Visa In Malaysia

[Ajarn Phuket]

Good advice needed!

My 60 day tourist visa expires on the 14th of Feb. and I have booked a flight to KL on that day.

I'm living and working (private tutoring without a work permit) in Phuket.

I was hoping to get my hands on a 1-year non-imm. visa, but I realize I'm not getting that.

Anything better than the 30 days will do! The longer, the better (visa runs to Myanmar are not all that fun).

Anyone have any experience with the Thai embassy in KL?

Everybody tell me different things and I don't know what to believe.

I'm a 25 yo Danish citizen.

Please help me out...

[JungleBoy]

AP,

I'm not sure about KL, but I just got back today from doing my visa run in Penang. Maybe my experience will have something in it for you. If not, possibly for others.

My goal is to get the one year retirement visa. One requirement is a non-immigrant visa. I'm currently on Tourists visas (Yes, going to Myanmar sucks). I had understood that non-imm's can be acquired in Penang. They can, but you need to have x amount of baht in a Thai bank. I don't know the exact amount needed for any non-im visa except the retirement visa and that is 800,000 baht (or a combination of pention and baht in the bank that adds up to 800k per year). Since I luckily have a Thai bank account (a non-im visa is required to get a Thai bank account too). I just have to get the money transferred over. The sucky part is that I went to Penang to get the non-im visa and found out I can't until I have the money in the bank and the method (cheapest) I'm using will take 7 weeks. I sincerely hate going back to Penang after I get money in the bank. I was explaining this to the Wonderful Immigration Girl (WIG) after she had informed me that the 90 day tourist visa that Penang issued me was only for 60 days (Again, I sank to my knees). The 90 days that is stamped into the book is the time limit that you have to use the 60 tourist visa. She then, and very unThai like, continued to inform me and explain the method to solve the problem. A tourist visa can be changed into a non-im visa providing there is still at least one month left on the tourist visa (Only at Bangkok Immigration Main Offices). My situation allowed only for one week, (7 weeks for the check to arrive on a 2 month visa). She then told me to go down this Monday, the 13th, and apply for a one month extension at CM Immigration, beginning on the day that my 2month visa expires or the day after, can't remember which. 1900 baht. Then, when I get my money transferred, I will meet the requirement to have at least a month on my tourist visa to apply for the visa change. She assured me this was the correct process as she said she has worked in the CM Immigration office.

I found Penang taxis outrageously expensive. KL might be the same.

If you use someone to get the visa for you, see if he asks you if you want a 90 day visa. Not sure if there is a price difference between 60 and 90, but ask. Your hotel should be able to arrange a meeting with one of these guys. I was charged 130 RM. The receipt from the Embassy was for 100 RM. I'm not sure if ALL these guys are legit. The guy I had was. Thank goodness. Yes, I dithered whether or not to use him. I did so only after I went to the Embassy myself and sank to my knees when I found out I couldn't get a non-imm visa. I was very livid at the Embassy guy, and quite possibly he noticed. I used the gofer because I didn't want to go back and lose face to a guy I think is a butthead. Have to pin my anger on somebody ya know. But, WIG has saved my life and I'm back home in CM...safe and sound...only needing to go to Bangkok one last time.

jb

[Sunny Valentine]

Makes me really qonder why you can't afford the 20 or maybe 30 bucks extra cost to SWIFT the money to your Thai Bank account ... 2 or 3 days instead of 7 weeks waiting for the cheque to clear!

Sunny

[Maestro]

She then, and very unThai like, continued to inform me and explain the method to solve the problem. A tourist visa can be changed into a non-im visa providing there is still at least one month left on the tourist visa (Only at Bangkok Immigration Main Offices). My situation allowed only for one week, (7 weeks for the check to arrive on a 2 month visa). She then told me to go down this Monday, the 13th, and apply for a one month extension at CM Immigration, beginning on the day that my 2month visa expires or the day after, can't remember which. 1900 baht. Then, when I get my money transferred, I will meet the requirement to have at least a month on my tourist visa to apply for the visa change. She assured me this was the correct process as she said she has worked in the CM Immigration office.

I see that you signed up to ThaiVisa on 12 December 2005. If you have been reading this forum since than it is surprising that you are so confused and that you have made these mistakes in your quest for a non-O visa for retirement purpose with annual extensions.

Let’s start with your principal confusion. The Immigration official explained to you patiently and in great detail the procedure you need to follow based on your present situation (Tourist visa, slow money transfer). You are confused (wrong) when you say that this official acted in a “very unThai like” manner.

Everything the Immigration official told you is correct, and anybody reading this forum for a week or two would already know that information. However, seeing that you just arrived on your 60-day tourist visa it is not necessary to go and apply immediately for a 30-extension. You can do that a few days before the 60 days are up (look at the “permitted to stay until...” stamp in your passport) if the money has not arrived by then.

Your are confused (wrong) when you say that “a non-im visa is required to get a Thai bank account”. The Bangkok Bank, in fact, advertises savings accounts for tourists and most other banks let a tourist open a savings account. However, this is beside the point, as you already have your account.

You made the mistake of asking your Danish bank to send you a check. If you haven’t requested that check yet, instruct you Danish bank instead to make a so-called SWIFT transfer. For this purpose, ask your Thai bank to give you its SWIFT code, as your Danish bank will need this, in addition to the Thai bank's name and address.

If you have arranged Internet banking with your Danish bank, enter the payment order on Monday and the money will be credited to your Thai bank account on Tuesday at the latest.

--------------

Maestro

Edited February 11, 2006 by maestro

[Maestro]

I was very livid at the Embassy guy, and quite possibly he noticed. I used the gofer because I didn't want to go back and lose face to a guy I think is a butthead. Have to pin my anger on somebody ya know.

The butthead is you, and you’re going to have a problem in Thailand with an attitude like that.

--------------

Maestro

[Maestro]

the “permitted to stay until...” stamp in your passport

Correction: I see that the Thai entry stamp now reads “admitted until…”

--------------

Maestro

[JungleBoy]

Maestro, thanks for all your input. I take no offense to anything that you have said. I'm glad that you are willing to assist me in my endeavors.

My comment about the Immigration Girl being un-thai like, is that I often have the experience of purchasing something and not being totally informed about the consequences of the purchase or the complete list of steps needed. One example is when my brother wanted to get an International Drivers License. He was never told that there were 10 or so steps to acquire it. He was told one step at a time and it took him many days to acquire. He first had to get a local license. Some steps were, oh now you need an envelope. Ok, he gets one. Oh, now you need stamps on the envelope. After acquiring the local drivers license, he then went to get the Int. one. They THEN told him, oh, you have to wait one year before you can receive it. You see, he was under the impression that he could get the Int. license immediately. He needed the Int. sooner than later. He was at a cross roads decision to get the Int. license here or go back to his home country to get one. Since he was initally told that he could get an Int. license, then he took that option. If he had known before hand that it would take a year, then he would do what he ended up doing (going back to his home country to get it) without going thru the muck and troubles of working with the Thai DMV. That's what I meant by my statement about being un-thai like. She was very helpful and I was just being facicious(sp).

Don't know where you got that I am Danish. I think the other guy is. No problem. But, maybe I'm confused as to whom you were addressing your comment to.

Yes, I most certainly know about showing not a nice face to immigration officials. You see, I've been waiting for 3 years to come into "money" and doing monthly visa runs in the meantime. Acquiring a 1 year retirement visa is very important to me. When I found out that I couldn't get the non-imm visa, it was very disheartening. I didn't go off the handle or anything, just had immense disappointment failing to acquire what I ultimately want. Do I blame him for not giving me what I wanted? Of course not. I was the butthead. Learning every day.

Now, for my big question. What is SWIFT? I will go immediately after finishing this post to Google SWIFT. However; you are obviously much more informed than I am on this and would greatly appreiciate ALL (Steps 1 -10) information that you can give me on SWIFT.

I really want a retirement visa as I plan on staying in LOS until I die. Thailand is the best country/Kingdom in the world and I don't want to be any other place. I want to do things legally and above board. Complying with all regs. and laws. When asked what my Nationality is, I'd really like to put NONE. My home country sucks. I have no affiliation with it nor do I support it's government. Actually, I'd like to put Thai, but I'm obviously not Thai.

Another point you brought up was also brought up by me to the Immigration Official. About when to get the extension. She advised me to get it immediately rather than wait to extend it at the end of my 2 month visa. I didn't go into why the difference. Maybe I should have. But, obviously, there is a difference. Think about that one and see if you can sift through the fog and find a reason for this. Would be helpful.

My experience with Thai Farmers (and other banks) is that I couldn't open a Thai account without a non-imm visa. You say,

[/Quote]

The Bangkok Bank, in fact, advertises savings accounts for tourists and most other banks let a tourist open a savings account.

[/Quote]

Here, you say a tourist can open savings accounts, but you don't say what type of visa they are on. A tourist can be on a non-imm or a tourist visa. Please double check the type of visa that is required, not that the person is tourist or whatever else he/she might be.

Again, thanks for you interest to correct me. I am most appreciative of any correct information you can send my way so that I acquire what I so desperately want. Especially the SWIFT thingy. That could solve all my problems in a matter of days rather than weeks. YIPPEE!!!!

jb

[lopburi3]

1. The show of 200k in a Thai bank account would most likely have provided the non immigrant visa in Penang. They just needed something to prove you could support yourself for an extended time. The only requirement is being of retirement age.

2. SWIFT is the international wire transfer system used by banks. For immigration wire transfer is very important for funds accountability. In most cases you must set up an agreement (in person) with your home bank before they will provide this service without you being there in person. So a check may be the only option you have.

3. Most Bangkok Bank branches (along with SCB and some others) will set up a passbook savings account on a tourist visa. The more money you deposit the better your chance perhaps. If one says no try another.

[JungleBoy]

2. SWIFT is the international wire transfer system used by banks. For immigration wire transfer is very important for funds accountability. In most cases you must set up an agreement (in person) with your home bank before they will provide this service without you being there in person. So a check may be the only option you have.

SWIFT may be too expensive for me. Don't know. I need to bring over what would be equal to about 475k baht. The rest, I will make up with my monthly income. Also, I am in Thailand and do not ever plan on going back to my home country...EVER. Since I did not set up a SWIFT account prior to coming here, don't think that SWIFT will solve my problem. So, I'm looking into the next viable solution, which is simply to write a check to my Thai bank and wait the 7 weeks and do the extension thingy on my 2 month visa and squeek through. I've waited more than 3 years to get my money situation in order, no problem waiting another 3 months. I'm doing it the Thai way...one step at a time.

Thanks,

jb

[JungleBoy]

Good advice needed!

My 60 day tourist visa expires on the 14th of Feb. and I have booked a flight to KL on that day.

I'm living and working (private tutoring without a work permit) in Phuket.

I was hoping to get my hands on a 1-year non-imm. visa, but I realize I'm not getting that.

Anything better than the 30 days will do! The longer, the better (visa runs to Myanmar are not all that fun).

Anyone have any experience with the Thai embassy in KL?

Everybody tell me different things and I don't know what to believe.

I'm a 25 yo Danish citizen.

Please help me out...

AP, I apologize for seemingly hijacking your post. If you wish, I will ask the moderators to adjust accordingly (if they can). Just say the word.

jb

[iansc]

Maestro, thanks for all your input. I take no offense to anything that you have said. I'm glad that you are willing to assist me in my endeavors.

My comment about the Immigration Girl being un-thai like, is that I often have the experience of purchasing something and not being totally informed about the consequences of the purchase or the complete list of steps needed. One example is when my brother wanted to get an International Drivers License. He was never told that there were 10 or so steps to acquire it. He was told one step at a time and it took him many days to acquire. He first had to get a local license. Some steps were, oh now you need an envelope. Ok, he gets one. Oh, now you need stamps on the envelope. After acquiring the local drivers license, he then went to get the Int. one. They THEN told him, oh, you have to wait one year before you can receive it. You see, he was under the impression that he could get the Int. license immediately. He needed the Int. sooner than later. He was at a cross roads decision to get the Int. license here or go back to his home country to get one. Since he was initally told that he could get an Int. license, then he took that option. If he had known before hand that it would take a year, then he would do what he ended up doing (going back to his home country to get it) without going thru the muck and troubles of working with the Thai DMV. That's what I meant by my statement about being un-thai like. She was very helpful and I was just being facicious(sp).

Don't know where you got that I am Danish. I think the other guy is. No problem. But, maybe I'm confused as to whom you were addressing your comment to.

Yes, I most certainly know about showing not a nice face to immigration officials. You see, I've been waiting for 3 years to come into "money" and doing monthly visa runs in the meantime. Acquiring a 1 year retirement visa is very important to me. When I found out that I couldn't get the non-imm visa, it was very disheartening. I didn't go off the handle or anything, just had immense disappointment failing to acquire what I ultimately want. Do I blame him for not giving me what I wanted? Of course not. I was the butthead. Learning every day.

Now, for my big question. What is SWIFT? I will go immediately after finishing this post to Google SWIFT. However; you are obviously much more informed than I am on this and would greatly appreiciate ALL (Steps 1 -10) information that you can give me on SWIFT.

I really want a retirement visa as I plan on staying in LOS until I die. Thailand is the best country/Kingdom in the world and I don't want to be any other place. I want to do things legally and above board. Complying with all regs. and laws. When asked what my Nationality is, I'd really like to put NONE. My home country sucks. I have no affiliation with it nor do I support it's government. Actually, I'd like to put Thai, but I'm obviously not Thai.

Another point you brought up was also brought up by me to the Immigration Official. About when to get the extension. She advised me to get it immediately rather than wait to extend it at the end of my 2 month visa. I didn't go into why the difference. Maybe I should have. But, obviously, there is a difference. Think about that one and see if you can sift through the fog and find a reason for this. Would be helpful.

My experience with Thai Farmers (and other banks) is that I couldn't open a Thai account without a non-imm visa. You say,

[/Quote]

The Bangkok Bank, in fact, advertises savings accounts for tourists and most other banks let a tourist open a savings account.

[/Quote]

Here, you say a tourist can open savings accounts, but you don't say what type of visa they are on. A tourist can be on a non-imm or a tourist visa. Please double check the type of visa that is required, not that the person is tourist or whatever else he/she might be.

Again, thanks for you interest to correct me. I am most appreciative of any correct information you can send my way so that I acquire what I so desperately want. Especially the SWIFT thingy. That could solve all my problems in a matter of days rather than weeks. YIPPEE!!!!

jb

you can open a bangkok bank account in pattaya with no visa at all, i open 1 on a standard 30 day entry and again opened another on a tourist visa 6 months later, no questions asked...

[spacebass]

She then, and very unThai like, continued to inform me and explain the method to solve the problem. A tourist visa can be changed into a non-im visa providing there is still at least one month left on the tourist visa (Only at Bangkok Immigration Main Offices). My situation allowed only for one week, (7 weeks for the check to arrive on a 2 month visa). She then told me to go down this Monday, the 13th, and apply for a one month extension at CM Immigration, beginning on the day that my 2month visa expires or the day after, can't remember which. 1900 baht. Then, when I get my money transferred, I will meet the requirement to have at least a month on my tourist visa to apply for the visa change. She assured me this was the correct process as she said she has worked in the CM Immigration office.

I see that you signed up to ThaiVisa on 12 December 2005. If you have been reading this forum since than it is surprising that you are so confused and that you have made these mistakes in your quest for a non-O visa for retirement purpose with annual extensions.

Let’s start with your principal confusion. The Immigration official explained to you patiently and in great detail the procedure you need to follow based on your present situation (Tourist visa, slow money transfer). You are confused (wrong) when you say that this official acted in a “very unThai like” manner.

Everything the Immigration official told you is correct, and anybody reading this forum for a week or two would already know that information. However, seeing that you just arrived on your 60-day tourist visa it is not necessary to go and apply immediately for a 30-extension. You can do that a few days before the 60 days are up (look at the “permitted to stay until...” stamp in your passport) if the money has not arrived by then.

Your are confused (wrong) when you say that “a non-im visa is required to get a Thai bank account”. The Bangkok Bank, in fact, advertises savings accounts for tourists and most other banks let a tourist open a savings account. However, this is beside the point, as you already have your account.

You made the mistake of asking your Danish bank to send you a check. If you haven’t requested that check yet, instruct you Danish bank instead to make a so-called SWIFT transfer. For this purpose, ask your Thai bank to give you its SWIFT code, as your Danish bank will need this, in addition to the Thai bank's name and address.

If you have arranged Internet banking with your Danish bank, enter the payment order on Monday and the money will be credited to your Thai bank account on Tuesday at the latest.

--------------

Maestro

Hi Maestro,

Originating a SWIFT trnasfer is not as simple as it may seem, at least in UK, even when I walked into my bank branch with Debit card and some other ID to originate a SWIFT transfer to Thailand, I was made to go away and produce two forms of photo ID before they would start the process, I have internet banking with this bank, but there is no facility to initiate international transfer on the site, and I suspect you would need a prior arrangement to do so probably not through the web site.

I do have an account in another developing country where I initiate SWIFT transfer by email having set up an email instruction mandate.

I suspect Denmark would be closer to the UK in its level of paranoia.

Space

[Sunny Valentine]

I can do SWIFT transfer from both my Austrian and Jersey Banks over the Internet. Never had to fill out any additional forms, or so.

The cost for a 500.000 Baht transfer is 20 Pounds, or 36 Euros from my Austrian Bank. The Thai Bank (I opened accounts at both Thai Military Bank and Bangkok Bank with just a 30 Day stamp) will collect another 200 Baht or so fee.

Sunny

[TAWP]

A sidenote: SWIFT isn't a technique, it's a banking-cooperative where over 7800 financial institutes are members.

What you are refering to is Bank To Bank-transfer. You then, to make the transfer easier7safer, use the SWIFT-adress of the recieving bank. That way, you don't have to know street-adress or even bank-name (even though it's always good to fillthem out too, to allow double-check by the staff).

Most countries, as in Sweden, don't allow Bank To Bank-Transfers over international borders from internet-accounts. It has to be done in person in the bank and a full application filled out. It also has to be done Using an account from the Sending bank. This all has to do with money-laundry-laws.

When importing/exporting goods to and from asia, Bank To Bank-transfers using SWIFT-adress, is very common.

Hope it helps.

[Maestro]

Originating a SWIFT trnasfer is not as simple as it may seem, at least in UK...

I suspect Denmark would be closer to the UK in its level of paranoia.

I don’t have the least idea but seeing that Denmark is on the Continent I would have thought that banking procedures in Denmark are not much different from those in Germany or Switzerland, with which I am familiar.

Let’s hear it from the Danes!

---------------

Maestro

[JungleBoy]

Thanks to all of you who gave information about SWIFT. What a wonderful easy and cheap thing to do.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

jb

[Sunny Valentine]

Glad this works out for you!

Sunny

[thaipro_pattaya]

Good advice needed!

My 60 day tourist visa expires on the 14th of Feb. and I have booked a flight to KL on that day.

I'm living and working (private tutoring without a work permit) in Phuket.

I was hoping to get my hands on a 1-year non-imm. visa, but I realize I'm not getting that.

Anything better than the 30 days will do! The longer, the better (visa runs to Myanmar are not all that fun).

Anyone have any experience with the Thai embassy in KL?

Everybody tell me different things and I don't know what to believe.

I'm a 25 yo Danish citizen.

Please help me out...

You are breaking the law, you self styled "ajarn" ... Don't come crying when you are jailed

Edited February 16, 2006 by thaipro_pattaya

[Krub]

This is a link to the Bangkok Bank webpage which clearly says they will open an account even to tourists

http://www.bbl.co.th/Bangkok+Bank/Personal...d+Questions.htm

You might want to print it and show it to them if they make difficulties or if they insist on a non-Im visa stamp

Edited February 16, 2006 by Krub

[Maestro]

Originating a SWIFT trnasfer is not as simple as it may seem, at least in UK...

Well, if JungleBoy has his money in a UK bank and he has no intention of ever setting foot in that country again I can understand that it is rather complicated for him to get his hands on his money and that he will have to bide his time until that check arrives and is cleared by his Thai bank.

The best of luck to you, JungleBoy, and with that 30-day extension on your tourist visa you will have sufficient time to complete the procedure outlined by Immigration. Nothing to worry.

--------------

Maestro

[sierra01]

Originating a SWIFT trnasfer is not as simple as it may seem, at least in UK...

Well, if JungleBoy has his money in a UK bank and he has no intention of ever setting foot in that country again I can understand that it is rather complicated for him to get his hands on his money and that he will have to bide his time until that check arrives and is cleared by his Thai bank.

The best of luck to you, JungleBoy, and with that 30-day extension on your tourist visa you will have sufficient time to complete the procedure outlined by Immigration. Nothing to worry.

--------------

Maestro

Couldn't he just transfer the money to a relative/friend then they swift it to him? That's what I do, via my sister.

[JungleBoy]

Originating a SWIFT trnasfer is not as simple as it may seem, at least in UK...

Well, if JungleBoy has his money in a UK bank and he has no intention of ever setting foot in that country again I can understand that it is rather complicated for him to get his hands on his money and that he will have to bide his time until that check arrives and is cleared by his Thai bank.

The best of luck to you, JungleBoy, and with that 30-day extension on your tourist visa you will have sufficient time to complete the procedure outlined by Immigration. Nothing to worry.

--------------

Maestro

Couldn't he just transfer the money to a relative/friend then they swift it to him? That's what I do, via my sister.

I am very lucky. I not only have a co-account holder that can do it, but have a brother who owes me scads of money who is doing the transfer to/for me. SWIFT is excellent if you know about in advance. I didn't. That's why I had difficulties. But, for me, all is solved now and SWIFT works great. BEST TO SET UP THE ACCOUNT PRIOR TO LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY.

Everyone has a unique situation. We all have answers/problems with our own situation. Solutions for one can help with problems of another, even if not the same identical problem. In my situation, I took the solution of others, massaged it, and came up with a solution of my own (similar to sierra01). This is due to the power of the forum here. Keep up the good work people and keep posting.

jb