Any reports of recent ME Non-I O visa (marriage) in region?

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, kalasiner said:

I'm prepared to do a lot...even accept the expense and boredom of 2 days in Savannakhet... to avoid visiting my local immigration office if not absolutely necessary e.g. the extension.

Do not follow at all.

For the extension you will need to attend your local immigration office.

 

Cannot see any advantage of single entry non O from Savannakhet versus non O from immigration in Thailand.

Up to you

[Liquorice]

On 9/18/2024 at 9:31 AM, Tod Daniels said:

the reports where people got year-long multi-entry Non-O visas based on marriage to a thai (even with 2 months of 400k in a bank account) are slim to none..
Savannakhet is the place to go OR HCMC (which is one of the only consulates that will still sell that year/multi-Non-O based on marriage with just 20K baht in the bank)

 

At HCMC, it's a 6 month statement showing the equivalent of 20K BHT, in any bank, in any currency.

 

From October, HCMC are switching to the e-visa application system.

[Jetsam]

On 9/22/2024 at 8:49 AM, Liquorice said:

At HCMC, it's a 6 month statement showing the equivalent of 20K BHT, in any bank, in any currency.

 

From October, HCMC are switching to the e-visa application system.

 

@Liquorice  Thank you.  Do you know if it will still be possible to apply for the ME Non-I O visa at HCMC once they have switched to the e-visa system?

 

 

[Liquorice]

40 minutes ago, Jetsam said:

 

@Liquorice  Thank you.  Do you know if it will still be possible to apply for the ME Non-I O visa at HCMC once they have switched to the e-visa system?

 

 

Doubtful.
In most cases, when Embassies have switched to the e-visa online system, the Non Imm O ME was no longer available.

Once you choose the applicable Embassy, then from a drop-down box, the types of Non O visas on offer will be displayed.

 

If, as the MFA announced, all Thai Embassies switch to the e-visa online system by the end of this year, then the Non O ME could disappear for good.
I suspect Lao will be the last to go down the e-visa application line.

[Schnitzelfritz]

On 9/18/2024 at 9:31 AM, Tod Daniels said:

the reports where people got year-long multi-entry Non-O visas based on marriage to a thai (even with 2 months of 400k in a bank account) are slim to none..
Savannakhet is the place to go OR HCMC (which is one of the only consulates that will still sell that year/multi-Non-O based on marriage with just 20K baht in the bank)

 

The HCMC homepage only shows a validity of 3 months for the Non-O. 

 

3. Visa Processing Fee ( accept in USD only) :

Single entry 80 USD 

Multiples entry 200 USD 

4. Processing times:

Two working days

5. Working hours: 9.00- 11.30 and 13.30- 15.00

By appointment only at  (Click)

6. Validity of a Visa:

The validity of a Visa is 3 months

 

Can one also obtain a year-long Non-O based on marriage there, or anywhere else, without showing 400k in a Thai Bank account?

[Schnitzelfritz]

On 9/18/2024 at 9:31 AM, Tod Daniels said:

 

 

 

[Jetsam]

23 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Doubtful.
In most cases, when Embassies have switched to the e-visa online system, the Non Imm O ME was no longer available.

Once you choose the applicable Embassy, then from a drop-down box, the types of Non O visas on offer will be displayed.

 

If, as the MFA announced, all Thai Embassies switch to the e-visa online system by the end of this year, then the Non O ME could disappear for good.
I suspect Lao will be the last to go down the e-visa application line.

Thanks, I thought it could be like that. Also, recent check shows no appointments available at HCMC.

[BrandonJT]

11 hours ago, Jetsam said:

Thanks, I thought it could be like that. Also, recent check shows no appointments available at HCMC.

 

I've seen some posts from people that were recently there saying they shut down their appointments to prepare for the e-visa system.

[Jetsam]

On 9/25/2024 at 12:33 AM, BrandonJT said:

 

I've seen some posts from people that were recently there saying they shut down their appointments to prepare for the e-visa system.

@BrandonJT Thanks! Did you happen to see anything about whether or not its possible to apply for visas without appointments now?

 

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, Jetsam said:

@BrandonJT Thanks! Did you happen to see anything about whether or not its possible to apply for visas without appointments now?

 

Both Savannakhet and Vientiane require appointment.

Also you required money in bank seasoned for multi.

No advantage in just obtaining non O in Thailand and subsequent 12 month extension. 

[bigt3116]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No advantage in just obtaining non O in Thailand and subsequent 12 month extension. 

 

The one possible advantage is that if you travel a lot, then you don't need to buy a multi re-entry permit, thereby saving 3800 baht.

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

 

The one possible advantage is that if you travel a lot, then you don't need to buy a multi re-entry permit, thereby saving 3800 baht.

And what does a trip to Savannakhet + accommodation+++  cost.

Also the inconvenience. Consider eg someone living in Bangkok.

Multi entry non O previous appeal for some was no need to have funds in bank for 2 months. 

[bigt3116]

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

And what does a trip to Savannakhet + accommodation+++  cost.

Also the inconvenience. Consider eg someone living in Bangkok.

Multi entry non O previous appeal for some was no need to have funds in bank for 2 months. 

 

Very true, but not everyone lives in Bkk.

 

And some people, (depending on their choice and how friendly their local office is), prefer to not have to visit immigration.

[DrJack54]

Off topic post and reply removed 

[PJ71]

13 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Both Savannakhet and Vientiane require appointment.

Also you required money in bank seasoned for multi.

No advantage in just obtaining non O in Thailand and subsequent 12 month extension. 

Do you have the appointment page link pls, i've google'd but comes up with drivel...

 

Thanks.

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Do you have the appointment page link pls, i've google'd but comes up with drivel...

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/ 

Edit: incorrect link. Link posted is appointment for Thai immigration 

 

I posted appointment for Vientiane in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1333816-online-appointment-vientiane/ 

 

Appointment link for Vientiane 

https://thaivisavientiane.com/

 

Here is appointment link for Savannakhet 

http://www.thaivisasvk.com/

[PJ71]

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/ 

Edit: incorrect link. Link posted is appointment for Thai immigration 

 

I posted appointment for Vientiane in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1333816-online-appointment-vientiane/ 

 

Here is appointment link for Savannakhet 

http://www.thaivisasvk.com/

Thank you.

 

Just had a quick play around and it looks like you can only book up till 11th Oct so basically 2 weeks away, is that right?

 

I would plan to go end Oct / start Nov, i guess i need to wait until closer to the time?

 

 

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

I would plan to go end Oct / start Nov, i guess i need to wait until closer to the time?

If this is to obtain a non O just do a border bounce obtain visa exempt entry and obtain non O at local immigration office. 

Or perhaps financial requirements is an issue

[Liquorice]

29 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Just had a quick play around and it looks like you can only book up till 11th Oct so basically 2 weeks away, is that right?

Which Thai Embassy, and which visa type?

 

Appointments are available from 1st Oct at Savannahket.

[PJ71]

59 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Which Thai Embassy, and which visa type?

 

Appointments are available from 1st Oct at Savannahket.

Non O based on marriage.

 

Maybe you misread my intentions, i'm looking at making an appointment 1st week Nov, but the appoinyments are only available from now until about 2 weeks time, unless i missed something.

 

I don't want to do anything in country as i can't handle the BS they require and dealing with the local immigration gestapo.

 

Thanks.

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Non O based on marriage.

 

Assume single entry.

What happens after that.

10 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

I don't want to do anything in country as i can't handle the BS they require and dealing with the local immigration gestapo.

How do you plan to obtain extensions 

[PJ71]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Assume single entry.

What happens after that.

How do you plan to obtain extensions 

Assume single entry, why?

 

I don't do extensions ( except during Covid ), i go to Savanakhet each year.

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Assume single entry, why?

When asked what visa you have you answered ....."Non O based on marriage." 

Seems you obtain multi entry non O marriage.

That's not being pedantic. Two very different visas. 

 

That now requires 400k baht seasoned for 2 months. 

 

[PJ71]

12 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

When asked what visa you have you answered ....."Non O based on marriage." 

Seems you obtain multi entry non O marriage.

That's not being pedantic. Two very different visas. 

 

That now requires 400k baht seasoned for 2 months. 

 

I have all the requirements for the ME Non O based on marriage, my questions is about the appointments, can you only book 2 weeks beforehand?

[DrJack54]

19 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

appointments, can you only book 2 weeks beforehand?

Would appear so at Savannakhet 

[Liquorice]

58 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Maybe you misread my intentions, i'm looking at making an appointment 1st week Nov, but the appoinyments are only available from now until about 2 weeks time, unless i missed something.

 

I don't want to do anything in country as i can't handle the BS they require and dealing with the local immigration gestapo.

Appointments only 2 weeks in advance at Savannahket.

 

I assume, then, you don't apply for the 60 day extensions you're entitled to.

 

If as the MFA have announced all Thai Embassies will switch to the e-visa applications by the end of this year, then there is a possibility the Non Imm O ME visa will no longer be available. What is it you find so daunting about applying for the 1 year extension at Immigration based on Thai spouse?

[Schnitzelfritz]

7 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

What is it you find so daunting about applying for the 1 year extension at Immigration based on Thai spouse?

I don't know what his problems with his local Immigration office are but one of the two offices I can choose to deal with is usually very rude to my wife. IO questioned her in a very rude manner and implied she is responsible for me, would get into legal problems should I do 'something bad' etc. Complete nonsense ofc. If I could not use the other office for extensions we'd have to move to another province. No way we are gonna deal with this BS ever again.

[Rob Browder]

On 9/27/2024 at 3:15 PM, Schnitzelfritz said:

I don't know what his problems with his local Immigration office are but one of the two offices I can choose to deal with is usually very rude to my wife. IO questioned her in a very rude manner and implied she is responsible for me, would get into legal problems should I do 'something bad' etc. Complete nonsense ofc. If I could not use the other office for extensions we'd have to move to another province. No way we are gonna deal with this BS ever again.

Exactly.  I had over 400K for years, but used the Non-O-ME to avoid EVER having that done to my wife again.  I don't care if they want to abuse me - because I don't give any weight to what some corrupt slime says - but my wife is something else.

 

Then covid hit, and I had to deal with in-country - one in Bangkok - RUDE, deja-vu.  Two more up-country - they were "civil," but took literally the entire day both times with our ream of paperwork and dozens of photos, so they could find 4 they "liked" + home visits (those guys were even friendly), another long-drive to go back "after consideration."

 

A trip to Savannakhet + border-bounces was FAR preferable - no stress. 

Thank GOD I turned 50 and no longer working in Thailand, so can use retirement-based.  Much better.

[benlovesnuk]

Like many here, i cant stand the majority of immigration officers and their arrogance leading them into their ignominious, insipid nature and went from extensions to ME non o visa, which is great apart from when they changed it all last year to be less convenient.

i was one of the last to get it without seasoning, which stumped one one of the officers a 2nd time (1st time she didnt realize i was getting 60 day extension not 1 year and wrongly scolded me for not having pics, then i scolded her, and she shut up).

Now im thinking of just getting 90 day 1 entry for 2k, extending for 60 days, rinse and repeat, have a holiday place in khao kho so not 12 hours from chiangmai. Thats almost half the year and 1 immigration event.

 

People keep mentioning that even if you have 400k in for 2 months, there still might be issue, is this true or balderdash? I dont want to pay 5k for them to tell me its not.

 

 

[Rob Browder]

On 10/18/2024 at 2:22 PM, benlovesnuk said:

People keep mentioning that even if you have 400k in for 2 months, there still might be issue, is this true or balderdash? I dont want to pay 5k for them to tell me its not.

While still walk-up service (not eVisa), they will not take your 5K unless you qualify for the visa.  I have not read a report of anyone with seasoned-funds and other known-needed documents being denied the Non-O-ME in Savannakhet.