What is this...?

[benlovesnuk]

I was just looking at the savvanahkhet appointment page and a notification popped up.

 

I was going to maybe go on the 30th december....obviously not now....

 

Can someome explain this to me as i cant understand how it makes sense...

 

If im on non o marriage visa...so from now on i have to apply for an evisa or extend at immigration

 

I have to book online whilst not being  in the country, i have to wait 10 to 15 days outside of the country, i need 400k in the bank regardless of whether im on single 90 day or 1 year extension...

So theyre pushing people to extend at immigration...

 

Is that it, or have i missed something else incredibly dumb that they did..?

[benlovesnuk]

Okay, so you cant do it, i have to apply in person...but now im so confused

 

[DrJack54]

Some countries have/will be adopting eVisa.

More and more countries adopting eVisa as the method to obtain visa for Thailand. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1340074-thai-visa-shake-up-southeast-asia-consulates-switch-to-e-visa-only/

46 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

If im on non o marriage visa.

What are you currently on..

A non O based on marriage (90 day permission of stay?)

[Upnotover]

22 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

Okay, so you cant do it, i have to apply in person...but now im so confused

 

Because they didn't start e-visa yet. As the letter says, until 20 December apply in person.

[benlovesnuk]

23 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Some countries have/will be adopting eVisa.

More and more countries adopting eVisa as the method to obtain visa for Thailand. 

 

What are you currently on..

A non O based on marriage (90 day permission of stay?)

 

At this moment im just in a 90 day stay outside the end of the ME non O i had now expired. I was either going to extend at immigration for 60days, or go and get a single 90 day at savannakhet.

 

What i dont understand is, and would like clarity on, if youre in thailand, and you goto laos normally to get visa, are they stating when this rolls out, that i will have to leave to laos, apply for an evisa wait 2 weeks in laos (10 to 15 days) and also have to show 400k for a single 90 day..?

 

Am i missing something, or is this correct?

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

if youre in thailand, and you goto laos normally to get visa, are they stating when this rolls out, that i will have to leave to laos, apply for an evisa wait 2 weeks in laos (10 to 15 days) and also have to show 400k for a single 90 day..?

First up don't think the application will take 10-15 days.

More like 5.

In any event can follow you want another non O visa.

Unless you don't plan to remain in Thailand.

Apart from that you could bounce to a land border and obtain 60 day visa exempt and obtain the non O at your Thai immigration office.

You could have even applied for 12 month extension from your previous non O.

Assume that you don't have the 400k seasoned for 2 months. 

[benlovesnuk]

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

First up don't think the application will take 10-15 days.

More like 5.

In any event can follow you want another non O visa.

Unless you don't plan to remain in Thailand.

Apart from that you could bounce to a land border and obtain 60 day visa exempt and obtain the non O at your Thai immigration office.

You could have even applied for 12 month extension from your previous non O.

Assume that you don't have the 400k seasoned for 2 months. 

 

It might take 5 days, but as they, the authority in question stipulate 10 to 15 days, starting at the point youve paid cash at the consulate outside of thailand, thats why im asking if anyone can understand the practical reasons for this.

 

As in, theyre trying to push people to 1 year extensions or 1 single entry at an incredible inconvenience...type of thing.

 

What would be the reason to border bounce getting a 60 day exempt rather than a 60 day extension at my local immigration office at the end of this stay?

 

Its not that i dont have the money, its that i hate and abhor the process and people who put it all together...like many on here i just avoid it, i did it for almost a decade, and i dont want anything to do with them, in my house, etc.

 

Do you have any insights into the questions i did ask?

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

consulate outside of thailand, thats why im asking if anyone can understand the practical reasons for this.

Can't imagine that payment will be made (in person) to consulate.

I'm obtaining an eVisa for Vietnam next week. The payment is made online. 

Can't see why the eVisa cannot be obtained while in Thailand.

Obviously to activate the eVisa you need to exit Thailand and enter Laos and then enter Thailand to use the visa. 

12 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

As in, theyre trying to push people to 1 year extensions or 1 single entry at an incredible inconvenience...type of thing.

I'm not aware of places that you can still obtain ME Non O based on retirement.

So yep can imagine ME Non O marriage might follow suit. 

15 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

Its not that i dont have the money, its that i hate and abhor the process and people who put it all together

If over 50 you can do extensions based on retirement. 

Some of the "hate and abhor" might be partly due to immigration office. 

Which do you deal with? 

Agree, that I wouldn't like officials in my place. 

[Caldera]

46 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

It might take 5 days, but as they, the authority in question stipulate 10 to 15 days, starting at the point youve paid cash at the consulate outside of thailand, thats why im asking if anyone can understand the practical reasons for this.

 

The reason is simply that ALL Thai embassies and consulates are moving to the eVisa system, a process that has been in progress since quite a few years already.

 

After other nearby Thai embassies (Hanoi, Phnom Penh) and consulates (Ho Chi Minh City) switched over to eVisa, the writing for the ones in Laos was on the wall.

 

You don't pay cash, you pay online when you apply. You are supposed to be located in the country where your application is being processed throughout the duration of the application process.

 

The multi-entry Non-O visa has been on its way out and isn't available via the eVisa system anywhere. So yes, they're clearly trying to push people who live in Thailand long-term towards getting 1-year extensions from immigration within Thailand. 

[benlovesnuk]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Can't imagine that payment will be made (in person) to consulate.

I'm obtaining an eVisa for Vietnam next week. The payment is made online. 

Can't see why the eVisa cannot be obtained while in Thailand.

Obviously to activate the eVisa you need to exit Thailand and enter Laos and then enter Thailand to use the visa. 

I'm not aware of places that you can still obtain ME Non O based on retirement.

So yep can imagine ME Non O marriage might follow suit. 

If over 50 you can do extensions based on retirement. 

Some of the "hate and abhor" might be partly due to immigration office. 

Which do you deal with? 

Agree, that I wouldn't like officials in my place. 

 

Ive got 10 more years till im 50, and ive been here almost 20 so maybe its time to move...

Its not so much that theyre in my place, its the taking pictures in bedroom bizarreness...id rather live in a bin in the artic...then someone gawp at me and my wife sitting on our bed like good little citizens

 

Cheers.

[benlovesnuk]

41 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

The reason is simply that ALL Thai embassies and consulates are moving to the eVisa system, a process that has been in progress since quite a few years already.

 

After other nearby Thai embassies (Hanoi, Phnom Penh) and consulates (Ho Chi Minh City) switched over to eVisa, the writing for the ones in Laos was on the wall.

 

You don't pay cash, you pay online when you apply. You are supposed to be located in the country where your application is being processed throughout the duration of the application process.

 

The multi-entry Non-O visa has been on its way out and isn't available via the eVisa system anywhere. So yes, they're clearly trying to push people who live in Thailand long-term towards getting 1-year extensions from immigration within Thailand. 

 

Time to move to a better country, me thinks.

[benlovesnuk]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Can't imagine that payment will be made (in person) to consulate.

I'm obtaining an eVisa for Vietnam next week. The payment is made online. 

Can't see why the eVisa cannot be obtained while in Thailand.

Obviously to activate the eVisa you need to exit Thailand and enter Laos and then enter Thailand to use the visa. 

I'm not aware of places that you can still obtain ME Non O based on retirement.

So yep can imagine ME Non O marriage might follow suit. 

If over 50 you can do extensions based on retirement. 

Some of the "hate and abhor" might be partly due to immigration office. 

Which do you deal with? 

Agree, that I wouldn't like officials in my place. 

 

People can do as they like to me, when im dead throw my body in a field, but its the sneering at my wife, and the disrespect she has had to accept simply for being my wife in her own country.

Unfortunately im 10 years away from 50, i think the time has come to move...cest la vie

 

Thanks, good luck with yours

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

Unfortunately im 10 years away from 50, i think the time has come to move...cest la vie

I posted in another thread re meeting a young UK guy who had just returned to Thailand and while in UK obtained a DTV (took few days) 

He didn't take the soft (nonsense) options.

He took the working online.

Granted easy for him as he actually does work entirely online for UK company. 

Perhaps something you could look into down the track. 

 

[scottiejohn]

35 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

 

Time to move to a better country, me thinks.

Like where?

[Maestro]

1 hour ago, benlovesnuk said:

...its the taking pictures in bedroom bizarreness...

 

That falls under the requirement of evidence that the marriage is not only de jure but also de facto, for example that it is being consummated on an ongoing basis. Consider yourself lucky that immigration is not asking for video evidence.

[scottiejohn]

25 minutes ago, Maestro said:

 

That falls under the requirement of evidence that the marriage is not only de jure but also de facto, for example that it is being consummated on an ongoing basis. Consider yourself lucky that immigration is not asking for video evidence.

Me thinks de jury may be out regarding de facts of the case!

[BrandonJT]

Just so people fully understand:

 

Yes, both Vientiene and Savannakhet will be switching to e-visa, but it will not be exactly the same as everywhere else with e-visa.

 

Payment must be made in-person, in cash only, as part of your e-visa application.

 

The instructions posted by both the embassy and consulate make that very clear.

 

I'm not sure how they're allowed to change the process like that compared to every other e-visa embassy/consulate, but that's what they have posted.

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Payment must be made in-person, in cash only, as part of your e-visa application.

Read replies to Op..

That requirement will be highly unlikely.

If it is then choose another option.

Simple. 

Name ONE country that requires eVisa application fee to be paid in person at consulate/embassy 

 

[BrandonJT]

42 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Read replies to Op..

That requirement will be highly unlikely.

If it is then choose another option.

Simple. 

Name ONE country that requires eVisa application fee to be paid in person at consulate/embassy 

 

Name one country that requires payment in baht. I don't know how they can have such a requirement to pay in person, but it's quite clear that's the intention since the entire document is very clearly about e-visa.  It doesn't make any sense at all, and completely defeats the purpose of e-visa.  But Thailand is good at defeating the purpose of well-intentioned systems.

[bigt3116]

8 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Name one country that requires payment in baht. I don't know how they can have such a requirement to pay in person, but it's quite clear that's the intention since the entire document is very clearly about e-visa.  It doesn't make any sense at all, and completely defeats the purpose of e-visa.  But Thailand is good at defeating the purpose of well-intentioned systems.

 

The only possible reason I can think of, is to try and stop people applying from inside Thailand? Paying in person will force the person to at least visit Laos. Also, they do like their crisp foreign currency over there.

[benlovesnuk]

4 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

 

The only possible reason I can think of, is to try and stop people applying from inside Thailand? Paying in person will force the person to at least visit Laos. Also, they do like their crisp foreign currency over there.

Its a worse service than before without evisa, in its current form...

 

I could goto laos, and at first, get a visa same day...then 2 days....now 10 to 15 for single not even multiple and you have to show the same 400k for 1 year extension, is apple running their new immigration policy..?

[benlovesnuk]

12 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Name one country that requires payment in baht. I don't know how they can have such a requirement to pay in person, but it's quite clear that's the intention since the entire document is very clearly about e-visa.  It doesn't make any sense at all, and completely defeats the purpose of e-visa.  But Thailand is good at defeating the purpose of well-intentioned systems.

 

Why on earth cant they make a special visa for those married for 10 or more years, a 5 year visa stay 180 days a time deposit 500k in the bank....

 

Are these people not interested in families, it doesnt feel that way

[benlovesnuk]

14 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

That falls under the requirement of evidence that the marriage is not only de jure but also de facto, for example that it is being consummated on an ongoing basis. Consider yourself lucky that immigration is not asking for video evidence.

 

What a ridiculous comment, as if some deciever of marriage cant sit for a photo on someones bed....it proves nothing at all.

My 2 children 16 and 9, our neighbours, family, bank statements, photos, and the non divorce of our marriage seem to be how civilised countries do it.

[ronster]

2 hours ago, benlovesnuk said:

 

Why on earth cant they make a special visa for those married for 10 or more years, a 5 year visa stay 180 days a time deposit 500k in the bank....

 

Are these people not interested in families, it doesnt feel that way

I too fail to understand why they can't make it easier for people who have lived here married to a Thai for 10,20,30 years or more .

It's the same crap every time over and over for what ??

If you don't have loads of money in the bank what difference would it make as you get zero here as a foreigner from the government. The sitting on the bed in the bedroom is just 🙈

[benlovesnuk]

49 minutes ago, ronster said:

I too fail to understand why they can't make it easier for people who have lived here married to a Thai for 10,20,30 years or more .

It's the same crap every time over and over for what ??

If you don't have loads of money in the bank what difference would it make as you get zero here as a foreigner from the government. The sitting on the bed in the bedroom is just 🙈

 

 Governments the world over seem to have forgotten families, for young digital nomads, but do they know... you can do both...

 

 

[BrandonJT]

On 11/24/2024 at 9:11 PM, DrJack54 said:

Read replies to Op..

That requirement will be highly unlikely.

If it is then choose another option.

Simple. 

Name ONE country that requires eVisa application fee to be paid in person at consulate/embassy 

 

Looks like Myanmar is going to be using the same policy as Laos. Evisa must be paid at the embassy. 

[DrJack54]

19 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Looks like Myanmar is going to be using the same policy as Laos. Evisa must be paid at the embassy. 

Have these places gone mad.

My favourite bit is the sentence that mentions there will be appointment system just to make the appointment to pay the fee. 

Of course in USD.

For heaven's sake..

[benlovesnuk]

For persons like me who are younger than most, married for almost 2 decades with children, the MEnon O was ideal. Before a certain group came in 2015, it was easy to get at places like savvanakhet too..

 

Indeed I wish it was returned with the specific use to those who have put in the time, say ohh i dont know 10 or 15 years, as a qualifier to use it, like the other vip visas where you dont just cherish money, but family and societal structures, not broken families and still, weeding out those they worry of abusing it...and, keeping those that dont.

Now i have to pick the lesser of 2 evils, leave, or put up with scruff at immigration...and there is no valid reason for this. As a person from a richer country im not trying to live off the poor state in thailand, nor could they offer me something of equal value as my state. This equalizing of people as if an african or chinese has the same validity of circumstances as a european or japanese, american or singaporean.

 

What exactly is driving this....ohhh thats right, the pretend rich country with vast swathes of those desperate to leave it, with their culture of corruption and criminality who have no problem doing whatever it takes, who this government is scared of putting a foot wrong for fear of their toilet paper money not being invested.

Maybe if this is how this proud thai government is going to sell its country up river, then its better to leafe before it turns into Laos.

 

 

[Caldera]

24 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

For persons like me who are younger than most, married for almost 2 decades with children, the MEnon O was ideal. Before a certain group came in 2015, it was easy to get at places like savvanakhet too..

 

You're younger than most, but have been married for almost two decades? Come again?

 

I'm not sure what your reference to 2015 is all about. In Savannakhet, you could easily get a multi-entry Non-O visa based on being married to a Thai until 1-2 years ago. Only then did they change their policy to require financials (400,000 baht in the bank, same as for an extension based on marriage).

 

With the progressing rollout of the eVisa system, the writing was on the wall - they want foreigners who live here with their families to be on extensions, not on multi-entry visas. I wouldn't read anything more sinister into that.

[benlovesnuk]

14 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

You're younger than most, but have been married for almost two decades? Come again?

 

I'm not sure what your reference to 2015 is all about. In Savannakhet, you could easily get a multi-entry Non-O visa based on being married to a Thai until 1-2 years ago. Only then did they change their policy to require financials (400,000 baht in the bank, same as for an extension based on marriage).

 

With the progressing rollout of the eVisa system, the writing was on the wall - they want foreigners who live here with their families to be on extensions, not on multi-entry visas. I wouldn't read anything more sinister into that.

 

I dont think its sinister, that would need a level of competence that they clearly lack, as demonstrated with this seperate payment for evisas.

 

I just think its illogical, ill concieved and pushed through, but so as not to anger a certain country, like they did in covid times.

 

Yes, im younger than most people here who have been married for almost 20 years...that is correct. Considering many are close to 50, 60, 70 or greater.

 

I easily got a ME non O last october, albeit since 2015 there had been a growing pain in the ease of getting it. They only just changed it to 400k and now they are, it seems, abandoning it all together. 

 

The writing is on the wall, but for whom... and why? Progress...to appear more modern, than it actually is. 

Why would anyone think that fingerprint scanning to come into a country to visit it is normal...people of a particular persuasion think it gurantees security, but pretty much right after the data was hacked...id rather, that i have my finger prints data on my passport and they have a machine that verifies the passport data matches mine without storing it or having direct access to it. But i digress into the idea that this modern new world is inevitable and better...