Non ‘o’ Visa Extension, Change Of Address Rules

[BangnaBound]

Visa extension time again. Last week I went to suan pluu to extend my Non ‘O’ for the fourth time. This was going ok, we needed a few more things, but the immigration officer said no problem, I could just drop them off the next day. We were almost done, when suddenly she said that she didn’t realize my address was in Samutprakarn and that even though that was fine for the last 3 years, that it wasn’t fine today, and I was going to have to start the whole process over again at the Samutprakarn office. While the property is technically in Samutprakan by time you’re at the top of the soi, you’re in Bangkok, so I’m not really thrilled at the idea of going out to the provincial office.

The other thing is, we are in the middle of a move into town. The house in Samutprakarn belongs to the in-laws which was fine when my wife was working out there, but she recently changed jobs so we rented a small place in Bangkok for the convenience, and will eventually find a bigger more permanent location. However in the mean time, we are splitting our time between the two locations.

We brought this up to the immigration officer and she said something to the effect of getting into trouble for making false reports and us needing to be there if they to come to check on us. So my dilemma is that although we are increasingly physically spending more time at our downtown place, all of our banking, credit cards, phones, etc are registered at the Samutprakarn house. So do I apply in Samutprakarn, or do I re-apply at suan pluu with the new small rental?

By the time we need to do this again, we will have a more permanent location so it’s really just a one time issue. I would prefer to apply in Bangkok at suan pluu, as it is much more convenient and they have a thick file on us already, but I’m concerned I don’t have the right documentation. One other issue, someone told my wife that either she or I need to be on the house registration of the rental property. That seems go against what I’ve read, and the fact that for the last 3 extensions, my wife registered at her old family home in Bangkok, she has only recently changed her house registration to the Samutprakarn house.

Other than a rental contract, pictures, and a map, do I need any thing else to apply for my visa extension at the new Bangkok rental?

Thanks for the help,

BangnaBound

[Maestro]

I suggest that in order to put your change of address to Bangkok on immigration’s official record you first submit form TM.28 “Form for Aliens to Notify Their Change of Address”, then apply for your new extension of stay.

For the marriage extension you will need the same documents you had last time plus whatever the immigration office may ask, probably a map to your new address, perhaps also photos of you and your wife with the apartment number showing. Bring along a copy of the rental contract and produce it if requested.

It is not necessary for your wife to be registered at the place where she lives with you. Lots of Thais are in the house registration book in one town and live in another town.

--

Maestro