12 Month Non Immigrant O Visa From Penang?

[puketparadise]

For the previous 4 years since moving to Thailand from the UK in 2004, I have had a 12 month Retirement Visa. However my Visa expires on the 3rd June, and I have a problem this year.

Although my Thai Bank account has had in excess of 3m THB on deposit during the last 12 months, for the previous 3 months the balance has been under 400,000, as I have been building a new house in Korat for my family, and using the money. On the 20th May, I will have in excess of 3m THB transferred in from abroad into my Thai account.

Also, during this year I have married my Thai GF in a Thai legal ceremony, and we have a new baby daughter of 5 months.

So it would seem I have ruled out renewing my Retirement Visa, or changing to a Marriage Visa, because my bank balance doesn't meet the time criteria.

Is it possible to obtain a 12 month O Visa based on Dependent Thai wife and baby (I have Thai Marriage cert, and Thai Birth Cert for baby) from Penang or KL, which I can later change to a Marriage Visa in 90 days, when my bank balance meets the Immigration criteria of being on deposit for 3 months? I can show well in excess of 100,000THB in the account throughout the last 12 months.

If possible we would prefer to obtain the Visa in Penang, but I am open to members suggestions and help. I just don't want to have to go back to the UK right now, although I am sure I can get the 12 month Dependent Non Imm O Visa from Hull without problem!

[Mario2008]

You have the option of getting a 60 day extension from immigration based on your marriage and after the 60 days are finished you can apply for a full 1 year extension.

[lopburi3]

All you need is a single entry as you will have the funds in account before the 90 days end. No need to spend extra for a multi entry. Single should be easy with marriage certificate/birth certificate and copy of wife home register.

You could also obtain 60 days extension to visit wife from Immigration if that would give you time to meet the 3 months. Or you could change to family extension at 400k in bank account for two months (although there are some offices that require 3).

If you want the multi entry visa KL likes to see a bank passbook with 100k in it. Penang would probably like to see the same.

[ubonjoe]

If you are going to have the money that soon you don't need the multiple entry visa.

The money only needs to be in the bank for 2 months for an extension based upon marriage.

You could also get a 60 day extension at immigration to visit your wife. Or a single enty non-o at any of the nearby consulates.

Penang issues multiple entry visas based upon marriage if you decide that is what you need.