Extending Non-O Based On Marriage After It Is Expired?

[Beck1976]

My current permitted to stay is 3rd jan, which is the third 1-year extension i´ve had.

Due to recent childbirth and Tabien Baan being sent back and forth to KhonKaen, I wasnt able to go to Phuket immigration untill yesterday, to apply for yet another extension. Unfortunately, the ID card of the owner of the house (they require that along with our lease contract), had expired just the day before, and was now invalid. I got hold of him, and we went to the amphur, but they were unable to issue him a new one, as they had run out of the physical plastic cards, and they were unsure exactly which date they would get a new batch.

It can most likely be solved by getting a copy of his wifes ID card and making a new contract with her name instead of his.

Hiwever, if not, will I be able to extend my visa if I come a couple of days late, depending on how soon he can get a new ID card? I understand I will have to pay overstay fees, but thats the least of problems.

[Mario2008]

Normally that wil be no problem, as you say you have to pay for the overstay.

As this is an extension based on having a Thai wife, they might be stricter. So do try to sort it out before.

[lopburi3]

As this requirement is not a law do not believe expired ID card would have been an issue (it is well known that there is a shortage of materials currently). I would go with what you have on January 2 and fully expect it to be accepted.

[Beck1976]

oh yes, I will do everything in my power to get it sorted out, as I dont like these kind of uncertainties.

At least it would be OK for me to come back alone, didnt have to bring the wife as well.

[Beck1976]

As this requirement is not a law do not believe expired ID card would have been an issue (it is well known that there is a shortage of materials currently). I would go with what you have on January 2 and fully expect it to be accepted.

Well, as said it was denied yesterday, and was told to get it fixed and come back on the 2nd or 3rd January. I have always been asked for lease agreement of the house I live in, along with ID card and Tabien baan for the owner.

Also, my income for the extension is based on renting out an apartment in Copenhagen, and the Danish embassy have issued an income statement based on various documents. The immigration officer then proceeded to ask for a copy of my Danish rental contract for said apartment, no idea what he will use that for.

Every time, some new made-up rule or requirement.

[lopburi3]

Did not read as you actually applied yesterday - only that material was not available until then. How can you get it fixed; unless an alternative was presented, if no cards are available (but believe Amphur can provide a paper - was this asked)? As for the documentation of income that is a valid request and would always have that material for presentation if asked.

[Beck1976]

Regarding income, I have sent various documents (rental agreement, tax forms, bank statement) to the Danish embassy in BKK, to prove my income. Based on that, they issued a letter, stating/verifying/guaranteeing my income, that I can then give to the immigration officer. I have never been asked for further documents by the immigration officer regarding my income (this is my fourth extension), and they are all in Danish anyway, and doesnt seem to be on the list of required documents, since its all taken care of by my embassy. It is no problem, it took me 2 minutes to make a photocopy of the agreement, as I got home. Just had the feeling, it was a requirement he invented on the spot.

Regarding the application, yes I applied yesterday, and was then told to get the ID card issue fixed (as well as the rental agreement regarding my income), and come back on the 2nd or 3rd.

I then asked the officer specifically, what I could do, if I was unable to get a copy of a valid ID card, for the owner, if his wifes would be sufficient. The answer was, that yes it would be sufficient, IF we also made a new contract stating her name on the contract and not his. That the house is registered to him according to the Tabien Baan was not a problem.

So hopefully I can go in the morning 2nd January, with his wifes papers, and all his good, just want to be one step ahead, if it turns out to be a problem anyway.

About a paper from the amphur, the owner explained to the staff at the amphur, that I needed it for my visa and was semi-urgent, and whether it could be solved somehow, but they were unable to help.

Edited December 29, 2012 by Beck1976

[wayned]

If you can't get it sorted out to their satisfaction, you could apply for a 60 day extension for "visiting your wife" and that should give you time to sort it out and then extend during the last 30 days of the 60 day extension, another 1900 baht, but an option if you can't get it sorted.

[digitalchromakey]

If you can't get it sorted out to their satisfaction, you could apply for a 60 day extension for "visiting your wife" and that should give you time to sort it out and then extend during the last 30 days of the 60 day extension, another 1900 baht, but an option if you can't get it sorted.

For the OP the National Police Order 777/25551 Case 2.24 'Visiting Spouse' 60 day extension is a sound back up plan, but it means to be safe he should take his wife again when he returns to Phuket Immigration on the 2nd Jan to cover for this option.

[Beck1976]

Figured I give an update.

I went to Immigration Jan 2 in the morning, with a copy of the house owner´s wifes ID card, and a new rental contract with her name on it, as instructed.

Regardsess of the fact that I was told specifically, that I did NOT need the Tabien Baan of her as well, that was the first paper the immigration officer (not the same I talked to Friday) requested (guess I should have anticipated that), so I was in for another long scooter ride back and forth. He checked all the other papers (same as his colleague did the first day), and assured me that everything else was in order.

Drove back home, Got the Tabien baan, went to the copy center at Immigration to make 2 copies, was waiting in line, but got blatantly ignored by the staff, and then instructed to go to the back of the line, when I mentioned, I was waiting in line, and why they let others cut in. So this resulted in me getting back to the office at 11.42 am. They close for applications at 11.40 am. I see the officer I had talked to a couple of hours earlier, tell him, I have the paper he asked for, and whether he can accept the application, since he has checked everything already. He then proceeds to laugh in my face, and tell me to come back 1 o´clock. Thought it was rather offensive behaviour by him, but did manage to keep my calm, as I knew getting angry wouldnt help me anything.

So I wait around untill 1 o´clock, enter the office, now a third immigration officer calls me to his desk, check through all my papers again, even though he acknowledged the fact that his colleague had already done that earlier. He then proceeded to ask further questions about my paperwork and income ( I have nothing to hide, everything is 100% legit), why my wife wasnt with me (she was with me, when we first applied Friday, and was told she did not need to come back), and asking me to sign all the papers (I had signed one copy of all the documents, now he asked for signature on the second pile of papers).

Finally I get the receipt, wait around, I can see all my papers are checked again (by the boss, I assume). I finally get my passport back, with the comment "you get 30 day stamp. Now lets see if you get more" with a smirk on his face.

It´s my fourth extension, and I am honestly very surprised by the way I´ve been treated this time. I dress appropriately, I always smile, greet and talk politely. My paperwork is 100% in order according to the law, and I bring all the papers and documents Phuket Immigration ask for in addition to that. My marriage is not fake/proforma, we have 2 kids together (one newborn, that we had to bring first time around). Yet I still feel they did everything they could to find an excuse NOT to accept my application. Maybe they were just trying to make pay more than 1.900 baht, for their "service", but it has never been this obvious before.

As mentioned I got the under consideration stamp, and was instructed to come back Feb 2nd. However that is a Saturday. Should I then come Friday or Monday? Because I definitely do not dare to miss this date, the way things have been going so far.

[Mario2008]

I would go friday, personally. But since it is a Satuday, it is accepted to go on Monday as that is the frst day they will be open after you where supposed to come back.

[Beck1976]

OK, I will go friday, and prepare myself for being asked to come back monday....

[jrtmedic]

An amazing story which, of course, I have no reason to doubt.

My experinces at this office could not be more different. Unfailing courtesy, efficiency and coupled with a smile and occasional joke!

I recently had to leave the country urgently and at very short notice. As I did not have a re-entry permit on my return I was given the usual 30day visa exempt stamp but not before the officer had searched my passport form back to front! Eventually he looked up asked me where my visa was (he could see the many extensions of stay!) He apologised for only being able to give me 30 days and told me to go to the immigraton office!

A couple of days later I went to the immigration office with all the required paperwork and passport photo's. No drama or difficulty ! Change of visa catagory (visa exempt to Non O) 2000Bht. New extension of stay (based on retirement) 1900Bht. Full credit for the visa exempt time resulting in a renewal date in early 2014.

All accomplished in less than one hour.

I hope the OP's problem is soon resolved ----I am sure it will be.

Edited January 6, 2013 by jrtmedic

[lopburi3]

New extension of stay (based on retirement).

But this tale of woe is not based on retirement. Can be a large difference in treatment as Thai wife extension is not a local decision.

[jrtmedic]

Lopbury

I was commenting on the apparent very different attitudes diplayed by immigration staff. The OP's experience, as reported, could not be more different than that which I have experienced.

I am fully aware that extensions on the basis of marriage are not made locally. That does not explain the

OP's reported difficulties with immigration staff.

[lopburi3]

Actually believe the difference does help to explain his experience - the officer can not make the decision so must collect more supporting data for that type of extension as he must sign his name on the dotted line that will be viewed at higher levels (although from report/case this seems excessive). Your retirement experience is in line with most - no problem. But many more do have problems with Thai wife extensions; although most are approved in the end.

[Beck1976]

@jrtmedic

i was indeed very surprised myself. i have always been treated nice in there before. One of the officers at the back desk (where they do the marriage extensions amongst other things), often seems like he got a stick up his a.., but I have never experienced this before.

It is not the fact that they want further documentation that bothers me, but the constantly contradicting answers and their general behavior in this whole matter.

A friend told me the other day that Phuket Immigration had gotten a new person in charge, who was supposed to be very strict, Guess that explains why they were this thorough, as Lopburi3 indicates as well.

I do expect it to be approved since everything is by the books, I fulfill all requirements etc