New Visa Rules

[gt123]

I am trying to sort out new Visa rules , I had a O multiple entry visa valid for 1 year which expired on 27 sept 06, before it expired I went to immigration in Mae Sai to apply for 1 year extension, I took bank book showing over 800,000 bht but they said no because the money was in fixed term deposit ,come back when money is in account you can use every day, which was not till Nov 9 ,I explained this to them and they advised just cross border at Myammar come back and get 3 months ,OK, money came into account, went to immigration Mae Sai to apply for Visa and get sorry cannot do, they advised to apply at Thai embassy for new Visa in mean time cross Myammar border again to get 3 month Visa, did this and got stamp for only 1 month, went back to Mae Sai immigration to check and they said this is right because of new rules? now I read that I can get 1 more 1 month stamp then I must leave for 90 days before I can get another visa, now I am totally confused

I turn 50 in april 07 have finished work in Australia and intend on getting married and live in Chiang Rai permanently

can any offer any advise on how I can handle this situation

[lopburi3]

You are not age 50 or married so there was no way you could obtain an extension of stay; even if they had accepted the fixed account. But thanks for mentioning that as several people have asked recently.

Your visa expired in September so when you crossed border you did not have a visa and could only receive a 30 day entry without visa. Mai Sai can not issue visas and you would not qualify for any visa except a tourist in any case. A border crossing/return only allows a 30 day stay - to receive 90 days you need a valid non immigrant visa first (as you had but now expired).

After the "before 27 Sep." visit to immigration what did you do to stay in Thailand? It appears you did not make a new visa run on your non immigrant visa before it expired? When did you visit Mai Sai? You mention Nov. 9 as date for money change but are not clear on date of visit.

The rule is no more than 90 days on entry without visa.

You have five months before you can apply for a retirement extension of stay. If you marry and have family income of more than 40k you could extend on that basis. If not but marry you could obtain a non immigrant visa from Singapore to allow stay until you can convert to retirement extension. Without marriage the only option would be a tourist visa of 2 entry but that may not be issued as you seem to have been staying here long term rather than being a tourist.

[gmac]

You are not age 50 or married so there was no way you could obtain an extension of stay; even if they had accepted the fixed account. But thanks for mentioning that as several people have asked recently.

Which is the question that several people have asked recently?

If it's about the acceptability of a fixed term deposit I would also welcome some clarification. Was toying with the idea of changing from the marriage extension to a retirement one and just placing 400,000 on deposit to supplement a 36k/month income rather than risk being turned down for the marriage visa if the income plus lump sum route was not accepted.

If the fixed term deposit is also not being accepted I will have to think yet again. Also, any idea what rate they are using for UK Stg to the Baht these days, I've been working on 69 but wonder if this optimistic?

[lopburi3]

Several people have asked about using non passport savings accounts and several have indicated they were allowed to do so. It seems to be up to the immigration officer but in general most have reported problems with anything other than the normal passbook savings account method.

If you are in the marriage system the 400k should be accepted again. I would continue if you have the choice as you could always change later but you could not change back.

[Noel]

I am trying to sort out new Visa rules , I had a O multiple entry visa valid for 1 year which expired on 27 sept 06, before it expired I went to immigration in Mae Sai to apply for 1 year extension, I took bank book showing over 800,000 bht but they said no because the money was in fixed term deposit ,come back when money is in account you can use every day, which was not till Nov 9

So what sort of Fixed Term Deposit account do you have and with whom?

I have Fixed Term Deposit accounts with three Thai banks and I can withdraw from each on a daily basis should I choose.

Of course if I were to do so, I would be penalized in terms of lost or lesser interest on the amount withdrawn. However, if you have the tranches structured to meet your spending requirement pattern, that need not be an issue.

If you do actually have an instrument that precludes you from withdrawing at will (i.e. only on a specific date) then perhaps you should review your banking arrangements.

By way of example, have a look at Bangkok Bank Fixed Deposit Accounts.

A quick Google search will bring up several other alternatives.

I would add that the Pattaya Immigration Bureau has never had an issue as regards my Fixed Term accounts for proof of funds.

[Lite Beer]

I am the same as you Noel. Siam Comercial Bank. Can take out any time. I hope you are correct about immigration accepting this. Cannot see any reason why not. But T I T.