I have just returned from Penang hoping to get a 1 year multiple entry visa. I showed Marriage cert 3 kids thai birth certs with me as father, wifes ID, house booklet, recent Jersey bank statement showing over a million Thai Baht in pounds sterling and proof of employment offshore (Seamans book). Thinking there wouldn't be any problem I used an agent. They only gave me a 3 month single entry visa! The only reason I can think of for them not to give me the 1 yr visa is the bank statement not being a Thai bank??? I spoke to the lady at the Thai embassy in Singapore a few months back and she assured me that the bank can be any place in the world. I'm so confused!!!

Just out of curiosity Did they return the difference between the fees.

I have just returned from Penang hoping to get a 1 year multiple entry visa. I showed Marriage cert 3 kids thai birth certs with me as father, wifes ID, house booklet, recent Jersey bank statement showing over a million Thai Baht in pounds sterling and proof of employment offshore (Seamans book). Thinking there wouldn't be any problem I used an agent. They only gave me a 3 month single entry visa! The only reason I can think of for them not to give me the 1 yr visa is the bank statement not being a Thai bank??? I spoke to the lady at the Thai embassy in Singapore a few months back and she assured me that the bank can be any place in the world. I'm so confused!!!

There's no need to be confused Beam. The rules are clear as crystal ... the funds have to be in a bank IN Thailand to get an extension. Some Consualtes might issue a multi entry visa based on your marriage to a Thai. Singapore will irrespective of where your funds are located, as long as you can show evidence. Most Thai Consulates abroad will issue a multi based on the circumstances you outline.

Just out of curiosity Did they return the difference between the fees.

The Thai Immigration has 'lifted' the application fee rules from those charged by most western nations. No refund if the visa application is unsuccesful.

Just out of curiosity Did they return the difference between the fees.

Yes they did return the difference.

I have just returned from Penang hoping to get a 1 year multiple entry visa. I showed Marriage cert 3 kids thai birth certs with me as father, wifes ID, house booklet, recent Jersey bank statement showing over a million Thai Baht in pounds sterling and proof of employment offshore (Seamans book). Thinking there wouldn't be any problem I used an agent. They only gave me a 3 month single entry visa! The only reason I can think of for them not to give me the 1 yr visa is the bank statement not being a Thai bank??? I spoke to the lady at the Thai embassy in Singapore a few months back and she assured me that the bank can be any place in the world. I'm so confused!!!

There's no need to be confused Beam. The rules are clear as crystal ... the funds have to be in a bank IN Thailand to get an extension. Some Consualtes might issue a multi entry visa based on your marriage to a Thai. Singapore will irrespective of where your funds are located, as long as you can show evidence. Most Thai Consulates abroad will issue a multi based on the circumstances you outline.

So now that I've got the O visa can I get an extension up to a year?

So now that I've got the O visa can I get an extension up to a year?

Yes if you can prove a monthly income of 40,000 Baht a month.

You will need a letter from your embassy as proof.

As I understand the new regulations you can not get the whole 1 year visa outside Thailand anymore. You can get a temp visa to allow you come to Thailand to then to apply for a 1 year visa at your local immigration.

I’m sure others will be along with more specific details.

Daffy.

There is no "new regulation". The normal issue for many years has been single entry with expectation you will extend. This does not work for all (off shore workers are often in that category). So multi entry is still available but subject to more restrictive paperwork generally (especially in the immediate area).

most Thai counsulates in USA issue Multi -O- without proof of income or employment.

Well I work in the offshore oil industry, and get paid into a bank in Jersey. I am a non-resident of my native country so a letter from them is not an option. I send over 40,000 Baht to my wife every month for living expenses (Bills schooling etc...). Perhaps we can open a company and she can claim this as a Salary??

P.S. I usually spend over 180 days a year offshore 1 month on 1 month off so don't really need the visa but there are situations were it would come in handy, like if I suffer an injury or take an extended holiday or find myself between jobs, or I just want to slow down a little, which I will do as I get older.

You should not have any problem getting a multi entry non immigrant O visa, either in a western country or some of the oil countries. It is the extensions of stay that require the income and being in the country for application and then approval (probably) 30 days later that would be difficult.

Yes that is an option, but the options seem to be getting less and more expensive each year. My companies travel insurance only covers me for travel from my work sight to my home so it becomes complicated if I want to hang around for a few extra days to apply for a visa. Furthermore after being away for a month, getting home quick is vital.

if you are in UAE(Abu Dhabi), Bahrain, or Saudi(Jeddah) there is no bank statement (either in Thailand or offshore) requirement to obtain a one year, multi-entry non-imm. 'O'...

You should not have any problem getting a multi entry non immigrant O visa, either in a western country or some of the oil countries. It is the extensions of stay that require the income and being in the country for application and then approval (probably) 30 days later that would be difficult.

If you can get the multi-entry, and if extensions are difficult, the next best thing would be to leave the country and come back.