Stay Based On Support Of Child?

[LostInBKK]

Hello All

My wife just gave birth to my son Justin in Chaiyaphum and I am wondering how I can stay in LOS based on support for him...

Here are the details:

1. Legally married, prior Non "O" Visa, left LOS to continue my work in Iraq

2. I hold an American Passport

3. Baby born in Thai hospital, I am named on the Thai birth certificate

Am I still looking at a Non-"O" visa? or is there another way to stay in LOS long term? Right now I am currently working in Iraq so I can come in and out on 30 day stamps without issue, but some day I might want to get a visa for long term stay....

[Jimjim]

Believe no visa is given in this case. Continue using Non-O's based on marriage.

[lopburi3]

There is no visa change by having or supporting child. If you are over age 50 there is a provision that allows child to be the basis of your extension of stay currently. You probably should obtain a multi entry non immigrant O visa to visit family each year until you are ready to use the 40k family income to extend on a yearly basis.

[LostInBKK]

So is it recommended that I apply for a multiple entry visa as opposed to using the 30 day stamps? I am only able to come to LOS every 3-4 months or so....

[torrenova]

The multiple entry visa covers you if you need more than 30 days and does provide an audit trail (of no real significance currently I think) but getting one now might make it easier to get one in the future if they tighten the rules on multiple entry visas.

I have a non immigrant visa which runs out in April (though can get another 3 months) and I will probably move onto the 40k income. It is really just paying the tax on the income not really earning it.

[lopburi3]

Posters from that part of the world are often oil workers on 30/30 type shifts so it makes it much easier to be on non immigrant O visa as they are near or over the 90 days in six month limits of visa exempt entry. But even in your case it is best to have such a visa as it gives you better treatment if you try to do things inside Thailand; bank accounts, car purchase, driving license and such. As your real reason is to visit your family (non tourist) it is what you should be getting.

[LostInBKK]

Thanks Lopburi3, I never really looked at it from that point of view. I am a Communications guy working in Iraq and get up to 20 days off every 100-120 days or so... no oil field work for me.

I guess I'll work on it when I transit through Dubai since I have everything I need with me. Meeting their "income requirement" will not be an issue.