Visas For School Children And Parent

[StreetCowboy]

Ladies and gentlemen

I am a British Passport holder, as are my wife and two children. We are none of us approaching retirement age, least of all the children.

My work permit in Thailand will expire in the near future, and will not be renewed, as I now work overseas under contract to the overseas company.

I would like my children to continue to attend their current school in Bangkok, and my wife would like to stay here to look after them.

I believe that educational visas for the children are fairly straightforward, and that the school will provide the necessary proof of enrolment. What other supporting evidence will be required? I understand I should use the application form for a 12-month Non-Immigrant visa. Given that we are currently resident in Thailand, and have not been resident in the UK since before the children were born, is it possible to apply for this visa in Thailand?

What visa would you recommend for my wife? What supporting evidence would be required? I understand that she can get a suitable visa (Non-Immigrant ...?...) with a balance of THB 500,000 in the bank. How long does this need to be held prior to application? Doe sthe account need to be in her name? Our current account is in my name only...

I understand that at the same time, we will need to apply for re-entry permits, since my wife and children are likely to enter and leave Thailand relatively unpredict6ably during school holidays and other times...

Can anyone recommend an efficient visa agent who could assist with these matters, since I don't want to rely on my wits alone...

Thanks very much indeed for your kind assistance

SC

[phetaroi]

Siam Legal (which I believe advertises on this forum) is -- for my money (literally) -- very efficient.

[Lite Beer]

This is what your Wife needs.

2.11 In the case of a family member of an alien who has been permitted to stay temporarily in Thailand for study in an educational institution as set out in clauses 2.8 or 2.9 (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted child or the child of his/her spouse):

Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 1 year at a time.

(5) In the case of parents, there must be an account deposit with a local bank made in the name of father or mother of not less than Baht 500,000 as shown in bank account transactions for the past 3 months. For the first year, it should have that said amount in the bank account for not less than 30 days at the submitted date of the application.

As you say the kids can get annual extensions based on their schooling.

You would probably need a Non Imm O Visa Multi Entry. You need to get this at a Thai Consulate outside Thailand. You may even be able to get the same as your Wife. I am not sure.

Re Entry Permits are 3,800 Baht for a Multi.

Here is the Police Order for Extensions of stay.

Have a look at 2.8 and 2.9 for the kids and 2.11 for your Wife.

[StreetCowboy]

This is what your Wife needs.

8>< SNIP ><8

Thanks very much for such quick responses. That's exactly what I was after; thanks also to Phetaroi, and the members who PM'd me with recommendations as well.

I never really understood, when extending my work permit, whether I needed to exted the visa or the work permit first; what I am getting to is - do I need to apply for NEW visas outside Thailand, or can we extend our existing visas, which are based on my Work Permit, which will expire in a few months' time (or maybe terminated earlier by my employer). If we apply outside Thailand, do you think we will be able to apply in Singapore / HK / Malaysia, or need to go back to UK?

SC