savannakhet Visa Questions

[br12stol]

My Type O 1 year from consulate UK expires on 28th Aug,so I am planning to go to savannakhet and stay in Savan Vegas Hotel and apply for double entry visal. I sent them a booking inquiry and they replied saying Bank book needed with 200,000 baht in Acc as from July 2013).

I only have @ 120,000 in my SCB acc as I transfer money from UK as I need it, and I don't have time to get funds now.

PS I have never done Visa in Laos or surrounding countries always got Visa in UK, I have two type O. 1 years issued march 2011 and June 2012, with 4 months spent in UK last year Dec-march.

Anyone Know if I will have a problem, do I need get friend to put funds in Bank quick for statement etc...?

Thanks in Advance

[lopburi3]

You must be talking about a 2 entry tourist visa? There is no financial requirement for tourist visas and never has been other than the seldom asked 20k cash show if you appear down and out.

[br12stol]

You must be talking about a 2 entry tourist visa? There is no financial requirement for tourist visas and never has been other than the seldom asked 20k cash show if you appear down and out.

Yes I want a 2 entry Tourist Visa.

Thanks for reply

From email

Due to the visa application policy at the Savannakhet Thai Consulate being tightened, the following is now required "this has been enforced since July 2013.

For Tourist visa:

- Three color photos.

- Two copy of passport.

- A copy of Thai bank book with sufficient funds around 200,000 THB ( Subject to be changed by the Thai consulate ).

And if you would like to continue to booking our service please complete the detail below:

[ubonjoe]

Do it yourself at consulate and money will not be needed.

[ubonjoe]

Many reports similar to this for non-o's based on marriage.

Casino says money needed but done at consulate with no financial proof needed.

[lopburi3]

Flame removed.

[kurtmartens]

Do it yourself at consulate and money will not be needed.

110% correct. I have also said this in several posts. The Casino package really isn't needed. The Consulate is easy enough and if you really need help the little shop across the street will fill out the application and even take a picture for you ... for much less than the Casino.

Plus their are nicer and less expensive hotels. (Although I do like casinos in general, I must admit!)

[MeowBundit]

The req. was a dumb, cos tourist is tourist, and for what reason he need to deposit in Thai bank? No reason. Better go Vientiane, anything straight

[LuckyLew]

The request for 200K in Thai bank account makes zero sense to me

How would a tourist have a bank account in Thailand before he arrives?

People on tourist visas are not suppose to be allowed to ave bank accounts

.. then again TIT

..

Would be interesting to have updated Tourist Visa reports from Savannkhet

and Vientian to see if there is any validity to this request

[DILLIGAD]

Do it yourself at consulate and money will not be needed.

110% correct. I have also said this in several posts. The Casino package really isn't needed. The Consulate is easy enough and if you really need help the little shop across the street will fill out the application and even take a picture for you ... for much less than the Casino.

Plus their are nicer and less expensive hotels. (Although I do like casinos in general, I must admit!)

it costs 40b and make sure you get their early and get this done first as there is usually a mad scramble when the gates open. You then go back the following day at 2pm to collect your pp/visa

[swissie]

Adding it all up: The Tuk-Tuk's getting you near the embassy/consulate, plus "Guest-House" including "commission" for the Tuk-Tuk driver and the wizards in front of the consulate to fill out the paperwork? How much?

All included, the "Casino" may appear as not so expensive, after all. Facts and figures in Thai-Baht, anyone?

Thanks & Cheers.

[PhoenixRising]

In Vientiane, you only need to show:

"- Cash or traveler's check equivalent to 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family"

http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/en/consular/consular_check/

The Savannahket website doesn't seem to have an English version or I can't find how to open it.

How can they demand THAI bank statement from a tourist with no work permit? Tourists can't open bank accounts in Thailand without a work permit... legally.

[ubonjoe]

There is no law, rule or regulation that says you need a work permit to have a bank account.

There are some bank branches that will tell you that but you can go to another one of the same bank and open an account.

Edited August 27, 2013 by ubonjoe

[ignis]

Adding it all up: The Tuk-Tuk's getting you near the embassy/consulate, plus "Guest-House" including "commission" for the Tuk-Tuk driver and the wizards in front of the consulate to fill out the paperwork? How much?

All included, the "Casino" may appear as not so expensive, after all. Facts and figures in Thai-Baht, anyone?

Thanks & Cheers.

Facts and Figures, I have been 5 times to Savannakhet, 1x via the Casino last year, notice the price of the Casino has gone up 500 baht, I went before this new price..

So price, total spent from BKK on VIP Bus + 2 nights in Savannakhet, was more of less the same, maybe 100 baht difference, at a Hotel 25 US$ per night, add all the trips by tuk tuks, and meals

As for paperwork just download and print at home and fill in before you go, the only thing you need from the shop outside the Consulate is the photo copy of the Laos Visa @ 10 baht a copy !!

I would have gone to the Casino again last time, but for all the so say extra paperwork/proof needed !! As I went myself did not need nor asked for any of the 'extra' paperwork

[MikeandDow]

Would like to ask a couple of questions, will be driving to bridge and i know you can park car just before on the lefthand side:

1 is there a taxi service to go accross the bridge(boarder) from thai side to go to Embassy if so where or is there a bus again where, NOT Casino

2 any good hotels phone number or web address

[ubonjoe]

You can buy ticket for bus just before immigration you can get on after clearing immigration that will wait for you on Lao side and then take you to bus station in town.

[DJH77]

Would like to ask a couple of questions, will be driving to bridge and i know you can park car just before on the lefthand side:

1 is there a taxi service to go accross the bridge(boarder) from thai side to go to Embassy if so where or is there a bus again where, NOT Casino

2 any good hotels phone number or web address

You can park your car at the Bridge carpark and take the Bus across to Savannakhett. As for hotels , Have a look at Tripadvisor, Booking.com or Agoda. Some Hotels are under Mukdahan. If you want to stay in Mukdahan, the Mukdahan Manor is the best. www.mukdahan-manor.com

[ignis]

You can buy ticket for bus just before immigration you can get on after clearing immigration that will wait for you on Lao side and then take you to bus station in town.

Just a note on this option... as i have done both

From the Bus Station to the Consulate cost 60 baht via Tuk Tuk.................. bus I notice to Bus Station = 45 baht..

From the Laos Immigration at bridge to the Consulate cost 60 baht via Tuk Tuk

This is what I paid both this year and last year, as always with Tuk Tuks anywhere fix a price before getting on.