Penang/other Q's Re. Visas

[INTJ]

Hi,

I am currently on my second one year extension of a non immigrant "O" visa based on marriage, and renewal time is coming up next month.

A friend of mine is going to Penang next week to get a visa, and I was considering going, just for the trip, as I've never ben to Malaysia.

While there I thought I might just grab a multiple entry non "o", mainly to save the hassles of the 400,000 baht in the bank. I'm not sure how long I have to leave this money sitting there, as last time the immigration officer told me not to take it out straight away, as checks are done. Does anyone know if this is true, and Immigration actually do check the money's still there ?

It will put me back in the position of leaving the country every 90 days, but I'm not really bothered about that, it gives me an excuse to go somewhere. I'm still not fully decided this is the route I'm going, but its looking likely.

Could anyone tell me the documents I need for this visa ? Is it relatively easy to get (as I am obviously entitled to it, married for 10 years, 2 kids with Thai passports).

Is it a matter of turning up with the passport and a copy of marriage certificate, or is there anything else people would recommend I take with me ? Also, are there any other pitfalls of dropping out of the extension cycle I've overlooked ?

Thanks,

INTJ.

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[lopburi3]

The money will be checked to make sure it is not "here today - gone tomorrow" but if you have to use some for living it should not be a factor - also you can tell immigration during application and they will likely make a note of it. If you can do the extension of stay I would recommend you continue. Surly you can find another excuse for a trip if need be (and at a time when you want to travel).

If you decide otherwise or do not have the funds Penang is one of the few places that will issue a multi entry O visa in Asia and you should have passport/photos/marriage certificate(copy)/birth certificates(copy)/copy of wife ID card and local currency to pay for visa. I would also take my bank passbook to show some funds in case they ask why you are not extending as you have in the past (although this is probably not likely to come up).

FYI: this visa is to visit someone in Thailand and the marriage/children support your claim to be doing this. There is no "entitlement" to a multi entry visa AFAIK.

[INTJ]

Hi Lopburi,

Thanks, I am as yet undecided if I will go this route, but if I do I would need (aside from my passport)

copy of wifes ID card

marriage certificate (copy)

and what birth certificates ?

Cheers,

INTJ.

.

[lopburi3]

Hi Lopburi,

Thanks, I am as yet undecided if I will go this route, but if I do I would need (aside from my passport)

copy of wifes ID card

marriage certificate (copy)

and what birth certificates ?

Cheers,

INTJ.

.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If the below are your children I would have there birth certificates - not sure if required but they sure are for extensions of stay when you have children.

married for 10 years, 2 kids with Thai passports

[Beachcomber]

A couple of months ago I got a Marriage “O” multiple entry from Penang no problem, Cost 500MR (5KTb) all they wanted was a copy of marriage certificate.

I had taken original of marriage cert as well as baby birth cert wife ID and bank book but they didn’t want any of those though will be worth taking just in case.

The multiple entry means I have to do a ”border jump” every 90 days and if I leave the country at the end of the year returning just a day before the visa expires I get an extra 90 days giving a total of 1 year plus 3 months before having to go to Penang again.

In Penang I always let the guys at Parvez Book Store (left side at entrance to Swiss Hotel) get the visa for me. They run a good next day service.

Good Luck