How Do I Make An Appointment At The U.S Embassy With My Thai Wife ?

[Mitkof Island]

Looked of the U.S Embassy appointment site in Bangkok and unable to see where my Thai wife and i can make an appointment together. We where married in Thailand. Trying to get a notary stamp for my retirement papers. Could someone here kindly explain where on the appointment site a Thai girlfriend or wife makes an appointment together.

[ubonjoe]

She cannot get an appointment. You could ask when you arrive at consular section to see if they will let her in with you but be prepared that they will say no.

At one time they even had notice that only the person wanting a service done could enter because the waiting area is small.

I have never tried to take my wife with me when I had an appointment being aware it was not normally allowed.

[NancyL]

If you need for your wife/girlfriend to be present to physically assist you (perhaps you're in a wheelchair), then you can email the Embassy and explain your situation.  They're very understanding about things like this.  However, if you want your wife/girlfriend to come along just to accompany you as you obtain your annual Income Letter for Thai Immigration, then no, she'll have to wait outside.

 

Now, if you need to have a document notarized and her signature is also needed on the document, then again simply email the Embassy and explain and she'll be permitted entry.  But, your OP said the purpose of the visit was for your "retirement papers", implying your annual Thai immigration requirement.

[kbb]

My wife and I had to notarize some docs 2 years ago.

I had originally made a separate appointment for her. 

But after emailing the embassy, they said to cancel her separate appointment & add her name to the comment - note section of my appointment.

 

To be safe - Carry a copy of any emails to the window. 

[csabo]

4 hours ago, kbb said:

My wife and I had to notarize some docs 2 years ago.

I had originally made a separate appointment for her. 

But after emailing the embassy, they said to cancel her separate appointment & add her name to the comment - note section of my appointment.

 

To be safe - Carry a copy of any emails to the window. 

Could you elaborate? What type of document would need a Thai nationals notarized signature and could it not have been competed by a notary outside the embassy for less hassle and expense.  A prenup written at home? Just curious. If too private to reply no problem.

[tryasimight]

On ‎22‎/‎07‎/‎2017 at 4:31 PM, ubonjoe said:

She cannot get an appointment. You could ask when you arrive at consular section to see if they will let her in with you but be prepared that they will say no.

At one time they even had notice that only the person wanting a service done could enter because the waiting area is small.

I have never tried to take my wife with me when I had an appointment being aware it was not normally allowed.

Any logic why this is so?

[Mitkof Island]

10 hours ago, csabo said:

Could you elaborate? What type of document would need a Thai nationals notarized signature and could it not have been competed by a notary outside the embassy for less hassle and expense.  A prenup written at home? Just curious. If too private to reply no problem.

Where can i find a notary for a U.S notary that my wife has to sign with me. This form must have a notary stamp it is for my retirement money in America .

[kbb]

The specific type of document is irrelevant. 

The embassy will simply check your ID, and ask that you attest to the accuracy of the information

Aside from providing the Notary service, they assume no responsibility to review the information.

 

While many legal services in Thailand offer "Notary" services, I am not aware of any that hold U.S. (and/or other foreign) credentials that would be accepted overseas. That's why you need to go to your embassy. 

[csabo]

2 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

Where can i find a notary for a U.S notary that my wife has to sign with me. This form must have a notary stamp it is for my retirement money in America .

I was talking to kbb but anyway, my wife needed a US social security number to get my pension after death so didn't take that any further. I assume your pension is different. As far as the appointment do you live in BKK? The consular outreaches have no such appointment protocols. You could easily take her there. 

[Mitkof Island]

14 hours ago, kbb said:

The specific type of document is irrelevant. 

The embassy will simply check your ID, and ask that you attest to the accuracy of the information

Aside from providing the Notary service, they assume no responsibility to review the information.

 

While many legal services in Thailand offer "Notary" services, I am not aware of any that hold U.S. (and/or other foreign) credentials that would be accepted overseas. That's why you need to go to your embassy. 

Does my Thai wife have to be present to sign if i go in alone to get a notary stamp at the embassy ? If not no problem. Would i show the embassy papers showing i am married with her Thai passport photo  and marriage papers? Would that be enough to get a notary stamp?

[ubonjoe]

11 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

Does my Thai wife have to be present to sign if i go in alone to get a notary stamp at the embassy ? If not no problem. Would i show the embassy papers showing i am married with her Thai passport photo  and marriage papers? Would that be enough to get a notary stamp?

What are you trying to get notarized?

Unless her signature is needed on one of them she does not need to be with you.

[sandemara]

On 7/23/2017 at 9:59 PM, tryasimight said:

Any logic why this is so?

Does any Embassy have to demonstrate logic to those in need?

[NancyL]

7 minutes ago, sandemara said:

Does any Embassy have to demonstrate logic to those in need?

This is really unfair.  The U.S. Embassy/Chiang Mai Consulate do a very good job of helping those in need.  As I said, if you have a special need, simply email them and they'll accomodate.

 

Believe me, I have contact with the Embassies/Consulates of other countries in my role with Lanna Care Net and by far, the U.S. is one of the best at citizen services.  

[Mitkof Island]

10 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

What are you trying to get notarized?

Unless her signature is needed on one of them she does not need to be with you.

yes she has to sign. but now i hear that a postmaster is good enough. Do must towns have one?

[ubonjoe]

11 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

yes she has to sign. but now i hear that a postmaster is good enough. Do must towns have one?

Not sure a postmaster at a Thai post office could witness her signature.

You wife can make an appointment to be with you if she has to sign your documents. 

After making your appointment you will see this at the bottom of the page confirming it. Click to make her an appointment.

Screenshot of my most recent appointment page I saved  (printed to PDF).

 

 

[Pib]

On 7/23/2017 at 3:56 PM, kbb said:

My wife and I had to notarize some docs 2 years ago.

I had originally made a separate appointment for her. 

But after emailing the embassy, they said to cancel her separate appointment & add her name to the comment - note section of my appointment.

 

To be safe - Carry a copy of any emails to the window. 

My wifi is a dual US & Thai citizen.  A couple of times when I needed to go for something (I made an appt) I took her along just to see the place....just showed her U.S. passport at security.  And in reverse when she needed to renew her U.S. passport, we made an appt for her, I tagged along and just had to show my U.S. passport to go in with her.  Honestly I can't remember if we did the "comment" thing or not when making the appointments as it's been over a year since our last visit.

Edited July 26, 2017 by Pib

[Mitkof Island]

13 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Not sure a postmaster at a Thai post office could witness her signature.

You wife can make an appointment to be with you if she has to sign your documents. 

After making your appointment you will see this at the bottom of the page confirming it. Click to make her an appointment.

Screenshot of my most recent appointment page I saved  (printed to PDF).

 

 

was told by the state a postmaster signing and stamp good enough. where can i go?

 

[Mitkof Island]

2 hours ago, Pib said:

My wifi is a dual US & Thai citizen.  A couple of times when I needed to go for something (I made an appt) I took her along just to see the place....just showed her U.S. passport at security.  And in reverse when she needed to renew her U.S. passport, we made an appt for her, I tagged along and just had to show my U.S. passport to go in with her.  Honestly I can't remember if we did the "comment" thing or not when making the appointments as it's been over a year since our last visit.

wife is Thai national no U.S. passport

[ubonjoe]

10 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

was told by the state a postmaster signing and stamp good enough. where can i go?

That might be true back in the states but postmasters here have no authority here to do it. If you think it would be accepted you could get it notarized at a law office.

It is hard to give advice without knowing what you need signed and witnessed. You could PM if you don't want to post it on the open forum.

[Pib]

Just email the American Citizen Services at the Embassy and ask the question.  Every time I've sent an email/question they have answered within 1 to 2 business days.

[4evermaat]

Normally, only US nationals and green card holders can pass through the US citizen services door. An exception is made if the service requested requires the physical presence of the non-us national. Common example: report of birth abroad/minor passport, they ask for mom/dad/child's name and passport/id when making appointment.

If you think your wife or other non-US national is REQUIRED to be with you for some reason, forward your reservation email to US embassy bangkok citizen services and briefly explain your situation. They are helpful.

You must make an appointment for all non-emergency services (either via online the appointment calendar or via email). If you go without an appointment, they will call up and let you speak with someone to see if an exception can be made right then, but prepare to be inconvenienced.

[ubonjoe]

Just noticed this on the embassy website. First time I can recall it being there on this page.https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/landing_page/

Quote

Access will ONLY be granted to the individual(s) listed on your appointment confirmation. In advance of your appointment, please provide us with the full names of all people who will accompany you and explain why their presence is required ([email protected]). Pending approval, we will send you a revised confirmation notice to facilitate their entry.

 

[ubonjoe]

36 minutes ago, 4evermaat said:

Normally, only US nationals and green card holders can pass through the US citizen services door. An exception is made if the service requested requires the physical presence of the non-us national. Common example: report of birth abroad/minor passport, they ask for mom/dad/child's name and passport/id when making appointment.

Thais and other foreign nationals can get notaries done at the embassy.  From this page. https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/

Quote

Notarial services provided by the Embassy are primarily for the benefit of American citizens and legal permanent residents. Foreign nationals may also have documents notarized, but only if the documents will be used in the United States.

 

[Mitkof Island]

12 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

That might be true back in the states but postmasters here have no authority here to do it. If you think it would be accepted you could get it notarized at a law office.

It is hard to give advice without knowing what you need signed and witnessed. You could PM if you don't want to post it on the open forum.

Retire papers state of Alaska . State says postmaster stamp ok.

[ubonjoe]

12 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

Retire papers state of Alaska . State says postmaster stamp ok.

As I wrote before that might be possible if you were in Alaska. I am sure if you were there a notary public could also do it.

It possible a Thai notary stamp will be accepted but if it was me I would get it done at the embassy to avoid problems.

Did you read my post at #22 about getting her an appointment.

[Mitkof Island]

On 7/28/2017 at 9:48 AM, ubonjoe said:

As I wrote before that might be possible if you were in Alaska. I am sure if you were there a notary public could also do it.

It possible a Thai notary stamp will be accepted but if it was me I would get it done at the embassy to avoid problems.

Did you read my post at #22 about getting her an appointment.

Yes thank you very much i will try.