What makes Savannakhet so special......?

[craigp]

I keep hearing Savannakhet is the place to go for a multi entry non 0 based on marriage. Is there a special reason this place is better than any other. (Guessing it's simply just easier to go here than other places, but why.?)

Also, anybody know exactly what documents are required here to get the multi non 0? (based on marriage) Do I need to take my wife.? I would have thought I would have to. How much does this visa cost? Any more information about Savannakhet and why it's the most popular would be appreciated.

​I just assumed the requirements would be the same wherever the visa was applied for.

[skyaslimit]

Everybody goes there, but I am sure not for too long.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[craigp]

Everybody goes there, but I am sure not for too long.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Why does everybody go there and why do you think that's about to change?

[ubonjoe]

At this time Savannakhet is the only nearby location doing multiple entry non-o visas.

Penang is a maybe is if you have 400k baht in the bank but I have seen no posts to confirm it.

[bkkgooner]

Savannakhet is the place to go because you don't have to show any bank book or financial proof to obtain a non-o visa.

As far as I am aware you need to bring your marriage certificate and also a copy of it signed and dated by your wife, a copy of your wife's house book signed and dated and a copy of her ID card signed and dated.

A copy of your own passport as well and that is everything as far as I am aware.

I am going to make the trip myself at the end of next month

it costs 5,000 for the multi-entry one which is valid for one year and you don't need to take your wife

Edited June 17, 2014 by bkkgooner

[craigp]

Savannakhet is the place to go because you don't have to show any bank book or financial proof to obtain a non-o visa.

As far as I am aware you need to bring your marriage certificate and also a copy of it signed and dated by your wife, a copy of your wife's house book signed and dated and a copy of her ID card signed and dated.

A copy of your own passport as well and that is everything as far as I am aware.

I am going to make the trip myself at the end of next month

it costs 5,000 for the multi-entry one which is valid for one year and you don't need to take your wife

I'm sure you're right. But I'm going to take my wife along just to be certain. I think it's wise to call this embassy before I go.

[FarangryBirds]

I went there for a non-b last week, bit of a cock up with my paperwork but managed to get a very half-assed copy of my contract faxed over with a few minutes to spare until the 11am cutoff and my new visa was sitting there in my passport the next day, much to my relief.

I travelled from Bangkok by vip bus on a Sunday night, straight to the consulate on Monday morning to hand in my papers. Overnight stay at the casino and then back to the consulate to pick up my passport. Getting away from the consulate, out of Lao and back to Mukdahan was real quick and I was at Ubon airport for 5pm to fly back to Bangkok even though my flight was not until much later.

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Edited June 17, 2014 by FarangryBirds

[bkkgooner]

If you don't mind a couple of questions farangy

How much was the VIP bus from Bangkok to Mukdahan and how much hassle is it getting from the bus stop in Mukdahan to the border and then to the consulate?

Would you recommend staying in the casino and is it close to the embassy?

Who did you fly with coming home? I'm not mad on getting the bus both ways as it means 3 nights away from family

[FarangryBirds]

VIP bus was 620bt from Mo Chit terminal. Left there at 2030 Sunday night and arrived at Mukdahan 0645 Monday morning. Bus stopped only once I think, when we reached Korat 3 hours in. At Mukdahan joined the queue for Lao bus tickets (50bt) and got a bus at 0730 for the quick run over the border. The bus was being loaded with goods being taken back over the border. Immigration at the bridge didn't take long, no queues. The only hold up was because at 0800 the Thai immigration police stopped for the usual Thai ceremony.

Casino hotel, the room itself was very nice but the complex is a bit far out of the town centre and set back from the road, nothing really to do there except gamble and maybe have a massage. Couldn't really see any other hotels on agoda that came even close to being well recommended by previous visitors.

I flew back from Ubon with Nok Air, about 1300bt for the flight. Minivan from Mukdahan to Ubon bus station was 105bt and took about 2 hours.

The consulate and border crossing was much quieter than when I have been to Vientiene but the tradeoff being Savanaket is a much sleepier place to stop over.

[PaulHamon]

I went there for a non-b last week, bit of a cock up with my paperwork but managed to get a very half-assed copy of my contract faxed over

what contract did you need to bring?

[ubonjoe]

I went there for a non-b last week, bit of a cock up with my paperwork but managed to get a very half-assed copy of my contract faxed over

what contract did you need to bring?

Employment

He was a applying for a non-b visa.

[thaiguzzi]

Definetely 100% no need to take the wife. Unless you like someone to hold your hand.

[craigp]

Definetely 100% no need to take the wife. Unless you like someone to hold your hand.

I certainly do like her holding my hand.... 2000km round trip alone won't be much fun. It's always worth having my wife with me. Especially when it comes to taxi drivers.

[MickGC]

If you don't mind a couple of questions farangy

How much was the VIP bus from Bangkok to Mukdahan and how much hassle is it getting from the bus stop in Mukdahan to the border and then to the consulate?

Would you recommend staying in the casino and is it close to the embassy?

Who did you fly with coming home? I'm not mad on getting the bus both ways as it means 3 nights away from family

Nok Air and now Air Asia have a fly/ride service from BKK to Mukdahan that you can book online. Fly to Nakhon Phanom where mini bus is waiting to drive you to Mukdahan. As you are arriving from the north, the driver will drop you at the bridge where you can buy a bus ticket across to Savannakhet. Much quicker than the Ubon route. If staying at the casino they offer a free mini bus service.

Edited June 18, 2014 by MickGC

[zilkio pilkio]

VIP bus was 620bt from Mo Chit terminal. Left there at 2030 Sunday night and arrived at Mukdahan 0645 Monday morning. Bus stopped only once I think, when we reached Korat 3 hours in. At Mukdahan joined the queue for Lao bus tickets (50bt) and got a bus at 0730 for the quick run over the border. The bus was being loaded with goods being taken back over the border. Immigration at the bridge didn't take long, no queues. The only hold up was because at 0800 the Thai immigration police stopped for the usual Thai ceremony.

Casino hotel, the room itself was very nice but the complex is a bit far out of the town centre and set back from the road, nothing really to do there except gamble and maybe have a massage. Couldn't really see any other hotels on agoda that came even close to being well recommended by previous visitors.

I flew back from Ubon with Nok Air, about 1300bt for the flight. Minivan from Mukdahan to Ubon bus station was 105bt and took about 2 hours.

The consulate and border crossing was much quieter than when I have been to Vientiene but the tradeoff being Savanaket is a much sleepier place to stop over.

Thanks.

Nok Air looks good because it has a late flight around 10pm, instead of sweating to get the only air asia flight at 19:25, even though you'd probably make it in time.

Both have promos now of about 700b+ a few hundred charges. Plus the 105b minivan from Mukldahan. Nok Air you can pay at the ATM too which is easy. Much better than an overnight bus for only a few hundred baht more imo.

[zilkio pilkio]

If you don't mind a couple of questions farangy

How much was the VIP bus from Bangkok to Mukdahan and how much hassle is it getting from the bus stop in Mukdahan to the border and then to the consulate?

Would you recommend staying in the casino and is it close to the embassy?

Who did you fly with coming home? I'm not mad on getting the bus both ways as it means 3 nights away from family

Nok Air and now Air Asia have a fly/ride service from BKK to Mukdahan that you can book online. Fly to Nakhon Phanom where mini bus is waiting to drive you to Mukdahan. As you are arriving from the north, the driver will drop you at the bridge where you can buy a bus ticket across to Savannakhet. Much quicker than the Ubon route. If staying at the casino they offer a free mini bus service.

I think the times aren't good for people both applying for a visa on day one or collecting a visa on day 2.

Bus leaves Mukdahan at 2pm. The same time you collect your passport in Sav.

[FarangryBirds]

Thanks.

Nok Air looks good because it has a late flight around 10pm, instead of sweating to get the only air asia flight at 19:25, even though you'd probably make it in time.

Both have promos now of about 700b+ a few hundred charges. Plus the 105b minivan from Mukldahan. Nok Air you can pay at the ATM too which is easy. Much better than an overnight bus for only a few hundred baht more imo.

I had booked the 2200 flight with Nok to allow myself very generous time to make all my connections from Lao - Mukdahan - Ubon but it was such plain sailing from when I left Savanaket consulate in a tuk tuk to the bridge, I was at Ubon airport for 1700. I ended up changing my flight to the 2020 one (which did cost an extra 900b....) all so I'd be back at my room in Bangkok before midnight.

Another footnote, I found the staff working in Ubon airport really friendly.

[slipperylobster]

i was told no need to go to Savannahet.....

as long as you have a tourist visa that does not expire within two weeks, you can convert the tourist visa to a non-O (based on retirement) ,at Bangkok Immigration... with a statement of income from the embassy and proof of residence. Any changes to that? I will be doing that in a few weeks.

Edited June 18, 2014 by slipperylobster

[ubonjoe]

i was told no need to go to Savannahet.....

as long as you have a tourist visa that does not expire within two weeks, you can convert the tourist visa to a non-O (based on retirement) , with a statement of income from the embassy and proof of residence. Any changes to that? I will be doing that in a few weeks.

You can do a change of visa status from a tourist visa to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry based upon qualifying for an extension based upon retirement at some immigration offices. You can do it at any time during your entry up to the last 15 days.

You will need to show the same financial proof needed for the extension except that the money in the bank only has to be in the bank on the date you apply.

[deepcell]

Definetely 100% no need to take the wife. Unless you like someone to hold your hand.

oh!! it is nice to show you are really married.

[zilkio pilkio]

If married for a few years (the marriage cert is a few years old), no harm to get a Kor Ror 2 or 3 at your local amphur office first. It is an official document to state that you are still married.

[zilkio pilkio]

Nok Air - Sunday @ 4pm. Arrives 17:10. 645b.

Last minivan to Muk leaves at 7pm I believe. Add 200b for motosai and minivan.

Hotel in Muk near the bus station: 500b (estimate)

Return on Tuesday. Minivan and motosai to Ubon airport - 200b. Flight at 19:45 - 695b.

Back in BKK before 9pm.

1,795 baht for flights inc. taxes etc.

500b for hotel.

400b for minivans and motosai.

Around 2,700b.

Compared to about 1300 baht for overnight buses and you're not back until the Wednesday morning.

Better option imo.

[Rimbuman]

I did the run about 4 mnds ago, it's quite in the boonies but I liked it there. Friendly people, relaxed atmosphere, nice fresh crispy on the outside french bread in the streetfood stalls. Some nice restaurants on the riverside and 350 baht for the guest house.

Paper form service 40 baht in front of the immigration (really nice ) Among all the required papers I also handed over my bankbook but they ignored that document.

Maybe there is a social reason build in the system and they may have realized they would break up lots of Farang/Thai marriages if they don't create some sort of possibility for the couples who simply don't have 400k or more.

[oliver engel]

I have been there to get my Non O marriage Visa and its very easy and fast.

You dont need to bring your wife there,just your original marriage certificate and a copy,copy of your wifes ID Card and housebook,copy of your passport,photo of you and 5.000 Baht fee.

Go there in the morning before 9 am and pick up your visa the next afternoon about 2 pm.

It takes just a few minutes

Opposite the consulate they can fill out the visa form for you for a small amount

It doesnt look like anything will change in the near future over there

[zilkio pilkio]

It is a consulate, not an embassy.

Thus it is the same a business, a business in the business of selling visas and making profits on what they sell.

Different to an embassy.

So I believe.

Could be wrong.

Are consulates privately owned?

[craigp]

It is a consulate, not an embassy.

Thus it is the same a business, a business in the business of selling visas and making profits on what they sell.

Different to an embassy.

So I believe.

Could be wrong.

Are consulates privately owned?

Do the costs of Visas vary then? Depending on where we get them?

[ubonjoe]

It is a consulate, not an embassy.

Thus it is the same a business, a business in the business of selling visas and making profits on what they sell.

Different to an embassy.

So I believe.

Could be wrong.

Are consulates privately owned?

Savannakhet is an official Thai consulate and has the same authority as the consular section of an embassy.

Honorary Thai consulates are typically located at a business. They derive income from issuing visas They can only do visas and offer limited notary services. They cannot do Thai passports, birth certificates and etc.

Visa fees are the same at embassies, official consulates and honorary consulates. Non immigrant visas are 2000 baht for a single 5000 baht for a multiple and tourist visas 1000 baht per entry word wide. Exchange rates are often set favorably though on the side of the embassies and consulates.

Some honorary consulates charge an additional fee for expedited visa services

[isawasnake]

I had all my financials in line, and I ended up going to savanakhet after dealing with a couple of very aggrivating immigration officials. one was because she just seemed to be uninformed at a temp location, and the other was I believe due to the large crowds and confusion. anyway, savanakhet is great. relaxing, stress free, and a nice little break. i prefer to drive.

[craigp]

It is a consulate, not an embassy.

Thus it is the same a business, a business in the business of selling visas and making profits on what they sell.

Different to an embassy.

So I believe.

Could be wrong.

Are consulates privately owned?

Savannakhet is an official Thai consulate and has the same authority as the consular section of an embassy.

Honorary Thai consulates are typically located at a business. They derive income from issuing visas They can only do visas and offer limited notary services. They cannot do Thai passports, birth certificates and etc.

Visa fees are the same at embassies, official consulates and honorary consulates. Non immigrant visas are 2000 baht for a single 5000 baht for a multiple and tourist visas 1000 baht per entry word wide. Exchange rates are often set favorably though on the side of the embassies and consulates.

Some honorary consulates charge an additional fee for expedited visa services

Joe, how is it you know virtually everything there is to know about Thailand rules? Are you secretly a Thai immigration lawyer or something? (silly comment, Thai lawyers don't seem to know anything except their fees)

[transam]

It is a consulate, not an embassy.

Thus it is the same a business, a business in the business of selling visas and making profits on what they sell.

Different to an embassy.

So I believe.

Could be wrong.

Are consulates privately owned?

Savannakhet is an official Thai consulate and has the same authority as the consular section of an embassy.

Honorary Thai consulates are typically located at a business. They derive income from issuing visas They can only do visas and offer limited notary services. They cannot do Thai passports, birth certificates and etc.

Visa fees are the same at embassies, official consulates and honorary consulates. Non immigrant visas are 2000 baht for a single 5000 baht for a multiple and tourist visas 1000 baht per entry word wide. Exchange rates are often set favorably though on the side of the embassies and consulates.

Some honorary consulates charge an additional fee for expedited visa services

Joe, how is it you know virtually everything there is to know about Thailand rules? Are you secretly a Thai immigration lawyer or something? (silly comment, Thai lawyers don't seem to know anything except their fees)

Because he is dedicated to helping us guys.............