I Am Confused

[Tex]

I am an American citizen, 72 years of age, retired and married to a Thai lady.

I want to get a visa that I might stay in Thailand with her. Is it acceptable that I come to Thailand on a 30 day visa and apply for the non-imm visa during that 30 days? Will I need to make a visa run while waiting for the non-imm visa or will they give me some sort of temporary papers? I understand that I must move 400,000 B into a Thai bank or show 40,000 B monthly income. I can do this but was wondering if there was any way around it? (Banks in Thailand do not pay great interest!) I was reading in the post about going to Panang for the non-imm and I am confused about it.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am an American citizen, 72 years of age, retired and married to a Thai lady.

I want to get a visa that I might stay in Thailand with her.  Is it acceptable that I come to Thailand on a 30 day visa and apply for the non-imm visa during that 30 days?  Will I need to make a visa run while waiting for the non-imm visa or will they give me some sort of temporary papers?  I understand that I must move 400,000 B into a Thai bank or show 40,000 B monthly income.  I can do this but was wondering if there was any way around it?  (Banks in Thailand do not pay great interest!)  I was reading in the post about going to Panang for the non-imm and I am confused about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Get a Non-Immigrant O class visa before you leave home brcause that 30 day permit is very restrictive. That will give you a 90 day stay on entry, and can be extended for a year at a time provided that you can meet the income or savings requirements. If you don't want to comply with the financial obligations, get a multi entry visa and border hop every 90 days.

[lopburi3]

As Pat says you should obtain a non immigrant Do visa at any Royal Thai Consulate in the US prior to travel and set up wire transfer agreement with your bank. Your marriage allows this visa and they may or may not request a copy of your marriage certificate. After you arrive in Thailand open a bank account here and transfer US money via wire transfer to be a little more than 200k baht (if you want to keep the bank money low). During the last 30 days of your 90 day stay visit immigration with your wife and required documents for extension of stay based on supporting a Thai wife. You will need a paper from Embassy indicating pension/income as your bank money will be low.

But I would suggest you make the full 400k bank deposit as it is preferred and in case of a medical emergency could be vital to have quick access. But that is your decision.

[Tex]

I am an American citizen, 72 years of age, retired and married to a Thai lady.

I want to get a visa that I might stay in Thailand with her.  Is it acceptable that I come to Thailand on a 30 day visa and apply for the non-imm visa during that 30 days?  Will I need to make a visa run while waiting for the non-imm visa or will they give me some sort of temporary papers?  I understand that I must move 400,000 B into a Thai bank or show 40,000 B monthly income.  I can do this but was wondering if there was any way around it?  (Banks in Thailand do not pay great interest!)  I was reading in the post about going to Panang for the non-imm and I am confused about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Get a Non-Immigrant O class visa before you leave home brcause that 30 day permit is very restrictive. That will give you a 90 day stay on entry, and can be extended for a year at a time provided that you can meet the income or savings requirements. If you don't want to comply with the financial obligations, get a multi entry visa and border hop every 90 days.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the advice. Is it possible to just get a Tourist visa here and apply for

Type "O" after I get to Thailand? They want copies of wifes papers, house papers, letter from her that she is still my wife, etc> I will wire money and I can also show proof of income when I get there. Thanks again

[Tex]

As Pat says you should obtain a non immigrant Do visa at any Royal Thai Consulate in the US prior to travel and set up wire transfer agreement with your bank.  Your marriage allows this visa and they may or may not request a copy of your marriage certificate.  After you arrive in Thailand open a bank account here and transfer US money via wire transfer to be a little more than 200k baht (if you want to keep the bank money low).  During the last 30 days of your 90 day stay visit immigration with your wife and required documents for extension of stay based on supporting a Thai wife.  You will need a paper from Embassy indicating pension/income as your bank money will be low.

But I would suggest you make the full 400k bank deposit as it is preferred and in case of a medical emergency could be vital to have quick access.  But that is your decision.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Trying to talk with the people at the Embassy in Washington is difficult and exasperating! They want copy of marriage license (OK) copy of wifes papers, house papers, letter from her stating she is still my wife, etc. Will the folks in Thailand let me apply for a type "O" visa after I get there if I go with a tourist visa?

I will add my name to wife's bank account and will get letter from embassy that my income is sufficient. I am retired from US Civil service and I have proof of that and proof of income which US embassy will attest. Thanks much for the help.

[JimGant]

Tex,

I don't understand why they want house papers(?). Your wife doesn't have to live in Thailand (and have house papers) for you to get a Non Imm 'O' based on your marriage. This comes later when you apply for an extension. -- when she'll need a valid Thai ID tied to house papers.

I annually get my Non Imm 'O' from the Thai Embassy in DC. All's they require, in my experience, has been a copy of the marriage certiificate, a copy of my wife's Thai ID card, and a letter saying we're still married (which they didn't ask for last time). As for the Thai ID, the wife's is current -- but I know of cases where an expired ID or an expired Thai passport was ok, as they're just varifying Thai nationality, which doesn't expire.

Are you physically going to the Embassy? If you don't live in the DC area (I do), and will be doing all of this by mail, you're much better off with one of the honorary Consulates, based on the feedback on this forum. And if in Texas, you've got three to choose from, with Houston getting the best feedback. Here's a link to all the ones in the US (scroll to the bottom).

Honorary Consulates

And I wouldn't quit on getting the 'O,' especially if you're going to have to mail the passport in anyways. Yes, you can upgrade a tourist visa to an 'O' in Thailand on the way to your extension request. But you could possibly be turned down too, as this option on the MFA site gives the standard qualifiyer: At the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

I have a feeling you may have mentioned the word 'retirement' when talking to the Embassy and they then built things up. I would only say "family reunion" as reason for request for the 'O,' which their website clearly states as a valid reason. This will at least get you to Thailand, where you can then work on the extension part. Oh, if bucks aren't a problem, I'd get multiple entry to give you some maneuvering room should things not go exactly as planned.

Check out those honoraries , tho' -- even if you DO live in DC. If you've already had a face to face at the Embassy, you may be tainted.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Tex,

I don't understand why they want house papers(?). Your wife doesn't have to live in Thailand (and have house papers) for you to get a Non Imm 'O' based on your marriage. This comes later when you apply for an extension. -- when she'll need a valid Thai ID tied to house papers.

I annually get my Non Imm 'O' from the Thai Embassy in DC. All's they require, in my experience, has been a copy of the marriage certiificate, a copy of my wife's Thai ID card, and a letter saying we're still married (which they didn't ask for last time). As for the Thai ID, the wife's is current -- but I know of cases where an expired ID or an expired Thai passport was ok, as they're just varifying Thai nationality, which doesn't expire.

Are you physically going to the Embassy? If you don't live in the DC area (I do), and will be doing all of this by mail, you're much better off with one of the honorary Consulates, based on the feedback on this forum. And if in Texas, you've got three to choose from, with Houston getting the best feedback. Here's a link to all the ones in the US (scroll to the bottom).

Honorary Consulates

And I wouldn't quit on getting the 'O,' especially if you're going to have to mail the passport in anyways. Yes, you can upgrade a tourist visa to an 'O' in Thailand on the way to your extension request. But you could possibly be turned down too, as this option on the MFA site gives the standard qualifiyer: At the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

I have a feeling you may have mentioned the word 'retirement' when talking to the Embassy and they then built things up. I would only say "family reunion" as reason for request for the 'O,' which their website clearly states as a valid reason. This will at least get you to Thailand, where you can then work on the extension part. Oh, if bucks aren't a problem, I'd get multiple entry to give you some maneuvering room should things not go exactly as planned.

Check out those honoraries , tho' -- even if you DO live in DC. If you've already had a face to face at the Embassy, you may be tainted.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Houston and Boston are very helpful

[Tex]

Thanks, Jim. I was not aware I could get a visa friom the Houston honorary. I will call them. I am in San Antonio. I did not go to DC, only talked(?) with them.

They really act like they do not care if you get a visa or not. I try to be as nice as I can because I have spent much time in Thailand and I know how they are. Big problem is I do not have copy of her ID and I am trying to go soon. thanks for the help. I will try Houston. Lou

Tex,

I don't understand why they want house papers(?). Your wife doesn't have to live in Thailand (and have house papers) for you to get a Non Imm 'O' based on your marriage. This comes later when you apply for an extension. -- when she'll need a valid Thai ID tied to house papers.

I annually get my Non Imm 'O' from the Thai Embassy in DC. All's they require, in my experience, has been a copy of the marriage certiificate, a copy of my wife's Thai ID card, and a letter saying we're still married (which they didn't ask for last time). As for the Thai ID, the wife's is current -- but I know of cases where an expired ID or an expired Thai passport was ok, as they're just varifying Thai nationality, which doesn't expire.

Are you physically going to the Embassy? If you don't live in the DC area (I do), and will be doing all of this by mail, you're much better off with one of the honorary Consulates, based on the feedback on this forum. And if in Texas, you've got three to choose from, with Houston getting the best feedback. Here's a link to all the ones in the US (scroll to the bottom).

Honorary Consulates

And I wouldn't quit on getting the 'O,' especially if you're going to have to mail the passport in anyways. Yes, you can upgrade a tourist visa to an 'O' in Thailand on the way to your extension request. But you could possibly be turned down too, as this option on the MFA site gives the standard qualifiyer: At the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

I have a feeling you may have mentioned the word 'retirement' when talking to the Embassy and they then built things up. I would only say "family reunion" as reason for request for the 'O,' which their website clearly states as a valid reason. This will at least get you to Thailand, where you can then work on the extension part. Oh, if bucks aren't a problem, I'd get multiple entry to give you some maneuvering room should things not go exactly as planned.

Check out those honoraries , tho' -- even if you DO live in DC. If you've already had a face to face at the Embassy, you may be tainted.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[caughtintheact]

Why not just leave your wife out of the picture and apply for a 90 day visa for the purpose of retirement here. You do not need a wife to apply for a retirement visa. Just say you want to retire here. As long as you meet the other requirements (money, health, etc) you should have no problems.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Why not just leave your wife out of the picture and apply for a 90 day visa for the purpose of retirement here.  You do not need a wife to apply for a retirement visa.  Just say you want to retire here.  As long as you meet the other requirements (money, health, etc) you should have no problems.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He's already concerned about putting 400,000 into a bank in Thailand because of low interest. He'll freak at having to have 800,000 in a bank. Sticking to the Houston application is the way to go.

[Boon Mee]

Tex,

I don't understand why they want house papers(?). Your wife doesn't have to live in Thailand (and have house papers) for you to get a Non Imm 'O' based on your marriage. This comes later when you apply for an extension. -- when she'll need a valid Thai ID tied to house papers.

I annually get my Non Imm 'O' from the Thai Embassy in DC. All's they require, in my experience, has been a copy of the marriage certiificate, a copy of my wife's Thai ID card, and a letter saying we're still married (which they didn't ask for last time). As for the Thai ID, the wife's is current -- but I know of cases where an expired ID or an expired Thai passport was ok, as they're just varifying Thai nationality, which doesn't expire.

Are you physically going to the Embassy? If you don't live in the DC area (I do), and will be doing all of this by mail, you're much better off with one of the honorary Consulates, based on the feedback on this forum. And if in Texas, you've got three to choose from, with Houston getting the best feedback. Here's a link to all the ones in the US (scroll to the bottom).

Honorary Consulates

And I wouldn't quit on getting the 'O,' especially if you're going to have to mail the passport in anyways. Yes, you can upgrade a tourist visa to an 'O' in Thailand on the way to your extension request. But you could possibly be turned down too, as this option on the MFA site gives the standard qualifiyer: At the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

I have a feeling you may have mentioned the word 'retirement' when talking to the Embassy and they then built things up. I would only say "family reunion" as reason for request for the 'O,' which their website clearly states as a valid reason. This will at least get you to Thailand, where you can then work on the extension part. Oh, if bucks aren't a problem, I'd get multiple entry to give you some maneuvering room should things not go exactly as planned.

Check out those honoraries , tho' -- even if you DO live in DC. If you've already had a face to face at the Embassy, you may be tainted.

Houston and Boston are very helpful

Has anyone had any experience w/Chicago recently?

Thanks...

[lopburi3]

Why not just leave your wife out of the picture and apply for a 90 day visa for the purpose of retirement here.  You do not need a wife to apply for a retirement visa.  Just say you want to retire here.  As long as you meet the other requirements (money, health, etc) you should have no problems.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Except minimum money is his primary concern and that is marriage support. If he applied for retirement at the place he is presently using they would probably want to issue an O-A with the requirements for even more paperwork. Best to use a Consulate that is helpful.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Why not just leave your wife out of the picture and apply for a 90 day visa for the purpose of retirement here.  You do not need a wife to apply for a retirement visa.  Just say you want to retire here.   As long as you meet the other requirements (money, health, etc) you should have no problems.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Except minimum money is his primary concern and that is marriage support. If he applied for retirement at the place he is presently using they would probably want to issue an O-A with the requirements for even more paperwork. Best to use a Consulate that is helpful.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You get to keep your funds stateside for the first year only with an O-A. The renewals require funds in Muang Thai. It is still 800,000 for a retiree.

[Sunbelt Asia]

Lou,

If you don't get any joy of an "O' visa in Houston… Just apply for a 60 day tourist visa. It can be changed to an "O" visa here as long as you have a minimum of 30 days left on your tourist visa.

By the way, a 30 day permit that you get at the airport automatically cannot be changed as that is not a visa. Only a visa you get outside Thailand can be changed to another type of visa, as long as 30 days minimum remain before you have to leave Thailand.

www.sunbeltasia.com

[Tex]

Thanks to all for the help. I called Houston and they were extremely helpful. The lady suggested, also, that I get a tourist visa (double entry) and take care of the other in Thailand. And, the fee is $25 per entry. They require only your passport, 2 pics and a money order (DC insists on a copy of your airline tickets.) Can't get that kind of straight talk from the folks in DC!! Thanks to all again and "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"

Lou,

If you don't get any joy of an "O' visa in Houston… Just apply for a 60 day tourist visa. It can be changed to an "O" visa here as long as you have a minimum of 30 days left on your tourist visa.

By the way, a 30 day permit that you get at the airport automatically cannot be changed as that is not a visa. Only a visa you get outside Thailand can be changed to another type of visa, as long as 30 days minimum remain before you have to leave Thailand.

www.sunbeltasia.com

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Backpack_thailand]

Never, EVER, thought I'd say this, but I have to agree with Sunbelt...

Just get yourself a tourist visa and then arrange to change it when you arrive. For just a few Baht you'll be able to find a decent lawyer who can help you through it all.

I know lawyers are not really necessary, but it sure makes life easier to have a Thai with a certain "standing" acting on your behalf!

[Tex]

Thanks for the advice. Sometimes it is difficult to do the little things that must be done. It seems to us westerners that they do not want us there but I believe it is usually due to the language thing. I rarely have any problems in the country but seems that I always have problems with the Thai government people in this country. Thanks to all that helped.

Never, EVER, thought I'd say this, but I have to agree with Sunbelt...

Just get yourself a tourist visa and  then arrange to change it when you arrive. For just a few Baht you'll be able to find a decent lawyer who can help you through it all.

I know lawyers are not really necessary, but it sure makes life easier to have a Thai with a certain "standing" acting on your behalf!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>