chiangrai Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 I have been going to Savanakhet now every 15 months for about 6 years. I go there because I can get a one year Multi entry visa on the grounds of marriage without having to show any money in a Thai bank. It's now time to go again.I need to leave Thailand on Sunday.I am planning to walk out at Mukdahan. I allways check in this forum before leaving just incase anything has changed. So can I still get the one year multi entry visa on the grounds of marriage without showing any cash in a Thai bank. Is it still 5 thousand baht for the visa fee Do you still have to produce the same documents when applying. And mostly is this still the best option for somebody who is married to a Thai and doesn't have any money in a Thai Bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Everything is the same as before. No changes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiangrai Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 Great,thanks... One last thing.. What is the best budget hotel to stay in in Mukdahan.The last time I stayed down by the river in a cheap and cheerful hotel but I can't remember it's name.There were twocheap hotels near each other. I also heard that there is one by the bus station,how is that one. Is that the same bus station I need to get the bus to Savanakhet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) Cant help with hotel name in Mukdahan dont stay there have a look on booking .com you might recognise the name. In Savannakhet as you will know there are plenty of cheap hotels Avalon and the new one next to it seem to be the most popular. We use pilgrims kitchen. Try this one in Mukdahan reviews say its a 1 min walk from bus station Submukda Phoomplace Hotel. its on booking . Com no credit card needed Edited August 26, 2017 by jeab1980 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 4 hours ago, chiangrai said: And mostly is this still the best option for somebody who is married to a Thai and doesn't have any money in a Thai Bank. Yes, unless you have an income of at least 40K per month in which case a 1 year extension of stay would be better. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post IgboChief Posted August 27, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) 8 hours ago, elviajero said: Yes, unless you have an income of at least 40K per month in which case a 1 year extension of stay would be better. Your really can't generalize this rule: I made 6 extensions and finally just gave up and go to Savannaketh now for a couple of reasons (and money is not included in that list): If you travel a lot in any way, you do not need this silly 90 day reports Extension means bringing Children, Wife and Neighbour with you, Savannaketh is only about you Extension needs silly photos and a bank letter on discretion of the officer -- who like to change his opinion whenever he wants to call it a day, one time I had to produce 3 different bank letters and the one from the previous year did not suffice any more. You also are forced some times to draft a map to your house, while they refuse to accept printed-out google maps Extension takes at least 6 hours (half day) within a set period of time (3 weeks before expiry), Savannaketh takes 2 days (which you can account for as holidays) whenever you want Extension renders you up to 6 weeks a lame duck because you need to be here when that "under consideration" period ends (this was actually my main reason to change my approach finally) Cheers Edited August 27, 2017 by IgboChief 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 46 minutes ago, IgboChief said: Your really can't generalize this rule: I made 6 extensions and finally just gave up and go to Savannaketh now for a couple of reasons (and money is not included in that list): If you travel a lot in any way, you do not need this silly 90 day reports Extension means bringing Children, Wife and Neighbour with you, Savannaketh is only about you Extension needs silly photos and a bank letter on discretion of the officer -- who like to change his opinion whenever he wants to call it a day, one time I had to produce 3 different bank letters and the one from the previous year did not suffice any more. You also are forced some times to draft a map to your house, while they refuse to accept printed-out google maps Extension takes at least 6 hours (half day) within a set period of time (3 weeks before expiry), Savannaketh takes 2 days (which you can account for as holidays) whenever you want Extension renders you up to 6 weeks a lame duck because you need to be here when that "under consideration" period ends (this was actually my main reason to change my approach finally) Cheers Well said couldnt agree more. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krobert6 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Where is the closest place to Chiang Rai I can do this ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 5 minutes ago, krobert6 said: Where is the closest place to Chiang Rai I can do this ? Savannakhet for the multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 7 minutes ago, krobert6 said: Where is the closest place to Chiang Rai I can do this ? If you mean getting a non o based on marriage showing no funds Savanakhet is closest 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krobert6 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 13 minutes ago, ubonjoe said: Savannakhet for the multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage. SO far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) 2 minutes ago, krobert6 said: SO far Yep a long way for you. You could fly. Or if driving do it over a few days Edited August 27, 2017 by jeab1980 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 1 minute ago, krobert6 said: SO far There is no place closer to get the visa. You could apply for a one year extension of stay based upon marriage at one of the 2 immigration offices in Chiang Rai if you can meet the financial requirements. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanook Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 5 minutes ago, krobert6 said: SO far Maybe, but if you don't want or can't jump through the hoops for a yearly extension, CR is ideally situated for 90 day exits. I know a few guys like me in CR who opt for this visa and you can go almost 17 months before you need to go back for another one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiangrai Posted August 27, 2017 Author Share Posted August 27, 2017 5 minutes ago, jeab1980 said: If you mean getting a non o based on marriage showing no funds Savanakhet is closest Is there another consulate that you can get it without showing funds even if it's farther than Savanakhet. Hotel Hua Nam is the cheap hotel in Mukdahan that I stayed in last time. But yes,I guite like my trips to Savanakhet.It's so relaxed there I fly in with Nok Air and do my usual routine,hire a bicycle and have an apsolutley stress free time. I've never got a marriage visa any where else but meet people totally stressed out from reporting at immigration. Krobert6-- I fly Chiang Rai/Bankok-Mukdahan with Nok Air in one day for about 2500bht one way.The last step of the journey is by Nok Air mini bus. Mukdahan is on the Thai side,you can still get to Savanakhet the same day or sleep in Mukdahan. I then go to Mae Saai every 3 months and walk in and out of Burma and get another 3 months. As said if you work your dates right you will get 15 months free with the option to extend for another 2 months in immigration. My question now is is Savanakhet the only place in the world where you don't have to show funds for a marriage visa or is it just the nearest. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 8 minutes ago, chiangrai said: My question now is is Savanakhet the only place in the world where you don't have to show funds for a marriage visa or is it just the nearest. Perhaps at the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. A few reports of people getting them there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 No i belive there is another but for the life of me i cant remember. I know its a close neighbour some one will be along soon to tell you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanook Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 39 minutes ago, chiangrai said: Is there another consulate that you can get it without showing funds even if it's farther than Savanakhet. Hotel Hua Nam is the cheap hotel in Mukdahan that I stayed in last time. But yes,I guite like my trips to Savanakhet.It's so relaxed there I fly in with Nok Air and do my usual routine,hire a bicycle and have an apsolutley stress free time. I've never got a marriage visa any where else but meet people totally stressed out from reporting at immigration. Krobert6-- I fly Chiang Rai/Bankok-Mukdahan with Nok Air in one day for about 2500bht one way.The last step of the journey is by Nok Air mini bus. Mukdahan is on the Thai side,you can still get to Savanakhet the same day or sleep in Mukdahan. I then go to Mae Saai every 3 months and walk in and out of Burma and get another 3 months. As said if you work your dates right you will get 15 months free with the option to extend for another 2 months in immigration. My question now is is Savanakhet the only place in the world where you don't have to show funds for a marriage visa or is it just the nearest. Can get a Non O based on marriage with no funds in Ho Chi Minh. The price is $200 U.S and unless they have changed policy, they only accept payment in U.S dollars. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 10 hours ago, IgboChief said: Your really can't generalize this rule: I made 6 extensions and finally just gave up and go to Savannaketh now for a couple of reasons (and money is not included in that list): If you travel a lot in any way, you do not need this silly 90 day reports Extension means bringing Children, Wife and Neighbour with you, Savannaketh is only about you Extension needs silly photos and a bank letter on discretion of the officer -- who like to change his opinion whenever he wants to call it a day, one time I had to produce 3 different bank letters and the one from the previous year did not suffice any more. You also are forced some times to draft a map to your house, while they refuse to accept printed-out google maps Extension takes at least 6 hours (half day) within a set period of time (3 weeks before expiry), Savannaketh takes 2 days (which you can account for as holidays) whenever you want Extension renders you up to 6 weeks a lame duck because you need to be here when that "under consideration" period ends (this was actually my main reason to change my approach finally) Cheers In my experience most, like the OP, stay using the ME visa because they can't meet the financials. I was replying specifically to the OP. You, however, are generalising. If you travel a lot you can easily get a multiple re-entry permit. 90 day reports can be done by post, internet, a proxy, or yourself. Far less effort than a border run. In most cases you only need your wife , especially for the second plus extensions. Photos are easy. A letter is easy to get and not needed if you've got 40K in income. Takes 5 mins to draw a map. They don't take 6 hours everywhere. Mine take 2 hours ish including prep. It takes far more time doing a border runs for many, and I can think of many other places I would rather holiday. As most people applying live in the country it's not a big deal to return after 30 days. All the time this method of stay is tolerated by immigration and Savannakhet keep issuing the visa without financials it's a good option for some. But for anyone with money in the bank, or an income in excess of 40K, it's nuts to use the ME visa and be forced to leave every 90/150 days, unless they live close to the border. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freedomnow Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Quick question on how these visa can be extended up to 17 months I've heard ? Is that through visa-runs or extensions at immi. or a combination ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Just now, freedomnow said: Quick question on how these visa can be extended up to 17 months I've heard ? Is that through visa-runs or extensions at immi. or a combination ? 90 day runs untill the day before visa expires then go out co.me back in get the 90 days then at the end of 90 dsys a week before go to immigration and extend for 60 days based on visiting wife total 17mths 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeab1980 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 17 hours ago, elviajero said: In my experience most, like the OP, stay using the ME visa because they can't meet the financials. I was replying specifically to the OP. You, however, are generalising. If you travel a lot you can easily get a multiple re-entry permit. 90 day reports can be done by post, internet, a proxy, or yourself. Far less effort than a border run. In most cases you only need your wife , especially for the second plus extensions. Photos are easy. A letter is easy to get and not needed if you've got 40K in income. Takes 5 mins to draw a map. They don't take 6 hours everywhere. Mine take 2 hours ish including prep. It takes far more time doing a border runs for many, and I can think of many other places I would rather holiday. As most people applying live in the country it's not a big deal to return after 30 days. All the time this method of stay is tolerated by immigration and Savannakhet keep issuing the visa without financials it's a good option for some. But for anyone with money in the bank, or an income in excess of 40K, it's nuts to use the ME visa and be forced to leave every 90/150 days, unless they live close to the border. No its not nuts as you say its personal choice you keep harping on and on about in your experiance ? On here with a small number of posters maybe most use it as they cant afford. Not all and thhrre are thousands of expsts who dont use this media. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiangrai Posted August 28, 2017 Author Share Posted August 28, 2017 On 27/08/2017 at 3:05 PM, jeab1980 said: The last thing I do before going is to go on the Thai consulate website and get a list of the latest requirements for the marriage visa are and which ones have to be singed by my wife before I leave. I also got caught out one time by arriving on a Laos holiday and had to wait for 3 days for the consulate to open.So now I check for Laoation holidays because they are not all the same as Thai. But their website is down.Does anyone have a list of the latest requirements and know what days they are open next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 4 minutes ago, chiangrai said: But their website is down.Does anyone have a list of the latest requirements and know what days they are open next week. There have been no changes. No holidays until October.6th (Lao Holiday). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiangrai Posted August 28, 2017 Author Share Posted August 28, 2017 thanks ubonjoe.Do you have the list of requirements saying which has to be signed by my wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 6 minutes ago, chiangrai said: thanks ubonjoe.Do you have the list of requirements saying which has to be signed by my wife. You will need your marriage certificate plus a copy, copies of your wife's house book registry and ID card signed by her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiangrai Posted August 28, 2017 Author Share Posted August 28, 2017 Do I need copys of my passport and if so what pages Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 12 minutes ago, chiangrai said: Do I need copys of my passport and if so what pages You only need a copy of your passport photo page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 A personal attack of member and a reply to it have been removed. A repeat of it will result in a formal warning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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