What advantages to visa based on marriage?

[paz]

I see. So specifically could I get that affidavit from my embassy in Singapore or does it have to be the Bangkok one?

Thanks in advance

It has to be, not surprisingly, the one in Bangkok.

[Arkady]

Rhetorical question: but if no financial proof is needed, than what stops a foreigner married to a Thai from heading to Laos to apply for a new Marriage Visa every year if he doesn't have the funds necessary for an extension based on marriage?

Nothing. Many people do that.

Hummm. Good to know. I always wonder what options farangs are going to have if their county's currency crashes against the Thai baht or the Thai baht appreciates against farang currencies. One day you're making 50K ฿ a month, the next you're making 25K ฿ because the exchange rate goes bonkers. "Bye bye honey. Say goodbye to the family and kids for me. The Thai government's kicking me out of the country because because I'm no longer 'making enough money' to stay in country. Hope you can find someone else to support you."

I do think about that - much too often in this day and age.

Russians just suffered a 50% currency devaluation.

[IMA_FARANG]

Right got it.

So basically if you have the 400k this would be the better choice.

1. Cheaper visa

2. Save on visa runs

3. Save on your life by not travelling in them mini vans.

-------------------------

But do you understand that if you have a marrigae extension of your Non O visa due to marriage to your Thai wife, and your Thai wife should die or you are divieced from her then your extension is canceled at that time?

That is on disadvantage of an annual visa extension baased on marriage to a Thai wife.

That's why many immigration offices will ask you to change to a retirement exension, versus a marriage extension when you reach 50 years and are eligable for one.

But that may not be the case for you.

[ubonjoe]

Hummm. Good to know. I always wonder what options farangs are going to have if their county's currency crashes against the Thai baht or the Thai baht appreciates against farang currencies. One day you're making 50K ฿ a month, the next you're making 25K ฿ because the exchange rate goes bonkers. "Bye bye honey. Say goodbye to the family and kids for me. The Thai government's kicking me out of the country because because I'm no longer 'making enough money' to stay in country. Hope you can find someone else to support you."

I do think about that - much too often in this day and age.

Russians just suffered a 50% currency devaluation.

For most people it is not the the value of their currency to the baht it is the US dollar because that is the benchmark currency used.

I am good for my extensions down to the exchange rate before 1997. Thailand would never allow it get down to that level. because it would kill exports.

[longstebe]

Right got it.

So basically if you have the 400k this would be the better choice.

1. Cheaper visa

2. Save on visa runs

3. Save on your life by not travelling in them mini vans.

-------------------------

But do you understand that if you have a marrigae extension of your Non O visa due to marriage to your Thai wife, and your Thai wife should die or you are divieced from her then your extension is canceled at that time?

That is on disadvantage of an annual visa extension baased on marriage to a Thai wife.

That's why many immigration offices will ask you to change to a retirement exension, versus a marriage extension when you reach 50 years and are eligable for one.

But that may not be the case for you.

It makes sense really, let's hope she doesn't pop her cloggs or leave me for a handsome man.

I'll have to wait 10 years for a retirement visa.

[Arkady]

I have never done either but my understanding from friends who have is that retirement is easier because there is no need for the officer to verify that your marriage is genuine. You to prove bank balance or income for both. So officials often recommend you to do retirement, if you are over 50 and have no problem with the higher financial hurdle. If your wife dies or becomes unavailable for other reasons, your marriage extension is still valid until it expires. If you have Thai children, you can get an extension on that basis.

Officers are also conscious that many wives have jobs and find it inconvenient to take half a day off to go to Immigration.

If you are working or applying for jobs, then marriage extension can have advantages as it is not tied to your employment like a NON-B and does not prohibit work like a retirement extension. However, for those in a stable job with a large company a NON-B is the best option because the company will do all the paperwork for you and there is no need to drag the missus to Immigration.

[chrisinth]

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Right got it.

So basically if you have the 400k this would be the better choice.

1. Cheaper visa
2. Save on visa runs
3. Save on your life by not travelling in them mini vans.

-------------------------

But do you understand that if you have a marrigae extension of your Non O visa due to marriage to your Thai wife, and your Thai wife should die or you are divieced from her then your extension is canceled at that time?

That is on disadvantage of an annual visa extension baased on marriage to a Thai wife.

That's why many immigration offices will ask you to change to a retirement exension, versus a marriage extension when you reach 50 years and are eligable for one.

But that may not be the case for you.

Perhaps someone could clarify that point about the extension being void after the death of a Thai spouse. This happened to a friend not too long ago and as far as I am aware, he was allowed to remain in Thailand until his extension expired.

As for immigration pushing people for the retirement extension, I understood that it was because of less paperwork and no under consideration period.

Certainly not saying you are wrong in your post, but the above is my understanding................

[ubonjoe]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

-------------------------

But do you understand that if you have a marrigae extension of your Non O visa due to marriage to your Thai wife, and your Thai wife should die or you are divieced from her then your extension is canceled at that time?

That is on disadvantage of an annual visa extension baased on marriage to a Thai wife.

That's why many immigration offices will ask you to change to a retirement exension, versus a marriage extension when you reach 50 years and are eligable for one.

But that may not be the case for you.

Perhaps someone could clarify that point about the extension being void after the death of a Thai spouse. This happened to a friend not too long ago and as far as I am aware, he was allowed to remain in Thailand until his extension expired.

As for immigration pushing people for the retirement extension, I understood that it was because of less paperwork and no under consideration period.

Certainly not saying you are wrong in your post, but the above is my understanding................

The extension ends on the date a divorce is effective. But there would be plenty of time to prepare.. Divorces don't happen immediately. Some people have even gone out for a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage before the divorce since it does not away when the divorce is done.

In case of the spouses death the extension remains valid until it expires. The latest acknowledgement of the conditions for an extension of stay you sign states that now.. See: acknow_con2stay.pdf

[chrisinth]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

-------------------------
But do you understand that if you have a marrigae extension of your Non O visa due to marriage to your Thai wife, and your Thai wife should die or you are divieced from her then your extension is canceled at that time?
That is on disadvantage of an annual visa extension baased on marriage to a Thai wife.
That's why many immigration offices will ask you to change to a retirement exension, versus a marriage extension when you reach 50 years and are eligable for one.
But that may not be the case for you.

Perhaps someone could clarify that point about the extension being void after the death of a Thai spouse. This happened to a friend not too long ago and as far as I am aware, he was allowed to remain in Thailand until his extension expired.

As for immigration pushing people for the retirement extension, I understood that it was because of less paperwork and no under consideration period.

Certainly not saying you are wrong in your post, but the above is my understanding................ alt=wai.gif width=20 height=20>

The extension ends on the a divorce is effective. But there would be plenty of time to prepare.. Divorces don't happen immediately. Some people have even gone out for a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage before the divorce since it does not away when the divorce is done.

In case of the spouses death the extension is remains valid until it expires. The latest acknowledgement of the conditions for an extension of stay you sign states it even. See: acknow_con2stay.pdf

Cheers Joe.

[Ballbearing]

"My business is in Vietnam and I travel there EVERY month, usually twice. I've been based in Thailand or Vietnam for 6 years. I'm married to a Thai. I've never bothered to get a Thai visa as I just always enter under the 30 day stamp."

I thought this option was no longer available due to the restrictions in the use of multiple visa-excempt entries per year. Am I missing something?

There is no limit on the number of visa exempt entries that can be done within any amount of time.

The only restriction is staying for the full 30 days and then leaving and re-entering immediately to get another entry.

I am in a similar situation - I work 4 weeks in Malaysia and then have 1 week R&R at home in Thailand.

Have been doing this for 5 years on the 30 day tourist visas.

Took my visiting daughter and father to Angkor Wat for 3 days and on return through Immigration in Poipet was stopped and told due to new laws (more than 6 entries in a calendar year) I could not enter without my departing plane ticket and TBH 20,000 cash.

Had the money no problem but my ticket was back in Buriram.

After a lot of dicking around (they fortunately let me use their computer to access my e-mail) finally got through.

First thing I will be doing on my return to Malaysia is to get my Non Immigrant O with multiple entries.

Ubonjoe,

Can you please confirm whether or not I need minimum funds for the Non Immigrant O or is that just for the marriage / retirement extensions of stay ?

Reason I ask is with the very low Aussie dollar I have substantial funds sitting offshore that I don't want to put in my Thai bank till the exchange rate improves.

Cheers,

BB

[ubonjoe]

"My business is in Vietnam and I travel there EVERY month, usually twice. I've been based in Thailand or Vietnam for 6 years. I'm married to a Thai. I've never bothered to get a Thai visa as I just always enter under the 30 day stamp."

I thought this option was no longer available due to the restrictions in the use of multiple visa-excempt entries per year. Am I missing something?

There is no limit on the number of visa exempt entries that can be done within any amount of time.

The only restriction is staying for the full 30 days and then leaving and re-entering immediately to get another entry.

I am in a similar situation - I work 4 weeks in Malaysia and then have 1 week R&R at home in Thailand.

Have been doing this for 5 years on the 30 day tourist visas.

Took my visiting daughter and father to Angkor Wat for 3 days and on return through Immigration in Poipet was stopped and told due to new laws (more than 6 entries in a calendar year) I could not enter without my departing plane ticket and TBH 20,000 cash.

Had the money no problem but my ticket was back in Buriram.

After a lot of dicking around (they fortunately let me use their computer to access my e-mail) finally got through.

First thing I will be doing on my return to Malaysia is to get my Non Immigrant O with multiple entries.

Ubonjoe,

Can you please confirm whether or not I need minimum funds for the Non Immigrant O or is that just for the marriage / retirement extensions of stay ?

Reason I ask is with the very low Aussie dollar I have substantial funds sitting offshore that I don't want to put in my Thai bank till the exchange rate improves.

Cheers,

BB

You will find at border crossings they tend to make up their own rules. Just staying for a week at a time and being out for 4 weeks certainly does not break any rules.

Not sure where you plan on getting the non-o visa in Malaysia. Penang is the only location that will do them and will want to see proof of 40k baht income or 400k baht in the bank.

[paz]

Have been doing this for 5 years on the 30 day tourist visas.

30 days visa exempt entry, not "tourist visa".

Took my visiting daughter and father to Angkor Wat for 3 days and on return through Immigration in Poipet was stopped and told due to new laws (more than 6 entries in a calendar year) I could not enter without my departing plane ticket and TBH 20,000 cash.

Had the money no problem but my ticket was back in Buriram.

After a lot of dicking around (they fortunately let me use their computer to access my e-mail) finally got through.

BB

Your experience sheds some light about this "max 6 entries" story that has been popping up recently.

There is no new law of any kind. Apparently what there is, is a warning system that triggers a stricter check on requirements that always existed (exit ticket and funds), but were rarely enforced.

[craigp]

Just for everyone's benefit, (including mine.)

The first marriage extension, the 400k has to be seasoned for 3 months.

The second annual extension, the money has to be seasoned for 2 months?

Can anyone confirm this please?

[ubonjoe]

Just for everyone's benefit, (including mine.)

The first marriage extension, the 400k has to be seasoned for 3 months.

The second annual extension, the money has to be seasoned for 2 months?

Can anyone confirm this please?

It has to be in the bank on the date you apply for 2 months for every extension. There is no 3 month requirement for the first one.

[Lite Beer]

Yep. 2 months every extension.

[Boycie]

Just for everyone's benefit, (including mine.)

The first marriage extension, the 400k has to be seasoned for 3 months.

The second annual extension, the money has to be seasoned for 2 months?

Can anyone confirm this please?

It has to be in the bank on the date you apply for 2 months for every extension. There is no 3 month requirement for the first one.

Does the 400k money have to stay in the bank after the application of extension, for the 30 days under consideration period?

[paz]

Does the 400k money have to stay in the bank after the application of extension, for the 30 days under consideration period?

No.

[ubonjoe]

Does the 400k money have to stay in the bank after the application of extension, for the 30 days under consideration period?

No.

There have been reports of immigration checking to see if the money was still in bank during the approval process. You can take a small amount out but I would not recommend taking all the money out of the account.