Answereda year ago
How did I successfully obtain a Non-O visa from Laos?
A little while ago I posted about going to Laos because it seemed impossible to get a non o visa inside Thailand.
We drove to Nong Khai and booked into a pleasant motel near the friendship bridge. We drove to the border checkpoint to scope it out to formulate a plan for the following day. We looked a bit lost and confused when talking to the security guard at the entrance. A lady came up to our car and spoke extensively to my wife and the following transpired.
This lady took all of my details on that day, the following day she picked us from our motel after having made all the necessary arrangements, she drove us across the border to a hotel in Laos. We had a very casual and relaxing three days in Laos and this stranger contacted my wife to say that I now had a non o visa.
During this time we had upgraded to a better hotel, regardless, our newfound guide picked us up from the airport, handed me my visa and drove us back to our original motel (where I left my car parked during our absence). For all of this she charged nine thousand baht. I wish I had known this a lot sooner, it would have saved a lot of time, money and inconvenience, I would highly recommend her services however, I am sure that if my Thai wife had not been with me to handle all communications the outcome could have been a little more difficult. Just thought I would share and if anyone would like to know more about my own personal experience, drop me a message on messenger.
We drove to Nong Khai and booked into a pleasant motel near the friendship bridge. We drove to the border checkpoint to scope it out to formulate a plan for the following day. We looked a bit lost and confused when talking to the security guard at the entrance. A lady came up to our car and spoke extensively to my wife and the following transpired.
This lady took all of my details on that day, the following day she picked us from our motel after having made all the necessary arrangements, she drove us across the border to a hotel in Laos. We had a very casual and relaxing three days in Laos and this stranger contacted my wife to say that I now had a non o visa.
During this time we had upgraded to a better hotel, regardless, our newfound guide picked us up from the airport, handed me my visa and drove us back to our original motel (where I left my car parked during our absence). For all of this she charged nine thousand baht. I wish I had known this a lot sooner, it would have saved a lot of time, money and inconvenience, I would highly recommend her services however, I am sure that if my Thai wife had not been with me to handle all communications the outcome could have been a little more difficult. Just thought I would share and if anyone would like to know more about my own personal experience, drop me a message on messenger.
Answer summary
An expat shares their successful experience obtaining a Non-O visa through an agent after a brief trip to Laos. They detail the process of crossing the border, staying in a hotel, and the services provided by a local guide who helped them secure the visa for 9000 baht. The expat highlights the importance of having a Thai wife to assist with communication during the process and invites others to contact them for more information.
38 repliesnewest first
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Dave ************
Are you say your wife is incapable of doing the negotiation
Terry ***********
OP@Dave ***********
my wife has been by my side at every aspect, we kept running into brick walls and, it was the Thai embassy that recommended that we go to Laos. We met the agent at the border by chance, my wife spoke with her extensively and made the arrangements, after that I just sat back and waited. All the stress and drama just disappeared and we had an enjoyable three day holiday in LaosDave ************
@Te***
at least you enjoyed yourselvesTerry ***********
OPI would just like to add, since getting the non O visa, I was also able to obtain a Thai driver license
Maxim ***********
Did you had 400k in bank account?
Terry ***********
OP@Maxim **********
I could not open a bank account anywhere without the non o visa, once I had the visa my wife took me to Kasikorn bank at Central Rama2 and it was unbelievably easy just by having that precious stamp in my passport.Terry ***********
OPI was expecting to pay extras outside of our initial agreement but this never happened.
Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
She took your info on the Thai side, checked if she can do the visa for you at the Thai consulate in Laos. Got the okay, then you guys went to Laos. On the Laos side, you gave her your passport, marriage certificate, etc, all the documents, then 3 days later she gave you your passport back at said hotel with the 90 days Non-O based on marriage in it?Nongnuch ********
@Terry **********
there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with my advice. Pray tell me WHERE I am wrong. With the 2000 Baht fee, Maxim meant the fee for the "change of visa type" inside Thailand. You made clear that you didn't have this option if you entered visa exempt . . . All I did was countering the WRONG assumption of Maxim when he said "Yes, but you were able to obtain a 90 Days Non-O without proof of funds in Vientiane, which is a miracle." . . .It is no miracle because you can use any of your bank accounts anywhere in the World for this application. Maxim was wrong in some other assumptions, tooTerry ***********
OP@Nongnuch *******
wrongNongnuch ********
@Maxim **********
NO he could NOT HAVE gotten the visa for 2000 Baht, because for this you need to prove Immigration the funds are sitting in a THAI bank account. He didn't have a Thai bank account at this point! Funds in an Australian bank account cannot be used on Immigration for a "change of visa type" to an initial 90-days Non-O visaTerry ***********
OP@Daniel ********
I had a substantial amount in my Australian bank account, I just needed to show a copy of my bank statement
Daniel *********
@Maxim **********
I’m not clear on if he had the funds or not. He states he didn’t have a bank account before he got the visa because he needed the visa to open an account.Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
So you had the proof of funds. You could have gotten the visa for 2k baht. I thought you didn't have the 400k in bank, but you did.Terry ***********
OP@Maxim **********
I had a print out of my Australian bank account statement showing funds from the sale of my house. all that was required was a photo of this to present to immigration for my application.Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
So, you crossed Laos with her, paid 1.5k baht or wtv to get the Laos visa on arrival. Stayed at hotel for 3 days in Laos (until visa was ready). Then you all went back into Thailand by that same border. with your 90 days stamp in your passport? So she's basically a fixer, but I didn't know they were still operating. When did you pay her the 9k baht? And what was included in the 9k baht? (the visa, with or without transportation, hotel, etc).Terry ***********
OP@Maxim **********
no. We drove across country to Nong Khai. The agent picked us up from our respective accommodation on both sides of the border whilst arranging the visa on my behalf. She was brilliant and just took control of everything.Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
Yes, but you were able to obtain a 90 Days Non-O without proof of funds in Vientiane, which is a miracle. I'm very interested in that part. Because what you paid is a lot less then what agents charge in Thailand for the same service (without you leaving the country). I will call Susada tomorrow to see if I'm eligible. I'm 39 years old married to a Thai. I don't have the 400k, but if I get the 90 days, I know how to use an agent in Thailand to get the extra 1 year.Terry ***********
OP@Maxim **********
I had copies of my marriage certificate with and house yellow book, as far as I am aware this is a standard non O for 90 days. I have opened a bank account and deposited funds that will season for the duration. Then I have to apply for a 12 month extension based on marriage.Maxim ***********
You paid 9k baht excluding hotels, transports, etc?
You flew back in from Vientiane to Bangkok after receiving Non-O or crossed the border?
You flew back in from Vientiane to Bangkok after receiving Non-O or crossed the border?
Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
Was this for a 90 days Non-O based on marriage?So you went to Laos knowing that it would not work, but found a fixer at the border? I thought such practices were extinct.
Terry ***********
OP@Maxim **********
most of what you stated is correct however, she kept photo copies of my passport which I had to sign the passport never left my possessionMaxim ***********
@Terry **********
I will PM you.Maxim ***********
@Terry **********
How the hell did you get a Non O in Laos without money in the bank as one of the primary requirement?Nongnuch ********
@Maxim **********
for the application to a Non-Imm-O Visa by the E-visa system of the Thai embassy in Laos, you can show a 400,000 THB deposit ON ANY BANK ACCOUNT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD as long as the account is in your sole name
Robert *****
You can do that from inside Thailand too, but it costs a bit more. The really easy way is to get the 90 day from your home country before arrival and then convert to 1 year, for a total of 15 months. Add multiple entry at additional cost.
Terry ***********
OP@Robert ****
absolutely, if I knew then what I know now, I would have applied for a non o before leaving Australia. Part of my problem was waiting for settlement on my house and proceeds going into my bank.
Alan ******
This happens from time to time enjoy.
Yo***
great! I will pm you to get that agent?
Terry ***********
OP
Les ***********
A fantastic result for you.
Do you have contact details for the lady who help you?
Do you have contact details for the lady who help you?
Terry ***********
OPLes ***********
@Terry **********
Thank you very much.
Kim *******
Was it a one year Non-O?
Graham ******
@Kim ******
there is no 12 month Non-O now on the eVisa systemTerry ***********
OP@Kim ******
no, 90 day, I opened a bank account and let the funds season then apply for 1 year extension
Peter *********
she did a good job, she deserves credit, 9000 baht is a fair deal 🙏
Bob **********
Your lucky there’s a lot of horror stories of people doing the same
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