NonB extension switched to extension based on marriage: complicated or cake-walk?

[Sadiesan]

SITUATION: I have been living with my fiance in BKK for one year, working as an English Teacher, and staying on a Non-B Visa + Work Permit. We've just married during the holidays! <3 <3 <3

We will relocate to Chiang Mai in the next month (husband moves up now, I stay behind to finish work in BKK). I have already accepted a job offer in CM (to begin late May 2016) and a rental home is now leased.

DETAILS: I'm a USA female and also the primary 'bread-winner' of our family (if that at all is relevant?); my current non-b visa extension of stay is permitted up until 17 FEB 2017; my current 90-day report must be done in person by 1 MAY 2016 in BKK. I plan to stay in BKK and finish working my current job until early May 2016 - then move up to our new home and start my new position teaching in CM.

MY GOAL: NO VISA RUNS during this time period of massive change, please!!!! When it comes time to do my 90-day report, I imagine going to immigration in BKK with my husband and extending my stay based on marriage as opposed to work (based on the advice threads I've read).

QUESTIONS: Am I correct in thinking that this is as simple as ensuring I have all the proper documents, he has all of his, we show up bright and early at immigration in BKK, and I simply submit the form for an extension of stay based on marriage? What about the part where we're moving to CM during this same time frame? Should we just stick with all of our BKK info at this 90-day check in? And then, after we've moved to CM and I've started my new job, do we need to go to immigration in CM (again) to check in? And what happens to the Non-B Visa this marriage extension is applied to once my work permit is cancelled? I'll be receiving a new permit in CM, but obviously that takes time ;-) And I don't want the new employer to be issuing me a non-b visa, as I'd prefer to simply reside per marriage. Will need to figure out what to do to change non-b visa to non-imm o visa....At what point will I need to switch my current non-b visa to a Non-Imm O Visa? Will my current non-b visa just become a figment of the past along with my work permit, since I'm starting a new job in Chiang Mai in the next couple months, and can I just continue working, living, and staying on the 'extension based on marriage'? Or will the extension also...become null since it's applied to the non-b visa issued by my current employer in bkk?

This is my first rodeo! 555+ Does anyone have advice on the easiest route for me to transition us to our new life in CM and simply kiss BKK byebye? Please untangle any misunderstandings I may have. Kob Kuhn Maaaaak Ka!

[johnatong]

Whoa !

You cannot "change" visas !

1. Do you have a valid VISA or an extension of stay (obtained from immigration) based on working ? ( I suspect you have the latter)

2. Is your husband a Thai national ?

You might get better answers in the Thai visas, residency and work permits forum .

[Sheryl]

Moved to the visa forum for best advice.

[Sadiesan]

Thank you for putting me where I can get answers.

[Sadiesan]

Whoa !

You cannot "change" visas !

1. Do you have a valid VISA or an extension of stay (obtained from immigration) based on working ? ( I suspect you have the latter)

2. Is your husband a Thai national ?

You might get better answers in the Thai visas, residency and work permits forum .

Total newbie, and might very well have used incorrect lingo in my OP. Sorry! BUT THANKS for helping me clarify.

1. I have a valid Non-Imm B Visa issued from 20 Nov 2015, and extended for one year to 17 FEB 2017 as of February 2016. My first 90-day residence check will be on 1 May 2016 - but, I'm moving to CM shortly there after and beginning a new teaching position once I'm ready to go in CM. Totally unsure of what that means for my 90-day check in when...basically, I'm ready to move on.

2. My husband is a Thai national.

[johnatong]

Whoa !

You cannot "change" visas !

1. Do you have a valid VISA or an extension of stay (obtained from immigration) based on working ? ( I suspect you have the latter)

2. Is your husband a Thai national ?

You might get better answers in the Thai visas, residency and work permits forum .

Total newbie, and might very well have used incorrect lingo in my OP. Sorry! BUT THANKS for helping me clarify.

1. I have a valid Non-Imm B Visa issued from 20 Nov 2015, and extended for one year to 17 FEB 2017 as of February 2016. My first 90-day residence check will be on 1 May 2016 - but, I'm moving to CM shortly there after and beginning a new teaching position once I'm ready to go in CM. Totally unsure of what that means for my 90-day check in when...basically, I'm ready to move on.

2. My husband is a Thai national.

Visas are never "extended" and you therefore do not have a "Valid" Non imm B visa.

I am posting in order to "BUMP" your complex query .

Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me can assist you.

[ubonjoe]

When you apply for an extension of stay based upon marriage to a Thai you will get a under consideration stamp with a report back date 30 days from the date you apply. That is is date your 1 year extension stamp will be done. It appears you would not be in Bangkok for the report back date.

It seems your best option will be to apply for a 60 day extension to visit your husband. In order to apply for the extension you will need a termination letter to cancel out you current extension. Your husband will need to be with you when you apply. Then after you move to CM apply for the one year extension of stay at immigration there during the last 30 days of the 60 day extension.

[BritTim]

Congratulations on your nuptials. I wish you both all happiness.

It seems your 90-day check in will be before the termination letter date, though it can be done up to 7 days late if the termination date is May 6 or something. That is done in Bangkok. With the termination letter, will there be problems going to Chaeng Wattana immigration with your husband for the 60-day extension?

[Sadiesan]

Thank you ubonjoe & BritTim for your information. I think I get it now: in order to transition up to CM, I need to (a) put in resignation, ( obtain termination letter from my employer, © bring letter & husband to immigration to apply for 60-day extension based on marriage - all in BKK; then (d) in CM, apply for 1-year extension based on marriage during last 30-day window of the 60-day extension, (e) receive a 30-day consideration stamp in CM, (f) return to immigration and receive 1-year extension after 30-day consideration has been completed.

Since I will have to go to immigration for the 90-day check in on Friday 29 April (the last working day of April; 1st May falls on a weekend) I wonder, if I put in my resignation for the 29th of April, would that smooth out the process described above?

When you apply for an extension of stay based upon marriage to a Thai you will get a under consideration stamp with a report back date 30 days from the date you apply. That is is date your 1 year extension stamp will be done. It appears you would not be in Bangkok for the report back date.

It seems your best option will be to apply for a 60 day extension to visit your husband. In order to apply for the extension you will need a termination letter to cancel out you current extension. Your husband will need to be with you when you apply. Then after you move to CM apply for the one year extension of stay at immigration there during the last 30 days of the 60 day extension.

Congratulations on your nuptials. I wish you both all happiness.

It seems your 90-day check in will be before the termination letter date, though it can be done up to 7 days late if the termination date is May 6 or something. That is done in Bangkok. With the termination letter, will there be problems going to Chaeng Wattana immigration with your husband for the 60-day extension?

[ubonjoe]

You can do your 90 day report 15 days before or 7 days after the date the report is due.

Rather than waiting until Friday the 29th I suggest you do it earlier in the week. Immigration will be closed May 2nd, 5th and 6th for holidays meaning it could be very busy at immigration on the 29th.

[connda]

Whoa !

You cannot "change" visas !

1. Do you have a valid VISA or an extension of stay (obtained from immigration) based on working ? ( I suspect you have the latter)

2. Is your husband a Thai national ?

You might get better answers in the Thai visas, residency and work permits forum .

Total newbie, and might very well have used incorrect lingo in my OP. Sorry! BUT THANKS for helping me clarify.

1. I have a valid Non-Imm B Visa issued from 20 Nov 2015, and extended for one year to 17 FEB 2017 as of February 2016. My first 90-day residence check will be on 1 May 2016 - but, I'm moving to CM shortly there after and beginning a new teaching position once I'm ready to go in CM. Totally unsure of what that means for my 90-day check in when...basically, I'm ready to move on.

2. My husband is a Thai national.

Cakewalk. You'll be treated differently than foreign men married to Thai national women. Enjoy. And a wake-up call regarding CM Immigration. My visa agent shows up at 3am in the morning to get queue tickets. That means that if you plan to walk your own paperwork though the gauntlet, you too will need to show up at zero-dark thirty if you expect to be seen by immigration. I suggest hiring a visa agent if you don't want the head-ache. FYI, the Immigration office for marriage extensions is at the Airport Immigration office, not the Promenade. They have recently rebuilt the waiting room, which is reasonably comfortable, and there were actually parking spaces available in the parking lot. That's a change of pace from previous years. If there are no parking places, consider parking at the Air Port Plaza Mall and walk up. About 5 minute.

However, walk-in 90 day reports are done at the Promenade. I suggest researching if the online reporting will work for you, and if not, mail it in. Mail-in 90 day reports are processed at the Airport Immigation office. Confusing? Welcome to Chiang Mai. Go the the Chiang Mai sub-forum and check out the various excellent 'pinned' immigration write-ups by Tywais.

[Sadiesan]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

[ubonjoe]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

They will post date the cancellation to the 30th and should start the 60 day extension from that date.

[Sadiesan]

Whoa !

You cannot "change" visas !

1. Do you have a valid VISA or an extension of stay (obtained from immigration) based on working ? ( I suspect you have the latter)

2. Is your husband a Thai national ?

You might get better answers in the Thai visas, residency and work permits forum .

Total newbie, and might very well have used incorrect lingo in my OP. Sorry! BUT THANKS for helping me clarify.

1. I have a valid Non-Imm B Visa issued from 20 Nov 2015, and extended for one year to 17 FEB 2017 as of February 2016. My first 90-day residence check will be on 1 May 2016 - but, I'm moving to CM shortly there after and beginning a new teaching position once I'm ready to go in CM. Totally unsure of what that means for my 90-day check in when...basically, I'm ready to move on.

2. My husband is a Thai national.

Cakewalk. You'll be treated differently than foreign men married to Thai national women. Enjoy. And a wake-up call regarding CM Immigration. My visa agent shows up at 3am in the morning to get queue tickets. That means that if you plan to walk your own paperwork though the gauntlet, you too will need to show up at zero-dark thirty if you expect to be seen by immigration. I suggest hiring a visa agent if you don't want the head-ache. FYI, the Immigration office for marriage extensions is at the Airport Immigration office, not the Promenade. They have recently rebuilt the waiting room, which is reasonably comfortable, and there were actually parking spaces available in the parking lot. That's a change of pace from previous years. If there are no parking places, consider parking at the Air Port Plaza Mall and walk up. About 5 minute.

However, walk-in 90 day reports are done at the Promenade. I suggest researching if the online reporting will work for you, and if not, mail it in. Mail-in 90 day reports are processed at the Airport Immigation office. Confusing? Welcome to Chiang Mai. Go the the Chiang Mai sub-forum and check out the various excellent 'pinned' immigration write-ups by Tywais.

555 can't wait to join in the parade that is CM immigration. I've been reading up about it. Mail-in or online 90-day reports will be my first choice after my first year extension is all settled!

[connda]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

I will go in a bit early.

I suggest you check out the CM Immigration threads on the CM sub-forum a see exactly how early you'll need to show up if you expect to be seen. You should post and ask for someone who has processed their own extension at the Airport Immigration recently. Trust me, I've read about people standing in line for three hours only be be turned away. Your mileage my vary. Just saying, forewarned is forearmed.

So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

You'll have to run that by Ubonjoe. He is truly the Subject Matter Expert for all things immigration.

[Sadiesan]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

They will post date the cancellation to the 30th and should start the 60 day extension from that date.

ubonjoe - thank you so much for explaining how this process works (and helping me to understand that I'm in the Kingdom on extensions of stay, no longer a visa). You're the best! :-)

[Sadiesan]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

I will go in a bit early.

I suggest you check out the CM Immigration threads on the CM sub-forum a see exactly how early you'll need to show up if you expect to be seen. You should post and ask for someone who has processed their own extension at the Airport Immigration recently. Trust me, I've read about people standing in line for three hours only be be turned away. Your mileage my vary. Just saying, forewarned is forearmed.

So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

You'll have to run that by Ubonjoe. He is truly the Subject Matter Expert for all things immigration.

Thanks for looking after me Connda! Just to clarify - I'm still in BKK working through April - and so there will be no going to Chiang Mai Immigration until after the initial 60-day extension is obtained at BKK immigration when I end my current employment (which also coincides with my current extension's 90-day report, to be done in BKK). After this, I'll be able to move up to CM and begin the fun-ride that you've warned me about. I'm not a procrastinator, so when I say early, I mean the earliest date available for me to apply for extensions, in the case that I am turned away.

I'm okay with try try again. Helps me get over my 'American neuroses' faster. Everyday, jai yin yin just a lil bit more :-)

[connda]

Good idea, I will go in a bit early. So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

I will go in a bit early.

I suggest you check out the CM Immigration threads on the CM sub-forum a see exactly how early you'll need to show up if you expect to be seen. You should post and ask for someone who has processed their own extension at the Airport Immigration recently. Trust me, I've read about people standing in line for three hours only be be turned away. Your mileage my vary. Just saying, forewarned is forearmed.

So, if my termination date / letter states 30 April is my last day, do you think I will be able to apply for a 60-day extension when I go in to report on...Monday, 25 April??

You'll have to run that by Ubonjoe. He is truly the Subject Matter Expert for all things immigration.

Thanks for looking after me Connda! Just to clarify - I'm still in BKK working through April - and so there will be no going to Chiang Mai Immigration until after the initial 60-day extension is obtained at BKK immigration when I end my current employment (which also coincides with my current extension's 90-day report, to be done in BKK). After this, I'll be able to move up to CM and begin the fun-ride that you've warned me about. I'm not a procrastinator, so when I say early, I mean the earliest date available for me to apply for extensions, in the case that I am turned away.

I'm okay with try try again. Helps me get over my 'American neuroses' faster. Everyday, jai yin yin just a lil bit more :-)

You've got the right idea. If you know a Thai National whom you trust, you might consider paying someone to do the waiting for you. They'll have to hold your passport to get a queue number. If I didn't have a visa agent, I would have used my Thai son.

Slightly off topic, but you may wish to read the thread regarding the Northern Thailand burn season. The air quality is pretty bad from approximately mid-Feb though April. If you're coming around Songkran, you'll probably miss the worst of it. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/879040-smoke-smog-dust-2016-chiang-mai/ Another article penned by our esteemed local moderator, Tywais. Like, Ubonjoe, Tywais rocks. He takes good care of us up here. I think you'll like it in Chiang Mai. If the Thais aren't burning down their forests, it's a very beautiful place to live. I moved from BKK to Chiang Mai in 2007. Never left. Best of luck.

[aronp1]

If you want to change your extension of stay from based on working to marriage, you will need to change your visa from non-b to non-o. You will still be able to work.

[ubonjoe]

If you want to change your extension of stay from based on working to marriage, you will need to change your visa from non-b to non-o. You will still be able to work.

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa classes. The only way to do that is to get a new visa. All that needs to done is to change the reason for the extension of stay.

[aronp1]

If you want to change your extension of stay from based on working to marriage, you will need to change your visa from non-b to non-o. You will still be able to work.

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa classes. The only way to do that is to get a new visa. All that needs to done is to change the reason for the extension of stay.

Who told you this? Of course you can change visa's, also non-b is for business hence the "b". You can change visa's at immigration with "Change of Visa" form.

[ubonjoe]

If you want to change your extension of stay from based on working to marriage, you will need to change your visa from non-b to non-o. You will still be able to work.

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa classes. The only way to do that is to get a new visa. All that needs to done is to change the reason for the extension of stay.

Who told you this? Of course you can change visa's, also non-b is for business hence the "b". You can change visa's at immigration with "Change of Visa" form.

Only a tourist visa can be changed to a non immigrant visa by using a TM86 change of visa status form. The class of a non immigrant visa dos not matter they are all non immigrant visas. The B, O, ED, F and etc behind them only reflects the basis they were issued for. The police order only states a non immigrant visa is required to apply for extensions.

[aronp1]

I changed non-o to non-e at immigration.

[Sadiesan]

Final Question - if I remain in BKK and continue working in my current position past my 90-day check in, is it still possible to apply for the extension based on marriage during this 90-day check in time, as long as my husband is capable of reporting back for the 30 day consideration? I'm thinking that if it's possible to get through the first 30-day consideration period (for marriage extension) in BKK while still working in my current position, that would be great, as I don't want to terminate my position until mid-May.

If the switch of my extension's reason of stay is contingent upon cancelling my current extension first, then, am I correct in thinking that I must wait to receive a termination letter from my employer (and therefore quit date) before I can even go to immigration? If this is the case, then I will most definitely be doing the 60-day extension mid-May when I've reached my quit date; or go in as soon as I obtain a letter from employer to get the ball rolling ahead of time...

[ubonjoe]

Final Question - if I remain in BKK and continue working in my current position past my 90-day check in, is it still possible to apply for the extension based on marriage during this 90-day check in time, as long as my husband is capable of reporting back for the 30 day consideration? I'm thinking that if it's possible to get through the first 30-day consideration period (for marriage extension) in BKK while still working in my current position, that would be great, as I don't want to terminate my position until mid-May.

If the switch of my extension's reason of stay is contingent upon cancelling my current extension first, then, am I correct in thinking that I must wait to receive a termination letter from my employer (and therefore quit date) before I can even go to immigration? If this is the case, then I will most definitely be doing the 60-day extension mid-May when I've reached my quit date; or go in as soon as I obtain a letter from employer to get the ball rolling ahead of time...

Your 90 day reports have nothing to do with applying extensions unless you have failed to do them.

Your husband will not need to be with you when you go back to get your extension stamp after the 30 day under consideration period. But you will need to be living together or at least he will need to be with you if they do a home visit.

You will need termination letter to cancel your current extension so that you can apply for another extension.

[Sadiesan]

Final Question - if I remain in BKK and continue working in my current position past my 90-day check in, is it still possible to apply for the extension based on marriage during this 90-day check in time, as long as my husband is capable of reporting back for the 30 day consideration? I'm thinking that if it's possible to get through the first 30-day consideration period (for marriage extension) in BKK while still working in my current position, that would be great, as I don't want to terminate my position until mid-May.

If the switch of my extension's reason of stay is contingent upon cancelling my current extension first, then, am I correct in thinking that I must wait to receive a termination letter from my employer (and therefore quit date) before I can even go to immigration? If this is the case, then I will most definitely be doing the 60-day extension mid-May when I've reached my quit date; or go in as soon as I obtain a letter from employer to get the ball rolling ahead of time...

Your 90 day reports have nothing to do with applying extensions unless you have failed to do them.

Your husband will not need to be with you when you go back to get your extension stamp after the 30 day under consideration period. But you will need to be living together or at least he will need to be with you if they do a home visit.

You will need termination letter to cancel your current extension so that you can apply for another extension.

Ok, need the letter. So, since he's already moved our home to Chiang Mai (and I will stay in a guest room through the end of my position)....is obtaining the 60-day extension at immigration in BKK fairly easy, as long as I have the termination letter and he explains that we're literally moving to Chiang Mai right now - so if they want to visit us, they'll need to come to CM. We have the scanned tabien baan and ID of the folks we are renting from in CM.

[johnatong]

Final Question - if I remain in BKK and continue working in my current position past my 90-day check in, is it still possible to apply for the extension based on marriage during this 90-day check in time, as long as my husband is capable of reporting back for the 30 day consideration? I'm thinking that if it's possible to get through the first 30-day consideration period (for marriage extension) in BKK while still working in my current position, that would be great, as I don't want to terminate my position until mid-May.

If the switch of my extension's reason of stay is contingent upon cancelling my current extension first, then, am I correct in thinking that I must wait to receive a termination letter from my employer (and therefore quit date) before I can even go to immigration? If this is the case, then I will most definitely be doing the 60-day extension mid-May when I've reached my quit date; or go in as soon as I obtain a letter from employer to get the ball rolling ahead of time...

Your 90 day reports have nothing to do with applying extensions unless you have failed to do them.

Your husband will not need to be with you when you go back to get your extension stamp after the 30 day under consideration period. But you will need to be living together or at least he will need to be with you if they do a home visit.

You will need termination letter to cancel your current extension so that you can apply for another extension.

Ok, need the letter. So, since he's already moved our home to Chiang Mai (and I will stay in a guest room through the end of my position)....is obtaining the 60-day extension at immigration in BKK fairly easy, as long as I have the termination letter and he explains that we're literally moving to Chiang Mai right now - so if they want to visit us, they'll need to come to CM. We have the scanned tabien baan and ID of the folks we are renting from in CM.

To get the 60 day extension your husband will need to be with you at the time of application.

No visit will be made until an application for a one year extension of stay is made and accepted.

[Sadiesan]

Final Question - if I remain in BKK and continue working in my current position past my 90-day check in, is it still possible to apply for the extension based on marriage during this 90-day check in time, as long as my husband is capable of reporting back for the 30 day consideration? I'm thinking that if it's possible to get through the first 30-day consideration period (for marriage extension) in BKK while still working in my current position, that would be great, as I don't want to terminate my position until mid-May.

If the switch of my extension's reason of stay is contingent upon cancelling my current extension first, then, am I correct in thinking that I must wait to receive a termination letter from my employer (and therefore quit date) before I can even go to immigration? If this is the case, then I will most definitely be doing the 60-day extension mid-May when I've reached my quit date; or go in as soon as I obtain a letter from employer to get the ball rolling ahead of time...

Your 90 day reports have nothing to do with applying extensions unless you have failed to do them.

Your husband will not need to be with you when you go back to get your extension stamp after the 30 day under consideration period. But you will need to be living together or at least he will need to be with you if they do a home visit.

You will need termination letter to cancel your current extension so that you can apply for another extension.

Ok, need the letter. So, since he's already moved our home to Chiang Mai (and I will stay in a guest room through the end of my position)....is obtaining the 60-day extension at immigration in BKK fairly easy, as long as I have the termination letter and he explains that we're literally moving to Chiang Mai right now - so if they want to visit us, they'll need to come to CM. We have the scanned tabien baan and ID of the folks we are renting from in CM.

To get the 60 day extension your husband will need to be with you at the time of application.

No visit will be made until an application for a one year extension of stay is made and accepted.

Got it. Thanks so much!

[Sadiesan]

RESULTS UPDATE: UNSUCCESSFUL

Returned to BKK 17 April, gave official 30-day resignation notice, had a farewell party with school /staff, got the resignation letter from my agency and turned in my work permit as they requested. My husband joined me in BKK, we went to Chaengwattana together bright and early at 7:30am on Monday morning, 16 May 2016, completely prepared.

But, I was denied. 1,900 baht bought me 7 extra days in order to exit the country. Tomorrow, Thursday, I will go to Myanmar to cross the border and get a 15-day exempt visa to buy myself time to sort things out.

This is definitely a reality check. I've notified my future employer here in Chiang Mai (my new home town) and they are just as shocked, given that they know I am aiming to obtain a Non-Imm "O" Visa and/or extension based on marriage to which I will have them use to obtain a work permit. Luckily they are supportive, understanding, and ready to go the NON-IMM "B" route if I am unsuccessful at re-entering the Kingdom with a Non-Imm "O" visa.

According to what my husband explained to me after the rejection, the first officials we were seen by at CW were not impressed by my "know-how strategy" and sent me to officials at another office to "cancel my visa extension"....which, I complied with. That sounded logical and seemed to be what this forum has suggested is the procedure.

But then, after my current extension was cancelled, we went back to the queue to continue applying for a 60-day extension based on marriage, only to have them tell me: "Now you can't get 60 days extension because you have no current Visa and no extension."

They took 1,900 baht to permit me 7 days extension before I leave the country, stamped by passport as DENIED, and sent us away.

Before we had completely left, my husband spoke with an official that held more power, and they were about to reconsider, even taking me back into their office cutting in front of other people still waiting in the queue. They listened to us and it felt like everyone was coming to an understanding - but then I mentioned the part about already having a job lined up in Chiang Mai. That seemed to be the "wrong" thing to mention. Abruptly, they went from helpful to blunt and cold, speaking in Thai "Oh, you think you're so smart. You think you're so smart, you know, you know." My husband respectfully stayed quiet after that, knowing there was no room for negotiation at that point. I had naively given them a glimpse of my fortunate future. My husband said they know they can just send me through the system again because they can. And that since I'm married and I have a job, I will do whatever it takes to STAY in Thailand - namely, pay immigration and such related fees to start over from the beginning. My husband says next time, we will just stay quiet and not answer their questions as openly.

Lesson learned. Wish me luck. This transition is feeling more like a set-back than an advancement in my life, but I know once I'm through the necessary hoops, I can get back to loving, living, and working.

[ubonjoe]

If you are in Chiang Mai now the closest crossing where you can get a visa exempt entry is the Chiang Khong crossing to Laos. Mae Sai does not allow them.

I suggest instead of doing a border hop for a 15 day entry you make a trip to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o visa based upon marriage. You would only need your marriage certificate plus a copy, signed copies of your husband's house book registry and ID card.