brewsterbudgen Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I have lived here 10 years and have an extension of stay and work permit (I'm British). My GF of 5 years is from Laos and has managed to live in Thailand for 6+ years through 30-day visa exempt out-in border runs and visits home, without any issues. We now have a 6-month old baby. Following the crackdown on allowing Laotians to do out-in border runs (at Cambodian borders), in order to stay legal has meant her travelling all the way back from Pattaya via Ubon to Southern Laos, staying a night, and then re-entering at Chong Mek. I had hoped that this might only be temporary but the word we have is that it is continuing. A 2-day/3-night trip every month is not going to be sustainable indefinitely, especially with the baby, so I am exploring other options. Can I get her added to my Extension of Stay, even though we are not married? I am shown as the father on my son's Thai birth certificate, and obviously both my GF and son are entirely dependent on me. Unfortunately getting married is not straightforward as the documents required from Laos will be difficult, time-consuming and expensive to get, especially as we now have a child. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oncearugge Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 No! Not unless you marry her. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Why not take a trip to Vientene and get a proper visa? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksam Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Does your child's birth certificate mean that he/she is a thai national? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritTim Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Was the baby born in Laos or Thailand? In the back of my mind, I seem to remember the mother of a child born in Thailand could stay here in some circumstances. Others may be able to flesh out the details. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post oncearugge Posted October 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2015 Does your child's birth certificate mean that he/she is a thai national? A child can only be Thai if one or both of the parents are Thai 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted October 2, 2015 Author Share Posted October 2, 2015 Why not take a trip to Vientene and get a proper visa? What would be the proper visa - a Tourist visa? Or could she get an O visa? Does your child's birth certificate mean that he/she is a thai national? No, in time I hope he'll be British/Laotian. Was the baby born in Laos or Thailand? In the back of my mind, I seem to remember the mother of a child born in Thailand could stay here in some circumstances. Others may be able to flesh out the details. Yes, our son was born in Pattaya. If anyone can flesh out the details on the exception you refer to, it would be great. Do you think a Visa Company/Specialist might be able to help? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Your girl friend does not qualify for a visa or extension as your dependent. If you were to get married she could. To avoid the border runs for exempt her only choice is to get a tourist visa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Was the baby born in Laos or Thailand? In the back of my mind, I seem to remember the mother of a child born in Thailand could stay here in some circumstances. Others may be able to flesh out the details. There no such visa or extension based upon being the parent of a non Thai child born here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimMagee Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 (edited) After living in Thailand for several years, I moved to Vientiane - and I love it here. Everything here is easier, especially getting a visa. Although life is a bit more expensive here, Vientiane is a very westernized city. It would be easier for you and your family to make a life in Laos - as far as visas go - than for you to live in Thailand. Consider making the move - I'll never live in Thailand again. But, if you plan to marry, do it in Thailand - it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Lao girl in Laos - it is possible, but it can take months or years to get approval. Edited October 3, 2015 by JimMagee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Soutpeel Posted October 3, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted October 3, 2015 After living in Thailand for several years, I moved to Vientiane - and I love it here. Everything here is easier, especially getting a visa. Although life is a bit more expensive here, Vientiane is a very westernized city. It would be easier for you and your family to make a life in Laos - as far as visas go - than for you to live in Thailand. Consider making the move - I'll never live in Thailand again. But, if you plan to marry, do it in Thailand - it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Lao girl in Laos - it is possible, but it can take months or years to get approval. And how do you propose the OP continues to work in Thsiland then ? Fly in fly out every day ? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lite Beer Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Is it not possible for the lady to register as a migrant worker or something? Plenty of Lao people do this. Maybe the OP can employ her. Just thinking out loud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 (edited) Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. Edited October 3, 2015 by brewsterbudgen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derator01 Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 An inappropriate post has been removed from view. Show other members respect or don't post. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transam Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 I was at Chong Mek Wednesday, they had new signs up on the re-entry side about stopping border runs (Not M-O). Tourist and 30 days were mentioned. It would be great if anyone doing a run at Chong Mek could read the notice properly as my eyes ain't to good to read it carefully.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gringogazzer Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 The wife (Lao) & I have an agent do our visas at Savannakhet. Called this week & she said for my wife's tourist visa they require confirmed hotel & bank statement. But also said give it a week or two to see if they've eased up. Lao people seem to be getting caught right up in the mess. Make sure she's got her ducks in a row if they won't give her an exempt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksam Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 OP, seems you have some messy options. What documentation is required for your gf if you were to marry her in your own country. If possible, how would a marriage certificate sit with thai immigration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwe_rayong Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Hi brewster, one way could be that your GF searchs a job, maybe only on paper but it will cost you a yearly fee... The other way would be to marry your GF in another country. Not all countries need the permission of the homeland. I think in this region Hong Kong is fairly easy. You may check this (old) topic: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/558297-marrying-a-laos-girl-in-thailand/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soutpeel Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. As weird as it sounds could not get her a WP as a nanny to a Laos child in your care ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gringogazzer Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. They have a visa in the UK for marrying but not residing. Would take a lot of requirements same as a tourist visa for your girl, but worth an hour or two reading as your British. Marrying in Hong Kong you'd need the Nai Bahn to sign off on it, affirmation freedom to marry, but UK marriage visa I'm not sure. I didn't for fiancé visa. Then get the Lao embassy in France to translate & sign it off. Be my 1st read anyway if marriage is the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SADWING Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 I'm in the same exact boat, my friend. Literally, the same damn boat. I sent you a private message. Please check your inbox. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrahamzvi Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. If I were you, I would approach the Laos Embassy (in Bangkok??) or their Consulate General in Khon Kaen and get the necessary, reliable information regarding marriage. It may not be as difficult, as some say. I really wouldn't know, but it's worth a try. Isn't it??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 I'm in the same exact boat, my friend. Literally, the same damn boat. I sent you a private message. Please check your inbox. Thanks for the PM - I've replied... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. They have a visa in the UK for marrying but not residing.Would take a lot of requirements same as a tourist visa for your girl, but worth an hour or two reading as your British. Marrying in Hong Kong you'd need the Nai Bahn to sign off on it, affirmation freedom to marry, but UK marriage visa I'm not sure. I didn't for fiancé visa. Then get the Lao embassy in France to translate & sign it off. Be my 1st read anyway if marriage is the way. Thanks. I"ve looked into marrying in the UK, and long term that's a good solution. However, I'll need to get my son a UK passport and my GF a visa, so it's not a practical solution for the next few months. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. I'm still hopeful that the option of the 30-day border run to Cambodia will become available again - the agent she uses has told her he expects it to. In the meantime she'll have to another trip home next week. We will also look at a multi-entry tourist visa if we have to, in November. Most of her relatives have just decided to overstay, but I want her to stay legal. Living in Laos is not really an option as Soutpeel points out, my work is in Bangkok. Also my GF is from a very poor village near Pakse, which offers little in the way of work or comforts. After 6 years living in Thailand, it's not what she wants or what I want for my son. Marriage (and then a dependent visa) is my preferred option, but the feedback I've had from her family back in Laos when they looked into getting the documentation together, is it's "too difficult". If there was an agent in Thailand who could process it, I would certainly consider using them. However, the agents I've approached don't seem to have Laos contacts. As weird as it sounds could not get her a WP as a nanny to a Laos child in your care ? This is the exactly the kind of idea I was hoping for! Many Laotians and other ASEAN nationals get migrant worker cards for domestic service, so this might well be an option. Thanks for the suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfaroukh Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Find out if they accept religious marriage. I heard people can get married this way but have no court paper, but will be given some prof that they are married by religious or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oncearugge Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 Find out if they accept religious marriage. I heard people can get married this way but have no court paper, but will be given some prof that they are married by religious or something like that. A "religious" marriage in Thailand is not recognised as being a legal, valid, marriage in Thailand or anywhere else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tropo Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 After living in Thailand for several years, I moved to Vientiane - and I love it here. Everything here is easier, especially getting a visa. Although life is a bit more expensive here, Vientiane is a very westernized city. It would be easier for you and your family to make a life in Laos - as far as visas go - than for you to live in Thailand. Consider making the move - I'll never live in Thailand again. But, if you plan to marry, do it in Thailand - it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Lao girl in Laos - it is possible, but it can take months or years to get approval. What kind of visa can you get in Laos that is easier than a retirement visa in Thailand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oncearugge Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 After living in Thailand for several years, I moved to Vientiane - and I love it here. Everything here is easier, especially getting a visa. Although life is a bit more expensive here, Vientiane is a very westernized city. It would be easier for you and your family to make a life in Laos - as far as visas go - than for you to live in Thailand. Consider making the move - I'll never live in Thailand again. But, if you plan to marry, do it in Thailand - it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Lao girl in Laos - it is possible, but it can take months or years to get approval. What kind of visa can you get in Laos that is easier than a retirement visa in Thailand? There is no "retirement Visa" available in Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tropo Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 After living in Thailand for several years, I moved to Vientiane - and I love it here. Everything here is easier, especially getting a visa. Although life is a bit more expensive here, Vientiane is a very westernized city. It would be easier for you and your family to make a life in Laos - as far as visas go - than for you to live in Thailand. Consider making the move - I'll never live in Thailand again. But, if you plan to marry, do it in Thailand - it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Lao girl in Laos - it is possible, but it can take months or years to get approval. What kind of visa can you get in Laos that is easier than a retirement visa in Thailand? There is no "retirement Visa" available in Thailand. LOL. Please voice your concerns here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858802-retirement-visa-by-any-other-name/ 6 pages on that topic just this week.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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