Only Single-entry Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage offered on web portal.

[rebbu]

Nationality: Irish 

Embassy: Checked through the web portal with Thai UK visa portal. 

Age: Below retirement age. 

 

For the last number of years, I've been using the web portal to apply for a multi entry non-O based on marriage. I logged on today to apply for my new visa & they are only offering a single-entry visa. 

I work rotationally, with one month on one month off so this visa was perfect for me but alas I need to think of something else. 

Is Savannakhet still an option for the multi entry non-O? It's quite boring in Savannakhet & I wouldn't mind going somewhere else. Are there any other friendly embassies in nearby countries that offer same? 

I will be back in Thailand next month so I can get a single entry through the portal then bounce to whatever friendly embassy I need. 

Would I have enough time in Thailand to apply & receive the yearly extension based on marriage in 28 days? 

 

[Lite Beer]

Savanakhet is still an option but you would need 400,000 in the bank.

[kenyersel]

Following this. In the exact same position. 
 

I had confirmation from the London embassy that the multi entry was no longer available. 
 

My plan was to try and get the year extension, but also only have 25 days in the country each time I travel. Looking to use an agent to try and expedite the process. 

[rebbu]

19 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

Savanakhet is still an option but you would need 400,000 in the bank.

The money is not a problem. OK, cheers, that's one option available. 

[rebbu]

11 minutes ago, kenyersel said:

Following this. In the exact same position. 

It's a nightmare trying to get a decent visa while rotating. 

[rebbu]

I was just chatting with a buddy & he said Singapore is an option. If anyone has any more info on this, I would be grateful. 

[Bangkok Barry]

They have the one-entry rule to thank you for supporting a Thai wife and to make you feel welcome. In contrast, my Thai sister-in-law has gone to live in Hungary with her Dutch husband (dumping her kid on others (us) to raise as is the Thai tradition) and they both received a five-year visa.

 

Your sentence for daring to marry a Thai is to spend a boring night in Savannakhet. As compensation, you can enjoy a few bottles of Beer Lao at a fraction of what you'd pay in Thailand.

[Wayne9732]

20 hours ago, Lite Beer said:

Savanakhet is still an option but you would need 400,000 in the bank.

So, Savanakhet now asks for 400k?

 

Just for the 90 days based on marriage?

[Bigz]

3 hours ago, Wayne9732 said:

So, Savanakhet now asks for 400k?

 

Just for the 90 days based on marriage?

For the one year multiple entry. The money doesn't need to be seasoned. At least that's what I heard.

[Lite Beer]

3 hours ago, Wayne9732 said:

So, Savanakhet now asks for 400k?

 

Just for the 90 days based on marriage?

No. For Multi Entry 12 months.

[Mike T]

On 1/8/2024 at 9:25 AM, rebbu said:

The money is not a problem. OK, cheers, that's one option available. 

If money isn’t an issue, do you think one of the Elite Visa packages might be worth a look ? 

 

[rebbu]

5 hours ago, Mike T said:

If money isn’t an issue, do you think one of the Elite Visa packages might be worth a look ? 

 

F that mate, I'm married to a national & I wouldn't part with that money for an elite visa

[Liquorice]

On 1/8/2024 at 1:32 PM, rebbu said:

I was just chatting with a buddy & he said Singapore is an option. If anyone has any more info on this, I would be grateful. 

Singapore only offers the Non O SE.
https://singapore.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-thai-spouse

 

Savannahket may be the only Consulate still offering the Non O ME.
Marriage certificate. Proof of the equivalent of THB 400,000, any bank.

[Liquorice]

On 1/8/2024 at 12:55 PM, rebbu said:

Would I have enough time in Thailand to apply & receive the yearly extension based on marriage in 28 days? 

Doubtful.

You'd need a Non O visa initially.
Extensions based on Thai spouse usually take 30 days to approve.

 

Extension of stay based on retirement is more doable given your shift patterns, but would require THB 800K in a Thai bank.

 

 

 

[Andycoops]

7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Doubtful.

You'd need a Non O visa initially.
Extensions based on Thai spouse usually take 30 days to approve.

 

Extension of stay based on retirement is more doable given your shift patterns, but would require THB 800K in a Thai bank.

 

 

 

Plus you would need to be around for the home visit after you collected the extension stamp in your passport which is usual on the first marriage extension.

[kenyersel]

Im in the process of contacting an agent to see if my Non O ME can be extended by a year within 28 days. 
 

If that is not possible then Savannakhet will be the next option.

 

Worst case scenario I will take the hit at work and take the extra time off to get the first extension done. 
 

I’ve got a good few months left on my visa, so just planning what I’m gonna do 

[Mike T]

20 hours ago, rebbu said:

F that mate, I'm married to a national & I wouldn't part with that money for an elite visa

I hear you, same here. 
I work outside of Thailand myself as well, but on a different rotation, three months on three weeks off. 
I just stamp in on an exempt for the few weeks. 
it works for me, but I could see how month on month off could get problematic. 
Best of luck with a solution.

 

[rebbu]

So I sent an email to the Ho Chi Minh Thai embassy & they are still offering the the non O based on marriage with multiple entities. All the usual paperwork, including my bank account. They didn't give an amount but I assume it's 400k. It'll be a better option for me than Savanakhet. Easier flight options plus I can do some touristy things. Savanakhet is so boring I was dreading the thoughts of going there. 

[rebbu]

17 hours ago, Andycoops said:

Plus you would need to be around for the home visit after you collected the extension stamp in your passport which is usual on the first marriage extension

Cheers for the info. It's a non runner so.