I plan very soon to enter Thailand and live with wife in Udon after being seperated for 1 1/2 years. In spite of many difficulties here in the US, I have been supporting her very well monthly. After searching everything possible about Thai immigration laws and asking lots of questions on forums I am faced with making some final decisions on what to do when I arrive in Bangkok. Thai immigration would like to see money transfers of pension into a Thai bank with book record and statement from Thai bank confirming the validity of the situation. From what I've found if I transfer pension into Thai bank then there is no international ATM card issued by Bangkok Bank which I would need if I have to return to the US, and the account must be in my name only which means that if I must leave Thailand she can not be able to withdraw any funds either. So from what some experienced expats have suggested is that I could open a bank account with any Thai bank and make deposits monthly there myself by drawing money from an ATM using my US bank account. I must decide wether or not to open a direct deposit savings account in Bangkok when I arrive.
One other matter that seems to become clear is that when I after 3 months go for the 3 month visa extension that I do not have to show any income statements during my first year there by doing border runs. Only if I go to Thai Immigration in Udon or Nong Khai that they might give a year extension every 3 months without having to do border runs if I have all the paperwork ready.
If you are a US citizen experienced in type O marriage visa extensions, I could sure use some input from you on the matters, especially on border runs every 3 months and wether or not a US citizen would have to show proof of income to get 3 month extensions for my first year there. Or what I do need to show as far as documentation?
[/b]

STARS wrote:I plan very soon to enter Thailand and live with wife in Udon after being seperated for 1 1/2 years. In spite of many difficulties here in the US, I have been supporting her very well monthly. After searching everything possible about Thai immigration laws and asking lots of questions on forums I am faced with making some final decisions on what to do when I arrive in Bangkok. Thai immigration would like to see money transfers of pension into a Thai bank with book record and statement from Thai bank confirming the validity of the situation. From what I've found if I transfer pension into Thai bank then there is no international ATM card issued by Bangkok Bank which I would need if I have to return to the US, and the account must be in my name only which means that if I must leave Thailand she can not be able to withdraw any funds either. So from what some experienced expats have suggested is that I could open a bank account with any Thai bank and make deposits monthly there myself by drawing money from an ATM using my US bank account. I must decide wether or not to open a direct deposit savings account in Bangkok when I arrive.
One other matter that seems to become clear is that when I after 3 months go for the 3 month visa extension that I do not have to show any income statements during my first year there by doing border runs. Only if I go to Thai Immigration in Udon or Nong Khai that they might give a year extension every 3 months without having to do border runs if I have all the paperwork ready.
If you are a US citizen experienced in type O marriage visa extensions, I could sure use some input from you on the matters, especially on border runs every 3 months and wether or not a US citizen would have to show proof of income to get 3 month extensions for my first year there. Or what I do need to show as far as documentation?
[/b]

I am by no means an expert, but I've done a lot research. I'm just about in the same situation as yourself. But first just to clarify there's no such animal as a 3 month extension. I'm assuming you mean a Single Entry Non-Immigrant O visa (good for 90 days).

One option, if you don't want to deal with proof of income requirements then you can remain incountry on a Single Entry Non-Immigrant O visa. When it expires then you need to make a visa run. As far as I know from what I've read there's no limit. Another option is a Multi-Entry Non-Imm O visa.

Option two is to come here on a Single Entry Non-Immigrant O visa, after 2 months (in other words 1 month remaining on your visa) apply for a one year extension based on marriage. At this time you have to provide proof of income of 40,000 bt (or more). There more details to this option, I'm just giving you the short version.

I'm currently working on applying for the 1 yr extension and recently went to Nong Khai immigration for assistance, all I need to complete my package is a letter from the bank confirming I have deposited 40,000bt.

Here two links you should read for further guidance:

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1.php

Rito

Here's some more info: (Maybe the Mods or Admin can make this a sticky for future ref...up2u )

30 day entry stamp : for the majority of passport holders, this is a 'permission to stay 30 days' stamp only obtained (free of charge) at a port of entry into the Kingdom and is issued without the need for a visa. At the discretion of the immigration officer this may be extended for up to 7-15 days at an immigration office after which time the holder must leave the Kingdom. This is NOT a visa.

3 month validity, single entry tourist visa: pre-obtained at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate and will result in the holder obtaining a 60 day 'permission to stay' stamp upon entry. If required, this type of visa may be extended by 30 days at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. After one entry, the visa is

Stars,

Here are the requirements for the 1 yr extension:

Form TM 7
Passport
Marriage certificate
2 passport photos
birth certificates of children (if applicable)
wife's Tabien bahn (house book)
wife's ID
Letter from bank confirming 40,000bt deposit in bank (bank account must be in your name; may be joint account)
Bank statement showing 40,000 bt
Proof of income letter (notorized) from Embassy stating at minimum 40,000 bt.

Two complete copies of all of the above with originals and must bring wife.

*This is current information as of August 17th from Nong Khai immigration. Also please take note that this was my experience on this day and can't guarantee that it will be the same for you or anyone else.


Hope this helps

Rito

If it is the first time that you apply for this 1 yr extension based on marriage,
then in the immigration office in Bangkok (don't know about Nong Khai),
they will also ask you for a minimum of pictures.
The pictures have to show you and your wife next to the entrance of your house.
The house number has to be shown on this picture.
They also want pictures of your marriage and/or marriage party.
I even had to give them pictures of me and my wife in our living room,
and in front of the dressers of our sleeping room( I gave them decent pictures!!!).
by the way, we also had to give them a Proof of Residence which was not stated in the list from Papaguido,
but again, this is what I had to show in the Immigration office in Bangkok. I
t seems that the Immigration office in Nong khai is not asking for as many documents as Bangkok,
Which shows again how the law is applied differently in different Immigration Offices

cookie wrote:If it is the first time that you apply for this 1 yr extension based on marriage,
then in the immigration office in Bangkok (don't know about Nong Khai),
they will also ask you for a minimum of pictures.
The pictures have to show you and your wife next to the entrance of your house.
The house number has to be shown on this picture.
They also want pictures of your marriage and/or marriage party.
I even had to give them pictures of me and my wife in our living room,
and in front of the dressers of our sleeping room( I gave them decent pictures!!!).
by the way, we also had to give them a Proof of Residence which was not stated in the list from Papaguido,
but again, this is what I had to show in the Immigration office in Bangkok. I
t seems that the Immigration office in Nong khai is not asking for as many documents as Bangkok,
Which shows again how the law is applied differently in different Immigration Offices

Yes I've read that in TV forum and was prepared and brought pictures with me but they never asked for them. Also, our proof of residence was my wife's Tabien Bahn or (blue) house book and my Tabien Bahn (yellow).

I will clarify what I understand, that which I have learned to most likely be true. I will enter Thailand on type O reunion visa and have 2 months to produce all the documentation needed for a year permission to reside in The Kingdom and no need to exit Thailand just report each 3 months and then get another year extension at years end. I might be able to do my money transfers myself from ATM bank in the States to any bank in Udon Thani.
Or I can stay in The Kingdom without any bank transfers for 1 year by going to Thai Immigration office on a single entry O visa with the rest of the documentation needed and present required documentation at the end of the year - bank transfers- to remain 1 more year making reports each 3 months. Or make the border runs every 3 months to Laos to get stamped in for 3 more months up to the 1 year without proof of finances and in this case multy entry O visa would be a better choice, and at years end exit Thailand and apply for a new type O visa no bank transfers needed.

I heard that at The US Embassy when I apply for notarized certificate of pension income that they always use the 40 baht to dollar exchange rate no matter what the current exchange rate actualy is at the time. If that is true then I will have a little bit over 40,000 baht a month income. If not then I am down to about 34,000 because of the declined dollar value. Can anyone here confirm the 40-1 exchange rate is fact at US Embassy?

STARS wrote:I will clarify what I understand, that which I have learned to most likely be true. I will enter Thailand on type O reunion visa and have 2 months to produce all the documentation needed for a year permission to reside in The Kingdom and no need to exit Thailand just report each 3 months and then get another year extension at years end. I might be able to do my money transfers myself from ATM bank in the States to any bank in Udon Thani.
Or I can stay in The Kingdom without any bank transfers for 1 year by going to Thai Immigration office on a single entry O visa with the rest of the documentation needed and present required documentation at the end of the year - bank transfers- to remain 1 more year making reports each 3 months. Or make the border runs every 3 months to Laos to get stamped in for 3 more months up to the 1 year without proof of finances and in this case multy entry O visa would be a better choice, and at years end exit Thailand and apply for a new type O visa no bank transfers needed.

I heard that at The US Embassy when I apply for notarized certificate of pension income that they always use the 40 baht to dollar exchange rate no matter what the current exchange rate actualy is at the time. If that is true then I will have a little bit over 40,000 baht a month income. If not then I am down to about 34,000 because of the declined dollar value. Can anyone here confirm the 40-1 exchange rate is fact at US Embassy?

Sounds right to me, except what's in bold. If you're on a Single Entry Non-Imm O, when it expires you would be required to leave the country and obtain another visa to remain in the country. However, if you choose not to do the 1 yr Extension method, then since your in the States you're better off obtaining a Multi Entry Non-Imm O. Also, be advised it's been reported that obtaining a Multi Entry outside of your own country is difficult but not impossible. From what I've read Thai consulates in Singapore and Malaysia are the easiest to deal with.

I'm not understanding your last paragraph (proof income letter). Are you speaking of your reported income or the fee for the notary?

Case of your reported income you provide that when you complete the form, a standard form letter provided by the Embassy (just fill in the blanks). No need to show proof of income.

http://www.wpcoe.com/visa/emb.jpg

The notary fee is $30.00 or Baht 1140

Stars,

I did a search relevant to Multi-Entry Non-Imm O visas and wanted to add this comment made by another forum member:

"Yes minimum of 60 days in Thailand and can then apply for a 1 year extension (with just 90 day reporting of current address at any immigration office)

Outside of Thailand you should be able to get a non-imm visa valid for 1 year IN 90 DAY SEGMENTS ie- you have to leave and re-enter Thailand every 90 days to re-validate the next 90 day segment (as many times as you can with in a 1 year period) - or 15 months if you time it perfectly.

Watch the validity date of your visa though (starting from- and expiring on)"

This statement was posted by Paul and IMO is quite knowledgeable in matters pertaining to visas .

papaguido wrote:

STARS wrote:I will clarify what I understand, that which I have learned to most likely be true. I will enter Thailand on type O reunion visa and have 2 months to produce all the documentation needed for a year permission to reside in The Kingdom and no need to exit Thailand just report each 3 months and then get another year extension at years end. I might be able to do my money transfers myself from ATM bank in the States to any bank in Udon Thani.
Or I can stay in The Kingdom without any bank transfers for 1 year by going to Thai Immigration office on a single entry O visa with the rest of the documentation needed and present required documentation at the end of the year - bank transfers- to remain 1 more year making reports each 3 months. Or make the border runs every 3 months to Laos to get stamped in for 3 more months up to the 1 year without proof of finances and in this case multy entry O visa would be a better choice, and at years end exit Thailand and apply for a new type O visa no bank transfers needed.

I heard that at The US Embassy when I apply for notarized certificate of pension income that they always use the 40 baht to dollar exchange rate no matter what the current exchange rate actualy is at the time. If that is true then I will have a little bit over 40,000 baht a month income. If not then I am down to about 34,000 because of the declined dollar value. Can anyone here confirm the 40-1 exchange rate is fact at US Embassy?

Sounds right to me, except what's in bold. If you're on a Single Entry Non-Imm O, when it expires you would be required to leave the country and obtain another visa to remain in the country. However, if you choose not to do the 1 yr Extension method, then since your in the States you're better off obtaining a Multi Entry Non-Imm O. Also, be advised it's been reported that obtaining a Multi Entry outside of your own country is difficult but not impossible. From what I've read Thai consulates in Singapore and Malaysia are the easiest to deal with.

I'm not understanding your last paragraph (proof income letter). Are you speaking of your reported income or the fee for the notary?

Case of your reported income you provide that when you complete the form, a standard form letter provided by the Embassy (just fill in the blanks). No need to show proof of income.

http://www.wpcoe.com/visa/emb.jpg

The notary fee is $30.00 or Baht 1140

About 5 month's ago I made a new visa: a non immigrant O single entry (3 months) based on marriage.
I am still with that same visa here and I never left thailand.
While you are applying for the 1 year extension of this visa, the immigration office gave me already two times an extension of one month of this non immigrant o single entry visa.
So I am already 5 months here in Thailand with a non immigrant o single entry visa.
The immigration office told me that they have too much work and they will complete my file as soon as possible. They simply gave me every time a 1 month extension of my visa. (based on marriage and support of a child).

cookie wrote:

papaguido wrote:

STARS wrote:I will clarify what I understand, that which I have learned to most likely be true. I will enter Thailand on type O reunion visa and have 2 months to produce all the documentation needed for a year permission to reside in The Kingdom and no need to exit Thailand just report each 3 months and then get another year extension at years end. I might be able to do my money transfers myself from ATM bank in the States to any bank in Udon Thani.
Or I can stay in The Kingdom without any bank transfers for 1 year by going to Thai Immigration office on a single entry O visa with the rest of the documentation needed and present required documentation at the end of the year - bank transfers- to remain 1 more year making reports each 3 months. Or make the border runs every 3 months to Laos to get stamped in for 3 more months up to the 1 year without proof of finances and in this case multy entry O visa would be a better choice, and at years end exit Thailand and apply for a new type O visa no bank transfers needed.

I heard that at The US Embassy when I apply for notarized certificate of pension income that they always use the 40 baht to dollar exchange rate no matter what the current exchange rate actualy is at the time. If that is true then I will have a little bit over 40,000 baht a month income. If not then I am down to about 34,000 because of the declined dollar value. Can anyone here confirm the 40-1 exchange rate is fact at US Embassy?

Sounds right to me, except what's in bold. If you're on a Single Entry Non-Imm O, when it expires you would be required to leave the country and obtain another visa to remain in the country. However, if you choose not to do the 1 yr Extension method, then since your in the States you're better off obtaining a Multi Entry Non-Imm O. Also, be advised it's been reported that obtaining a Multi Entry outside of your own country is difficult but not impossible. From what I've read Thai consulates in Singapore and Malaysia are the easiest to deal with.

I'm not understanding your last paragraph (proof income letter). Are you speaking of your reported income or the fee for the notary?

Case of your reported income you provide that when you complete the form, a standard form letter provided by the Embassy (just fill in the blanks). No need to show proof of income.

http://www.wpcoe.com/visa/emb.jpg

The notary fee is $30.00 or Baht 1140

About 5 month's ago I made a new visa: a non immigrant O single entry (3 months) based on marriage.
I am still with that same visa here and I never left thailand.
While you are applying for the 1 year extension of this visa, the immigration office gave me already two times an extension of one month of this non immigrant o single entry visa.
So I am already 5 months here in Thailand with a non immigrant o single entry visa.
The immigration office told me that they have too much work and they will complete my file as soon as possible. They simply gave me every time a 1 month extension of my visa. (based on marriage and support of a child).

Not sure if your post was meant as a correction to my post? But you are correct if applying for the 1 yr ext. ext. However, what I was implying in my previous post is for those that are not applying for the 1 yr

papaguido wrote:

STARS wrote:I will clarify what I understand, that which I have learned to most likely be true. I will enter Thailand on type O reunion visa and have 2 months to produce all the documentation needed for a year permission to reside in The Kingdom and no need to exit Thailand just report each 3 months and then get another year extension at years end. I might be able to do my money transfers myself from ATM bank in the States to any bank in Udon Thani.
Or I can stay in The Kingdom without any bank transfers for 1 year by going to Thai Immigration office on a single entry O visa with the rest of the documentation needed and present required documentation at the end of the year - bank transfers- to remain 1 more year making reports each 3 months. Or make the border runs every 3 months to Laos to get stamped in for 3 more months up to the 1 year without proof of finances and in this case multy entry O visa would be a better choice, and at years end exit Thailand and apply for a new type O visa no bank transfers needed.

I heard that at The US Embassy when I apply for notarized certificate of pension income that they always use the 40 baht to dollar exchange rate no matter what the current exchange rate actualy is at the time. If that is true then I will have a little bit over 40,000 baht a month income. If not then I am down to about 34,000 because of the declined dollar value. Can anyone here confirm the 40-1 exchange rate is fact at US Embassy?

Sounds right to me, except what's in bold. If you're on a Single Entry Non-Imm O, when it expires you would be required to leave the country and obtain another visa to remain in the country. However, if you choose not to do the 1 yr Extension method, then since your in the States you're better off obtaining a Multi Entry Non-Imm O. Also, be advised it's been reported that obtaining a Multi Entry outside of your own country is difficult but not impossible. From what I've read Thai consulates in Singapore and Malaysia are the easiest to deal with.

I'm not understanding your last paragraph (proof income letter). Are you speaking of your reported income or the fee for the notary?

Case of your reported income you provide that when you complete the form, a standard form letter provided by the Embassy (just fill in the blanks). No need to show proof of income.

http://www.wpcoe.com/visa/emb.jpg

The notary fee is $30.00 or Baht 1140

Thank You,
I just lost a reply to all this info from you. I'll try again later but briefly I will add at this time that all the info that you have shared has cleared the way for me to make my final decision. I have been searching for these answers for well over a year now. And thanks for the link on the standard form letter.
Thanks to cookie and Paul for their input also.
Regards, Stars

My first extension took 5 months to come through, each time going back and getting another 30 day 'temporary stay' stamp whilst my application is 'under consideration'.
Subsequent applications are usually completed within a month.
However your first one will be only valid for 12 months from the DATE OF APPLICATION. Thus in my case - my first extension was only for 7 months after finally getting issued.

I know of many people who are becoming bogged down in the ever increasing requirements for an extension and simply taking a trip home each year and getting a new 1 year visa from there - with none of the aggravation of immigration staff here, none of the requirement to show any financial details and nail biting each year wondering whether or not their application will succeed of fail.

My experience on my 3rd extension (Non-Immigration "O" Support of Spouse, which by the way was approved. My TW and I went to Nong Khai and presented the documents.

1. Copies of Tambian Baan, TW's blue and mine blue

2. Copies of "Statement of Income" certified by the American embassy (we had the original with us, but was never asked for it)

3. Copies of pages of my passport (all used pages)

4. Letter from BKK Bank, original and 1 copy, and pages of my bank book. (I had 350K in the account and 300K was deposited 2 weeks before.) The amount in the bank book and on the letter matched to the satang. Also the letter was dated for 27 July 2007, the day I went to Nong Khai.

5. Copies of tax documents showing taxes she paid last year and income from the Internet Cafe. (they only wanted to verify that the income of the Internet Cafe, as they took this in to consideration as income for my extension. They returned the copies to her.)

6. 2 passport pictures

7. Copies of her business licenses

8. My TM7 form filled out and signed.

It took us 4 hours, reason being, we had to get copies redo on the tax documents and 2 pages from my passport. Once that was done, the Immigrations officer gave us a complement on having all the documents needs, and that I able to show sufficient funds coming into Thailand (along with income from the Internet Cafe) to live on and support my TW.

We returned to Nong Khai this morning, 27 Aug 2007, took about 20 minutes. The officer that was assisting me was on the phone and then chatting with one of the other officers about the phone call. While they were chatting I notice the date on the faq with the names of of people whose visa's were either approved or disapproved. The date was for 6 Aug 2007 (6 Aug 2550), which is 10 days after I applied for the year extension. Told the TW next time we call Nong Khai 10 days after I apply for the extension and see if it comes in early.

Pop

GOOD FOR ANOTHER YEAR!!!!

Paul wrote:My first extension took 5 months to come through, each time going back and getting another 30 day 'temporary stay' stamp whilst my application is 'under consideration'.
Subsequent applications are usually completed within a month.
However your first one will be only valid for 12 months from the DATE OF APPLICATION. Thus in my case - my first extension was only for 7 months after finally getting issued.

I know of many people who are becoming bogged down in the ever increasing requirements for an extension and simply taking a trip home each year and getting a new 1 year visa from there - with none of the aggravation of immigration staff here, none of the requirement to show any financial details and nail biting each year wondering whether or not their application will succeed of fail.

After reading all the input, thinking what to do as I will apply for my O reunion visa very soon here in the US just these questions weigh on mind:
1- If I apply after 2 months for a 1 year extension at immigration office in Nong Khai or Udon Thani then at the end of the 1 year it is possible to have another 1 year O visa issued to support spouse and not have to fly back home or to another country? I don't realy want to have to leave after 1 year. From what you have written above Paul this seems true.
2- The Thai visa format that papaguido has posted says 3 month single entry and 12 month multiple entry. I thought that 12 month visa is only for retirement having to show proof of income 800,000 baht to obtain here in the US. Maybe it is just where I get lost in interpetation of the rules but I thought maybe to apply for a 3 month multiple entry if I choose to do border runs and show no income statements during the initial process and extensions.