Are multiple entry marriage visas still available in Savannakhet?

[patrickl]

My 1-year visa extension for marriage is expiring in 2 months and I was wondering if those multiple entry visas in Savannakhet are still available? The reason is because I can't afford to have the 400k locked in a bank account for 3 months because we just had a baby 7 months ago and there's so much to pay. I'd rather go back to the multiple entry marriage visa for this time and then do the 1-year extension next year again.

[ubonjoe]

The money only has to be in the bank for 2 months to apply for an extension based upon marriage.

You can still get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage in Savannakhet with no financial proof needed.

[patrickl]

The money only has to be in the bank for 2 months to apply for an extension based upon marriage.

You can still get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage in Savannakhet with no financial proof needed.

I had it in there for 2 1/2 months last year and they made a huge deal out of it, saying I needed it in there for 3 months when renewing. 2 months only applied when you did the visa the first time. They sent me back home and told me to come back after it was there for 3 months. Even spoke with 4 different counters at Chang Wattana immigration, they all said the same. Not sure if they changed it again, but that was my experience a year ago.

Anyways, thanks a lot for the answer. I'll head to Savannakhet soon then

[ubonjoe]

It has been 2 months since 2008, Somebody at CW was confusing marriage with retirement. For retirement is is 60 days then 3 months.

[elviajero]

The good news is that your son is going to help you out.

As you have a Thai son you don't need to show the money in the account for 2 or 3 months. You only have to show the 400,000 in the account on the day of the application.

If you didn't have a son you would only be eligible based on marriage and would need the money in an account for 2 months like last year.

Go to your bank on the day of application, and if you don't have 400k in the account then top it up. Get your passbook updated and a letter from the bank confirming you have 400k in the account. That's all that's needed by immigration.

After you've completed the application you can withdraw the money again if you need to. Immigration can ask to see proof again, but it's unlikely, and again all you'd need to do is repeat the bank exercise.

If you don't have all the money try and borrow it for a day then you won't have to mess around with getting a new visa.

[paz]

elviajero, OP can't apply for extension based on having a son while he's married. That takes precedence.

[elviajero]

elviajero, OP can't apply for extension based on having a son while he's married. That takes precedence.

Sorry Paz but I disagree. It is a brand new application for an extension to an Non O visa. Not an extension to an extension.

There's no precedence that I can see, but I'm happy for you to prove me wrong.

[paz]

Sorry Paz but I disagree. It is a brand new application for an extension to an Non O visa. Not an extension to an extension.

There's no precedence that I can see, but I'm happy for you to prove me wrong.

Just search the forum for postings from ubonjoe. When one is married, cannot apply based on having another Thai relative. Doesn't matter if new application or extension of an existing one. It even makes sense, otherwise a married father with no children would be given an unfair disadvantage.

[elviajero]

Sorry Paz but I disagree. It is a brand new application for an extension to an Non O visa. Not an extension to an extension.

There's no precedence that I can see, but I'm happy for you to prove me wrong.

Just search the forum for postings from ubonjoe. When one is married, cannot apply based on having another Thai relative. Doesn't matter if new application or extension of an existing one. It even makes sense, otherwise a married father with no children would be given an unfair disadvantage.

I am married. I have a son. My first few applications were made based on marriage and I always maintained a minimum of 400k in my account. Then my son was born. Forgetting about my impending extension I took the balance way below 400k. Babies are bloody expensive! I realised the problem prior to my extension and went to see immigration. They told me that because I have a son the 2 month rule does not apply, and I just needed at least 400k deposited before application. So for the last two extensions, at two different offices, I have provided a letter from the bank confirming a balance of 400k, and both applications didn't touch the sides.

Parent or Spouse come under the same extension 'Reasons of Necessity' and there's nothing in the 'Criteria for Consideration' that states that you must be a single parent for the criteria for parents to apply or that marriage takes precedence. Therefore, a married man with a Thai child can apply under the parent criteria.

"married father with no children" made me smile. Assuming you mean that a married man with no children is disadvantaged I agree. Having two different rules for reasons that crossover is nonsensical. Why should a husband need the money in for two months but a parent not!

So unless you can show me something official in writing I'll stand by my advice to the OP based on my actual real life experience, direct advice from immigration, and what I read in the extension criteria & conditions.

OP if any of this is of interest to you just go to your local office ahead of time, and a tell them you are married, with a child, and ask if a letter from the bank is sufficient.

[paz]

So unless you can show me something official in writing I'll stand by my advice to the OP based on my actual real life experience, direct advice from immigration, and what I read in the extension criteria & conditions.

I'm not going to show you anything. Other people's first hand experiences are here on this forum for anyone to read. If married, cannot have extension for a son. You were lucky that the policy was not applied in your case.

[elviajero]

So unless you can show me something official in writing I'll stand by my advice to the OP based on my actual real life experience, direct advice from immigration, and what I read in the extension criteria & conditions.

I'm not going to show you anything. Other people's first hand experiences are here on this forum for anyone to read. If married, cannot have extension for a son. You were lucky that the policy was not applied in your case.

So my first hand experience doesn't count?

I do exactly what you say can't be done, and I've done it twice based on policy advice from immigration. No luck involved. Maybe it's others that have been misinformed.

Let's agree to disagree.

Wise edit!

[paz]

So my first hand experience doesn't count?

I do exactly what you say can't be done, and I've done it twice based on policy advice from immigration. No luck involved. Maybe it's others that have been misinformed.

There are reports of people leaving while on overstay and not paying any fine based on a nice conversation. Or others being denied a rightful application for no good reason. Individual experiences do not count when opposite to a know policy. Anyway, the thread is open for others to intervene, including the OP if he wants to follow your advice. He only risk wasting time plus the cost and complications of borrowing.

I stand by my position, if married with children, and money not seasoned in bank = no yearly extension granted. Can only obtain 60 days extension, once per entry.

[MZurf]

The money only has to be in the bank for 2 months to apply for an extension based upon marriage.

You can still get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage in Savannakhet with no financial proof needed.

I had it in there for 2 1/2 months last year and they made a huge deal out of it, saying I needed it in there for 3 months when renewing. 2 months only applied when you did the visa the first time. They sent me back home and told me to come back after it was there for 3 months. Even spoke with 4 different counters at Chang Wattana immigration, they all said the same. Not sure if they changed it again, but that was my experience a year ago.

Anyways, thanks a lot for the answer. I'll head to Savannakhet soon then

I've had exactly the same experience in Pattaya for the last six years. They are requiring the money in the bank for 3 months for the renewal of extension based on marriage.

[ubonjoe]

The money only has to be in the bank for 2 months to apply for an extension based upon marriage.

You can still get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage in Savannakhet with no financial proof needed.

I had it in there for 2 1/2 months last year and they made a huge deal out of it, saying I needed it in there for 3 months when renewing. 2 months only applied when you did the visa the first time. They sent me back home and told me to come back after it was there for 3 months. Even spoke with 4 different counters at Chang Wattana immigration, they all said the same. Not sure if they changed it again, but that was my experience a year ago.

Anyways, thanks a lot for the answer. I'll head to Savannakhet soon then

I've had exactly the same experience in Pattaya for the last six years. They are requiring the money in the bank for 3 months for the renewal of extension based on marriage.

Your experience is different than many other reports that state that Jomtien goes by the written rules and only require the money to be in the bank for 2 months.

Perhaps you were told that for your first extension and have been doing it the same way for all those years.

[DinoSabanovic]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

I was there in January and got multiple entry non O for 5000 thb.

Trip from Korat and back, hotel, E20 for my car roughly 850km, food and other expenses with 1500 thb Laos visa, only 9000 thb with 5000 thb Thai visa.

It is 2 days trip is little hard for all that but it can be done.

If you want, you can stay 2-3 days there and look around.

Hope this helps.

[ubonjoe]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

Nonsense.

Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof. There have been many many reports of this and several of them have been since you got your visa.

[DinoSabanovic]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

Nonsense.

Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof. There have been many many reports of this and several of them have been since you got your visa.

I'm not sure where I said that one needs 400k.

What I meant is that if someone don't have 400k then should not waste time and try to borrow, loan etc. but go in Savannakhet consulate and get visa with 9000 thb total expenses.

[ubonjoe]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

Nonsense.

Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof. There have been many many reports of this and several of them have been since you got your visa.

I'm not sure where I said that one needs 400k.

What I meant is that if someone don't have 400k then should not waste time and try to borrow, loan etc. but go in Savannakhet consulate and get visa with 9000 thb total expenses.

The subject was about getting a visa in Savannakhet and I quoted the first line of you post. Which was then followed by info on your trip to get one. To me and I think most other people it appeared you were saying not to waste your time going there unless you had 400k.

[DinoSabanovic]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

Nonsense.

Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof. There have been many many reports of this and several of them have been since you got your visa.

I'm not sure where I said that one needs 400k.

What I meant is that if someone don't have 400k then should not waste time and try to borrow, loan etc. but go in Savannakhet consulate and get visa with 9000 thb total expenses.

The subject was about getting a visa in Savannakhet and I quoted the first line of you post. Which was then followed by info on your trip to get one. To me and I think most other people it appeared you were saying not to waste your time going there unless you had 400k.

Sorry about that.

Anyway, multiple entry non O is available and still cheap alternative. Much better than begging someone to borrow money.

[elviajero]

Sorry about that.

Anyway, multiple entry non O is available and still cheap alternative. Much better than begging someone to borrow money.

You've nothing to apologise for! Your post was clear relative to the preceding comments.

[elviajero]

So my first hand experience doesn't count?

I do exactly what you say can't be done, and I've done it twice based on policy advice from immigration. No luck involved. Maybe it's others that have been misinformed.

There are reports of people leaving while on overstay and not paying any fine based on a nice conversation. Or others being denied a rightful application for no good reason. Individual experiences do not count when opposite to a know policy. Anyway, the thread is open for others to intervene, including the OP if he wants to follow your advice. He only risk wasting time plus the cost and complications of borrowing.

I stand by my position, if married with children, and money not seasoned in bank = no yearly extension granted. Can only obtain 60 days extension, once per entry.

Clearly the OP wants to go the visa route and I wish him luck. But although our debate is irrelevant I want to reply for the record.

"He only risk wasting time plus the cost and complication of borrowing."

My advice included a final statement that advised him to check with the immigration office before applying to get the definitive answer. thereby, not wasting either time or money or relying on any one opinion. By borrowing I was meaning from a friend or family which would not cost anything or be complicated.

"Known policy"

Any policy must be in writing somewhere otherwise it's unenforceable. Your claim is only supported by posts on the forum which form your 'known policy". The only "known policy" I have access to is the Immigration Act, and the Police Order 327/2557 verified by the Commissionaire of the Immigration Bureau that details the Criteria and Conditions for Consideration of an Alien's Application for a Temporary Stay in the Kingdom. Neither they or two independent immigration offices support your claim.

Order 327, my actual experience, and advice from immigration support mine; therefore, I have to assume that other Married Fathers were wrongly treated by the immigration offices administering their applications. That is not unusual. Even in this thread we are told that some offices are insisting on 400k for 3 months when the rule is unequivocally 2 months. Wrong application of the rules by immigration offices is undisputed, and another reason why, based on known facts, I dispute your claim.

If the condition in order 327 specified Single Parent then you would be absolutely right, but it doesn't. And if we want to consider your precedence argument the condition for Parent comes before Spouse. I see no good reason why a married father should be treated differently to a single father.

My advice has fact behind it with written "known policy". I know you won't, but if you or someone else can show me written "known policy" supporting your claim I'd love to see it. I'm here to learn and if I'm proven wrong, great. If all you have is forum members that may or may not be victim to possible wrong treatment by immigration officials your argument is weak.

I advised the OP to check with the immigration office first himself. If you are going to continue advising people on this subject you should do the same, because I am living proof that your stubborn position is wrong.

[paz]

"Known policy"

Any policy must be in writing somewhere otherwise it's unenforceable.

That could be true in another country, not in Thailand. I can give examples of unwritten policies that are very well enforced, but we would go off topic.

What you fail to understand is that in your case you have been lucky, because it does not make sense that just for having a child the seasoning requirement goes away. Immigration does not allow people to exploit this (only apparent) loophole. When married cannot apply for extension having another Thai relative.

[elviajero]

"Known policy"

Any policy must be in writing somewhere otherwise it's unenforceable.

That could be true in another country, not in Thailand. I can give examples of unwritten policies that are very well enforced, but we would go off topic.

What you fail to understand is that in your case you have been lucky, because it does not make sense that just for having a child the seasoning requirement goes away. Immigration does not allow people to exploit this (only apparent) loophole. When married cannot apply for extension having another Thai relative.

Ok I concede that enforceability is questionable in Thailand, but actually my comment was irrelevant to the point I was making.

It makes absolute sense that when becoming a father means one qualifies for the conditions applied to a parent, and therefore relaxation of the 2 month rule.

Your final two sentences simply aren't true.

Immigration does "allow people to exploit this (only apparent) loophole" because they did for me. Although I don't believe a loophole exists.

When married one can "apply for extension having another Thai relative" because they did it for me.

Given my luck I'm off to buy a lottery ticket.

[kanook]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

I was there in January and got multiple entry non O for 5000 thb.

Trip from Korat and back, hotel, E20 for my car roughly 850km, food and other expenses with 1500 thb Laos visa, only 9000 thb with 5000 thb Thai visa.

It is 2 days trip is little hard for all that but it can be done.

If you want, you can stay 2-3 days there and look around.

Hope this helps

Dino, I am planning this trip in May. Did you leave your car on the Thai side or did you drive it across the border? I would greatly appreciate any other insights or tips you may have.

Thank you, Kanook.

[elviajero]

Don't waste time if you don't have 400k.

I was there in January and got multiple entry non O for 5000 thb.

Trip from Korat and back, hotel, E20 for my car roughly 850km, food and other expenses with 1500 thb Laos visa, only 9000 thb with 5000 thb Thai visa.

It is 2 days trip is little hard for all that but it can be done.

If you want, you can stay 2-3 days there and look around.

Hope this helps

Dino, I am planning this trip in May. Did you leave your car on the Thai side or did you drive it across the border? I would greatly appreciate any other insights or tips you may have.

Thank you, Kanook.

I enquired about taking my car over a few years ago, but didn't bother as it was too much hassle.

Before heading to the border you need to go to the Vehicle Registration Office to get a special book which is like a passport for the car. I believe that you can't get this if you have finance on the car. It's used to check the car in and out of each country.

Once on the Lao side you have to get Lao Insurance. No idea of the cost.

Thats about all I know, and it's old info so I can't be sure it's still the same process, but I doubt it's changed.