Looking for a cure.....

[Nuke]

Had to return to the States in March for a couple of reasons and we are now stuck in Idaho......  My wife is Thai and owns property and there is no issue with meeting the required bank account as it is just sitting there already.  When we arrive I was supposed to be set up to get my retirement visa (I am over 60).  In past years I traveled quite a bit and just used the visa on arrival which was never questioned....

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.......

 

Many thanks.....

[ubonjoe]

It would be best if you applied for a single entry non-o visa based upon marriage to a Thai. After arriving on it you could apply for one year extension of stay based upon marriage or retirement at immigration.

Info for getting a certificate of entry and the non-o visa can be found here on the embassy website. 

https://thaiembdc.org/visas/

You would apply for the certificate of entry and visa at the official consulate in Los Angeles since you are living in Idaho. Website is here. https://thaiconsulatela.org/

 

 

[Peter Denis]

Alternatively to what UJ proposes, you could also opt to apply for a long-stay Non Imm O-A Visa at the LA consulate.  That Visa can provide you with almost 2 years of stay in Thailand without the need of having to visit a local IO to apply for a 1-year extension (nor the need to park/transfer funds to a Thai bank-account).

The Non Imm O-A Visa does however require mandatory IO-approved health-insurance (easy to meet if you know how).  I did sent you a PM with details on how to do that, in case you prefer this option over applying for the Non Imm O Visa for reason of marriage.

[tonray]

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

Alternatively to what UJ proposes, you could also opt to apply for a long-stay Non Imm O-A Visa at the LA consulate.  That Visa can provide you with almost 2 years of stay in Thailand without the need of having to visit a local IO to apply for a 1-year extension (nor the need to park/transfer funds to a Thai bank-account).

The Non Imm O-A Visa does however require mandatory IO-approved health-insurance (easy to meet if you know how).  I did sent you a PM with details on how to do that, in case you prefer this option over applying for the Non Imm O Visa for reason of marriage.

Also requires security background clearance and medical certificate

[Sheryl]

O visa by reason of marriage is by far the easiest route to go and should be no problem.

 

Once in Thailand you can get an extension of stay for 1 year at a time.

 

Note that if coming now, with COVID restrictions in place, you will have to show proof of insurance that includes COVID and undergo 14 day quarantine at your own expense in ASQ facility.

[Peter Denis]

6 hours ago, tonray said:

Also requires security background clearance and medical certificate

That's correct, but it depends on your nationality whether getting such clearance and medical attestation is easy or a burden.

For Belgian citizens, the above is a piece of cake.  I did get the police clearance at my local municipality on the spot and free of charge.  A simple print-out and then stamped by the public servant.  Literally took less than 5 minutes.

For the medical attestation, a simple written and signed attestation by your doctor is sufficient.  My brother being a doctor, wrote and signed it for me (I provided the text).  Once again > less than 10 minutes and done.

[tonray]

5 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

That's correct, but it depends on your nationality whether getting such clearance and medical attestation is easy or a burden.

For Belgian citizens, the above is a piece of cake.  I did get the police clearance at my local municipality on the spot and free of charge.  A simple print-out and then stamped by the public servant.  Literally took less than 5 minutes.

For the medical attestation, a simple written and signed attestation by your doctor is sufficient.  My brother being a doctor, wrote and signed it for me (I provided the text).  Once again > less than 10 minutes and done.

OP is American. Criminal check not difficult but may take several weeks to a month depending on local policies. Medical..more difficult as most doctors in US will not sign something without a series of expensive lab tests which may not even be easily available. When I did my OA visa apps I usually did my med cert in Bangkok before heading back..a lot simpler. Always accepted by NYC consulate

[stellaa9x]

I'm here to read advice

[Peter Denis]

21 minutes ago, stellaa9x said:

I'm here to read advice

Matthew 7:7  ????

[sqwakvfr]

From the Thai Consulate in LA:

 

1. Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O” (Thai Family) 

    Document required: 

1. Passport or Travel Document and one copy of your Passport. 
   (Passport or Travel Document must not expire within 6 months and contain at least ONE completely empty visa page).
2. Visa application completely filled out. (black and blue ink only) (Download here)
3. Two passport-size photographs (2″x2″)  
   Photographs must have a light color background with a full- face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses
   and covering up shoulders. Photos must be taken within 6 months. (photocopy or photo taken from Photostat will not be accepted).
4. A copy of flight confirmation/ reservation, showing going from US to Thailand. 
   (The name of the applicant must indicated clearly)
5. A copy of recent bank statement  ($700 per person and $1,500 per family) 
   (The name of the applicant must indicated clearly), In case of submitting family bank statement a proof of relationship.
   (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) must be provided.
6. Non-US citizen, a copy of permanent resident alien card or a copy of valid US visa with a letter proof of employment 
   (We don’t accept pay stubs.)
7. A former Thai citizen, proof of Thai citizen such as Thai passport or Thai identification card. 
8. If you want to visit as a spouse or family member (spouse, son or daughter), proof of relationship such
   as a photocopy of marriage license or birth certificate with a proof that your spouse or family member is 
   a Thai citizen such as as a photocopy of Thai passport or Thai identification card
9. The letter from your spouse indicated that you both are still married and he/she acknowledges of your visit.
10.  For minor under 20 years old, please provide following documents;
    • • Notarized copy of a birth certificate
      • Notarized copy of marriage certificate, 
        In case of sole custody notarized copy of court order must be provided.
      • Notarized copy or original passports or ID of mother and father/ legal guardian
      • Original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from mother and father/ legal guardian

    * All supporting materials that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations 

OP’s best and easiest option.  No need get an OA as along as he can prove he is married to a Thai National.  Of course major hurdle after the Visa is the COE(that is whole new “Ball of Wax”.).