What are my options?

[daeumtnaot]

Hi all, 

 

My family and I came to Thailand on the 60 day visa exemption and most of us have already gotten a one month extension.  I was thinking we would cross the border and come back again to get another visa exemption. 

 

But since then I saw someone inquire about getting a residence certificate, and it seems that they only needed a TM30 or a rental contract.  We just rented a place- although only for one month we can extend it as we wish.  

 

I'm guessing the residence certificate doesn't solve the visa problem- is there some way to use that to convert to another kind of visa?  Or is getting another 60 day visa exemption the best way?  I also read that there is now an STV- is that a good option?

 

Thanks for your responses

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

I'm guessing the residence certificate doesn't solve the visa problem- is there some way to use that to convert to another kind of visa?  Or is getting another 60 day visa exemption the best way?  I also read that there is now an STV- is that a good option?

No offense but clearly you have zero knowledge of options.

Certificate of residence is irrelevant. Forget that.

Best option is a border bounce for another visa exempt entry. 

That can also be extended by 30 days. 

Added information required.

Where are you located.

You state came with family? Details.

Passport country 

How long are you hoping to stay in Thailand.

What's the actual plan 

[Phillip9]

13 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

But since then I saw someone inquire about getting a residence certificate, and it seems that they only needed a TM30 or a rental contract.  We just rented a place- although only for one month we can extend it as we wish.  

 

I'm guessing the residence certificate doesn't solve the visa problem-

A residence certificate doesn't allow you to stay in the country longer--it's not what you want. 

 

It is need for things like opening a bank account, getting a drivers license or registering a vehicle...... 

[Caldera]

Do a border bounce to buy yourself and your family some time. Then research your options for a longterm stay if that's what your plan is.

[daeumtnaot]

34 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No offense but clearly you have zero knowledge of options.

Certificate of residence is irrelevant. Forget that.

Best option is a border bounce for another visa exempt entry. 

That can also be extended by 30 days. 

Added information required.

Where are you located.

You state came with family? Details.

Passport country 

How long are you hoping to stay in Thailand.

What's the actual plan 

No offense taken!  It's been difficult handling our young kids and we've moved several times.  We are located in Chiang Mai so apparently Laos is the best option. I came with my wife and two kids and we also have a helper.  But it looks like the helper want to go home to their home country.

 

We don't have a clear plan at this point as I'm looking for work.  Where I end up landing for work or whether I decide to work remotely will obviously be decisive.  As it may take a while to look for work, it would be good to stay for a few more months. 

[daeumtnaot]

38 minutes ago, Phillip9 said:

A residence certificate doesn't allow you to stay in the country longer--it's not what you want. 

 

It is need for things like opening a bank account, getting a drivers license or registering a vehicle...... 

Thanks!  It would be quite helpful to have some kind of payment option (like a bank account) other than cash, or even own a moto.  Is the residence certificate difficult to get?

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

We don't have a clear plan at this point as I'm looking for work. 

Sounds bizarre to me given entire family in tow.

You mention "work remotely" if online work can support family of 4 fine. 

10 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

It would be quite helpful to have some kind of payment option (like a bank account) other than cash, or even own a moto.  Is the residence certificate difficult to get?

Opening a bank account on a visa exempt would require an agent. 

It's not impossible to obtain a certificate of residence to obtain TDL.

To obtain a TDL you would also require passport country licience.

 

You still have not made clear details apart from located CM. 

What is current history of stay in Thailand.

Would seem 60 (visa exempt) + 30 (extension) 

From CM you have border run options to Laos. 

Suggest a border run company.

@Tod Daniels has thread regarding this. 

Visa exempt border bounces most likely best option till you sort out plans. 

 

 

[Caldera]

1 hour ago, daeumtnaot said:

We don't have a clear plan at this point as I'm looking for work. 

 

So you moved the entire family to Thailand before even securing a job here? Wow.

 

Hiring a foreigner is not exactly something most Thai companies take lightly, not least because of the administrative overhead that comes with it. There are also restrictions on what kind of work foreigners can legally do in Thailand, how many foreigners Thai companies can hire, etc.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Caldera said:

So you moved the entire family to Thailand before even securing a job here? Wow.

I was just about to give a thumbs up but your post needs a double confirmation.

OP, is this a serious thread? 

I note your other posts re TDL out there. 

[chickenslegs]

11 minutes ago, Caldera said:

So you moved the entire family to Thailand before even securing a job here? Wow.

Is OP fleeing a war zone?

[daeumtnaot]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Sounds bizarre to me given entire family in tow.

You mention "work remotely" if online work can support family of 4 fine. 

Opening a bank account on a visa exempt would require an agent. 

It's not impossible to obtain a certificate of residence to obtain TDL.

To obtain a TDL you would also require passport country licience.

 

You still have not made clear details apart from located CM. 

What is current history of stay in Thailand.

Would seem 60 (visa exempt) + 30 (extension) 

From CM you have border run options to Laos. 

Suggest a border run company.

@Tod Daniels has thread regarding this. 

Visa exempt border bounces most likely best option till you sort out plans. 

 

 

Not sure what a TDL is but guess its a temp driver's license.

 

We moved here from a neighboring country so it was not much of a leap.  Have enough money to support the family, and am not necessarily looking to work in Thailand (but also open to that option).  Never worked remotely before but that could also be an option.

 

History of stay: this is my family's first visa exempt, plus extension, except for a quick transit earlier in the year.  I had to leave the country before I needed an extension, so I came back in again on a visa exemption.  Other than that over the past few years we have occasionally come to Thailand for a few days or just for transit. 

 

Sounds like a border run is the option but then the only remaining thing is if we'll encounter any issues at the border.

[daeumtnaot]

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

 

So you moved the entire family to Thailand before even securing a job here? Wow.

 

Hiring a foreigner is not exactly something most Thai companies take lightly, not least because of the administrative overhead that comes with it. There are also restrictions on what kind of work foreigners can legally do in Thailand, how many foreigners Thai companies can hire, etc.

Like I said I'm not really looking to work in Thailand but to be here while looking for work (seems nice so far!)  If something comes up in Thailand that would be OK.

[bigt3116]

9 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

To obtain a TDL you would also require passport country licience.

 

Nope, you can get a Thai license without having any other license, you just have to do the full training, (exactly the same as the Thais do).

[Hummin]

you didnt say how old you where? You or your wife above 50?  Then you can search for retirement visa or if not education visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) studying language or Mui Thai, and also  If you get kids in to a school, then you can apply for visa through them

Edited 10 hours ago by Hummin

[Phillip9]

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, is this a serious thread? 

 

Good question.  I doubt it.

[zzzzz]

suggest you mention ur nationality and ur wife's 

staying long term is not easy ( not so bad for kids as no overstay) 
u'll get 2 visa exempt entries with no problem , ( 180 days) ,    the 3rd one.......very  iffy without staying out for a few months 
As you know, cambodia is easier but......

[daeumtnaot]

2 hours ago, zzzzz said:

suggest you mention ur nationality and ur wife's 

staying long term is not easy ( not so bad for kids as no overstay) 
u'll get 2 visa exempt entries with no problem , ( 180 days) ,    the 3rd one.......very  iffy without staying out for a few months 
As you know, cambodia is easier but......

OK, great this is really helpful info. 

 

So in may case, as I said, I came in on one visa exemption, then had to leave and came in on a second visa exemption.  Does that mean I would be better off to extend for one month than to exit and re-enter with my family?

[daeumtnaot]

2 hours ago, zzzzz said:

suggest you mention ur nationality and ur wife's 

staying long term is not easy ( not so bad for kids as no overstay) 
u'll get 2 visa exempt entries with no problem , ( 180 days) ,    the 3rd one.......very  iffy without staying out for a few months 
As you know, cambodia is easier but......

I'm from the US.  My wife and children are dual citizens.  When we came in the country, the immigration people at the border refused to allow them to enter Thailand on their US passports.  (not sure if this is normal or just the IOs at that particular border.)  

[daeumtnaot]

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

you didnt say how old you where? You or your wife above 50?  Then you can search for retirement visa or if not education visa (Non-Immigrant ED Visa) studying language or Mui Thai, and also  If you get kids in to a school, then you can apply for visa through them

I am over 50 but my wife is not.  Can you get a retirement visa and then renounce it later?  It seems like something I'd want to save for later in case I want to use that option later in life.

[DrJack54]

45 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

I'm from the US.  My wife and children are dual citizens. 

Wife is a Thai national? 

 

45 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

When we came in the country, the immigration people at the border refused to allow them to enter Thailand on their US passports.

So they entered how. Which pp did they use

 

43 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

I am over 50 but my wife is not.  Can you get a retirement visa and then renounce it later? 

You can obtain a single entry non O based on retirement from a visa exempt entry. 

There is no need to renounce anything. 

The non O is used upon entry and gives a 90 day permission of stay. 

That permission of stay can be extended by 12 months ongoing and has financial requirements.

 

While your plans may be fluid better information would be provided if you outline some sort of plan 

Here is thread that outlines process from visa exempt to non O retirement. 

 

[daeumtnaot]

31 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Wife is a Thai national? 

 

So they entered how. Which pp did they use

 

You can obtain a single entry non O based on retirement from a visa exempt entry. 

There is no need to renounce anything. 

The non O is used upon entry and gives a 90 day permission of stay. 

That permission of stay can be extended by 12 months ongoing and has financial requirements.

 

While your plans may be fluid better information would be provided if you outline some sort of plan 

Here is thread that outlines process from visa exempt to non O retirement. 

 

They entered on Cambodian passport.  I'm wondering if they could enter Laos on the US passport, and then come back to Thailand on their US passport.  That would be costly since the visa for Laos is costly vs. free for Cambodian citizens.  Not sure if it makes any difference to be a US citizen vs. Cambodian citizen for a visa exemption.

 

So for the non-O retirement, you request this on entry to the country?  Or do you somehow convert to this type of entry?  What if I later leave Thailand and work somewhere else, then it's just abandoned as a retirement claim?

[Freddy42OZ]

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Sounds bizarre to me given entire family in tow.

You mention "work remotely" if online work can support family of 4 fine. 

 

 

Online work, depending what it is, should easily be enough to support a family of 4.  

[Freddy42OZ]

2 hours ago, daeumtnaot said:

I am over 50 but my wife is not.  Can you get a retirement visa and then renounce it later?  It seems like something I'd want to save for later in case I want to use that option later in life.

 

My userstanding is that once you turn 50 you are eligible for the visa based on retirement, but if you were to get a job or want to switch to another visa, you can simply switch to a different visa.  

Claiming to be retired is not a permanent thing, you are allowed to leave retirement.

[zzzzz]

2 hours ago, daeumtnaot said:

I'm from the US.  My wife and children are dual citizens.  When we came in the country, the immigration people at the border refused to allow them to enter Thailand on their US passports.  (not sure if this is normal or just the IOs at that particular border.)  

overland? u need ONLY use passport that u used to exit the previous country
Flying in... no problem

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, daeumtnaot said:

So for the non-O retirement, you request this on entry to the country?  Or do you somehow convert to this type of entry?  What if I later leave Thailand and work somewhere else, then it's just abandoned as a retirement claim?

 "non O retirement"  is the way it's referred to however somewhat misleading. 

 

The requirement for non O is that you are over 50yrs. 

A condition on the visa type and subsequent extensions is that you do not work in Thailand.

 

A non O retirement can be obtained at Thai consulates/embassies (also eVisa) in various countries 

 

A non O retirement can be also be obtained at local immigration office from visa exempt or tourist visa entry.

Outlined in thread I posted to link earlier. 

[zzzzz]

1 hour ago, daeumtnaot said:

They entered on Cambodian passport.  I'm wondering if they could enter Laos on the US passport, and then come back to Thailand on their US passport.  That would be costly since the visa for Laos is costly vs. free for Cambodian citizens.  Not sure if it makes any difference to be a US citizen vs. Cambodian citizen for a visa exemption.

 

So for the non-O retirement, you request this on entry to the country?  Or do you somehow convert to this type of entry?  What if I later leave Thailand and work somewhere else, then it's just abandoned as a retirement claim?

yes : IF you fly>>>Depart thailand on their Cambodian passport, enter Laos on US
ur wife holds a US /Cambodian passport?  lucky you

NOT overland

you convert ur visa exempt to a non O ( need show 800,000 in bank) than after money has been in Bank 2 months apply for 1 year extension>>

legally u cant work on a Non O cause of being over 50 
BUT if ur working online......

 

Edited 3 hours ago by zzzzz

[JimTripper]

Move to Siem Reap Cambodia and apply for a Thai digital nomad visa.

[daeumtnaot]

23 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 "non O retirement"  is the way it's referred to however somewhat misleading. 

 

The requirement for non O is that you are over 50yrs. 

A condition on the visa type and subsequent extensions is that you do not work in Thailand.

 

A non O retirement can be obtained at Thai consulates/embassies (also eVisa) in various countries 

 

A non O retirement can be also be obtained at local immigration office from visa exempt or tourist visa entry.

Outlined in thread I posted to link earlier. 

OK, thanks, if it can be converted from visa exemption at a local immigration office, that would be easiest.  But the retirement visa has no bearing on my wife and kids because she is not retirement age, right?

 

The 800k Baht needs to be in a Thai bank account, so I can only get that with a Certificate of residency?

[daeumtnaot]

28 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

yes : IF you fly>>>Depart thailand on their Cambodian passport, enter Laos on US
ur wife holds a US /Cambodian passport?  lucky you

NOT overland

you convert ur visa exempt to a non O ( need show 800,000 in bank) than after money has been in Bank 2 months apply for 1 year extension>>

legally u cant work on a Non O cause of being over 50 
BUT if ur working online......

 

So if they exit Thailand by land on Cambodian passport, enter Laos on US passport, will that work?  Then they can re-enter by land on their US passport.  

 

That would depend on whether Laos would accept them to switch passports at the land border.  

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, daeumtnaot said:

The 800k Baht needs to be in a Thai bank account, so I can only get that with a Certificate of residency?

You need a Thai bank account in your name only with 800k in account on day of application for non O.

For those with visa exempt entry in order to open a bank account consider  use of an agent.