Visa And Marriage Question- Complex One

[Alexpho]

Hello Folks. Newbie here. I understand this is a Thai forum however my question pertains to a Lao national but relates to Thailand. I am confused by the complex rules of marriages and visa. If you kindly have the answers, could you please explain it to me like you would explain it to a 3 year old? Simple please.

Here is my story. First off, I am an American living in the States. I was born in Laos and moved to the States when I was a child. My visit to SE Asia this past April was the first time back in 30 years. My videos of the trip are posted on Youtube under this link..

It was a trip of a lifetime. I truly love Chang Mai and was in Bangkok during the protest ( if I hear that police commander say " M79 " again, I will puke , LOL ). I have other harsh opinions on the red shirt riots.

Anyway, I met a special Lao lady in Vientiene, Laos. With my scam detector still flip to " on " and is always cautious and have been warned on the ladies of Asia, however, this girl is truly special and I am willing to give it a try. She is worth it. I want to get to know more about her and plan on going back this fall.

If this will lead to marriage, what the heck are the steps? I am still young and retired from the service. My situation is unique because I don't want to bring her to the States ! I am planning to move and retire in Thailand within the next 5 years. I would like to own a house in Nong Kai and look across the Mekong in the morning to the homeland. The reason why I will not retire in Laos ( even though I would love to ) is its human rights history and my status. Here are my questions..

1- My main goal is for the marriage to be recognized by the United States government ( for benefit purposes ). Since Lao nationals can freely cross over to the Udon and Nong Kai areas, can we get marry there even though she is Lao??

2- What is the deal with Visas?? As an American, I get a passport and freely go to any country that I am allowed, and as a newbie, I am assuming others have that freedom. How come Thai and Lao nationals don't have that freedom even though she has a Lao passport. Where is the restriction coming from ??? The country they are leaving or the country they are visiting ??? And why ? I would love for her to visit the States.

3- I have family in Bangkok. They are well to do and may have resources if I ask them for help.

4- Can we fly to another country and get marry?

Ideally, it would be awesome if she can just cross over and we get marry in Nong Kai, and the US Gov will recognize that. But I know that it is not that simple. She is a Lao national.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alex

[Alexpho]

Bueller?? Bueller??

[lopburi3]

1. I suspect marriage would have to be in Laos as to marry in Thailand requires paperwork from respective Embassies and doubt Laos would issue such. You will not register a marriage in Thailand without such paperwork. Marriage information is available on US Embassy Vientiane web site.

2. The US is a first world country and it is expected most travelers will not overstay. That is not the case for many other countries and obtaining a visa can be very difficult or impossible for average people.

3. There is not much they can do as far as legal requirements/visas are concerned. She must qualify on her own and the fact of an American boyfriend just about seals that chance as nil with no previous travel history. The expectation being you are using a trip to shortcut immigrant visa requirements and plan to marry and request change of status.

4. Suspect most countries will have requirements for the persons Embassy to be involved and suspect Laos will not do so (but have never checked).

[juanellis]

To marry in Thailand:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/marriage.html

She will have to go to the Laos embassy and follow a similar procedure.

Or, to marry in Laos;

http://laos.usembassy.gov/marriage_in_laos.html

[Alexpho]

Thank you everyone for the valuable information.