Still Married but living in Thailand without wife

[sanuk48]

I have been reading TV for weeks now, but this is my first post. The many posts about the constantly changing obstacle course that is Thai visa renewal are a little worrying. I lived in Bangkok for 5 years in the 1980's and renewing a spouse visa for 3 months required 2 visits to Immigration no hassles, no need to show bank accounts or marinate money for 2+ months. The tax problems on departure were another matter. I am still married (30+ years) but my wife likes to spend as much time in Australia as I do in Thailand. We own a house in Chiang Mai and I can show 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account. My question is: if I can obtain a multiple entry Non Immigrant visa in Sydney (based on marriage) and travel to Thailand before my wife does will I have any problem exiting and re-entering Thailand? Thanks for any advice.

[nzexpat]

If you can obtain the visa you will have no problem entering or leaving Thailand. Be aware that a multiple-entry visas only allows 90 day stays before a trip to another country and return is required.

[sanuk48]

Thanks for the response. I'm pretty sure I can get the visa unless they change the rules before I get back to Sydney

[ubonjoe]

Sydney will issue a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage without the need for financial proof.

If your wife was here during the last 30 days of any of the 90 day entries the visa allows you could apply for a one year extension of stay based upon marriage. You would need to show 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months to apply.

[sanuk48]

Thanks, It looks like I won't have a problem. The staff at Sydney are pretty good. The only problem will be persuading my wife to spend more time in Thailand

[PEAP]

The current (23/03/2015)"Royal Thai Consulate Sydney" Form "A" States:- Requirements for any Thai Visa MUST include:- a) Passport [valid 6 months] b)Photocopy of personal information page of Passport AND c)One Australian size Photo 5X4 ETC. d)Proof of your residential address and its Photocopy, such as Driving Licence or Recent Utilities Bills (electricity etc. Or a photocopy of electronic Australian Visa (If you are not an Australian Citizen).

Additional for an O Visa based on a Thai Spouse/non Thai Spouse/Family Visit:-

a) Both Copy and original of Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate (to prove relationship between Applicant and Spouse/Family Member)

Additional for Thai Spouse is a copy of Thai National ID card or Passport and Thai house Registration Book (Family Blue Book)

Single entry AUD $90 Multiple entry AUD$225 {correct Money, no change available}

No mention nor need (for me any Cash/Income requirements)

EXACT copy of these requirements is available on Internet www.thaiconsulatesydney.org

[sanuk48]

Thanks for the update. It appears that nothing has changed. I'll keep my fingers crossed.