savannakhet now require bank statement (400k) for 1 year multi visa (non-O marriage or Thai family)

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, Highlandman said:

Yes, in the case of volunteer extensions. Affected individuals had their extensions canceled and forced to leave the country and were additionally fined for overstay.

 

Can you cite a source for this. My own understanding was that the permission to stay was honoured, with no deportation or fines. However, future requests for visas, extensions and visa exempt entries frequently resulted in denials. The consensus seemed to be that the extensions were legally valid, but acquired using shady practices. Retribution was not via prosecution, but future discrimination against those who received them.

[Gottfrid]

5 hours ago, Brickleberry said:

 

It was so annoying when I turned up at immigration to be told, sorry we can't accept your bank statement. They said it would be best to park 400k in a bank account for 2 months, but I don;t have that kind of money lying around. I'm not rich, but I'm not poor.... stuck in the middle! 

 

I've heard it's about 40k to use an agent, but I don't think that is reasonable at all for a perfectly legitimate visa that I qualify for. I'm really worried that I won't be able to get a multiple entry visa in SAV after reading this thread now....

Oh my god! You do not have to be rich to have 400k baht. That´s like nothing. Not even having it qualify for middle class. If you can´t show 400k baht, you are not suitable for a long stay visa. Better buy a tourist visa, spend your money and go home work for your next vacation.

Edited October 31, 2023 by Gottfrid

[hotandsticky]

On 10/24/2023 at 12:40 PM, Pouatchee said:

seems like bs

when applying how do they know how long seasoned?

or if money still in bank

something dont sound right here

what is multi visa?

 

your op is nebulous at best

 

You don't need to season funds for a VISA application.

[BritTim]

8 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

You don't need to season funds for a VISA application.

 

You probably do if applying in HCMC.

[hotandsticky]

Just now, BritTim said:

 

You probably do if applying in HCMC.

 

 

I thought the thread was about Savannakhet,....certainly the post I was replying to was.

[BritTim]

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I thought the thread was about Savannakhet,....certainly the post I was replying to was.

 

In that case, your confirmation that seasoning is not required is useful information, but we would welcome knowing your source for this comforting reassurance. Based on the general attitude at that consulate, I would not be surprised if you are correct, but have not seen anything that would make me dogmatic.

[In the jungle]

3 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

I thought the thread was about Savannakhet,....certainly the post I was replying to was.

 

It is a relevant post to this thread because many people do not much care whether they go to Sav or HCMC.  Their objective is to get the visa they want.

[Raindancer]

On 10/24/2023 at 4:31 PM, youreavinalaff said:

Do a border run the day before expiry and get 90 days.

 

When the 90 days expires, get a further 60 days at immigration. 

 

Total 17 months.

Or, do what is legally required and stop living here by bending the rules.      Get a proper visa and extension.  If you can't afford it, then the answer is obvious!   You spoil it for those who live by the requirements to remain here.

Edited October 31, 2023 by Raindancer

[hotandsticky]

2 minutes ago, BritTim said:

 

In that case, your confirmation that seasoning is not required is useful information, but we would welcome knowing your source for this comforting reassurance. Based on the general attitude at that consulate, I would not be surprised if you are correct, but have not seen anything that would make me dogmatic.

 

 

I would have read it on ASEAN NOW........😉

 

I also (rightly or wrongly) assumed that it would be the same as an in country conversation from visa exempt - you just need to evidence funds ?

 

 

It sounds like the above might be academic anyway as far as Savannakhet is concerned. If they are ONLY issuing single entry visas then no financial evidence is required anyway.

[hotandsticky]

2 minutes ago, In the jungle said:

 

It is a relevant post to this thread because many people do not much care whether they go to Sav or HCMC.  Their objective is to get the visa they want.

 

 

I didn't say it wasn't relevant. It is indeed useful information.

 

Just not relevant to my post which was specifically referring to Savannakhet.

[MangoKorat]

1 hour ago, khunjake said:

Consider the fact that some of us need this visa type for the legitimate purpose of living with our wives due to rogue immigration offices that want bundles of baht (via agent) just to accept/process a completely legitimate non-o visa extension application.

Threaten them with court.  There's a lawyer that regularly posts on here who took an immigration office to court and won - twice! Yes, they'll make life difficult for you in the future - but if you know your application is sound, threaten them with court again.

 

Based on the experience of a friend when he applied for an extension at my local immigration office, I'm very likely to have problems with a future application.  I can assure you that I will not put up with any mucking about if they try it, I've discussed it with my lawyer (not the same as mentioned above) and they look forward to it.

 

I don't listen to all the 'farang always loses' stuff. I took a major Thai hospital group to court once - they'd messed me about for over a year - refusing to settle a claim and ignoring letters, they settled before the court date. I was also told that I had no chance of getting my car back from my ex wife who in effect, stole it (put it in her name without me knowing) - a court summons and she returned the car before the date.  If you know you're in the right - stick to your guns.

[PJ71]

1 hour ago, MangoKorat said:

Threaten them with court.  There's a lawyer that regularly posts on here who took an immigration office to court and won - twice! Yes, they'll make life difficult for you in the future - but if you know your application is sound, threaten them with court again.

 

Based on the experience of a friend when he applied for an extension at my local immigration office, I'm very likely to have problems with a future application.  I can assure you that I will not put up with any mucking about if they try it, I've discussed it with my lawyer (not the same as mentioned above) and they look forward to it.

 

I don't listen to all the 'farang always loses' stuff. I took a major Thai hospital group to court once - they'd messed me about for over a year - refusing to settle a claim and ignoring letters, they settled before the court date. I was also told that I had no chance of getting my car back from my ex wife who in effect, stole it (put it in her name without me knowing) - a court summons and she returned the car before the date.  If you know you're in the right - stick to your guns.

Good post, many farangs are walked all over here when they get into any sort of altercation / dispute.

[youreavinalaff]

3 hours ago, Raindancer said:

Or, do what is legally required and stop living here by bending the rules.      Get a proper visa and extension.  If you can't afford it, then the answer is obvious!   You spoil it for those who live by the requirements to remain here.

A multi entry O is a " proper visa". It's also legal.

 

Not sure why you say " you spoil it.....:, when quoting my post.

[Raindancer]

6 hours ago, youreavinalaff said:

A multi entry O is a " proper visa". It's also legal.

 

Not sure why you say " you spoil it.....:, when quoting my post.

Post deleted by author

 

 

Edited October 31, 2023 by Raindancer

[transam]

13 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Oh my god! You do not have to be rich to have 400k baht. That´s like nothing. Not even having it qualify for middle class. If you can´t show 400k baht, you are not suitable for a long stay visa. Better buy a tourist visa, spend your money and go home work for your next vacation.

Oh dear, we have an "I'm alright Jack" member..........🤔

Who may have come to LOS to live cheap, which would be............😂

[Highlandman]

13 hours ago, BritTim said:

 

Can you cite a source for this. My own understanding was that the permission to stay was honoured, with no deportation or fines. However, future requests for visas, extensions and visa exempt entries frequently resulted in denials. The consensus seemed to be that the extensions were legally valid, but acquired using shady practices. Retribution was not via prosecution, but future discrimination against those who received them.

In one or two rare cases, I read on various visa related Facebook forums (months ago now) that such visas were being canceled. However, it wasn't a widespread practice. 

 

Yes, like I mentioned, previous holders of volunteer visas obtained through agents may have trouble getting elite visas or certain types of extensions. Haven't heard of issues with visa exempt or tourist visa entries, especially if some time has elapsed since their last stay on a volunteer visa.

[Gottfrid]

3 hours ago, transam said:

Oh dear, we have an "I'm alright Jack" member..........🤔

Who may have come to LOS to live cheap, which would be............😂

Yeah, sure! I have come here to live cheap. Only spending about 200k per month. What about you?

[transam]

14 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, sure! I have come here to live cheap. Only spending about 200k per month. What about you?

Yeh, riiiight.................🤣

 

Me, none of your business, but I think I would be daft if I spent 200k a month in LOS, I would look for a new wifey..............................🤭

[Gottfrid]

10 minutes ago, transam said:

Yeh, riiiight.................🤣

 

Me, none of your business, but I think I would be daft if I spent 200k a month in LOS, I would look for a new wifey..............................🤭

Up to you, but it seems you were wrong about me. After that, we all get what we plan for in life. My lifestyle fits me and the wifey. No need to look for a new one.

Edited November 1, 2023 by Gottfrid

[WebGuy]

Guys, the latest report from Savannakhet:

 

I submitted the documentation for non-immigrant O visa based on marriage today at 9:15am. I also provided my child's birth certificate and copy of tabian ban as well as KR2 paper and it was taken by the immigration officer.

 

When I said I would like to apply for one year non-immigrant O visa, she immediately said I needed financial requirements proved. She accepted the copies of my bank book and also had a detailed look at my original bank book.

 

That was all. The money wasn't seasoned but was transfered to my bank account yesterday.

 

I think I should receive my visa tomorrow and I not, I will inform you here.

 

 

[transam]

3 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Up to you, but it seems you were wrong about me. After that, we all get what we plan for in life. My lifestyle fits me and the wifey. No need to look for a new one.

What did I say that is wrong about you...........?

[Brickleberry]

18 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Oh my god! You do not have to be rich to have 400k baht. That´s like nothing. Not even having it qualify for middle class. If you can´t show 400k baht, you are not suitable for a long stay visa. Better buy a tourist visa, spend your money and go home work for your next vacation.

 

Someone is living in dreamland!

 

The average salary for someone in the US is $54,000. 400,000 baht = just over $11,000. I'm not from the US, but I work for a US company remotely. Those who are perhaps not as far along in their life (a polite way to say young) tend to have mortgages and student loans to pay off, on top of supporting family. It would take a person earning 55k USD a year three months to save up 11k, and that isn't including their living expenses or taxes. However, a person earning 55k USD and sending that salary to Thailand each month is contributing 150k THB a month. A damn sight more than the long stay non-b visas, where you only need to earn 50,000 THB (less if you are teaching). 

 

Think before you type Mr Keyboard Warrior.

[Lemsta69]

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, sure! I have come here to live cheap. Only spending about 200k per month. What about you?

 

Not everyone's a scam artist like you so we can't afford such a lifestyle. Be grateful that you were born with the shyster's gene.

 

And yes, I've worked with overpaid "IT" people like you. 10 dudes in a conference room doing everything but get the job done.

 

By the time you lot are paid there's no money left to actually implement a proper system.

[megapix]

2 hours ago, WebGuy said:

Guys, the latest report from Savannakhet:

 

I submitted the documentation for non-immigrant O visa based on marriage today at 9:15am. I also provided my child's birth certificate and copy of tabian ban as well as KR2 paper and it was taken by the immigration officer.

 

When I said I would like to apply for one year non-immigrant O visa, she immediately said I needed financial requirements proved. She accepted the copies of my bank book and also had a detailed look at my original bank book.

 

That was all. The money wasn't seasoned but was transfered to my bank account yesterday.

 

I think I should receive my visa tomorrow and I not, I will inform you here.

 

 

Thank you so much for the update. Please let us know tomorrow if ou got multi or no.

 

I will go there next week. Did you gave her copies of every page in bank book ?

 

 

[WebGuy]

29 minutes ago, megapix said:

Thank you so much for the update. Please let us know tomorrow if ou got multi or no.

 

I will go there next week. Did you gave her copies of every page in bank book ?

 

 

You are welcome. Yes, I have copied all the pages. You prepare all you have and they take what they need

[MangoKorat]

4 hours ago, WebGuy said:

That was all. The money wasn't seasoned but was transfered to my bank account yesterday.

Can I ask, was the subject of the money being in a foreign (non Thai) bank account discussed?  I'm just trying to find out if they are wanting the money to be in a Thai account.  If they are, they are out of order given the visa type.

Edited November 1, 2023 by MangoKorat

[In the jungle]

2 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

Can I ask, was the subject of the money being in a foreign (non Thai) bank account discussed?  I'm just trying to find out if they are wanting the money to be in a Thai account.  If they are, they are out of order given the visa type.

 

I am also interested in the answer to that question.

 

If they are consistent with other Thai Consulates and Embassies worldwide the answer would be that they will accept statements from any country provided they show the required amount.

 

As an example the last time I applied for an E visa in London the statement I provided was from an offshore bank.  The application was granted.  

 

 

[Wongkitlo]

On 10/30/2023 at 10:03 AM, NanLaew said:

 

I would be very wary of pursuing that route. Several years ago, there was a scandal at the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur when some unused visa stickers came up missing. More recently, I recall a worker at one of their Chinese legations being arrested for charging Chinese students non-immigrant visa rates for their student visas. Their consular efforts seem to be fair game for their in-house scammers.

 

I got my 1-year MENO in Savanakhet last February, on my first three re-entries at Suvarnabhumi this year, the IO's did several close inspections of the visa sticker, tilting it under different light, before stamping me in. The re-entry ten days ago was the first time it didn't get the extra scrutiny. I would assume that the IO's are now aware that Savanakhet Consulate now needs proof of funds so any recently issued MENO's will probably get closely examined.

I just assumed that it was going to their retirement fund like every other office in Thailand. I did a visa run through there and the IO seemed confused that I did not have a new visa in my passport. I had to point out the old one. 

[chakeeoyen]

4 hours ago, WebGuy said:

You are welcome. Yes, I have copied all the pages. You prepare all you have and they take what they need

 

If possible when you pick-up your visa tomorrow, could you ask if they'll accept proof of income? 

[Gottfrid]

5 hours ago, Lemsta69 said:

 

Not everyone's a scam artist like you so we can't afford such a lifestyle. Be grateful that you were born with the shyster's gene.

 

And yes, I've worked with overpaid "IT" people like you. 10 dudes in a conference room doing everything but get the job done.

 

By the time you lot are paid there's no money left to actually implement a proper system.

What are you talking about. I am making my money on bonus systems that the companies I work for set up, in line with the goals they want me to reach. You seem to to assume much. But, please keep it to yourself, as insulting me is not the right way to go. But please, tell me more about how you can call me a scam artist.

Edited November 1, 2023 by Gottfrid