Marriage Visa From Thai Consulate In Savannakhet

[gbob]

I just obtained a 1-year multiple entry type O-marriage visa at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, on February 7-10. Completely hassle-free, and no questions were asked about financial status.

I took a bus from the Mo Chit bus station in Bangkok to Mukdahan. The station is a pretty imposing place when it’s your first visit there, and fortunately, my wife’s nephew accompanied me there to get the bus ticket. I used the Sahaphan company and took a VIP-class bus departing at 8:30 pm on Feb. 7. Ticket price was 571 Baht. The drive was made at a conservative speed with stops in Nakorn Ratchasima, Roi Et and a couple of smaller places as we got nearer to Mukdahan. The seats were wide and relatively comfortable. We arrived at about 6:30 am or so on Feb. 8.

At the Mukdahan bus station, you can take a bus from the station across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge #2 to the bus station in Savannakhet for 50 Baht. If you want to get to the consulate near opening time, take the 7:30 bus, and make sure you get in line early. The bus is packed solid, and several people were left behind for the next bus. The bus stops at the Thai border, where you pass through immigration, and then get back on the same bus. This took almost an hour waiting for all the people to get passports stamped, overstays paid, etc. The bus then drives over the bridge to Lao immigration. Off the bus again and pass through passport control. I had already gotten a Lao visa in Bangkok, but if you don’t have it, you just fill out the form and submit it with a photo there and pay the 1,500 Baht for the visa. I and other people around me had to pay a 4-Baht “stamp fee,” which has been noted in other posts on travel to Savannakhet. I guess you can pay it or argue about it, but 40 Baht wasn’t a big deal to me. No such fee was paid on the way out of Laos. After passing through immigration, get on the bus again to go to the Savannakhet bus station. Plenty of Skylab drivers will gladly take you to the consulate for 40 Baht or so.

Immediately outside the consulate are several shops that provide forms, photos, copies, etc., and fill in the forms for a cost. A tout will descend upon you. I asked for a form, figuring I can fill it in myself, but they want 20 Baht for it. They did have the decency, however, to say that you can get the form for free at the consulate, which I did. You just need to get the form from one of the windows because none are out in the open. I got to the consulate about 9:15 am, and there were just 2 farangs and a few Lao people waiting in line to submit documents. The documents I had included

My passport

2 photos

Actual marriage certificate and Kor Ror 2 form, which the man at the consulate looked at for about 1 second and handed back to me.

Copies of

Marriage certificate and Kor Ror 2 form

My and my wife’s passport name pages

Wife’s Thai ID card, front and back

Wife’s tabien baan book

We had both signed all the copies, stating that they were true copies. I don’t know if this was necessary or not, but better safe than sorry. I also had financial information, but I didn’t present it to the man at the booth. He never asked. The only question he did ask was whether one of the copies was actually the real document or a copy. After that, all he asked for was 2,000 Baht. I told him I wanted a multiple-entry visa, and he said that cost 5,000 Baht. I pointed to the 5,000 Baht waiting in my passport, and he duly noted it. Note that there is no place on the visa application form to select multiple- or single-entry visa, whether for a tourist visa or a marriage visa, so you need to make sure this gets communicated. He gave me a slip with a number on it, which you must keep to get your passport back, and told me to come back at 2:00 pm tomorrow. Total process took about 1 minute and was that easy—let’s hope it stay so. The consulate official was peasant.

Then, it was off to find a place to stay. I stayed at the Leena Guesthouse, which is about 300 meters off the main road through Savannakhet. Reviews on travel sites were generally favorable, and the place was fine for me. I got an air-condition room for 90,000 kip (exchange rate was 260 Kip/Baht at a currency exchange place) for a grand total of 346 Baht! They do have fan-only rooms for 40,000 Kip. The room was fine for this class of hotel, clean enough, air worked well, shower was hot, bathroom was clean enough, never checked the TV. Nighttime was quiet—no karaoke bars, etc. The place has a small restaurant—food is OK, but there are plenty of other better places to eat. I heartily recommend the sandwiches sold at many stalls around the town. They are similar to Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches are a real treat. Do not miss it! Thank you France for teaching Southeast Asia how to make bread! I ate dinner at Chez de Boune for about 390 Baht: garlic bread, spaghetti carbonara, big bottle of beer Lao, and a cappuccino. Everything was fine; it’s nice every now and then to eat a little European food. Savannakhet was a peaceful place to while away the time for a day. Especially in the morning and evening, the temperature was quite pleasant, maybe 22°C in the morning.

Next day, Feb, 9, back to the consulate at 2:00 pm, where the consulate calls your number and returns your passport with the precious visa inside. My number was 21, and it took about 3 minutes to get the passport back. After that, a Skylab back to the bus station and another 50-Baht ride across the bridge to the Mukdahan bus station, repeating the border crossing processes.

At Mukdahan, I used the same company but took a lower-class bus that made more stops on the way back because I didn’t want to wait around until 8:30 pm for the VIP-class bus, which was comfortable enough. The fare was 490 Baht, and arrival was around 4:30 am or so on Feb. 10. If you ever wonder where the taxis are in Bangkok at 5:00 am, they all appear to be waiting at Mo Chit! All in all, the bus trips were not as bad as I thought they would be, but if yo have the money and are traveling from Bangkok, flying directly to Savannakhet airport would be the way to go.

What can I say? The trip and stay in Savannakhet were pleasant, and the visa process was absolutely hassle-free. Maybe this changes from day to day, but the whole process was actually almost enjoyable.

Gbob

[maphraw]

Does a single entry non-immigrant O marriage visa that you can get in savanakhet mean that you can stay in Thailand for a year without having to leave and come back every 90 days? Thanks

[lopburi3]

No it does not. One entry of 90 days. And it is not a marriage visa but issued for "other" (O) reasons; meaning not business or diplomatic or media or such which are specific visa classes.

[4evermaat]

@ mo chit and the other bus station near laos, what was the booth # for the bus ticket company Sahaphan ?

"2nd best time to plant a tree is today." Sent from ThaiVisa app.

Edited February 15, 2012 by 4evermaat

[gbob]

I don't remember the booth number at Mo Chit, but it is on the 2nd floor where the companies operating in Northeastern Thailand are located. It's on the back wall that faces you when you go up the stairs to the 2nd floor. I believe the "Sahaphan" URL was shown on the sign above the booth. At Mukdahan, the Sahaphan booth is second from the left, if I remember correctly. The name is shown in Roman characters as well.

[DiamondKing]

What is a Kor ror 2 form ?

I am planning on doing this

As far as the 400,000 did I not read somewhere that for the first one its just 100,000 in the bank then 400,000 when you want to extend ?

thanks

DK

[Mario2008]

The khor rhor 2 form is a form you get at the amphur. It is the entry of the wedding registration and shows that you are married and still married. Should cost someting like 20 baht.

For marriages within the last 10 years or so you should be able to get the form from any amphur. if the marriage is older, it might be necesarry to get them from the amphur where you got married.

[lopburi3]

All extensions of stay for Thai wife will require 400k in bank account 2 months or 40k income.

Suspect the 100k was for a multi entry non immigrant O visa from KL (which you do not need if you are planning to extend - just a single entry non immigrant O visa is all that is required.

What is a Kor ror 2 form ?

I am planning on doing this

As far as the 400,000 did I not read somewhere that for the first one its just 100,000 in the bank then 400,000 when you want to extend ?

thanks

DK

.

[Maestro]

Example of KR.2: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YDDMwrwQgvI/TomwooP1o0I/AAAAAAAAFTk/igyeEAL06IQ/s576/Amphoe%2520marriage%2520registration%2520Kho%2520Ro%25202.jpg

[nev]

Don't want to start a new topic so i will add on here, i want to get a non-o for over 50.

I arrive thailand on a 60 day visa extend for 30 days, and just done a 15 day VOA as i was due to go back sydney on the 13th this month, but now my situation back there has changed so i want to stay here now and go for retirement, i can change my flight for a later date as i have a 12 month ticket only been here just over 3 months.

Now what would i need to show to get a NON-O for over 50, i have 280,000 baht in my KK thai bank account and can transfer the required amount when needed to get the 1 year visa, i just need the NON-O so i can get the process in motion.

Also can i just go to khonkaen immigration and change from a 15 day VOA, into a NON-O.

Thanks in advance for any help....nev

[beechguy]

Don't want to start a new topic so i will add on here, i want to get a non-o for over 50.

I arrive thailand on a 60 day visa extend for 30 days, and just done a 15 day VOA as i was due to go back sydney on the 13th this month, but now my situation back there has changed so i want to stay here now and go for retirement, i can change my flight for a later date as i have a 12 month ticket only been here just over 3 months.

Now what would i need to show to get a NON-O for over 50, i have 280,000 baht in my KK thai bank account and can transfer the required amount when needed to get the 1 year visa, i just need the NON-O so i can get the process in motion.

Also can i just go to khonkaen immigration and change from a 15 day VOA, into a NON-O.

Thanks in advance for any help....nev

No, you can't go to Khon Kaen and get an "O" Visa, except as part of the application process for the one year "Extension of Stay", it's not a visa. You don't seem prepared for that since you don't have the funds in place.

Seems to me it would be best to go to Laos and apply for a single entry "O", get the bank account situation sorted, then apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay.

[nev]

Don't want to start a new topic so i will add on here, i want to get a non-o for over 50.

I arrive thailand on a 60 day visa extend for 30 days, and just done a 15 day VOA as i was due to go back sydney on the 13th this month, but now my situation back there has changed so i want to stay here now and go for retirement, i can change my flight for a later date as i have a 12 month ticket only been here just over 3 months.

Now what would i need to show to get a NON-O for over 50, i have 280,000 baht in my KK thai bank account and can transfer the required amount when needed to get the 1 year visa, i just need the NON-O so i can get the process in motion.

Also can i just go to khonkaen immigration and change from a 15 day VOA, into a NON-O.

Thanks in advance for any help....nev

No, you can't go to Khon Kaen and get an "O" Visa, except as part of the application process for the one year "Extension of Stay", it's not a visa. You don't seem prepared for that since you don't have the funds in place.

Seems to me it would be best to go to Laos and apply for a single entry "O", get the bank account situation sorted, then apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay.

Thanks for that mate that is what i thought, and i will do that.

Also is it easy to get a single entry O ?

Any docements i need to take, or is it as simple as fill out the form and photo and hand over the money.

[beechguy]

Don't want to start a new topic so i will add on here, i want to get a non-o for over 50.

I arrive thailand on a 60 day visa extend for 30 days, and just done a 15 day VOA as i was due to go back sydney on the 13th this month, but now my situation back there has changed so i want to stay here now and go for retirement, i can change my flight for a later date as i have a 12 month ticket only been here just over 3 months.

Now what would i need to show to get a NON-O for over 50, i have 280,000 baht in my KK thai bank account and can transfer the required amount when needed to get the 1 year visa, i just need the NON-O so i can get the process in motion.

Also can i just go to khonkaen immigration and change from a 15 day VOA, into a NON-O.

Thanks in advance for any help....nev

No, you can't go to Khon Kaen and get an "O" Visa, except as part of the application process for the one year "Extension of Stay", it's not a visa. You don't seem prepared for that since you don't have the funds in place.

Seems to me it would be best to go to Laos and apply for a single entry "O", get the bank account situation sorted, then apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay.

Thanks for that mate that is what i thought, and i will do that.

Also is it easy to get a single entry O ?

Any docements i need to take, or is it as simple as fill out the form and photo and hand over the money.

It's been my understanding from other posters, that Vientiane will issue one.

[nev]

Don't want to start a new topic so i will add on here, i want to get a non-o for over 50.

I arrive thailand on a 60 day visa extend for 30 days, and just done a 15 day VOA as i was due to go back sydney on the 13th this month, but now my situation back there has changed so i want to stay here now and go for retirement, i can change my flight for a later date as i have a 12 month ticket only been here just over 3 months.

Now what would i need to show to get a NON-O for over 50, i have 280,000 baht in my KK thai bank account and can transfer the required amount when needed to get the 1 year visa, i just need the NON-O so i can get the process in motion.

Also can i just go to khonkaen immigration and change from a 15 day VOA, into a NON-O.

Thanks in advance for any help....nev

No, you can't go to Khon Kaen and get an "O" Visa, except as part of the application process for the one year "Extension of Stay", it's not a visa. You don't seem prepared for that since you don't have the funds in place.

Seems to me it would be best to go to Laos and apply for a single entry "O", get the bank account situation sorted, then apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your 90 day permission to stay.

Thanks for that mate that is what i thought, and i will do that.

Also is it easy to get a single entry O ?

Any docements i need to take, or is it as simple as fill out the form and photo and hand over the money.

It's been my understanding from other posters, that Vientiane will issue one.

Thanks mate i will go and see and post a report on here. nev

[beechguy]

Also, if for some reason they wouldn't issue a single "O" Visa, you could apply for another Tourist Visa and do the conversion process in country. Good luck!

[garro]

I was just wondering if there is any parking areas near the Friendship bridge in Mukdahan. I haven't been to Laos in a couple of years and quite like the idea of visiting Savannahkhet. Is there somewhere that I can leave my car for a couple of days on the Thai side of the border?

[Soboringtochooseaname]

Nice report.

Does anybody know if there is an hotel at walking distance to the consultate or a hotel anywhere else but with a very good WIFI internet connection ?

Also, if there a duty free shop at the border ?

Then if you know a company that offers a morning VIP bus to MUKDAHAN it would be miraculous :-)

Thanks for all !

[motorcrazy]

its that really true that nobody have to schow monney in the bank?

I have now a singel non O visa ,but better i ghet a 1 year multiple .

All the papers i have alrady finish.

And what cost a multiple Non O visa ?

[Mario2008]

a multiple non-O would cost 5,000 baht in local currency.

[Huayrat]

I was just wondering if there is any parking areas near the Friendship bridge in Mukdahan. I haven't been to Laos in a couple of years and quite like the idea of visiting Savannahkhet. Is there somewhere that I can leave my car for a couple of days on the Thai side of the border?

Yes have a big carpark on your left handside just before border control... Left my car there for 4 days

[Maestro]

its that really true that nobody have to schow monney in the bank?...

And what cost a multiple Non O visa ?

It is true for Savannakhet, based on latest reports. Other consulates may have different requirements. The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentions "Evidence of adequate finance ( 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family )". The embassy in Kuala Lumpur, for example, wants to see minimum 100k, based on reports in this forum.

[tig28]

I attended The Suvannakhet Thai Consulate Monday 24/4/12 to obtain a non-immigrant O visa Based on Marriage to a Thai national.

Foolishly arriving at 9.45am (I suggest you are there at 9 am) I faced a queue of perhaps 50 in front of me -- a few farangs but mostly Laos.

The line moved swiftly & after 20 minutes I handed over my application ,passport,5,000.00 Bt. & copies of documents as described in other posts. No proof of funds was requested.

I needed only a single entry visa but received a Multiple.

Where the app. form asked "reason for visit"(4A) I replied "Thai wife."

Where the app. form asked "duration of proposed stay"(4E) I replied "12 months."

I was at the counter for perhaps 45 seconds -- no questions whatsoever -- simply a quick glance over all the documents I had submitted then I was handed a numbered receipt (#110) & told to return the next day at 2pm to collect my passport.

Promptly at 2pm they started announcing the ticket numbers along with a window number -- one announcement about each 5-10 seconds. After about 15 minutes they called #110 -- I approached the window -- handed over the ticket -- and was given my passport -- job done.

Opposite the entrance gate to the consulate are several stalls all of whom can provide forms -- copies -- photos as required. They can also fill out your application.

I attach a copy of the required visa application form

form.pdf

[Mario2008]

Thanks for your report.

The money you paid was for a multiple, a single would have been 2,000 baht. The multiple was logical as you intend to stay 12 months, the single would only give you 90 days.

[lopburi3]

Thanks for your report. You are aware you can only stay in 90 days per entry and must cross border/return for a new 90 day stay?

The reason you obtained a multi entry rather than single is you paid for the multi (single is 2,000) and wrote 12 months (single would only allow one 90 day stay).

[tig28]

Thanks for your report. You are aware you can only stay in 90 days per entry and must cross border/return for a new 90 day stay?

The reason you obtained a multi entry rather than single is you paid for the multi (single is 2,000) and wrote 12 months (single would only allow one 90 day stay).

Thanks lopburi3/Mario2008

-- "til now I have been entering the Kingdom on an APEC travel card which has been very satisfactory for my requirements -- providing virtually unlimited stays -- with 90 day border runs -- very easy from Sisaket --- & a 3 year shelf life. Have now retired & needed an O visa (single or multiple -- it mattered not) intending to extend due to marriage to Thai national.

Despite previously easily opening a bank account with Bangkok Bank (in BKK) using the APEC card -- the Sisaket branch was unprepared to do so without an O visa.

This is my next step -- to season the required funds for 60 days -- then apply for an extension at the local immigration office.

[jeancherry]

With this visa non O multi entry, how long you can stay in Thailand?

[lopburi3]

He said it was a non immigrant O multi entry and that allows 90 day stay for each entry.

[Mario2008]

The multiple non-O gives you unlimited entries into Thailand, each entry good for 90 days. You can leave and come back the same day. By leaving and re-entering just before the visa expires you get another 90 day and so almost 15 months out of the visa.

More then enough time for you to go to court and ask to become the legal father of the child. Once you have a court ruling you register yourself as the legal father and can get 1 year extensions of stay, so you don't need to leave Thailand.

[rct99q]

Just did all of the above on Tuesday April 24th as well. It went as smoothly as listed above for me. I had emailed the consulate before leaving and they gave me the following list of items required;

I would like to answer your question that you asked Non-immigrant Type O visa based on marriage like that:

- Visa application form

- 2 photos

- Passport copy and original

- Wife Thai ID card (copy)

- Wife Thai Tabien Ban (copy)

- Marry certificate (copy) and original

- Wife Thai Passport copy

- Bank statement

Fee 5,000 THB

Time for give Visa 9:00A.M – 11:00 A.M you get back next day 2:00 P.M

I was not asked for any of the above I just handed them all over except the bank statement and was not asked for it. On the line How long is your intended stay? I entered - 1 year multiple entry - and was not asked any questions. Was in line for a total of 45 seconds!

Had a vehicle and found it much easier and quicker then the Nong Khai border..as much less busy. Just one snag which I did not catch in time. Sister in law had a border pass from Nong Khai and the Laos official would not let her into the country with it. had to go back to the Thai border and get a border pass issued by Mukdahan authorities. Other than that easy border crossing. Given the time frame to drive, how easy it was to get a visa and the quietness of Savannakhet, it makes a great option if you have your own wheels (or if you don't still a good choice).

Also the casino there is fun for about an hour, some good restaurants (river front), and decent guest houses and hotels. Looked at the Nong Soda and it was terrible. Looked at 4 different rooms and they all had a terrible body odour smell to them. DaoSavanna (i think) was very nice rooms 4,000baht ish. My wife talked to the front desk clerks and they had three guests staying there...bit creepy for such a large place. Stayed at a place called the Savansouk Hotel (i think) with big elephants in the courtyard and some great teak furniture inside. Rooms okay. Do not need WIFI so do not if they had it or not. 520-720 baht per room.

[bunnydrops]

One quick question. I am entering Thailand with a multiple non-O visa with plans to get marriage extension. But I know I have to return to the US in about 6 months to close my business and sell my assets. If I leave Thailand does the marriage extension become null and void and I would have to go through the whole process again?