Visa Troubles....

[poorfarang]

Hello everyone.

I came to thailand in Feb. 04 and traveled around until early July 04. At that time I had a return ticket back to the USA so I went back home. Prior to going back home I decided that I wanted to come back to Thailand and live here so I decided I would get a one year visa. I know a bunch of farang business owners so I had one of my friends write me a letter of invitation for a 1 year visa and file a bunch of papers for me. When I returned to Chicago a went to the Thai embassy and filed for the 1 year multiple entry visa and paid my bill to them. When they gave me my visa I noticed it said SINGLE entry. I questioned this several times but they assured me that after 3 months I would go on a visa run and when I returned I would be granted another 3 months and would repeat this 4 times and have a 1 year visa. Well of course that is not the case. My 3 months just expired, I went on a visa run to burma and when I came back the scribbled out my visa and gave me a 30 day visa. AHHHHHH This is so frustrating. I confirmed many many times but I guess they just tell you what you want to hear to get you away.

Now Im told by immigration that I cant even get a 1 year visa from in Thailand and I must leave the country to do it. This is a hassle now that I am living in a condo in bangkok. I have to make a visa on christmas too.

My question is how can I get my 1 year visa? Do I have to leave the country for sure or can I use one of these companies I see in the bangkok post? Its really a pain going on visa runs every month.

I am American, 20 yr old incase that matters.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[lopburi3]

If you do not have a work permit I do not believe you are going to find a one year visa anywhere. The firms you see advertised can only file paperwork for you but you must have the employment or funds to set up a company. And yes; you will have to leave the country to get anything.

If you do have the funds to set up a business the sponsors here or those you see advertised will be more than happy to help you with the details (and there are a lot).

[huski]

you received a single entry non immigrant B visa. what you needed to do in your last month was go to Thai Immigration and get a one year extension of stay.

Now Im told by immigration that I cant even get a 1 year visa from in Thailand and I must leave the country to do it.

you will need to do this, get your paper work together and get another non immigrant B, then extend it once back in Thailand.

Do I have to leave the country for sure or can I use one of these companies I see in the bangkok post?

not recommended

[poorfarang]

I have a 1 week holiday planned for early march to France, would it be possible to get something worked out for my visa there and then come back to thailand with a visa?

What about setting up a company? Im an art dealer and I am looking at the possiblites of starting an art gallery/shop with my cousin, what kind of company would we need to set up?

Anyway I guess I have a lot of reading to do

[zzap]

Well, yes, there is lots of relevant info available, just use the 'search' function to find topics where your 'problem' has been discussed already.

Also, carefully read the descriptions of the various visas, available at Thai embassies and through google or similar.

[sriracha john]

Well, yes, there is lots of relevant info available, just use the 'search' function to find topics where your 'problem' has been discussed already.

Also, carefully read the descriptions of the various visas, available at Thai embassies and through google or similar.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

poorfarang Posted on: 2005-09-12 21:18:14

Greetings. I am looking for an apartment in bangkok for 6 months starting around mid october. Ideally I would like a two bedroom place as I would like to have one room for an office.

Highspeed internet is a must. I work online and need a constant connection to the web.

In addition to your pursuit of a visa, whether it's as a web-worker or a future art dealer, it would probably be beneficial to you to read up also on work permits.

[poorfarang]

Yes I sell art mostly online from my gallerys website but also with a gallery in chicago. I dont think I need a work permit for that but we are interested in opening a small art shop like the ones I see in MBK or WTC so Im sure im heading down that path.