What can I ask for ? Qualify for ?

[Thaidai26]

Hello I am a 68 year old Canadian married for over 34 yrs to my Thai wife . We  only visit Thailand as tourists  every year fo 30 days in November ( visa on arrival) and 90 days in new year (January to just after Songkla) 60day tourist visa with 30 day extension 1900bht.    This year after our return flights canceled and airport closed I applied and got a 15day + 15 day extension ( 1 day before Amnesty)         We do have flights booked out of BKK for 25 th BUT. Like that German who’s letter was published  We now would prefer to stay on as  1 ,Feel much safer here. Than face the 4 airplane 40 hour flights back to Canada.    2. we would normally? Be returning to Thailand in November and again in January.  This now that seems very difficult and un certain .           My wife traveled on her Thai passport  so can stay.    But as stated I have had a 60 tourist visa extend 30 days and part 15+15 day.     I have tried opening a bank account ( Siam Commercial) but had no visa? So no go.   Plan to try BB next week ( perhaps even joint act )To  just to start ball rolling on Pos 400k deposit for future Retirement  visa( only plan to stay 6 months a year in future)      But for now what can I ask for?  I read ‘ Family visit?  Or 90 Non Imm    Thank you all for your patience and any positive advise you may offer.     

[BritManToo]

You can ask for a 60 day extension to visit your wife.

But I'd wait until the 20th, as there's likely to be another amnesty extension.

[Yellowtail]

I would have your wife contact the Thai consulate in Canada directly and see what they might be able to help with. 

 

Not in your situation, but the consulate in Los Angeles was a huge help for us a number of times.

[ubonjoe]

12 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I would have your wife contact the Thai consulate in Canada directly and see what they might be able to help with. 

How would that help now? There are already here in the country.

[ubonjoe]

As said you could apply for a 60 day extension to visit you wife.

That would give you a valid permit to stay that should enable you to open a bank account. Have you wife with you when you go to the bank since she could act as your reference to open the account. If she has a bank account you should try where she has the account.

After opening the account and deposit the 400k baht you could apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry at immigration.

See here for the requirements: https://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/06-edit_NON-O.pdf

Then after getting the visa you could apply for a one year extension of stay based upon marriage during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry.

[mjakob007]

Krungsri bank is flexible on visa type for opening bank accounts, if that helps.

[Max69xl]

1 hour ago, mjakob007 said:

Krungsri bank is flexible on visa type for opening bank accounts, if that helps.

That depends on the branch/location. Check the official requirements on their website. 

[Peter Denis]

On 9/6/2020 at 5:03 AM, Thaidai26 said:

I have tried opening a bank account ( Siam Commercial) but had no visa? So no go.   Plan to try BB next week ( perhaps even joint act )

As UJ already mentioned, once you have the 60-day extension of stay (for reason of visiting your thai wife) you will be able to open a bank-account more easy.  But be prepared to be turned away a couple of times because of staff at bank-branches not familiar with opening a Savings Account for a foreigner, and instead of asking help from colleagues/manager and experience 'face loss' it's easier to say Cannot Do.  But the same bank at other side of the street might be willing to accept your application.  

Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, KrungSri Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, are the banks most familiar with foreigners opening accounts with them (but your local branche might still turn you away - see higher).

IMPORTANT > It needs to be a PERSONAL Thai bank-account, IO does not accept joint bank-accounts (and if they do, you need to show double of the amount required for your application).

[Bender Rodriguez]

leaving 25th sep and returning in november is a pipe dream at best

[Thaidai26]

Swiss show 3 flts a week leaving BKK ( flightaware)no problem so far. So leaving on 25 th should not be a problem    But      November return and even January Definitely a pipe dream I believe.  That’s why I’m looking to find out what Visa  to apply for.      

[teacherclaire]

3 hours ago, mjakob007 said:

Krungsri bank is flexible on visa type for opening bank accounts, if that helps.

Perhaps depending on the location. Mine wanted to see a work permit and it was pretty clear that they wanted one.