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

[sikishrory]

Thanks for doing such a detailed post. Saves wasting time sitting through the shorter ones.

I am going to do this in a couple of weeks with my wife. 

A few minor questions.

Do you know the time for the last bus from Mukdahan. In other words do you need to rush to get there?

I'm assuming if you get a bus around 6pm you arrive back at Morchit anywhere from 4am-8am, would that be about right?

Someone mentioned you should remind the umm officer upon re-entry to do their job correctly and stamp 3 months instead of one. Is this based on multiple reports of people being stamped incorrectly? Nothing worse than trying to speak with a grumpy imm officer.

Thanks

Edited February 5, 2018 by sikishrory

[BritTim]

7 hours ago, sikishrory said:

Do you know the time for the last bus from Mukdahan. In other words do you need to rush to get there?

I'm assuming if you get a bus around 6pm you arrive back at Morchit anywhere from 4am-8am, would that be about right?

Personally, not enjoying long bus journeys, I prefer to take the Nok Air fly-ride service back to Bangkok. You need to be in Mukdahan by 5:30 pm, in principle, for the last service of the day, but you can ask them to pick you up from the bridge on the way past if you are delayed for some reason. I believe there are buses out of Mukdahan going to Bangkok until about 8:00 pm. The journey times vary greatly, but the fastest take around 9 hours. 

[Fatman666]

8 hours ago, sikishrory said:

Thanks for doing such a detailed post. Saves wasting time sitting through the shorter ones.

I am going to do this in a couple of weeks with my wife. 

A few minor questions.

Do you know the time for the last bus from Mukdahan. In other words do you need to rush to get there?

I'm assuming if you get a bus around 6pm you arrive back at Morchit anywhere from 4am-8am, would that be about right?

Someone mentioned you should remind the umm officer upon re-entry to do their job correctly and stamp 3 months instead of one. Is this based on multiple reports of people being stamped incorrectly? Nothing worse than trying to speak with a grumpy imm officer.

Thanks

I was always stamped in correctly with my Multi NON-O visa.

Couple of months ago i take the 1st class bus from Mukdahan to Bangkok leaving at 8:15pm, arrived Bangkok around 6am. 

http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/transfer/bus-isan.html

[eeworldwide]

Thanks for all this.

 

I hate buses. 

 

What's the deal with flying from BKK to Mukdahan?

 

I'm also thinking whether it might be more straightforward to fly to HCMC instead of SVKT.

 

 

[ubonjoe]

6 minutes ago, eeworldwide said:

What's the deal with flying from BKK to Mukdahan?

You can use a fly/ride service. Air Asia does it via Nakhon Phanom. Nok Air has more options since they do the service via 3 regional airports. See: https://content.nokair.com/en/Booking/Where-we-fly/Flight-Service/Fly-n-Ride/Sakon-Nakhon-Mukdahan

[eeworldwide]

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

You can use a fly/ride service. Air Asia does it via Nakhon Phanom. Nok Air has more options since they do the service via 3 regional airports. See: https://content.nokair.com/en/Booking/Where-we-fly/Flight-Service/Fly-n-Ride/Sakon-Nakhon-Mukdahan

Thank you Ubon Joe, as always!

 

I've picked up the notion that I could alternately fly to HCMC to get a Multiple Non O based on Marriage?

 

Is this still the case, and if it is, are the application requirements the same as the ones for a Non O in Savvankhet?

 

I also heard that you don't have to apply online for a Visa to Vietnam - but it's now Visa On Arrival?

 

Apologies for al the questions, but because of my extremely hectic schedule, I'm trying to work out the most simple way to get in and out of the country, without having to take bus rides etc...

[eeworldwide]

8 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You can use a fly/ride service. Air Asia does it via Nakhon Phanom. Nok Air has more options since they do the service via 3 regional airports. See: https://content.nokair.com/en/Booking/Where-we-fly/Flight-Service/Fly-n-Ride/Sakon-Nakhon-Mukdahan

 

 

I also see that using their service, the whole visa trip will take me 3 days, as I understand that I have to submit my application before 11am.

[BritTim]

7 minutes ago, eeworldwide said:

I've picked up the notion that I could alternately fly to HCMC to get a Multiple Non O based on Marriage?

 

Is this still the case, and if it is, are the application requirements the same as the ones for a Non O in Savvankhet?

There have been a number of reports that this is the case.

 

8 minutes ago, eeworldwide said:

I also heard that you don't have to apply online for a Visa to Vietnam - but it's now Visa On Arrival?

Visa requirements for Vietnam have eased over the last couple of years. If you are not a national of one of the 24 countries that receives visa exempt entry, you can almost certainly use the reasonably prriced eVisa scheme introduced last year.

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, eeworldwide said:

I also see that using their service, the whole visa trip will take me 3 days, as I understand that I have to submit my application before 11am.

The flights all arrive to late to do the application of the same day you arrive.

No problem for the return flight on the day you pickup your passport.

One extra night in Savannakhet is better than an overnight bus ride IMO and then the rush to get to the consulate in Savannakhet.

Arrive Mukdahan late afternoon (at bridge before 6 pm) cross to Savannakhet and relax until you do the application the next morning.

[eeworldwide]

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

The flights all arrive to late to do the application of the same day you arrive.

No problem for the return flight on the day you pickup your passport.

One extra night in Savannakhet is better than an overnight bus ride IMO and then the rush to get to the consulate in Savannakhet.

Arrive Mukdahan late afternoon (at bridge before 6 pm) cross to Savannakhet and relax until you do the application the next morning.

Great advice - thank you Ubon Joe!

[eeworldwide]

5 hours ago, BritTim said:

There have been a number of reports that this is the case.

 

Visa requirements for Vietnam have eased over the last couple of years. If you are not a national of one of the 24 countries that receives visa exempt entry, you can almost certainly use the reasonably prriced eVisa scheme introduced last year.

Thanks so much, Tim! Weighing up my options now! :)

[sikishrory]

I just had a bit of a revelation actually. With my non o based on marriage expiring in just a few weeks am I able to leave the country and come back (before it expires) and get a fresh 3 months?

Just want to be sure I am correct before I do that. Could anyone please confirm.

Thanks

[johnny1966]

On 2/17/2017 at 7:40 AM, steve187 said:

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

 

Four trips to savanna and never been asked for a Kor Roi document. I do not think this is required unless things have changed.

[steve187]

10 hours ago, sikishrory said:

I just had a bit of a revelation actually. With my non o based on marriage expiring in just a few weeks am I able to leave the country and come back (before it expires) and get a fresh 3 months?

Just want to be sure I am correct before I do that. Could anyone please confirm.

Thanks

as long as its a multi entry then yes a fresh 90 days will be given

[ubonjoe]

11 hours ago, sikishrory said:

I just had a bit of a revelation actually. With my non o based on marriage expiring in just a few weeks am I able to leave the country and come back (before it expires) and get a fresh 3 months?

If you a multiple entry non-o visa issued by an embassy or consulate you can get a new 90 day entry if you do it on or before the enter before date on your visa.

You can also extend that 90 day entry for 60 days to visit your wife.

[sikishrory]

Thanks

[eeworldwide]

Hi all.

 

Here's a report on my sojourn to Savannakhet to get a Non O Multiple entry based on Marriage.

 

Flew up to Don Nakhon Phanom with Nok Air from DMK.

 

Simple flight with no hassles.

 

I got the fly and ride service and got in the van at the airport to Mukdahan.

 

That cost me an extra 200 THB to get dropped off at the border control at Friendship Bridge.

 

Faffed about a while working out how to get across as there are no taxis to do that.

 

So I got a bus ticket and waited about 45 mins.

 

Bus ride was 50 thb and about 5 minutes long.

 

Got to Laos immigration at other side.

 

Paid $35 for visa which is about 480 THB cheaper than paying in Baht.

 

Got a tuk Tuk to AVALON Residences - 200 THB.

 

Avalon is GREAT for what you pay.

 

I stayed for 2 nights and paid about 1200 THB.

 

Room was clean - the bed was comfortable and the wifi was great.

 

Balcony was large and secluded so I could walk around totally in the nude all the time inside and out without spectators.

 

Ate at the guest house restaurant downstairs - which is actually very good for what you pay.

 

Didn't go out as I was tired and it looked shit.

 

 

Next morning  walked to teh consulate which took me 10 minutes.

 

2 people in queue before me.

 

Consulate opens at 9am - not as otherwise advertised.

 

Submitted application and paid 5K THB.

 

No questions apart from if I wanted single or multiple.

 

Since I assumed they were talking about orgasms, I of course asked for multiple.

 

I walked back and stopped at Machiato Coffee place a block or 2 down from Consulate.

 

Modern and trendy and modeled after a London place.

 

Overpriced.

 

 

Went back to Avalon and hung around in the nude drinking beer.

 

Went out to find food other than the hotel later that day and walked all over Savannakhet.

 

It is a truly depressing town and I found nothing to my liking or with any vibe.

 

I obviously missed the night market.

 

Went back and ate at hotel.

 

 

Then went back upstairs and hurriedly resumed my nudity.

 

 

The next day woke up late and had breakfast and then a beer at 1pm.

 

They kicked me out at 1.30pm.

 

I got a tuk tuk which was waiting outside to take suckers to the consulate.

 

I accepted the ride.

 

 

Picked up visa at 2.15 with no questions or hassles.

 

Got the tuk tuk to the bridge which was 150THB.

 

Got bus ticket after checking through immigration.

 

50 THB.

 

Got on bus to other side.

 

Got through immigration with no hassles.

 

Got a tuk tuk to Ploy Palace which was 150THB.

 

15 minute ride.

 

Located the Nok Air van to take me to Sakohn Nakhon.

 

I would leave at 5.30.

 

Went inside and ordered steak and a bottle of wine and watched  Ghost In The Shell on my laptop.

 

Steak was OK - not a real steak - probably dog meat.

 

Dosed after drinking the entire bottle of wine.

 

Paid bill of 1080THB.

 

Got in van.

 

Nobody else was in the van.

 

Driver drove maniacally to the airport.

 

Stopped to Pee at the side of the road twice.

 

Darkness fell.

 

I finished watching Ghost In The Shell.

 

It was ok.

 

 

Got to airport.

 

Realised I had run out of cigarettes.

 

EVENTUALLY found a booth at the far left of the outside of the terminal which sold some obscure brands.

 

Bought beer and smoked my way through 5 before going through security to the plane.

 

Got  on the plane.

 

Arrived at DMK.

 

 

Was amused by the massage offer.

 

Got uber home.

 

Hurriedly got into the nude.

 

 

Thank you to Ubon Joe and ALL who helped advise me before taking the trip.

 

It wasn't too bad - and would be perfect if Savannakhet was able to offer some forms of better restaurants and entertainment.

 

I'll send nude pics of me by private message as a way of expressing gratitude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[eeworldwide]

And here's a version of events through picture and poetry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2018 by eeworldwide
wrong pictures uploaded.

[sikishrory]

On ‎2‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 8:24 AM, ubonjoe said:

If you a multiple entry non-o visa issued by an embassy or consulate you can get a new 90 day entry if you do it on or before the enter before date on your visa.

You can also extend that 90 day entry for 60 days to visit your wife.

I was just about to book some kind of flight for a visa run but before i do i am wondering is there some kind of extension you can get to the visa through local immigration also? i'm not sure but i think i remember reading you can get a one month extension also (non-o based on marriage) through immigration?

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

I was just about to book some kind of flight for a visa run but before i do i am wondering is there some kind of extension you can get to the visa through local immigration also? i'm not sure but i think i remember reading you can get a one month extension also (non-o based on marriage) through immigration?

You can apply for a 60 day extension of stay to visit you wife an immigration office.

There is no 30 day extension you can apply for.

[sikishrory]

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

You can apply for a 60 day extension of stay to visit you wife an immigration office.

There is no 30 day extension you can apply for.

so I can either leave the country and come back for 3 months or i can pop down to imm office and get 2 months and save on the flights hotels etc. thats a no brainer. glad i checked. thankyou ubonjoe. i assume i should basically take the usual docs down there marriage certs etc? will i need anything signed by wife? sorry to bother you i couldn't find a thread or anything on this matter

[ubonjoe]

1 minute ago, sikishrory said:

so I can either leave the country and come back for 3 months or i can pop down to imm office and get 2 months and save on the flights hotels etc. thats a no brainer. glad i checked. thankyou ubonjoe. i assume i should basically take the usual docs down there marriage certs etc? will i need anything signed by wife? sorry to bother you i couldn't find a thread or anything on this matter

Your wife will need to with you when you apply for it. 

She will need to sign copies of her house book registry and ID card. 

[sikishrory]

3 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Your wife will need to with you when you apply for it. 

She will need to sign copies of her house book registry and ID card. 

very helpful. thanks again 

 

[sikishrory]

For the record me and the wife wasted 5 hours at jomtien immigration today trying to get the 2 month extension which was denied due to issues with her tabien ban and tabien ban of the japenese guy we rent our condo from. We don't live at the address on her tabian ban. The place is owned by her aunt who just added my wife on there so she could have a tabian ban to use sometimes.

We arrived first thing at 8.30am and spoke to information desk to get forms and queue number. The girl had no idea what she was doing and said I could only apply for 7 days until myself and another lady corrected her. She gave me 2 TM7 extension of stay forms as well as a "notification form for house master/owner etc" form. Which I ignored (correctly) as I didn't see it on thaivisa.

So we waited.

Then submitted the documents I saw on another thread:

application form tm7

copy of my passport

copy of her tabian ban

copy of her id card

copy of marriage certificate.

Then the officer requested my rental agreement from the condo we live together at.

Then she requested the tabian ban copy of the owner of our condo as well as his passport copy

Then she requested the name change document from our marriage as she took on my name the day we married.

She also mentioned photographs would be taken of us together.

The officer also mentioned we would have to get a new queue and start again even though we just needed to print the extra docs from dropbox.

about 2 hours later our number came up again.

We submitted the extra documents as requested.

Problems again.

The main issue that I hadn't noticed was that the owners tabian ban was not in his name but the name of his company.

She told us there were 2 ways. 

1 - We could use the tabian ban of my wife if we also had the chanote document for the land. 

Or 

2 - We could use the tabian ban of the Japanese owner of our rented condo if we also got his contract from buying the condo. Something which I would consider to be a very private document so I wouldn't bother asking him. The guy barely knows me. 

By this time it was after 1pm and we were hungry, tired, frustrated, stressed so called it a day and I am about to try to organize a visa run to get 3 months as my visa is still valid until Monday. Lots of flights are fully booked and trying to avoid the death trap van runs.

But yeh not the easy morning at immigration that I was expecting and maybe this info will help someone in future.

I find it funny that my documents are fine to get the visa in the first place but then not to extend it 60 days. Glad I wasn't doing the 1 year extension as would have had the same issue.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, sikishrory said:

For the record me and the wife wasted 5 hours at jomtien immigration today trying to get the 2 month extension which was denied due to issues with her tabien ban and tabien ban of the japenese guy we rent our condo from.

I've done the same thing - tried twice. I had everything on every list posted here for years and more plus up-to-date TM-30.   The second time, the lady was so rude to my wife, it has influenced our move to another part of Thailand.  It is a good thing I did not know what was being said to her in Thai at the time, or things might have gone sideways.

 

If you don't own the condo you are living in, then they ask for documents you unlikely to get from a landlord (makes it appear like you are trying to sell his condo out from under them) - and if you can (I did, with begging), they will still reject you, and ask for the owner to travel from where ever to go his amphoe for "new copies" of the valid docs you already have.  

 

This routine is to force you to an agent, so they can get a fat brown envelope.  Typical corruption.  The only solution when dealing with Jomtien for a Married-extension, if living in a rental condo (or needing a conversion), is to go to Savannakhet Laos and get a 1-year ME - at least until you can move to an area with a family-services desk that will follow the actual rules.

[sikishrory]

4 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

I've done the same thing - tried twice. I had everything on every list posted here for years and more plus up-to-date TM-30.   The second time, the lady was so rude to my wife, it has influenced our move to another part of Thailand.  It is a good thing I did not know what was being said to her in Thai at the time, or things might have gone sideways.

 

If you don't own the condo you are living in, then they ask for documents you unlikely to get from a landlord (makes it appear like you are trying to sell his condo out from under them) - and if you can (I did, with begging), they will still reject you, and ask for the owner to travel from where ever to go his amphoe for "new copies" of the valid docs you already have.  

 

This routine is to force you to an agent, so they can get a fat brown envelope.  Typical corruption.  The only solution when dealing with Jomtien for a Married-extension, if living in a rental condo (or needing a conversion), is to go to Savannakhet Laos and get a 1-year ME - at least until you can move to an area with a family-services desk that will follow the actual rules.

yeh when she said the first time that we had to get the owners documents i got the feeling from her that it was end of story as we wouldn't be able to get them and my visa expires in 2 or 3 days. then she seemed a bit shocked that we returned 2 hrs later. she seemed quite pleased with herself when she was explaining the extra documents needed the second time. 

There was her just her desk open but another one opened intermittently to process family stuff throughout the morning. one lady was smiley and funny looking and the other had the stern "can not" look about her. we had the happy looking one. so i was surprised she turned out like she did adding สิ (si) to the end of her requests which is often used as a polite way of being impolite in thai.

[JackThompson]

7 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

she seemed a bit shocked that we returned 2 hrs later

Yes, likewise when we showed up 2 days later with owner-docs they figured we'd never get.  Our building mgr is friends with owner, and begged them to provide them for us, or it never would have happened.  Never mind the cops will come and verify where you live, anyway.

 

With these types, its a big joke when you try to do things honestly with them - seems to irritate them that you don't "get it" - thinking they care if you are a "good guy" or a gangster (like the sign says).  The options seem to be paying an agent 8-times the legal-cost of this extension or get Visas abroad.

[sikishrory]

Yep. I had often read reports of jomtien immigration being a pain in the butt and had been there a number of times in the past to do basic things like residency cert and always wondered what the fuss was about. Now I understand. If it wasn't for this website I don't know how anyone would know what is available and what is required as they don't seem to have it listed anywhere on there (thai language) website nor do the young girls at the information desk by the front door.

it is a hassle for me but not the end of the world as it was just a 2 month extension in favour of doing a border run for 1 extra month.

surprisingly these documents are ok to make a 1 year visa with should i need it after that 3 months. 

Not much of a fan of paying a visa agent extra to do the same thing I can do myself.

I don't blame you for moving. I'd like to do the same but wife isn't keen on it.

[JackThompson]

46 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

Yep. I had often read reports of jomtien immigration being a pain in the butt and had been there a number of times in the past to do basic things like residency cert and always wondered what the fuss was about.

Yes - no problem for retirement-extensions or for tourist extensions reported.