edwardmoulton Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I have a Thai wife and child and used to live here in LOS. Just came back and have my 30 day visa on arrival from the airport. Where is the easiest and most guaranteed place to get my first non-Imm visa for the initial 3 months? I have all the documents (I hope!)... I thought about PP or Sing initially.... Any suggestions please... Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 (edited) Kuala lumpur is very straight forward/easy, many threads on that one here. Others may have other preference. Edited March 11, 2013 by CharlieH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMA_FARANG Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 (edited) Answer depends on where you live and exactly what visa you are looking for. Phenom Penh has been taking 4 days to get a visa whereas most Thai consulates take only two days. Savannaket Laos is current "favorite" as it requires less "financial" requirements (i.e. may not require money in bank that other consulates want for issueing the visa). But both Laos and Cambodia will require a visa to enter their country and they are not free. For most Europeans a visa to Malaysia is free, so that makes Kuala Lampur popular. If you have all the required paperwork all the Thai consulates will give you the visa .... so it becomes a matter of your preference .... and where you find it convenient to travel too. KL and Savannaket are current "favorites" of the month. P.S. Most local S.E. Asia counsulates will not issue a one year multi entry visa. Savannaket still will issue a one year visa I believe, but it also may not. Instead you will get a 90 day non O visa which you then extend in Thailand at your local immigration for a year based on your marriage to a Thai. That is what people refer to as a "marriage or spouse" visa. Singapore is known as being "unfriendly", but again may be more friendly if you have everything they want... but may want want more strict financial requirements. That extension in Thailand now is becoming the normal procedure now in S,E, Asia and requires 90 day reporting at your local immigration. Edited March 12, 2013 by IMA_FARANG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asiasurfer Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 May I ask you (the OP) why you haven't sorted out your Non-Immigrant O in your home country before you travel? This may have been the easier option since you could have also obtained a Multiple Entry Visa. As far as I know Thai embassies in the neighboring countries mainly issue Single Visas, meaning you will need to apply for an extension within Thailand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 An extension is the normal procedure and only requires a single entry non immigrant visa and if you already have the financials (money in bank or proof of income) it can be done in Bangkok at immigration for normal cost of such visa (2,000 baht). Any Consulate should be able to issue single entry visa upon presentation of marriage certificate and wife ID card/home register to prove the marriage. It is only the one year multi entry that is often restricted to some proof of money in an account to cover your extended stay. KL has officially set it at 100k and seems to honor that. Savannakhet has been a good alternative for those that need but have not had financials to show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario2008 Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 If you qualify for a non-O visa extension (have 400,000 in a bank account in Thailand or having an income of 40,000 a month) you can convert your visa exempt entry into a non-immirgant visa. You will probably have to do this in Bangkok. It might be easier to get a non-O visa in a neighbouring country, any will do for a single but Cambodia takes 4 work days the others only 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayned Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 If you have a 30 day visa exempt entry, have at least 15 days left on your permission to stay and have all of the documents and funds (400000 baht in a Thai bank in your name only or proff of at least 40000 baht/month incom), you can convert your visa exempt entry to a Non-O and extend for 1 year without leaving Thailand. The money does not have to be seasoned for the conversion but must be in the bank at least 2 months for the extension.. The conversion is 2000 baht and the extension is 1900 baht. Wouldn't have the expense of a trip to another country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 Whether the conversion method is viable depends entirely on where you live. Up here in the NE or even the south it would be better to make a trip out of country for the visa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatfather Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 Two years ago I had a very good experience in AbuDhabi. One year multiple entry marriage visa in one day. Apply today, pick-up next day. Fatfather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyscot Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Just back from savannakhet today, received non imm o based on marriage, 1 year multi entry, I used the Savan Vegas agent there, submitted only copies except marriage doc = original+ copy, along with passport other copies submitted were bank book (agent asked for 300k in acc) which was strange I thought, copy wife's tabien baan, copy wife's ID, 2 passport sized photos and fee of 5k baht,,, agent returned photos we also took along with us she said no need,, also not required was a letter the wife wrote in support of my application,,,, agent provided the submission and collection of my passport whilst I waited around at hotel, so easy I actually felt uneasy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardmoulton Posted March 13, 2013 Author Share Posted March 13, 2013 I have decided to go to Savannakhet as I called the Thai embassy / consulate there today and they conformed they will issue a 1 year multiple entry non-Imm O and seemed very helpful. Does anyone have any recommendations for where to stay though as reading online the place seems not to get good reviews at all for places to stay, or eat for that matter! I am worried it will all end in tears if ai have to spend the night fighting cockroaches and then get food poisoning! Lol... Note, I am an older chap so a nice comfy quiet room with a soft mattress is the priority... Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyC Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Jonnyscot, I was told they don't check finances?? You say they took your bank book? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 That has been reported to be a request of agent but have also seen reports of same agents saying no matter when not immediately available - have yet to see a report of Consulate refusal to issue multi entry visa for lack of financials. But for any non immigrant visa issue you should have 20k available to show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyscot Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I had the bank book and copy with me, but the Agent only wanted the copy,, incidentally when I updated my bank book 2 days before leaving for the trip, I didn't check the update, on checking during travel I saw it was updated only to previous entry,,, previous entry was about 3 weeks prior and that being some bank charge or something, I decided to use an ATM before crossing into Laos to make a small transaction to update balance date to more recent,, the agent says no need updated slip, looks like they're not too fussy about the funds issue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangkokburning Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 May I ask you (the OP) why you haven't sorted out your Non-Immigrant O in your home country before you travel? This may have been the easier option since you could have also obtained a Multiple Entry Visa. As far as I know Thai embassies in the neighboring countries mainly issue Single Visas, meaning you will need to apply for an extension within Thailand... The US embassy has given me such grief over the years on TRs that I suspect the same nonsense for non O "marriage visa". Further, I expect that they would push me toward OA rather than issue me a multi one year based on the certificate as I do not think there is any financial requirement (forget). Its basically 3-6mo deal intended for visits. Just one scanario... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangkokburning Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Just back from savannakhet today, received non imm o based on marriage, 1 year multi entry, I used the Savan Vegas agent there, submitted only copies except marriage doc = original+ copy, along with passport other copies submitted were bank book (agent asked for 300k in acc) which was strange I thought, copy wife's tabien baan, copy wife's ID, 2 passport sized photos and fee of 5k baht,,, agent returned photos we also took along with us she said no need,, also not required was a letter the wife wrote in support of my application,,,, agent provided the submission and collection of my passport whilst I waited around at hotel, so easy I actually felt uneasy So you have informed the board that SavanVegas requires 300k in the bank to process a visa. They asked it if you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyscot Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, I'd recommend the Savan Vegas hotel, they also do a visa application service, I used them for transport from car park at Thai side ( where they have an office) they provided transport across to the border and from border to hotel,, they also provide transport to/from airport,, in Savannakhet not much to do though unless you're using the hotels casino, although they have massage/spa facilities also. If you're using the Savan Vegas visa service I'd advise contacting them well in advance to arrange your needs as I tried calling and mailing them from Thursday until Saturday before leaving home on Sunday, couldn't get through,, It was a holiday I believe in Laos on Friday so maybe they had a couple extra days off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardmoulton Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Jonnyscot Yes, I was working my way around to that idea. I have already booked flights from BKK to Savannakhet so am committed. I would not normally dream of staying in a casino as I hate smoking and am not into gambling but the visa service seems to be very good. On the downside, the rock hard mattresses in the rooms reported by someone will of be good for my back and the food scenario sounds awful with many people reporting the buffets are like a wartime with country people piling up food. I guess I could base myself there and use their visa service but I need to find something to do for two whole days. Is there anything to do in town or any tours around the area - wildlife, villages, jeeps, anything lie, that....? I figure I can't even cross back to the Thai side while my passport is being processed so I need to stay in Laos for the 2 days. Savan Vegas seems the best option overall when I see the reviews of the hotels and guest hushes in town and the price of 3,400 THB for their 3 night package is astonishing! Cheers Hi Edward, I'd recommend the Savan Vegas hotel, they also do a visa application service, I used them for transport from car park at Thai side ( where they have an office) they provided transport across to the border and from border to hotel,, they also provide transport to/from airport,, in Savannakhet not much to do though unless you're using the hotels casino, although they have massage/spa facilities also. If you're using the Savan Vegas visa service I'd advise contacting them well in advance to arrange your needs as I tried calling and mailing them from Thursday until Saturday before leaving home on Sunday, couldn't get through,, It was a holiday I believe in Laos on Friday so maybe they had a couple extra days off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie1971 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, When are you going, I'm going on Sunday and my concerns about lack of activities are similar Cheers Richie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyscot Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, I went with the wife and kids, none of us smoke and casino area has quite a high roof, we hadn't any probs in that regard,, really can't recommend anything for you to do, we visited 2 old temples around savanaket and the night market (called Singapore market) beside the bus station , I would imagine the hotel would provide tours but I didn't check,, we used tuk tuks for transport which quite cheap when haggling,,, as mentioned I had probs contacting the Savan Vegas people before I left,,so I booked a twin room via agoda at 1299 per night booked it on the sat night just before i left and used the Savan Vegas visa service on arrival on the sunday,, for the border crossing if you have dollars you can save a few bob,, it's 35 USD or 1500 baht for the laos visa on arrival (UK passport holder),, Breakfast wasn't great but ok I suppose, I think its more focussed on a quick buffer breakfast laid on for the all night players at the casino, for lunch and dinner they have I think 2 menus, Asian or western,, we used the dynasty resteraunt and one dish I could certainly recommend was my first attempt at ostrich meat,, I bad a pepper vegetable stir fry with ostrich meat,,, excellent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardmoulton Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, When are you going, I'm going on Sunday and my concerns about lack of activities are similar Cheers Richie Hi Richie I am going on 24th, next Sunday... Sorry I'll miss you. Cheers Edward 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardmoulton Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, I went with the wife and kids, none of us smoke and casino area has quite a high roof, we hadn't any probs in that regard,, really can't recommend anything for you to do, we visited 2 old temples around savanaket and the night market (called Singapore market) beside the bus station , I would imagine the hotel would provide tours but I didn't check,, we used tuk tuks for transport which quite cheap when haggling,,, as mentioned I had probs contacting the Savan Vegas people before I left,,so I booked a twin room via agoda at 1299 per night booked it on the sat night just before i left and used the Savan Vegas visa service on arrival on the sunday,, for the border crossing if you have dollars you can save a few bob,, it's 35 USD or 1500 baht for the laos visa on arrival (UK passport holder),, Breakfast wasn't great but ok I suppose, I think its more focussed on a quick buffer breakfast laid on for the all night players at the casino, for lunch and dinner they have I think 2 menus, Asian or western,, we used the dynasty resteraunt and one dish I could certainly recommend was my first attempt at ostrich meat,, I bad a pepper vegetable stir fry with ostrich meat,,, excellent Thanks for the reassurance!..... I'll take some work to do! Haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie1971 Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, When are you going, I'm going on Sunday and my concerns about lack of activities are similar Cheers Richie Hi Richie I am going on 24th, next Sunday... Sorry I'll miss you. Cheers Edward If I discover any places/activities of interest I'll feedback Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardmoulton Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi Edward, When are you going, I'm going on Sunday and my concerns about lack of activities are similar Cheers Richie Hi Richie I am going on 24th, next Sunday... Sorry I'll miss you. Cheers Edward If I discover any places/activities of interest I'll feedbackCheers Thanks.... And give me the low down on the hotel too ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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