Certificate of Entry for Dependant (Spouse) - Thai Embassy, London

[skorts]

Has anybody recently entered or tried to enter Thailand from the U.K. as a spouse of a main married partner on an Extension of Stay - Retirement, as a Dependant (Follower of Family)?

 

My wife and I need to get to the U.K. at some stage in the future to visit elderly family. 
 

Our understanding is that Dependants are not currently on the Thai Embassy, London’s list of those permitted to enter Thailand and as a consequence the Dependant has to obtain a new O-A Visa with the requisite ฿800,000 savings or ฿65,000 monthly income in their own name and the Compulsory Medical Insurance. 
 

We have contacted the Thai Embassy in London and despite several attempts to clarify the situation and this is there final response:

 

“Dear Sir/Madame,

You need to obtain the Certificate of Entry online at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th”

 

We have asked the specific question - “Are you issuing Certificates of Entry to a Dependant (Spouse) of a married partner on an original Non-Immigrant O Visa and they will not answer the question. 

 

A friend of ours has been told by their Visa Agent in Thailand that Dependants/Spouse’s can get a Certificate of Entry from an overseas Thai Embassy but we are not convinced. 

 

Any thoughts and feedback greatly appreciated by anyone who has tried, or has done this as we need some certainty before we leave Thailand. 
 

Perhaps we just have to accept we will not be able to visit the U.K. and see family at the current time, which given the current state in the U.K. might not be such a bad thing. 

[ubonjoe]

12 hours ago, skorts said:

Our understanding is that Dependants are not currently on the Thai Embassy, London’s list of those permitted to enter Thailand and as a consequence the Dependant has to obtain a new O-A Visa with the requisite ฿800,000 savings or ฿65,000 monthly income in their own name and the Compulsory Medical Insurance. 

That is something the MFA and other authorities have not clarified. It is not shown on any list of those that are allowed on any embassy website I have seen. But is not shown on on the list of those that cannot enter the country.

This from a embassy website. 

"Currently, the following types of visas are NOT permitted to enter Thailand: Transit passengers (TS), Sports visa holders (S), Monks and other religious visa holders (R) and their spouses or children, Volunteers (O), and non-formal students visa holders (such as language schools, diving schools, boxing schools)."

Another problem is that it does not appear on the certificate of entry website. 

https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/index?checkconfirm=true

 

         

        

        

 

The only one that might be used is  that seems to be a catch all since it does not specify what kind of visitor.

 

[skorts]

Thanks Joe for your help, as always. 
 

The Thai Embassy in London has subsequently advised:

 

“The STV Visa, as well as other visas are now available for Non-Thai nationals to apply. You may also go to Thailand on a 45 day visa exemption, which includes 15 day quarantine period”.

 

The implication would seem to be that they will NOT issue a Certificate of Entry to a Dependant Spouse under the scenario outlined. 
 

It is so frustrating they will not just say “Yes” or “No”. 
 

The only way to find out for sure is to apply for a Certificate of Entry but we will not visit the U.K. not knowing if we can or cannot get back in to Thailand under our current Extensions of Stay. 
 

Being refused a Certificate of Entry has significant implications both personally and financially for us. 

[ubonjoe]

Maybe it will get sorted out before you make the trip.

The STV or visa exempt entry they mentioned would not be a good option for your spouse. Same for single entry tourist visa. None of them could be used to apply for a new non-o visa at immigration.

Perhaps ask them about the long stay visitor that is probably for a non-o for retirement.

[skorts]

I have read that a couple in Hong Kong, with similar Extension of Stays  to ours, were refused a Certificate of Entry (COE) from the Thai Embassy there and were told only the husband was eligible and his spouse was not eligible as his dependant for a COE.

 

Interestingly, after sharing details of our latest extensions (valid until 1 Dec 2021) with the Thai Embassy in London, they have advised:

As you have valid visa extensions, and so currently there should not be any problems with you obtaining a COE for yourself and your wife.