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What are the best options for obtaining a Non-O visa based on having a Thai child without meeting the financial requirements?

Non-O VisaThai Child VisaVisa Application ProcessVisa RequirementsBorder RunVisa ExtensionExpat Life in ThailandRetirement Visa Alternatives
Oct 3, 2019
5 years ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well, looks like time for me to wade into this pool....

Currently here on an American passport with extension of stay based on retirement expiring 12 Dec. I plan on returning to the US around Jan 1. Leaving early is not on the option table.

I currently will not meet financial requirements so I am weighing my options. So far my best bet seems to be apply for a non immigrant O based on a Thai child. From many, many posts it would seem flying into Vientiane is NOT the best option for this.

Looking for suggestions/options.

I have looked at the Thai Consulate in Houstons website and plan on applying for a non o, stay w Thai child when I am Stateside. That will get me through a good part of next year.

My issue is the last 2 weeks of this year. Passport is full of Thai visa stamps for the last 8 years I have lived here. Multi entry tourist until I turned 50 3 years ago then retirement extensions.

Option B is a agent but I am really uncertain about that one. A friend from France got his extension in a similar situation last week, no issues, 20k baht fee.

Has anyone had a good experience in a nearby country getting a non o, stay with family without showing 400k?

Thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual on an American passport is facing a visa expiration issue in Thailand, needing to bridge a three-week gap before returning to the US. They explore applying for a Non-O visa based on a Thai child but are uncertain about fulfilling financial requirements. Options discussed include potentially utilizing Vientiane for visa applications, the risks of a border run, and involving an agent. Several comments provide personal experiences and suggest alternative approaches.
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James ********
Good Luck...
5 years ago
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James ********
John Collins ..this report just posted:

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73-ho-chi-minh-city-single-entry-non-o-based-on-being-parent-of-a-thai-child-quick-trip-report/
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Jo**
 why would you be turned away at a border bounce?

It's not brain science or rocket surgery to go thru your passport and see how much real room you have left in it

You need the exit stamp to thailand, the entry exit stamp to another country (and possibly a visa depending on where you bounce) and an entry stamp to thailand.

I think you have your answers. Good Luck (y)
5 years ago
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James ********
Do yourself a BIG FAVOR. When in the US get the O-A visa for those age 50+. Easy to get. No money needs be in a Thai bank. Read TOPIC : O-A visa. And use search on top of forum enter : O-A USA.

Will give you with planning up to 2 years stay in Thailand. Suggest you apply thru Los Angeles Thai Consulate. Can also apply at Chicago, NYC or WashDC...Not avail in Honorary Consulates like Houston.
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
Many land borders just follow the 2 per year rule rigidly and don't consider your entry history. Nong Khai and Mae Sai are good options.
5 years ago
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James ********
@John ********
 Amornrat replied :

a border run would solve the gap. You allowed two in one year. Depending of where you stay a border is never far away. Just avoid Poi Pet. Than back in US you can apply for a Non O.
5 years ago
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James ********
@John ********
 then I suggest lets ask Amornrat for his suggestions.
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 uhhh, passport full of stamps from Thailand over the last 8 yrs, not sure I want to risk being turned away at a land crossing.

I understand you can have 2 land entries per year, but ...........
5 years ago
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James ********
@John ********
 a simple border run should solve the gap problem if you have not already had two land border crossings in 2019 without a visa.
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 that does not address the 3 weeks in December after my visa expires. Can pursue that if I dont have it fixed before then.

Got a PM from a member on his recent experience. Might turn out to be my best route.
5 years ago
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John *********
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Amornrat **********
a border run would solve the gap. You allowed two in one year. Depending of where you stay a border is never far away. Just avoid Poi Pet. Than back in US you can apply for a Non O.
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
Michael Stoeckle yes, air is much more risky. He is referring to crossing by land
5 years ago
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Michael **********
I thought by air was more risky? (if you haven't used your 2 land crossings per year)
5 years ago
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Sam *****
My thought as well. That's only a 3wk gap you're trying to bridge. Do a border run by air if you're paranoid.
5 years ago
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Sam *****
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Tod *********
You can ONLY get a 90 day Non-O visa from the honorary thai consulates in the US. That would get you 90 days and you could get a 60 day extension based on visiting family after that

OR

IF you could show 400K baht or the equivalent in a bank account you could get a year long multi entry Non-O based on being the parent of a half thai child. You'd have to bounce out and back in every 90 days but you could get 15 months of stay (in 90 day increments) out of that visa
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
How will you stay after your extension is over?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
@John ********
 Then you can get an Non-immigrant O for supporting a child from Vientiane. I believe it's for three months, and you don't need to show proof of finance, if I remember correctly.
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 5
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
How old is the child?
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 another non O until I meet the requirements.
5 years ago
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John *********
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Benjamin ******
Don't use a agent. I don't see the problem of flying into Vientiane thought, what happens if you do?
5 years ago
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Amornrat **********
The easiest place is still Vientiane.
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 thank you!
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@John ********
 We better ask
@Amornrat *********
 as they visit the consulates in Laos several times a week and have the latest information.
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas thank you for the clarification. You see many, many more posts here than I do, but I mentioned that because it has been in so many posts that I have seen. Hopefully you will forgive my lack of proper research...

In your opinion, is Laos my the easiest route for my 1st non O based on a Thai child?
5 years ago
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Benjamin ******
You mean, to get a visa on arrival for Laos?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
a Few times posted that for back to back applications for the Non Immigrant O visa based on have a Thai Child is asked for a bank book with minimum 200.000 Thb. And that people are to lazy to open a website is not a reason to state it is not mentioned: • A Bank Statement of an applicant or evidences showing adequate finance
5 years ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 many, many have posted about that 1 agent there demanding bank books, etc that are NOT on the list of requirements on their website.
5 years ago
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John *********
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