Work Permit Ending - I Have A Thai Family - Now What?

[thaigene2]

This seems like some sort of violation of the Geneva Convention - but as I understand it, despite the fact I have a Thai wife and we have kids born here, when my contract/workpermit expire, I will have 7 days to leave the country - and my family behind (unless we all want to RUN for the airport!).

My understanding is I can go to Singapore or wherever, apply for a 12-month family 'visit' visa (O-Visa) and return. Then look for a job and turn up at immigration every 90 days. Is that the size of it? Are there no concessions given at all to foreigners with families who are Thai?? Are there no reciprocal agreements?

[Mahout Angrit]

You can go to Singapore or Penang and apply for a Multi Entry Non Immigrant type 'O' visa(monitor this forum for the consulates currently happily issuing them). The reason you give is to visit family (you will need to show your marriage certificate and a copy of your wifes ID card or passport).

You will have to do border runs every 90days unless you can show a family income (it could all come from your wife) of B40,000 pm in which case you can then apply for a 1 year extension on your visa obviating the need for the border runs.

A multi entry Non Imm 'O' visa will allow unlimited entries for 12 months so can give you 15 months in Thailand with 4 runs to a border.

[Crossy]

Yep ^^^

Addtionally, if you can demonstrate the income requirements you can convert your employment extension to a marriage extension without having to leave the country.

You may want to talk to Sunbelt for the nitty gritty facts but it is certainly possible and you won't have to convert back when you get a new job

[lopburi3]

1. If you are currently on a one year extension of stay for employment you will have to leave the country within 7 days as your extension will be invalidated. If you are here on any other type of extension (family) or a visa 90 day entry this will not happen and you can continue your stay.

2. You can obtain non immigrant O type visas to visit your wife and may be able to obtain multi entry type (Singapore believe they require 400k in bank account in addition to normal marriage certificate/copy of wife ID card). Penang may not require and at times KL may not. Otherwise it is best to obtain in home country from honorary Consulates.

3. You can obtain a 60 day extension of stay from Immigration one time to visit wife/husband or child using section 7.23 of Police Order 606/2006.

4. As mentioned you require a family income of 40k per month to extend your stay in Thailand on the basis of family.

[adjan jb]

3. You can obtain a 60 day extension of stay from Immigration one time to visit wife/husband or child using section 7.23 of Police Order 606/2006.

I'm on a one year extension of stay for employment until Sept. 30 when my contract expire. Can I get a 60 day extension of stay as the father of a Thai national ?

[lopburi3]

You will have to leave within 7 days and do not believe they would consider extending an extension under 7.23 (7.23 In case of entering for visiting a Thai wife / husband or child). You can ask but expect bad news and prepare for a trip to a Consulate to obtain a non immigrant O visa. Penang is probably your best bet for the multi entry now. Be sure to take marriage certificate/copy; birth certificate/copy; wife ID card signed/dated copy. Also good to have note from wife asking for visa issue and bank book with something in it (just in case more paperwork is requested). Penang does not seem to require proof of funds for everyone (as seems to be the case in Singapore).

[Pushit]

This seems like some sort of violation of the Geneva Convention - but as I understand it, despite the fact I have a Thai wife and we have kids born here, when my contract/workpermit expire, I will have 7 days to leave the country - and my family behind (unless we all want to RUN for the airport!).

My understanding is I can go to Singapore or wherever, apply for a 12-month family 'visit' visa (O-Visa) and return. Then look for a job and turn up at immigration every 90 days. Is that the size of it? Are there no concessions given at all to foreigners with families who are Thai?? Are there no reciprocal agreements?

If you are under 50 Years Old go to your bank and get a letter from them stating you have a joint account (you+wife) with more than 400,000Baht. Take this letter plus bank book plus marriage certificate plus kids' birth certificates to immigration division and fill in the forms stating the reason you wish to extend your visa is to stay with your family ( however if the kids' birth cerst don't have your name as the father then forget it ) and ask if the kind people there need anything else.

[lopburi3]

There is no provision under current immigration laws to extend your stay because of a Thai child. There is hope this may change but any requirements are not know, or even if it will change.

[mikethevigoman]

This seems like some sort of violation of the Geneva Convention - but as I understand it, despite the fact I have a Thai wife and we have kids born here, when my contract/workpermit expire, I will have 7 days to leave the country - and my family behind (unless we all want to RUN for the airport!).

My understanding is I can go to Singapore or wherever, apply for a 12-month family 'visit' visa (O-Visa) and return. Then look for a job and turn up at immigration every 90 days. Is that the size of it? Are there no concessions given at all to foreigners with families who are Thai?? Are there no reciprocal agreements?

if you qualify for a retirement visa it will be different,.

[Maestro]

...as I understand it, despite the fact I have a Thai wife and we have kids born here, when my contract/workpermit expire, I will have 7 days to leave the country - and my family behind (unless we all want to RUN for the airport!).

Married to a Thai, you should currently be on an extension of stay for the reason of living with your Thai wife and Thai children, and in this case you do not have to leave Thailand because of the termination of your employment. If you do not have this type of extension I think you should not blame the immigration officers for not having previously know about your family situation. If you qualify for different types of extension, immigration obviously gives you the one you apply for.

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Maestro