Savannakhet, Laos, Non-O Multiple Report Feb 14 - 2017

[farang241]

Personally I always find it reassuring to read a fresh report before going on a visa trip, so I want to contribute by sharing an updated report on obtaining a Non-O Multiple entry visa based on marriage to a Thai national from Savannakhet Laos. I've only found very brief reports, so I'll make my report very detailed, feel free to skip to the tl;dr at the end.

 

Since I had to leave Thailand on the 13th which was a holiday (observed Makha Bucha) and Feb 14th is valentines day, wife and I decided to go together and make a trip out of it. It's been years since I've done the overnight bus thing, so we booked a couple of tickets online with a 3 seats/row VIP bus at around 900THB/each going from Mo Chit/Bangkok to Mukdahan, leaving around 9.00PM and arriving 7.30AM. I can recommend using the www.12go.asia website to book bus trips, they have many payment options including paypal, visa, bank, 7-11 etc.

 

When you arrive at the Mukdahan bus station after a cruel 10 hour journey you need to find the window selling tickets to Savannakhet, they are 50THB/person, there is a bus once an hour. This is a good time to get a coffee and a walk to feel like a human again.

 

Board the bus to Savannakhet, it's a very short trip to the Friendship 2 bridge, then you need to get stamped out of Thailand, re-enter the bus cross the bridge and arrive at the Laos immigration, here you will need to apply for a visa, 1500THB + photo (or an additional 50THB if you don't have a photo), if you travel with a Thai wife like me, she can enter for free (my wife got a passport, but I believe they only need ID card, not 100% sure?). Pay and get the visa to Laos valid for 1 month. Most likely the bus you paid will have left already and you will have to wait for the next one to take you to the bus station, or go for a tuk tuk. We went for the tuktuk option, they will only take you to near the Thai Embassy for THB100/person, but since we arrive on a Thai holiday and can't go directly to the embassy we need another tuktuk as we decided we would rather stay in the much nicer riverside area, that adds an additional 150THB for tuktuk. We decided on a Guesthouse named NongSoda located right at the Mekong river, THB680/night, including free WIFI and cable TV. OK room, including bathroom with hot water for shower, air conditioning etc. I like this area because there are many bars and restaurants, plus it's a really nice area to go for a long walk. There are also many good hotel options in this area around THB1000-1500/night. It's a good idea to try make a schedule with your tuktuk driver to pick you up next morning and take you to the Thai Embassy, they are usually happy to have a customer next day. 

 

Next morning our TukTuk driver picked us up around 8AM and we arrived at the Thai Embassy around 8:15 AM. Much too early really, but weather was cold and it was not a big deal standing in line, the sign on the embassy says they open at 8:30AM, but they do not open until 9AM. I estimate there were about 50-60 people waiting in line when they opened. They do not have a "pick a number" system, so you have to stay in line until you reach the single officer accepting papers and passports. I think we got to the window around 9.30AM, spending 1 hour in total waiting in line. I had double signed copies of everything, but he only wanted a single copy. These are the papers I submitted:

 

1 x application form with 2 recent photos attached

1 x copy passport, signed by me

1 x copy wife ID card signed by wife

1 x copy wife house book, her entries, signed by wife

1 x copy original Kor Ror 2, both sides, signed by wife and me

1 x copy updated Kor Ror2, both sides, signed by wife and me

1 x copy fancy marriage certificate, both sides, signed by wife and me.

 

Also they want to see the original fancy marriage certificate, and the cost is THB 5000 for multiple entry. It was very quick to submit, the officer was happy with all the papers, no request to show bank account or any proof of funds.

 

Next day, you can pick up your passport with the new visa at 2PM, this is much faster and will only take 10-15 minutes no matter how many people in front of you. Then ask your personal tuktuk driver to take you to the border, pay him for his services (probably 300-400thb if he took you from riverside to embassy and then to the border), then you need another THB50/person bus to return to Mukdahan, here you can book another VIP bus to Bangkok, there is one leaving around 6PM which should match well with your schedule.

 

Feel free to ask additional questions.

 

tl;dr:

Savannakhet, multiple entry Non-O based on Thai wife obtained without any issues, total trip about THB 15k, no need to show proof of funds.

[steve187]

good report, Thai wife without a passport can get a border pass, office opens after first bus leaves.

[farang241]

13 minutes ago, steve187 said:

good report, Thai wife without a passport can get a border pass, office opens after first bus leaves.

Thanks, where do they go in Mukdahan to make a border pass if they only have ID card?

 

 

[steve187]

from memory its in the main building across from the bus stop/immigration

[farang241]

Just now, steve187 said:

from memory its in the main building across from the bus stop/immigration

So on/just before the bridge on the Thai side? Only time I've experienced it was 15 years ago I was travelling with a Thai girl (not wife) across the Friendship 1 bridge to Vientiane and it was in a building on the right, before you reach the actual Thai immigration point.

[steve187]

this is Savannakhet not Vientiane, in a building before you reach the thai immigration area

[farang241]

4 minutes ago, steve187 said:

this is Savannakhet not Vientiane, in a building before you reach the thai immigration area

Sure, I understand this, I was just hoping for more exact information for people who'd have to go there, seems you don't have real info, but thanks anyway.

 

[steve187]

1 minute ago, farang241 said:

Sure, I understand this, I was just hoping for more exact information for people who'd have to go there, seems you don't have real info, but thanks anyway.

 

your welcome sir, have a nice day

[Deepinthailand]

Op did they actually ask for Kor ror 2 or did you just hand it in cheers

[zuperman]

What is a Kor Ror 2?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Deepinthailand]

It's an Amphur document with the details/names/dates signed when you married and thus recorded on your Thai Marriage certificate; you can get a current print out (all original signatures printed in Thai) for around 20 THB from Amphur.

Edited February 16, 2017 by Deepinthailand

[farang241]

1 hour ago, Deepinthailand said:

Op did they actually ask for Kor ror 2 or did you just hand it in cheers

Yes they want the original Kor Ror 2 and the updated version of the Kor Ror 2, to make sure you are still married.

 

They also want to look at the originial fancy marriage certificate.

[Deepinthailand]

Op chill out. There are many people who marry here who use the Extension method and therefore never use or probably see after the day a kor ror 2. They just get the wedding pack given store it away and pull out the fancy marriage certificate document (as you call it) every now and then. Don't have to threaten to kill someone or ridicule them. 

I'm at a loss why they would want the origional and the updated version there both the same with a diffrent date on the updated document which is the one proves your still married. But again did they specifically asks for them? Thanks

 

[steve187]

 I got a multi non 'O' there last year and i have never updated my Kor Roi 2 from 11 years ago

[ubonjoe]

10 hours ago, farang241 said:

Thanks, where do they go in Mukdahan to make a border pass if they only have ID card?

 

It can be obtained at an office on the left just before the gates for the bridge.

It is in the same area as where covered parking is available.

[kurtmartens]

Thanks for this report.  We are moving back to Chiang Mai after 3 years in Dubai and thankfully I see Savannakhet is still the best resource for a Type O without hassles.

 

Cheers.

[JackThompson]

On 2/16/2017 at 8:32 PM, farang241 said:

we booked a couple of tickets online with a 3 seats/row VIP bus at around 900THB/each going from Mo Chit/Bangkok to Mukdahan, leaving around 9.00PM and arriving 7.30AM. I can recommend using the www.12go.asia website to book bus trips, they have many payment options including paypal, visa, bank, 7-11 etc.

OP:: which bus company did you use, and did your bus have per-person video w/ movies on-demand, etc? 

 

I recently made this trip, and fares for a VIP bus (1/isle/2 seating) at the Mo Chit station were in the 550 to 650 Baht range, but did not have the comforts I have appreciated on similarly-priced buses to Ekamai (for Vientiane).  My primary complaint is the stop in Korat, where they seemed adamant about waking everyone up at 2 or 3 AM (both ways - 2 different companies - TS Tour and Thaisanuan Tour, the latter of which also cranked up music at the crack of dawn). 

 

If there is a bus-company that will simply let a weary traveler get a good nights sleep to Mukdahan, I will take that one next time, and happily pay the extra baht.

[noosard]

There is also an office in town which opens earlier to obtain a pass   Not sure where taxi driver took us there   It is near the ferry terminal

[Phuketshrew]

Phuket to Savannakhet for non-imm visa

 

Hi  - I have just completed the Savannakhet visa run for a non-imm visa. This is my third time to Savannakhet but the last one was three years ago using the old Thai Consulate. I tried to do this on a budget so the following info may be useful for anyone else planning a similar trip:

 

Monday 27th:

6.20 am - Airport bus from near Boat Lagoon to Phuket International Airport cost - 100 baht considerably safer and cheaper than taxis.

7.50 am - NokAir DD7501 to Don Muang, BKK - 1,450 baht

Bought 35 USD at Don Muang for 1,200 baht for Laos visa (If you pay in baht they charge you 1,500 baht so 300 baht saved).

10.20 am - NokAir DD9514 to Nakhon Phanom then by bus to Mukdahan - Total return price 2,850 baht

1.30 pm - arrived at Mukdahan and stamped out at Thai immigration. Got free ride on bus across the bridge (did not have a ticket and driver couldn't change 1000 baht ;-))

Laos visa all processed in ten minutes (pre completed form, just filled in arrival card and handed over 35 USD).

Laos TukTuk from border to hotel - 30,000 kip (126 baht) - had some kip left from my last visit to Vientiane last November.

2 Nights at Phonepasued Hotel (booked through Agoda) - 1,566 for 2 nights with breakfast. The main reason I booked this was that they have a great pool complex across the road. I like walking so the location was not a  problem. Hotel was very much as expected by Laos standards. Comfortable with air-con, hot water shower, fridge, TV and large bed. 

Tuesday:

Early breakfast at hotel - standard Laos fare - omlette & fresh baguette + orange juice + coffee

8.30 - arrived at Thai Consulate (I thought it opened at 8.30 but does not open until 9 am). 3rd in queue. Once opened my application was accepted with in ten minutes. Documents submitted:

 

Completed application form + 2 photos

Copy of marriage papers (showed the originals)

Copy of house registration document (showed original)

Signed copy of wife's Thai ID card

Signed copy of my passport

5,000 baht visa fee

 

I was asked where my wife was and replied that she was at work in Phuket. I also pointed out that we had recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary ;-)

 

10.00 am - back at the hotel beside the pool with a couple of cold beer Lao.

Early evening - decided to try eating at 'Lins Cafe' as I had read some good reviews. Cafe was nice and host friendly but steak was pretty poor (compared with the great steaks at Veena Cafe in Vientiane).

Wednesday:

No need to get up early as passport collection not until 2.00pm. Same breakfast again and chilled out

12.00 pm - Checked out at midday.

12.15 pm - Lunch at Avalon Cafe (part of Avalon hotel) on way to Thai Consulate.

1.50 pm - Shared TukTuk with two other expat visa runners. The TukTuk waited at the consulate and then took us back to the border - all for 100 baht each.

2.05 pm - Received passport and headed for the border.

4.20 pm - NokAir bus picked me up at Mukdahan and headed for Nakhon Panom.

6.00 pm - arrived at Nakhon Panom and checked in

6.50 pm - NokAir DD9521 to Don Muang, BKK arrive Don Muang 8.00 pm

 

I am staying a few days in Bangkok but my return flight to Phuket is another option that we have nowadays - with Vietjet. They fly from Swampy to Phuket with new planes  - One way cost me 875 baht plus tax.

 

Another successful run completed - should be good now until June 2018 :-)

 

Clive R.

 

 

 

 

 

[Flow]

Strange. I paid just 2,000 Baht for my non o in Savankhet. 

The good thing about Savanakhet is one doesn't need to show a doc showing the required 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank.

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, Flow said:

Strange. I paid just 2,000 Baht for my non o in Savankhet. 

That would normally mean they gave you a single entry Non O. Have you checked?

[Flow]

I didn't then coz I wasn't able to. Forgot my glasses. Now, I read S this is is awful. This means it's valid for just 3 months? Then I got to leave again for another one? I thought it was valid for 1 year (a friend said you can leave the country and come back the same day) with this visa. This sucks.

[Expat Brad]

1. With regards to this Multiple Entry Visa can you still get a job & WP?

 

2. Prior to marriage I had a Non-B Visa my income was not 40,000 per/mth so does it again matter if my new job is still under 40,000           per/mth?

 

3. If you go for the normal Non-O Marriage Visa can you use a combination of bank & income to make your 400k? 

[ubonjoe]

18 minutes ago, Expat Brad said:

1. With regards to this Multiple Entry Visa can you still get a job & WP?

2. Prior to marriage I had a Non-B Visa my income was not 40,000 per/mth so does it again matter if my new job is still under 40,000           per/mth?

3. If you go for the normal Non-O Marriage Visa can you use a combination of bank & income to make your 400k? 

1. You can get a work permit and work with a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage.

2. You do not need to have an income to get the non-o visa. Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof.

3. To apply for a one year extension of stay (it is not a visa) based upon marriage at immigration it is 400k baht in the bank or 40k baht income. There is no combination option.

[Expat Brad]

On 28/4/2560 at 1:58 PM, ubonjoe said:

1. You can get a work permit and work with a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage.

2. You do not need to have an income to get the non-o visa. Savannakhet does not ask for financial proof.

3. To apply for a one year extension of stay (it is not a visa) based upon marriage at immigration it is 400k baht in the bank or 40k baht income. There is no combination option.

Thanks Ubonjoe 

[mserror]

January 2018 I went to Savannakhet for the marriage visa. The process still works well; the clerk took less than a minute!

 

Some notes:

 

I provided documents listed on the website (open in Chrome and click translate):

 

• http://www.thaisavannakhet.com/savannakhet/th/consulate-service/inspect/index.php
• Used website form. Didn't sign copies.
• I added to Section 1: ONE YEAR MULTIPLE ENTRIES. And stated this to the clerk.
• Purpose of visit: To stay with my Thai wife.
• Visa submissons 9 to 11. Pickup next day at 2.
• Clerk wanted to see original Australian marriage certificate. (He was not interested in the Aust. embassy certified copy and Thai consulate head office endorsed Thai translation.)
• Stayed at Aura Residence. Very hard bed. Thin pillow. Loud electrical hum in the room. Few choices for breakfast. No safe. Do not take credit cards.
• When entering Thailand, ask for 90 days otherwise they might stamp 30 days.

Thanks to those who originally provided info. on this visa option.

[LionofMedaCM]

There is no such multiple non-o expect from your hometown or country of residence and a proof of funds is a must 

in other words if you are not a permanent resident in LAOS you can't get any multiple just single 90 days 

 

[BritTim]

46 minutes ago, LionofMedaCM said:

There is no such multiple non-o expect from your hometown or country of residence and a proof of funds is a must 

in other words if you are not a permanent resident in LAOS you can't get any multiple just single 90 days 

It is well known that you can get a multiple entry Non O to visit your Thai wife in Savannakhet Laos (and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, plus probably a few other places) with no financial proof. You cannot get one in Vientiane, but it is totally wrong to say you can only apply in your country of residence, and financial proof is often not needed.

[Briggsy]

1 hour ago, LionofMedaCM said:

There is no such multiple non-o expect from your hometown or country of residence and a proof of funds is a must 

in other words if you are not a permanent resident in LAOS you can't get any multiple just single 90 days 

 

This is not correct. I know more than one person who obtained a multiple-entry non-imm O visa based on marriage from Savannakhet. There are many reports on here also. Proof of funds is not required. Permanent residence in Laos is not required.

 

I think you have confused a number of issues.

[JackThompson]

3 hours ago, LionofMedaCM said:

if you are not a permanent resident in LAOS you can't get any multiple

True in Vientiane, Laos but not in Savannakhet, Laos.

Only certain multiples are strictly limited to residents - the METV and Non-O-A (based on retirement), for example.   Non-O-Multiples "Based On Marriage" are available to non-residents at many consulates.

 

Most consulates do not require showing funds for Non-O-Multiples "Based On Marriage."  Penang does require funds, but HCMC, Savannakhet, and most others do not.