Non-o Extension For Father Of Thai Child

[welo]

Hi everybody,

I have another question on behalf of my German friend (and NO, he is not imaginary , he just has no clue about computers).

Quick facts: He is (way) under 50 of age, early retired, living with his Thai GF who is mother to his newborn daughter, not married. He is staying on a Non-O Multiple Entry obtained in Germany. He receives a monthly pension which does not meet the criteria for a1-year extension (THB 40.000 per month) for parenthood of a Thai child.

He can stay on that visa until 31st of October 2009 (maxing out the visa by doing his last border run 1 day before 'valid until' date). He used to go back to Germany every year to visit friends/family and obtain another Non-O Visa there. This time he wants to stay with his GF/child in Thailand and bring them to Germany in May2010.

This means he will need a visa for about 6 months plus a couple of days.

Option A

He could stay on a Tourist Visa (probably Double Entry obtained from Vientiane plus extensions = about 6 months) and a 15-day stamp border-run at the end.

However, I want to check with you guys whether there might be a better solution for him.

Option B

I understand that there is a 60-day extension for visiting a spouse or child.

2.24 In the case of an alien visiting a Thai spouse or child: Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de jure (legitimate) and de facto.

I did not find many discussions of this rule on this forum though.

• Does anybody have experience with this rule or know about common practices how it is applied by immigration staff?
  
• Are there any financial requirements to be met?
  
• Is this extension being granted on any kind of visa (namely Tourist or Non-O)?
  
• Is this a one time only extension (per visa)? I assume that there is a limit of how many times this extension is granted since otherwise this rule could be used to circumvent the financial requirements of a 1-year extension. I also remember reading that the phrasing 'at a time' has been different before (maybe just a fix in the unofficial translation though?), but what does it mean exactly?
  

Option C

And another word on the 1-year extension based on parenthood to a Thai child.

(5) In the case of a parent, one of parents must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit of not less than 400,000 baht for expenses within a year.

• I heard that one can actually combine the monthly income with the money deposit on a bank account to meet the requirements. Is it as simple as [income per month] x12 + [money on account] >= 400.000 THB?
  

• I don't see any requirement of having the money on the bank account for x months, as opposed to the rules for retirement (3 months) and marriage (2 months). I've just read on another thread that if you use the 'combo' method the 'seasoning' rule is not applied anyway. I guess I just answered this question myself, only mention that for completeness in case I misunderstood anything.
  

I appreciate any comment/hint/advise. Thaivisa is awesome!!!

welo

[Mario2008]

The 60 day extension is just 60 days and can not be given back to back.

As for option C, a combination of income and money in the bank is not allowed. Only people on an extension based on retirement can use a combination of incoem and money in the bank.

It seems his best bet is to het a double entry tourist visa in Vientianne, Laos. Which would give him 180 days, with 2 extensions.

[Lite Beer]

Yes. A one off 60 day extension plus a Tourist Visa when that expires. OR a Double Entry Tourist Visa from Vientienne.

Tourist Visas being free until March.

EDIT.

The first option would only give 5 months. Go for the second.

[welo]

As for option C, a combination of income and money in the bank is not allowed. Only people on an extension based on retirement can use a combination of incoem and money in the bank.

What a pity!!! I really had hope on that one if he just could organize some money.

So I guess I will recommend him to go for the 60-day extension first (THB 1900), then for a Double Entry Tourist to Vientiane (couple of 1000 THB for transport and stuff), do his second entry (THB 1000 at Cambodian Border which is close), and then either do a border run to obtain a 15-day stamp (THB 1000 again) or a 30-day extension at immigration (THB 1900), depending on his exact travel date. If nobody has any objections

I guess the details for the 60-day extension he will have to deal out with the immigration office himself, if nobody has more input on that one.

Thanks a lot for the correction on the 'combo' method for marriage/child visa, I definitely missed that one out!!

welo

[Lite Beer]

The rules for the 60 day extension.

2.24 In the case of an alien

visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission

will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de

jure (legitimate) and de facto.

[welo]

The rules for the 60 day extension.

2.24 In the case of an alien

visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission

will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de

jure (legitimate) and de facto.

Yeah, this is exactly the paragraph I quoted in my first post I am interested in first or second hand experiences applying for this extension since the law sometimes does not tell the 'whole story'. Never mind, will tell my friend to just go for it!

Appreciate the effort though!

welo

[Mario2008]

The birth certificate with his child name on it would be enough, especially when he takes the (mother and) child with him when he goes for that extension. This extension is easy to get, as long as you can establish the family relation.

[joblo]

Remember that the dual entry visa expires 90 days after issuance. So only 30 day ext is possible on the first of the two 60 day visas.

[Lite Beer]

The second entry can also be extended by 30 days. You might lose a day or two on your first entry plus extension.

[welo]

The birth certificate with his child name on it would be enough, especially when he takes the (mother and) child with him when he goes for that extension. This extension is easy to get, as long as you can establish the family relation.

Thanks, that's what I wanted to hear

Birth certificate with the father's name on it is available (thanks to help from this forum), mother and child available too.

Just one more thing: will the 60-day extension be granted on a Tourist Visa too? I think about the following scenario:

1. 60-day ext. on his Non-O
   
2. Visa Run to Phnom Penh for Single Entry Tourist (saving on travel costs compared to Vientiane since close by)
   
3. then another 60-day ext. on his Tourist Visa
   
4. finally border-run with 15-day stamp
   

welo

[welo]

Remember that the dual entry visa expires 90 days after issuance. So only 30 day ext is possible on the first of the two 60 day visas.

Just to clarify for other readers: The visa 'valid until' date does not affect/limit a possible extension. Technically the extension is not granted on the visa but on your current granted 'Permit of Stay' (that is the stamp in the passport).

It is correct that the 'valid until' date on the visa determines the latest possible date for the second entry. A Dual Entry from Vientiane will have a 3 month validity. In case of extending the first 60-day entry by another 30 days one has to make sure to leave and re-enter before the 'valid until' date. This will cut off a day or two on the 30 day extension as Lite Beer pointed out. It does not affect the possibility of extending the second entry by another 30 days.

[wonder6281]

Is it true that if you guarantee that you will provide for your thai child in wrirting (if a falang) there are exemptions or benefits for seeking a visa?

[Mario2008]

Is it true that if you guarantee that you will provide for your thai child in wrirting (if a falang) there are exemptions or benefits for seeking a visa?

Can you be a bit mor specific about what you want to know?

Living with a Thai family member (wife, husband or child) can be a reason for a visa and subsequent extensions of stay. But for the extension you still need to show an incoem of 40,000 a month or 400,000 in a bankaccount in Thailand.

[tattoodrob]

Sorry to crash in but is there any chance at all getting a non o visa without leaving thailand if im married and with a child but im on a tourist visa and dont wanna leave the country to do it so i want a non o so then i can go for the extension due to marriage......any easy options??

[torrenova]

Get a multi entry non immigrant "O" visa

[lopburi3]

Sorry to crash in but is there any chance at all getting a non o visa without leaving thailand if im married and with a child but im on a tourist visa and dont wanna leave the country to do it so i want a non o so then i can go for the extension due to marriage......any easy options??

If you have 21 days or more remaining you can convert your visa to non immigrate at Immigration office and then extend. Cost will be 2,000 to convert and 1,900 to extend. But not all do the conversion so it might have to be done in Bangkok. If you have less than 21 days you can extend for 60 days to visit wife at an additional cost of 1,900 baht.

[wonder6281]

Is it true that if you guarantee that you will provide for your thai child in wrirting (if a falang) there are exemptions or benefits for seeking a visa?

Can you be a bit mor specific about what you want to know?

Living with a Thai family member (wife, husband or child) can be a reason for a visa and subsequent extensions of stay. But for the extension you still need to show an incoem of 40,000 a month or 400,000 in a bankaccount in Thailand.

Thank you. You answered my question. My g/f and I want to get married and she wants to have a baby. Just wondering if we do have a baby, does this provide for any particular visa.

[tattoodrob]

Get a multi entry non immigrant "O" visa

i can get this without leaving Thailand??? that is the question.I know if i leave then can get a few places but was hoping Pattaya immigration might be able to help somehow....will ask them soon but thought id ask here first !!

[simon43]

I got a 60 day visa extension to my ED (student visa) last year, based on having a Thai child, (divorced from his mother). Easy to get at Phuket Immigration. I just showed the birth certificate (with my name as the father) and a copy of my Thai ex's ID card. But that 60 day extension is granted only once!

Simon

[tattoodrob]

Sorry to crash in but is there any chance at all getting a non o visa without leaving thailand if im married and with a child but im on a tourist visa and dont wanna leave the country to do it so i want a non o so then i can go for the extension due to marriage......any easy options??

If you have 21 days or more remaining you can convert your visa to non immigrate at Immigration office and then extend. Cost will be 2,000 to convert and 1,900 to extend. But not all do the conversion so it might have to be done in Bangkok. If you have less than 21 days you can extend for 60 days to visit wife at an additional cost of 1,900 baht.

im just about to go extend my 2 month tourist visa( i have a double entry from lao and this is first extension ) at pattaya immigration so does that mean that as i have a month then i can try and convert to non o or do i have to wait now so that i use the 2nd entry as then have 60 days again???? anyone tried at pattaya and i thought was not allowed to do things like this outside your area or is this ok...also how long does it take ..meaning do i have to stay overnight at bangkok to get the conversion?? thanks in advance

[Lite Beer]

You can convert if you have at least 21 days remaining on any permission to stay. Providing you qualify for the 12 month Extension. They may do it at your local office if not you have no choice other than go to Bangkok. The fee is 2,000 Baht and can be done in less than a day depending on how busy they are.

[philo]

Renewal of Non O Extention - is it 21 days or 30 days before last extention expires?

Im am on my 3rd 1 year extention of Non O mariage. This year I have little time left.

Extention expires Nov 2 2009.

Next 90 days report Oct 12 2009.

Tomorrow I have to send documents to my embassy in BKK for a Statement of Income. This will take time to get back to Udon/Nong Khai.

What is my last chance to apply for another 1 year extention: 21 days before Nov2 - that is Oct 12, or 30 days before which is Oct 6.

I read in another thread that it is 30 days, but before it was always 21 days.

Anybody know for shure?

If I don't make it, what can I do? Get a months extention, or will I have to go to Lao? What kind of new visa will I ask for there (tourist or Non O)?

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Last chance is November 2. They like you to do with less than 30 days reaming but enough to obtain/provide any missing paperwork but there is no set minimum time and some people always wait until the last day. I would try of a week or two early if you can.

[philo]

Thanks lopburi3. Can you direct me to some rule or document that states tis as a fact. I always thought it to be 21 days.

[Lite Beer]

Don't worry. You can leave it until the last minute but better to do early.

As said within the last 30 days is usual.

[philo]

Ok, Lite Beer. Thanks to you both.