Phuket - Warning For 400k In Bank Marriage Visa Extensions

[K2K]

Went today (07/08/07) to renew my marriage based (Non-Imm 'O') visa for 1 year as I have been doing for the past 6 consecutive years and was issued with a further 1 year (well in fact 1 month, come in back in 1 month for the next 1 month extension and then 10 months finally on visit #3! - as has happened the last 3 years).

However the officer told me that this was the last time I could use the 400k in the bank route and next year I would have to go down the 40k/month route certified by my Embassy.

I'm not very happy about this and went to see the (new) Head of Phuket Immigration and he told me in Thai and English that the law was going to change soon and next year I should be prepared. I have always had good relations with them in Phuket Immegration and had generally very good service, so I'm wondering if this is some local interpretation of the rules (which clearly state existing 400k depositors renewing can continue to do so ... see Sunbelt "http://www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com/Thailand-Marriage-Visa.php" Criteria Note 6.) or is there to be yet another change to the rules nationwide.

Edited August 7, 2007 by K2K

[whopper]

Not much we can do. I tell myself, worst case senario is visa runs again, which suck. You might try an different office next time. It seems there is alot of miscommunication within the immigration dept.

[jackr]

Yep, bit of a scary scenario unless your embassy will certify you just on your say-so... which doesn't stop Mr Immigration delving deeper and asking for supporting paperwork of course. Went for my extension in Phuket last year and didn't enjoy the experience one iota. Much better all-round in CM. Don't forget, always dress smart and smile lots.

[sua yai]

And as I've posted on this subject before, my local Imm Office want to see the 40k a mth coming into a Thai bank account. The supporting documents such as Embassy confirmation and bank statements from back home more than support my income - by 2 times.

So, why do they want the money here? I can prove more than they need to see.

"Because we want to see the money in a Thai bank account , to show you can support your Thai wife".

"But, it's got nothing to do with that after Oct 1st 2006. It's family income. My wife could contribute now, as long as she shows tax receipts."

Forget it, my Imm Office were unmovable, even when I said "why don't you ask my wife if I take care of her?" She was sitting right next to me.

"No!! We want to see the Embassy letter confirming your income. plus photos etc etc. And we want to see a Thai bank book".

I was given the option of going back next year and applying for retirement when I hit 50. I was told that that the 65k a month didn't have to come into a Thai bank account. Embassy letter and maybe supporting documents would be necessary. That again, is not a problem, but,

Why after 9 years in this country, married for over two, never worked - do they give me a hard time?

I feel for all of you out there who may not have the option of using the 400k in the bank anymore. The move to 40k a month overseas income suited me. Until Imm wanted their cake and to eat it too.

[whopper]

greetings Sua yai....what office do you apply to, if you don't mind my asking?

AT least you are close to 50 years! But that could change at a moments notice from what I have seen.

good luck

[sua yai]

Somewhere south of BKK.

[Lite Beer]

Somewhere south of BKK.

Hua Hin ?

[Phil Conners]

Went today (07/08/07) to renew my marriage based (Non-Imm 'O') visa for 1 year as I have been doing for the past 6 consecutive years and was issued with a further 1 year (well in fact 1 month, come in back in 1 month for the next 1 month extension and then 10 months finally on visit #3! - as has happened the last 3 years).

However the officer told me that this was the last time I could use the 400k in the bank route and next year I would have to go down the 40k/month route certified by my Embassy.

I'm not very happy about this and went to see the (new) Head of Phuket Immigration and he told me in Thai and English that the law was going to change soon and next year I should be prepared. I have always had good relations with them in Phuket Immegration and had generally very good service, so I'm wondering if this is some local interpretation of the rules (which clearly state existing 400k depositors renewing can continue to do so ... see Sunbelt "http://www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com/Thailand-Marriage-Visa.php" Criteria Note 6.) or is there to be yet another change to the rules nationwide.

This is what they've said in Pattaya for the last 6 months. Sunbelt already replied in another thread that this is NOT what the law says - but who knows, the local immigration honchos have a lot of leverage

[K2K]

Thanks for the responses - seems then that is local interpretation or possibly its whats more likely a standardisation of proceedure in that the pre Oct 1st 2006 married people create an anomily for them to deal with.

This hap-hazard unpredictable interpretation of the law leaves very much to be desired - would like to hear where the law is acually followed as its written in regards to this. I dont really want to do 3 trips to Bangkok, but if things there are better then maybe have to consider this for next year.