Married with kid, need visa

[collegefootballguy]

Hi, I'm a recent immigrant to Thailand from the US. My wife is Thai and we have a son. Currently, I have a 30-day visa-on-arrival that is about to expire, so I need to get an extension ASAP. We have tried to call immigration several times to get answers on the visa process, but they never answer, so I thought I'd try this forum. We live in Bangkok where my wife works, and I'm currently on a gardening leave receiving paychecks from my previous employer, but my wife is registered as living in Chonburi. My first question is, should we go to the Changwattana office or the Sriracha office for a visa extension? Second question is, what kind of visa extension am I eligible to get as a married farang (not old enough for the retirement visa yet)? Last week I wired 400K baht from my US bank account to my Thai account. I've seen some places mention that this money needs to sit in my account for two months before I'm eligible for a 1-year marriage visa, but others places make no mention of this. Thanks for any help. We are planning to make the trip to immigration this week.

[paz]

You can obtain a 60 days extension for the purpose of visiting wife. Just search for these words and you will find countless threads about it.

[collegefootballguy]

You can obtain a 60 days extension for the purpose of visiting wife. Just search for these words and you will find countless threads about it.

Thank you, this is what we thought initially. However, we are still unsure which office to visit, Changwatta or Sriracha. Also, I'm currently earning more than 40K baht/month on gardening leave, paid to my US bank account. Could I ask my company to send a letter verifying this and qualify for a 1-year visa based on my monthly income, rather than bank account?

[paz]

You can obtain a 60 days extension for the purpose of visiting wife. Just search for these words and you will find countless threads about it.

Thank you, this is what we thought initially. However, we are still unsure which office to visit, Changwatta or Sriracha. Also, I'm currently earning more than 40K baht/month on gardening leave, paid to my US bank account. Could I ask my company to send a letter verifying this and qualify for a 1-year visa based on my monthly income, rather than bank account?

Personally I would go to the office where your wife house registration is located, if possible. If not, to the most convenient.

For the 60 days extension, you do not need to show any financial proof.

For the 1 year ext. I think the best way to do it, is to get an affidavit about your income made at the US embassy.

[Maestro]

Collegefootballguy, you say that you arrived without a visa and got permission to stay for 30, but you don't say how long you plan to stay on this visit to Thailand. This information would be useful to give you specific advice.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[collegefootballguy]

Collegefootballguy, you say that you arrived without a visa and got permission to stay for 30, but you don't say how long you plan to stay on this visit to Thailand. This information would be useful to give you specific advice.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I plan to remain in Thailand for at least 10 years and raise my son here. I hope to obtain a work visa and a job at some point, but earn enough from investments to cover basic living expenses.

[ubonjoe]

Since you are living in Bangkok that is where you will have to do the extension. Your wife's house book registration does not change that. You will need proof of residence for Bangkok though.

In order to get the one year extension you need a non immigrant visa entry. You can do conversion to one from your entry but you need at least 15 days remaining on it though.

I suggest you first apply for a 60 day extension first.. Your wife will need to go with you when you apply. You will need your marriage certificate, wife's house book and ID card (plus copies). You will need proof of residence also which can be a rental agreement.

While you are at immigration ask them for a list of what they require to do the conversion to the non immigrant visa entry. The 400k baht in the bank in your name only will be enough to do the conversion. It does not need to be in the bank for 60 days until you do the extension about 60 days after you get the visa entry.

After you get the 60 day extension you can do the conversion as soon as you have all the required documents. You don't have wait until you are near the end of the extension but must do it before the 15 days remaining point.

[collegefootballguy]

You will need proof of residence also which can be a rental agreement.

Thank you for this info. Would a utility bill suffice as proof of residence? We live in a condo registered to a family member and pay no rent.

[ubonjoe]

A letter from the owner of the condo stating you are living there along with signed copies of their house book and ID card would be best.

They might accept the utility bill if it has yours or your wife's name on it.