Just returned from Penang where I went to get a single entry Non-O (marriage), not having the required money in a Thai bank account (I did have a UK bank statement with about 400,000 Thai Baht equivalent), I didn't think I would qualify for the 12 month multi entry.

After talking to Jim Tachinamurthy at Jim's place he suggested that having my wife's house book proving she had assets might be enough to convince the embassy to grant a multi entry so we applied for this and sure enough the visa was granted, which I was extremely happy about .

Jim thinks that although the embassy does theoretically require a Thai bank account with the appropriate funds, proof that your wife has assets such as the house book or ownership of a business could be the deciding factor.

I hope this info will be useful to anyone planning on a trip to Penang.

The 400k is not a Consulate requirement - it is for immigration extension of stay. Consulate will normally issue a visa with proof of the normal 20k required for a non immigrant visa issue although they might like to see 100k or so for a multi entry (there has not been any fixed amount at Penang to my knowledge).

Edited April 11, 200917 yr by lopburi3

The 400k is not a Consulate requirement - it is for immigration extension of stay. Consulate will normally issue a visa with proof of the normal 20k required for a non immigrant visa issue although they might like to see 100k or so for a multi entry (there has not been any fixed amount at Penang to my knowledge).

Apologies, I didn't mean to imply that the consulate required 400,000 Baht but they do certainly ask to see a Thai bank book with with an indeterminate amount of money in it. Unfortunately the consulate don't state the exact amount they want to see so you will only find out if you have enough when your application is rejected or not as the case may be.

This is certainly an easier route for those Brits amongst us who have the cash in a UK bank and don't want to transfer it to Thailand because of the atrocious exchange rates we are getting at the moment.

Now I don't like to talk about some one bad but JIM has no idea at all. He hasen't got a clue.

He told me last year to apply for a multi O I need to have to have 800.000 in the bank.

I argued this is for retirement and he said nooooo for every body. So I went to do it by myself

with the help of my wife and guess what? I did not need to have any prove of money in the bank at all

Just the usual documents which I prepared and picked up my 1 year multiple visa the next day.

I am heading there this weekend I need a Non b so when I come back I can apply for my work permit. Will I need to show anything other than my passport?

Cheers

I am heading there this weekend I need a Non b so when I come back I can apply for my work permit. Will I need to show anything other than my passport?

Cheers

You will need a WP3 work permit application receipt and documentation from your employer similar to what is needed for an extension of stay.

A non-b visa is not needed to apply for a work permit. But it will not be issued until you do have one.