Visa Agents In Penang

[simon43]

I need to visit the Thai consulate in Penang to obtain a single-entry O visa, based on my having a Thai son. The boss of the Phuket Immigration office has told me that if I get this visa, then she will immediately extend it for a further year - and then each year thereafter...

I havn't been to Penang before, but from previous ThaiVisa reports, it sounds the best place to obtain a single-entry O on the grounds of having a Thai son. I understand that I have to apply on the first day and then collect my passport the next day. I also read that the process can be made very easy by using a visa agent in Penang.

Therefore, since I need to go to Penang in about 1 week, does anyone have contact details for these agents, so that I can get everything organised beforehand?

Also, I will take proof of my monthly income from overseas. I previously got a letter from the British Embassy that certified my overseas income. However, this letter is now about 2 months old. Do I need to go and get a new certification letter (2,000 baht!), or will the old one suffice?

Thanks for any advice

Simon

[NHJ]

if your old visa still has 21 days, immigration can change it for 2000 baht and then proceed the extension for 1900 baht so you won't need to go out of the country.

you'll need of course to provide the appropriate paper work.

[Lite Beer]

As said Immigration can convert your stay to a Non Imm O Visa if you have at least 21 days left on your stay.

If you do have to go to Penang this is one agent but there are many. http://jimsplace-penang.com/

For the 12 months extension you will need 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank or 40,000 Baht a month income. You probably know this already.

[simon43]

I have to go overseas re my visa. I cannot extend it in country. This is because my current 'stamp' is a 60 day extension on my previous 'stamp' which was a 60 day authorisation to stay in Thailand because of my police volunteer work. That 60 day authorisation was made after I entered Thailand on a 15-day visa-exemption. (Complex story..). So if you apply the law strictly, my current stamp cannot be extended because it is not a visa!

Phuket Immigration is quite happy to extend my current stamp every 2 months because of my volunteer work. But I want to get something a little more 'stable.

Simon

[Lite Beer]

Didn't recognise you Simon. New Avatar

[RKASA]

"However, this letter is now about 2 months old. Do I need to go and get a new certification letter (2,000 baht!), or will the old one suffice?"

I have never used an older one myself, but got one last week for use in Sept. to save another trip to Chiang Mai.  Thai immigration told me if its less then 90days old its still OK.  Lets hope so.

[lopburi3]

1. Not all, in fact believe very few Immigration offices will provide the change/application for visa service - you are told to go to Bangkok or obtain overseas. Originally only Bangkok provided the service.

2. You should have a Thai bank account for Consulate use - that letter is for Immigration. I do not believe the Consulate will need a bank account for single entry in any case.

3. You can easily do the process in Penang - the agents allow you to goof off for the hour or so it might take and price is about the same as your taxi usage. If you do not have contact details most hotels offer the service or have contacts. If a one time deal I would do it myself as you can answer any question that might come up - and at times they only accept applications in person. With your luck I would not trust it to an agent.

[simon43]

OK, I've booked an Air Asia flight leaving Bangkok on Sunday and returning on Tuesday evening.

Just one last question. I intend to stay in some low/medium cost hotel, but I really do need to connect to the internet during my stay. Rather than visiting an internet cafe, is there a recommended hotel which either offers free wifi or wifi for a daily charge? I envisage being 'connected' for most of my stay, (need to keep in touch with work colleagues in the USA).

Thanks

Simon

PS to Lopburi3, my luck has changed since leaving the ex! But I take your advice and will apply in person at the consulate

[lazygourmet]

OK, I've booked an Air Asia flight leaving Bangkok on Sunday and returning on Tuesday evening.

Just one last question. I intend to stay in some low/medium cost hotel, but I really do need to connect to the internet during my stay. Rather than visiting an internet cafe, is there a recommended hotel which either offers free wifi or wifi for a daily charge? I envisage being 'connected' for most of my stay, (need to keep in touch with work colleagues in the USA).

Thanks

Simon

PS to Lopburi3, my luck has changed since leaving the ex! But I take your advice and will apply in person at the consulate

I am staying, right now, at the brand new Tune Hotel on Jalan Burma.

Conveniently located, small but neat rooms, great mattress and relaxing "rain" shower.

Free wifi in the lobby or like I am doing: 12 Ringgit/24 hours to use it in the room.

Here is the link.

PS: If you call +60(0)16-5261621, they will pick you up on arrival for RMB15

Bon voyage...

[CHdiver]

Hotel Mingood is not bad, basic but you get WIFI without charges in your room. They can also manage your Visa there, so no need to go to the consulate. You may have to google the website of the Hotel, I dont have it handy.