Thanks a lot in advance to anyone who will kindly help.

Edited September 26, 2019 by gyruss
Typo

[HTC]

im unclear as to what you are saying here. forgive my confusion
 
Did you receive a ME non-O based on having a thai child from sahvannakhet? 

But you received the original from Penang and renewed?

also what were the requirements from savannakhet for renewal.
 
i have had numerous multi entry Non Os in the past however been working regionally and not applied for one in at least 3 years.

 

Every year I get a multiple non o based on marriage as I work outside Thailand and usually don't remain in Thailand for more than 90 days per visit.

I check the requirements at the various consulates in the region and go to the one that seems the best option.

I chose Savannakhet this year as Penang was looking like it may be more difficult and I didn't want a wasted trip.

Savannakhet still only need the basic docs, no proof of funds and is not busy if you choose the correct day of the week to miss the tourist Visa run Van's.

Check the Sannanakhet thread for the most recent updates of required docs.

[ubonjoe]

10 hours ago, gyruss said:

I am thinking to try and go to Penang to obtain a NON-O Multi (I am legally married to a Thai spouse). 

You will need to show 400k baht in a bank to get the multiple entry non-o visa.

Documents are about the same as Savannakhet.

10 hours ago, gyruss said:

Just in case Savannkhet still ask no finance proof for the Multi Non-O?

No financial proof is needed there.

10 hours ago, gyruss said:

And last but not least... The TM 30 must be shown to the embassy/consulate for obtain the visa?

No

Embassies and consulates have nothing to do with TM30's. It is a Thai immigration form and requirement.

[metempsychotic]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

You will need to show 400k baht in a bank to get the multiple entry non-o visa.

Documents are about the same as Savannakhet.

No financial proof is needed there.

No

Embassies and consulates have nothing to do with TM30's. It is a Thai immigration form and requirement.

Just for clarity, I'm not married, but am father to a thia child, have affadavit from my consulate, my name on birth cert etc. Mothers ID, tabien Baan etc.

 

I have had a few issued before on this basis but not in last few years as was working elsewhere and my stays were less than a month though frequent.

 

So, a multi non o is currently possible from suvannakhet under these circumstances? 

 

Please let me know if possible exactly what I need in terms of docs please. 

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, metempsychotic said:

Just for clarity, I'm not married, but am father to a thia child, have affadavit from my consulate, my name on birth cert etc. Mothers ID, tabien Baan etc.

You will not be able to get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being the parent of a Thai in Savannakhet. They will only do them based upon marriage to a Thai.

Penang will do them but you need to show 400k baht in a bank.

[metempsychotic]

14 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You will not be able to get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being the parent of a Thai in Savannakhet. They will only do them based upon marriage to a Thai.

Penang will do them but you need to show 400k baht in a bank.

Thanks.

 

Single entry possible? 

 

Just want to know my options. 

[ubonjoe]

4 minutes ago, metempsychotic said:

Single entry possible? 

Yes and Vientiane as well with no financial proof.

You can get almost 5 months from a single entry non-o visa by extending the 90 day entry from it by applying for a 60 days extension to visit your child at a immigration office.

[metempsychotic]

18 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes and Vientiane as well with no financial proof.

You can get almost 5 months from a single entry non-o visa by extending the 90 day entry from it by applying for a 60 days extension to visit your child at a immigration office.

Ta muchly

[gyruss]

12 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

You will need to show 400k baht in a bank to get the multiple entry non-o visa.

Documents are about the same as Savannakhet.

No financial proof is needed there.

No

Embassies and consulates have nothing to do with TM30's. It is a Thai immigration form and requirement.

Thank you so much UbonJoe, really appreciated...

It seems a trip to Savannakhet is in sight then.

[gyruss]

On 9/27/2019 at 8:03 AM, ubonjoe said:

On 9/26/2019 at 9:49 PM, gyruss said:

I am thinking to try and go to Penang to obtain a NON-O Multi (I am legally married to a Thai spouse). 

You will need to show 400k baht in a bank to get the multiple entry non-o visa.

Documents are about the same as Savannakhet.

At the end I was able to put 400k in my thai bank account so I think I will try my luck in Penang!

There is no seasoning time as for the extension right?

Anyone would be kind to help telling me the docs needed? I have this list, should it be fine? Is an updated Kor Ror 2 needed?

- visa application 

- 2 pictures (size?)

- original marriage certificate

- 1 copy of marriage certificate, signed by both me and wife

- 1 copy of my passport front page dated and signed by me

- 1 copy of my wife’s ID card, front and back page copied on a single front sheet, dated and signed by my wife only

- 1 copy of my wife surname's change certificate dated and signed by my wife only

- 1 copy of my wife’s Tabian Ban copied on a single front sheet dated and signed by my wife only

- FEE (650 RM?)
Anything else? Thanks in advance for the help?