Hi folks,

I'm writing on behalf of my future brother-in-law (Australian). He is currently in Thailand but he will have to go back to Oz to apply for his first Non-Immigrant 'O' type visa based on his intention to marry my sister-in-law.

I had advised him of all the necessary requirements (below) as I went through this same process about one year ago:

A signed photocopy of the fiancee's Thai passport

A signed photocopy of the fiancee's Thai ID card

A signed letter of invitation from the fiancee in Thai

A completed, signed and dated Application for Visa with 1 passport photo affixed

His passport

A copy of his recent bank account statement

A money order for the visa fee

However, having spoken to a farang working in a visa agency here in Thailand, my future brother-in-law now believes that he will have to show a monthly income equivalent to 40,000 baht (presumably coming from an Australian employer) instead of just showing sufficient funds in his bank account to pay for living expenses in Thailand incurred while here under the terms of his Non-Imm 'O' Multi-Entry.

Can somebody please clarify if this is indeed the case now? It seems a bit silly to expect an employer in Australia to continue paying you a monthly salary while you take a year off to get married to a Thai lady and get to know her family (which is the purpose of the 'O' visa in this case). I also suspect that this visa agency is somewhat shady given that when he posed the same question above he was told, off the record, that he could get a mate to forge a 'company' letter stating that he is being paid a monthly salary equivalent to 40,000baht.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Hill16

The 40k income is for marriage one year extension of stay - it has nothing to do with visa issue and has never been reported to have been requested by any Consulate that I am aware of. I agree the agent sounds shady.

That said most Consulates do not consider fiancee a valid visa issue reason. I would only try at honorary type Consulates (but suspect you have advised him where to go).

Why not just have him obtain a two entry tourist visa from Vientiane. He could probably do that several times to cover the year. Unless he plans the trip to Oz for other reasons.

The 40k income is for marriage one year extension of stay - it has nothing to do with visa issue and has never been reported to have been requested by any Consulate that I am aware of. I agree the agent sounds shady.

That said most Consulates do not consider fiancee a valid visa issue reason. I would only try at honorary type Consulates (but suspect you have advised him where to go).

Why not just have him obtain a two entry tourist visa from Vientiane. He could probably do that several times to cover the year. Unless he plans the trip to Oz for other reasons.

Thanks very much for your reply, Lopburi3.

You have confirmed what I thought was the case. I will suggest the Vientiane option to him. I wasn't aware that most Consulates do not consider a fiancee a valid visa issue reason. Interesting point. Also, important for readers to note that there are some people working in agencies dispensing incorrect advice (and even possibly illegal advice) to clients. A second, if not third opinion is always important when it comes to visas for Thailand.

Kind regards,

Hill16

I know it its a bit hit or miss but he may be able to get a multi entry Non O which would give him 15 months stay. It is possible in UK . Australia?

As Lopburi said 40,000 Baht income not needed.

Edited May 27, 200818 yr by Lite Beer