Savannakhet Multi Entry. Change permission to stay

[Wongkitlo]

Hi. I have a Savannakhet multibentry non o married to a Thai. I am hoping I can go to the office and change it to a single entry long stay visa before it expires 1st May. I can put the 400,000 baht in the bank. I want to leave the country on the 21st May for 2 months but understand I can get a re-entry permit at the airport, and then go to immigration and again show the 400,000 baht balance. Thanks for any help.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

I have a Savannakhet multibentry non o married to a Thai. I am hoping I can go to the office and change it to a single entry long stay visa before it expires 1st May.

You would not be obtaining a single entry Non O.

You could apply for a 12 month extension based on marriage.

That would require 400k seasoned for 2 months.

Also has an under consideration period.

Have you obtained 60 day extension "to visit wife".

Keep in mind that you can reenter Thailand visa exempt and obtain a single entry Non O at local immigration office. 

That would require 400k in bank on day of application.

Subsequently you could obtain 12 month extension. 

[Wongkitlo]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

You would not be obtaining a single entry Non O.

You could apply for a 12 month extension based on marriage.

That would require 400k seasoned for 2 months.

Also has an under consideration period.

Have you obtained 60 day extension "to visit wife".

Keep in mind that you can reenter Thailand visa exempt and obtain a single entry Non O at local immigration office. 

That would require 400k in bank on day of application.

Subsequently you could obtain 12 month extension. 

Thank you Dr Jack. If I apply for the 12 month extension based on marriage does the money need to be in the bank for 2 months before application or can the money just stay there during the under consideration period?

I did not realise I could get a single entry Non o in Thailand,. I thought it had to be outside. Thank you for info. 

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

Thank you Dr Jack. If I apply for the 12 month extension based on marriage does the money need to be in the bank for 2 months before application or can the money just stay there during the under consideration period?

20 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

I did not realise I could get a single entry Non o in Thailand,. I thought it had to be outside. Thank you for info. 

 

To apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage you require the 400k in bank for 2 months prior to application.

That application will then have an under consideration period (perhaps a month).

The funds should remain in the account till final stamp is entered.

Depending on immigration office you would/may  also have a home visit.

 

The thing with annual extensions based on marriage is that travel during this time can be problematic due to home visit.

 

I did not examine your dates...expiry and planned trip to check if feasible.

As mentioned the 60 day extension to visit wife could be used to buy time and push back the extension date application.

 

Plan B: Yes if after your trip you enter Thailand visa exempt you could obtain a Non O marriage at your local immigration office and then obtain 12 month extension. 

That process is explained here and that thread has links to similar thread.

Take note of TM87 form required.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/

 

[steve187]

does your actual visa expire on 21st may, or the latest 90 day permission to stay stamp you received on entry into Thailand'

 

another option would be another visa from savannakhet

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, steve187 said:

does your actual visa expire on 21st may, or the latest 90 day permission to stay stamp you received on entry into Thailand'

Good point. Overlooked that.

If the visa expires May 21 ...he could exit/reenter Thailand for another 90 day stamp prior to May 21

May be possible to complete his trip in that time.

Obviously would need a reentry permit 

[Wongkitlo]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

To apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage you require the 400k in bank for 2 months prior to application.

That application will then have an under consideration period (perhaps a month).

The funds should remain in the account till final stamp is entered.

Depending on immigration office you would/may  also have a home visit.

 

The thing with annual extensions based on marriage is that travel during this time can be problematic due to home visit.

 

I did not examine your dates...expiry and planned trip to check if feasible.

As mentioned the 60 day extension to visit wife could be used to buy time and push back the extension date application.

 

Plan B: Yes if after your trip you enter Thailand visa exempt you could obtain a Non O marriage at your local immigration office and then obtain 12 month extension. 

That process is explained here and that thread has links to similar thread.

Take note of TM87 form required.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/

 

 

[Wongkitlo]

Thank you for the concise explanation. 😁

[Wongkitlo]

2 hours ago, steve187 said:

does your actual visa expire on 21st may, or the latest 90 day permission to stay stamp you received on entry into Thailand'

 

another option would be another visa from savannakhet

The visa expires 1st May so would do a border run /holiday before then. If I applied for a 12 months extension before then a border run would not be needed. I understood ME at Savannakhet was not available anymore.  Thanks for your help. 

[Wongkitlo]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

To apply for 12 month extension of stay based on marriage you require the 400k in bank for 2 months prior to application.

That application will then have an under consideration period (perhaps a month).

The funds should remain in the account till final stamp is entered.

Depending on immigration office you would/may  also have a home visit.

 

The thing with annual extensions based on marriage is that travel during this time can be problematic due to home visit.

 

I did not examine your dates...expiry and planned trip to check if feasible.

As mentioned the 60 day extension to visit wife could be used to buy time and push back the extension date application.

 

Plan B: Yes if after your trip you enter Thailand visa exempt you could obtain a Non O marriage at your local immigration office and then obtain 12 month extension. 

That process is explained here and that thread has links to similar thread.

Take note of TM87 form required.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/

 

Thank you for your concise  explanation 

[Wongkitlo]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Good point. Overlooked that.

If the visa expires May 21 ...he could exit/reenter Thailand for another 90 day stamp prior to May 21

May be possible to complete his trip in that time.

Obviously would need a reentry permit 

Thanks. I did not realize a re-entry permit was possible with a Multi Entry visa. 

[DrJack54]

35 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

Thanks. I did not realize a re-entry permit was possible with a Multi Entry visa. 

The ME Non O is a visa with a validity of 1 year. You can enter Thailand and will be given 90 day stamp every entry while visa is valid.

By exiting Thailand and reenter just prior to expiry of Visa you will be given a 90 day stamp.

Once visa (not the stamp) has expired you would need to obtain a reentry permit to exit and reenter Thailand. 

 

You have most likely read previously that a ME Non O can provide stay of almost 15 months.

That's due to what is outlined above

[Wongkitlo]

Thank you

[Wongkitlo]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

The ME Non O is a visa with a validity of 1 year. You can enter Thailand and will be given 90 day stamp every entry while visa is valid.

By exiting Thailand and reenter just prior to expiry of Visa you will be given a 90 day stamp.

Once visa (not the stamp) has expired you would need to obtain a reentry permit to exit and reenter Thailand. 

 

You have most likely read previously that a ME Non O can provide stay of almost 15 months.

That's due to what is outlined above

I was hoping could ask another question. Steve187 suggested another Savannakhet ME Non O  but from following the forum I thought that option was no longer available.  If possible would consider HCMC also. 

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

Steve187 suggested another Savannakhet ME Non O  but from following the forum I thought that option was no longer available.  If possible would consider HCMC also. 

I haven't seen a report of ME Non O from Laos since e-Visa introduced.

 

Also regards HCMC read first post from @Tod Daniels in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1334937-is-a-one-year-multi-entry-marriage-visa-still-available-from-hcmc/#elControls_19129277_menu 

 

Thinking your best option in future is to do annual extensions based on retirement.

Obviously requires reentry permit for travel abroad. 

 

[Liquorice]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Also regards HCMC read first post from @Tod Daniels in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1334937-is-a-one-year-multi-entry-marriage-visa-still-available-from-hcmc/#elControls_19129277_menu 

Tod posted that August 2024 prior to HCMC going e-visa applications 30th Sept 2024.

Like Savannahket who went e-visa applications 1st Jan 2025, the ME Non O is no longer an option.

[Wongkitlo]

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I haven't seen a report of ME Non O from Laos since e-Visa introduced.

 

Also regards HCMC read first post from @Tod Daniels in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1334937-is-a-one-year-multi-entry-marriage-visa-still-available-from-hcmc/#elControls_19129277_menu 

 

Thinking your best option in future is to do annual extensions based on retirement.

Obviously requires reentry permit for travel abroad. 

 

I actually have a work permit and work for my wife's (read between the lines as Thais own everything) business for high season. I go to Australia for 2 months as the business shuts for 6 months so retirement is not an option. I am mainly trying to avoid having my 400,000 baht tied up for 5 months( now, trip to Australia, 2 months  seasoning) but from reading is not an option. Thank you forcall your help. 

[Liquorice]

2 hours ago, Wongkitlo said:

The visa expires 1st May so would do a border run /holiday before then. If I applied for a 12 months extension before then a border run would not be needed. I understood ME at Savannakhet was not available anymore.  Thanks for your help. 

Just to avoid any confusion, what was the issue date on your Non Imm O visa?
What date did you last enter Thailand?

 

The validity of a visa and the permission of stay are different and some do confuse the issue, hence I ask the above two questions.

[Wongkitlo]

17 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I haven't seen a report of ME Non O from Laos since e-Visa introduced.

 

Also regards HCMC read first post from @Tod Daniels in this thread 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1334937-is-a-one-year-multi-entry-marriage-visa-still-available-from-hcmc/#elControls_19129277_menu 

 

Thinking your best option in future is to do annual extensions based on retirement.

Obviously requires reentry permit for travel abroad. 

 

I am weighing keeping the business open and paying myself an income but the old ME visa made things a lot easier 

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

The validity of a visa and the permission of stay are different and some do confuse the issue, hence I ask the above two questions

OP, I have asked this question earlier.

You need to clarify for best advice. 

[Wongkitlo]

38 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Just to avoid any confusion, what was the issue date on your Non Imm O visa?
What date did you last enter Thailand?

 

The validity of a visa and the permission of stay are different and some do confuse the issue, hence I ask the above two questions.

Thanks. I hadn't checked it for a while.  The visa expires 22 April. My last entry was 2 Feb so I will  leave and enter again before the 22nd April. If I converted the multi entry I would do next week but since I don't have the funds seasoned I will go for either reentry permit or visa free then apply for the non o. Thanks

[Liquorice]

3 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

Thanks. I hadn't checked it for a while.  The visa expires 22 April. My last entry was 2 Feb so I will  leave and enter again before the 22nd April. If I converted the multi entry I would do next week but since I don't have the funds seasoned I will go for either reentry permit or visa free then apply for the non o. Thanks

Options.

As your permission of stay expires on May 1st, and you state you intend to leave for 2 months on 22nd May, then as an alternative rather than exit/re-enter for a further 90 day stay, you could just apply for a 60 day extension at Immigration based on Thai spouse. I assume you married in Thailand?

 

7 hours ago, Wongkitlo said:

I want to leave the country on the 21st May for 2 months

As it's your intention to visit Australia for 2 months, I would be tempted to just apply for the 60 day extension.

 

Regarding staying long term in the future, you can apply for a 12-month extension of stay based on Thai spouse.
The financial requirement is 400K THB deposited in a Thai bank account in your sole name for 2 months prior to the date of application. 
You must have a non Imm O type visa to apply for the 12 month extension.
On application, you will receive a 30-day under consideration stamp.
Once the application is approved, you can withdraw and use the full 400K THB.

Repeat the following year.

 

When you intend to return to Thailand, you have the option of applying for a new Non Imm O single entry visa from the Thai Embassy.
On entry, this will grant a stay of 90 days.
When the 400K THB funds have been seasoned for 2 months you can apply directly for the 12 month extension based on Thai spouse.
Alternatively, you could enter visa exempt and apply for the Non O at your Immigration office. (Requires at least 15 days permission of stay remaining).
For the Non O application, the 400K THB only needs to be in your Thai bank account on the day of application.
You are granted a further stay of 90 days.
Then apply for the 12-month extension when the funds have been seasoned for 2 months.

 

It may assist if you can state which Immigration office you use.

 

 

[DrJack54]

25 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

I hadn't checked it for a while.  The visa expires 22 April. My last entry was 2 Feb so I will  leave and enter again before the 22nd April.

OK...That plan will work and you will be stamped in for 90 days when you enter Thailand prior to April 22.

That can also be extended by 60 days to visit wife.

You will require a reentry permit for trips abroad after Visa expires (April 22).

Ongoing consider annual extensions.

You do realize that the 400k can be used after final stamp for annual extension. 

 

[Wongkitlo]

23 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

OK...That plan will work and you will be stamped in for 90 days when you enter Thailand prior to April 22.

That can also be extended by 60 days to visit wife.

You will require a reentry permit for trips abroad after Visa expires (April 22).

Ongoing consider annual extensions.

You do realize that the 400k can be used after final stamp for annual extension. 

 

Am really grateful for the information. Just trying to work my way through it. 

[Wongkitlo]

23 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Options.

As your permission of stay expires on May 1st, and you state you intend to leave for 2 months on 22nd May, then as an alternative rather than exit/re-enter for a further 90 day stay, you could just apply for a 60 day extension at Immigration based on Thai spouse. I assume you married in Thailand?

 

As it's your intention to visit Australia for 2 months, I would be tempted to just apply for the 60 day extension.

 

Regarding staying long term in the future, you can apply for a 12-month extension of stay based on Thai spouse.
The financial requirement is 400K THB deposited in a Thai bank account in your sole name for 2 months prior to the date of application. 
You must have a non Imm O type visa to apply for the 12 month extension.
On application, you will receive a 30-day under consideration stamp.
Once the application is approved, you can withdraw and use the full 400K THB.

Repeat the following year.

 

When you intend to return to Thailand, you have the option of applying for a new Non Imm O single entry visa from the Thai Embassy.
On entry, this will grant a stay of 90 days.
When the 400K THB funds have been seasoned for 2 months you can apply directly for the 12 month extension based on Thai spouse.
Alternatively, you could enter visa exempt and apply for the Non O at your Immigration office. (Requires at least 15 days permission of stay remaining).
For the Non O application, the 400K THB only needs to be in your Thai bank account on the day of application.
You are granted a further stay of 90 days.
Then apply for the 12-month extension when the funds have been seasoned for 2 months.

 

It may assist if you can state which Immigration office you use.

 

 

Thanks Liquorice.  Just trying to work out what to do😁

[Wongkitlo]

Am really grateful to @DrJack54 and @Liquorice for advice. I think my best plan is to leave Thailand  before my permission to stay ends on 1st May. By then my visa will have expired (21 April). If  I put the 400,000 into my account now I can go to a neighboring country and apply for a non o visa, married to a Thai. If I leave Thailand for Australia on 21 May I can get a reentry permit and then return in time to apply for the 1 year permission to stay. By the time I return my 400,000 will be seasoned and I should be in the required  last 30 days of the 90 days of the visa and able to apply for the 1 year extension. After the consideration period my 400,000 will be free to use. I think this is the easiest way without having my money tied up too long. 

I was hoping just 1 last question. Which neighboring embassy do you think is the friendliest to apply for a non o - Kuala Lumpur, HCMC, Hanoi, Vientiane,  Savannakhet or any other suggestions? I did look through the forum but couldn't find much about this.  Thanks. 

[DrJack54]

@Wongkitlo have read your post above several times.

Have zero idea what your plan is.

There are better alternatives.

Read all the MANY posts and understand your options.

 

[Wongkitlo]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

@Wongkitlo have read your post above this several times.

Have zero idea what your plan is.

There are better alternatives.

Read all the MANY posts and understand your options.

 

Sorry. I thought I was following your advice. Go to a neighboring country and get a 90 day  non o visa at the embassy and then apply for the extension in the last 30  days of the visa. 

[Liquorice]

1 hour ago, Wongkitlo said:

Am really grateful to @DrJack54 and @Liquorice for advice. I think my best plan is to leave Thailand  before my permission to stay ends on 1st May. By then my visa will have expired (21 April). If  I put the 400,000 into my account now I can go to a neighboring country and apply for a non o visa, married to a Thai. If I leave Thailand for Australia on 21 May I can get a reentry permit and then return in time to apply for the 1 year permission to stay. By the time I return my 400,000 will be seasoned and I should be in the required  last 30 days of the 90 days of the visa and able to apply for the 1 year extension. After the consideration period my 400,000 will be free to use. I think this is the easiest way without having my money tied up too long. 

I was hoping just 1 last question. Which neighboring embassy do you think is the friendliest to apply for a non o - Kuala Lumpur, HCMC, Hanoi, Vientiane,  Savannakhet or any other suggestions? I did look through the forum but couldn't find much about this.  Thanks. 

Understood.

Your ME Non O visa expires 22nd April.

Your current permission of stay expires 1st May

You plan to depart Thailand 21st May returning 2 months later.

 

However, I think your proposed plan is time-consuming and more costly than needs to be.

Just my opinion, but in your situation I would just apply for a 60 day extension to visit Thai spouse at your local Immigration office, which will extend your permission of stay from 1st May to 30th June. Limited travel and costs 1,900 BHT.
I would then apply for the Non Imm O visa based on Thai spouse online from the comfort of an armchair https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-o whilst back home in Australia to re-enter Thailand. On entry, you'll be granted permission of stay for 90 days, transfer the 400K then (or before you depart) then 60 days after arrival apply for the 1 year extension.

 

Absolutely no need to run around to local Countries or obtain re-entry permits.
Waste of time and money with your current plan.

All you require is a 60 day extension - 1,900 BHT > Non Imm O 120 AUD > 1 year extension 1,900 BHT.

 

 

[Wongkitlo]

17 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Understood.

Your ME Non O visa expires 22nd April.

Your current permission of stay expires 1st May

You plan to depart Thailand 21st May returning 2 months later.

 

However, I think your proposed plan is time-consuming and more costly than needs to be.

Just my opinion, but in your situation I would just apply for a 60 day extension to visit Thai spouse at your local Immigration office, which will extend your permission of stay from 1st May to 30th June. Limited travel and costs 1,900 BHT.
I would then apply for the Non Imm O visa based on Thai spouse online from the comfort of an armchair https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-o whilst back home in Australia to re-enter Thailand. On entry, you'll be granted permission of stay for 90 days, transfer the 400K then (or before you depart) then 60 days after arrival apply for the 1 year extension.

 

Absolutely no need to run around to local Countries or obtain re-entry permits.
Waste of time and money with your current plan.

All you require is a 60 day extension - 1,900 BHT > Non Imm O 120 AUD > 1 year extension 1,900 BHT.

 

 

Thank you for the reply. I understand what you are saying but I am trying to avoid having my 400,000 tied up for too long. If I get the 90 day Non O as soon as possible(1st Of May when my current stay expires)  then 60 days after  the visa is granted(1st July) I can apply for the extension and 30 days later (1st August) have my 400,000 available. If I wait till I arrive back from Australia (1st July) I will need to wait two months to apply for the extension (1st September) then 30 days for approval(1st October). This is on the understanding that the extension can only be applied for in the last 30 days of a 3 month visa. I know 400,000 is probably not a lot to some but I have a small business and having it tied up till October is difficult. 

I did avoid answering about what immigration office I use because I did not want to complicate things too much but I live 6 months in Pattaya (low season) and 6 months in Trat (High season). My work permit and tm30 is in Trat. I would apply for the extension there  but getting the visa out of the country  would avoid one  trip from Pattaya to Trat.  I have also dealt with Jomtien immigration in the past  and, unless things have changed, visiting the woman who does the 60 day extension to visit your wife is something that should be avoided.