I need to know if anyone has been able to obtain in the region a Non-Imm O Visa for the father of a child who is in Thailand studying on an ED Visa?

It seems to be at the discretion of the Consulate as to whether they will grant this Visa or not.

In Hong Kong for instance, they do not normally grant it to the father but only to the mother (sexist). I know because I was previously denied this years ago and given a Tourist Visa at the time.

I am a Canadian Citizen (passport holder) but Permanent Hong Kong Resident.

I obtained the Non-Imm O Visa from the Thai Consulate in Vancouver. I extended that for a year after I entered Thailand but when it came time to renew, I was denied as I was given bad information by my son's school on the requirement. I was under the impression the funds (500,000 baht) needed to be in the Thai bank account for one month and for the second extension it was to be for 3 months this time so they denied me. I was told I had to leave and come back and start the process again.

I have contacted the Consulate in Hong Kong and this is their reply:

"Kindly understand that it is our standing policy that Royal Thai Consulate-General in Hong Kong will only give the "Guardian visa" to the mother only. Anyhow, you may try to submit your application with all the documents that i mention as below, and plus a copy of the certificate of divorce and a copy of bank statement. The Consul reserves the rights to request for additional documents and the final decision will make by the Consul."

I was wondering if anyone on ThaiVisa was aware of a Consulate in the region that would grant me this Visa? I hate the thought of going back to Hong Kong just to be denied again.

I am currently retired after working 15 years in Hong Kong, but only 47 years old so can not apply for retirement Visa. A tourist Visa is of no use to me, it can not be changed to a Non-Imm O Visa in Bangkok in my case. They said they will do it for Retirement or Spouse but not for Guardian.

I have only one border run stamp in my passport which was a month ago as I needed to buy myself time as my son is currently writing his AS Level exams and I didn't want to skip town at this time. I have been coming to Thailand for 15 years and every single entry apart from that one was via the airport, flying in to Don Muang or Suvanabhumi and I would just come in on my 30-day visa free being a Canadian as I would never stay more than that time anyhow. I must have 50+ of those stamps in this passport alone.

Between my son's private school fees, bus service, living expenses etc. I pump at least 2 million baht a year into Thailand and I have zero income from any Thai source whatsoever. You would think they would welcome me with open arms.....but TIT.

I have checked the reports in the region here for information and searched the forums but have found little/no real information on this type of Visa for the Father of a Child studying.

Is there another case like mine out there? Anybody?

(Other information possibly relevent?...My son is 17 yrs. old, I've had custody since he was 10, his mother lives in Canada and we've been divorced 14 years. My son and I live together in a condo here in Bangkok, just the two of us.)

Would appreciate any help/information with this and will thank you all in advance for whatever you can share.

Thank you.

There is no written rule that says the father cannot get the visa. Were you trying to get a single entry visa or a multiple entry?

With copies of your sons passport showing his extension of stay and his birth certificate you can get a single entry visa in Vientiane or Penang without a problem.

You could then get the extension of stay if you have the 500k in a Thai bank for 30 days.

There is no written rule that says the father cannot get the visa. Were you trying to get a single entry visa or a multiple entry?

With copies of your sons passport showing his extension of stay and his birth certificate you can get a single entry visa in Vientiane or Penang without a problem.

You could then get the extension of stay if you have the 500k in a Thai bank for 30 days.

Ubonjoe! Thank you very much.

After reading so many of your replies to posts I almost emailed you directly with my question!

Yes, HKG has a problem with giving it to the father for some reason? But if I can get this Visa in Vientiane or Penang without a problem then that is what I will do.

Thanks again and keep up the great work here at TV!

Regards,

hotsox.

(You can close this thread if you wish I'm taking your advice.)