Visa run to Suvannakhet consulate Experience

[kidneyw]

Would just like to pass on my experience of applying for a multiple entry non-immigrant tourist visa, through marriage, at Suvannakhet Thai consulate.

Went there on Thursday with all the required documents as per their web site.

Had also included extra back, up by including photocopies of my two daughters' relevant papers.

The first thing the guy behind the desk wanted was a certificate showing my wife's name change.

I explained that twenty seven years ago, we were never issued one.

I also pointed out that the ID number on the back of the wedding certificate is the same number on her present ID card.

At this juncture, he requested to see the original marriage certificate.

He did not seem to happy and then asked me if my wife was with me.

I explained no and that she was unfit to travel (she had a stroke three months ago).

I showed him a typed letter I had supplied from my wife apologizing for not being there and the reason.

He then waved it around and asked who had signed it.

I explained it was my wife. (obviously)

He still was not happy.

I asked if he wanted to see a video clip on my phone of my sick wife.

(After reading on this forum last week about their could be a problem with wife not being present, I made a seven second video clip).

This he wanted to see.

It clearly shows my wife's disability.

That was the money shot and he agreed to issue my visa.

 

The next day when returning to pick up my passport, I talked to one guy who applied for he same visa the previous day.

He had been served by a female staff member and she never mentioned about a change of name certificate, or if his wife was there.

 

In our group, two people were refused visas from this guy. (Do not know what visas they were after).

But it seems to be the luck of the draw as to what requirements are necessary, depending on what person is behind the consulate window.

 

On my visa is written in ink and in Thai, "non-immigrant visa issued because of wife and children."

Hope this info is helpful.

Edited March 14, 2020 by kidneyw

[Nong Khai Man]

I Reckon The Guy at the Consulate MUST'VE Been having " A BAD Day " Just My Opinion !!

[Jimmy B]

He maybe asked for your wife because you didn't have a name change certificate. I was married back in 2003 and didn't get one. Got something from Amphur last week showing name change. Going next week.

[zhounan]

What about the cross border? Some test? I'm Italian an I'm worry about the paranoia of civil servants.

Edited March 14, 2020 by zhounan

[nightfox]

When I did my Non O visa there couple months ago, there was the guy and girl both working the window. either one never mentioned bring the wife and the change her surname paper. The only people I saw getting refused were the ones applying for tourist visas as haven't herd any reports yet of them refusing you if you don't have your wife physically there or the change her surname paper. Until then I think we are still pretty safe doing our yearly visas's there.

[Uth2006]

My wife and I were married in 1972.  On Thursday we visited the Amphoe in Udon Thani regarding name change certificates.  The lady we spoke to said we would not have the certificate because we were married under the old law.  She sent us to talk to the Lady in charge who told us the same thing.  She also told us a certificate cannot be issued for a marriage prior to the law change.  She explained this was because a new marriage certificate needed to be added to create a name change certificate.  We jokingly told her the only solution would be to get a divorce and remarry.  She laughed, looked at me and said "that would cost you a lot of money".

 

[kidneyw]

20 hours ago, zhounan said:

What about the cross border? Some test? I'm Italian an I'm worry about the paranoia of civil servants.

After we left Laos and were at Thailand passport control, one Italian guy was turned away, as he did not have a health certificate.

[bigfella]

22 hours ago, Jimmy B said:

He maybe asked for your wife because you didn't have a name change certificate. I was married back in 2003 and didn't get one. Got something from Amphur last week showing name change. Going next week.

Interested to see how you get on. please post your experience when you return thanks.

[Russell17au]

There have been several reports here on ThaiVisa about Savannakhet wanting to see the wife's name change certificate and it has only been since the end of January.