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What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand as the spouse of a Thai citizen, given the challenges of the Non-O visa?

Non-O Visa Thai Spouse Visa Visa Requirements Immigration Options Business Visa Financial Requirements

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

OP

asked Feb 7, 2018

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Bit of a complicated one but any knowledge gratefully received so thank you in advance. 

I'm married to a Thai woman and currently about 11 months into the 15 months of a first year Single Entry Non O based on marriage from Ho Chi Mihn. This visa is a pain in my balls because of the financial requirement which I would like to put into starting a business and is stuck in the bank. I don't love the idea of leaving the country every 90 days, that's quite a trip from here in Chiang Mai and fairly sure I'd get bored of doing that but I suppose it's a possibility. 

Me and the Mrs do have a registered translation company but I am not currently listed as an owner even though I basically am the business. I get a WP out of that. 

I do have a planned trip back home to the UK soon, I have heard that there are some visas only available from one's home country, might I be better to switch to one of them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing that? My brother in law has successful businesses with high turnover, I'm definitely not suggesting anything illegal but could I get registered on one of those maybe? 

Are there any other issues I should consider? 

Thanks

Answer summary

The user currently holds a Single Entry Non-O visa based on marriage, experiencing difficulties with the financial requirements and 90-day border exit rules. They consider switching to a different visa, as they have a work permit and a registered business. Various comments suggest options like switching to a Multi-Entry Non-O visa, which could alleviate the need for frequent border runs while others point to alternatives like the Non-B visa, provided the user is employed. The discussion also covers the possibility of obtaining a year-long multi-entry Non-O visa without financial proof, customs around marriage certificate translations, and immigration procedures. Overall, the conversation provides insights into navigating Thai visa regulations for married expats.

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Kurt ********

Kurt ********

You can do the Multi non immigration one, after 90 days simply apply for a 60 day extension which gives you 120 days without a border hop. The visa can be obtained in your home country as well as Laos.

0

Simon *****

Simon *****

Am i missing something? If you have a WP already then you would be getting 53k + per month income. Isnt this enough to pass the 40k per month criteria for the O visa? Should not have any issues right just renew annually and 90 day reporting. No need to exit etc

1

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

OP

Appreciate the time

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

, I believe you'd show that thai income tax form the PND1 (you can get that online too I think) along with three months worth of pay stubs and other documentation.

I'd stop by the immigration office and get the hand out of what's required when using a work permit and a job here as the income for an extension based on marriage.

That way when your current extension is expiring you would know what to give them to apply for the next year's extension of stay.

2

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

OP

The paperwork would be showing income over three months correct?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

you are indeed correct (y) the O/P would be making over the threshold to use their company income to meet the financial requirements (or they would at least on paper ;) ). Their accountant could supply the appropriate documentation and use that for the extension.

1

Lex *********

Lex *********

There are 3 options to obtain a one year extension base on marriage visa type:

1. Showing 400,000 baht in thai bank acc OR

2. Showing a guarantee letter from your embassy that you have an income at least 400k/year

3. Showing a work permit

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

good point

, (y) Thanx for reminding me of the PND1 form too ;)

1

Lex *********

Lex *********

yes it quite complicated. But to avoid 400 k in the bank. This is another option. : ) ( all documents required like business visa extension)

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

, right (y) my point was simply having a work permit is not enough to pull it off. ;)

1

Lex *********

Lex *********

PND 1 last 3 months plus supporting documents from the employer , company photos. Annual audit etc.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

umm, that's not correct :/

The letter from your consulate needs to state you get 40K baht a month in income. That equals out to 480K baht a year

And simply showing a work permit is not enough proof to meet the financial requirements, you need to show at least 3 months of pay/tax receipts although I can't remember the form name..

1

Simon *****

Simon *****

Do you want to stay on the Non Immigrant O for any particular reason? Why not switch to a Non Immigrant B? The company can issue all paperwork for this plus you say you have a work permit so this can be applied for again under your B visa. Also if you have a WP already then the minimum wage is

*****

baht. You should have no problem showing the

*****

baht per month on your current O visa right?

0

Simon *****

Simon *****

Ah ok yes.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

They wouldn't need to change to a Non-B and in fact IF they were already legally employed they could work and hold a work permit on the yearly extension based on marriage they have already.

The advantage of being on a marriage extension while you're working legally is IF you lose your job you don't lose your extension because they're not connected.

2

Tod *********

Tod *********

Your ONLY long term option other than the yearly extension you're on now would be going to the thai consulate in Savannakhet and getting a year-long multi-entry Non-O visa based on marriage. They don't require any financial proof to get the visa

True, you'd have to "border-bounce" every 90 days BUT up in Chiang Mai you could do it at the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with burma without too much difficulty.

That'd be about it other than the extension of stay you're on now.

3

Lloyd ********

Lloyd ********

Ok :-)

1

Lloyd ********

Lloyd ********

Your post Makes No sense at all, 11 months of 15 for a single entry Non-O ?

0

Mark ******

Mark ******

Thanks

and

@Daren ********

1

Daren *********

Daren *********

Mark. I think that would do, but must be translated and verified by the MFA. I am sure someone in this group can confirm that as I am not sure.

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

. Yeah, get it translated and certified and you're good to go

1

Mark ******

Mark ******

Daren English. Thanks for the info. I married a thai lady in my home country. Original Certificate (in english) in hand. Would this be accepted, or do I have to get it translated and stamped by the Ministry foreign affairs here in thailand?

0

Daren *********

Daren *********

Copy of marriage certificate. House book and ID signed and dated by wife. Front page of passport and 5000 baht fee. I live in CM and I flew to Khon Kaen and then to Savannakhet.

0

Daren *********

Daren *********

I have just got a ME O visa based on marriage. From Savannakhet Laos. No financial proof needed. Very easy process.

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

. That's with the multi entry non imm O, the OP states he had a single entry non imm O

1

Phillip *********

Phillip *********

The last month you go and come back 1 or 2 days before it expires. You get an additional 90 days on the last entry. 12 months plus the extra 90 days.

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

Lloyd . I think he means 90 days of visa and 1 year extention of stay. Totalling around 15 months. That's how understood it. But I could be way off the mark. Haha!

2

Richard *********

Richard *********

You could possibly get a proof of income letter from the Embassy in Bangkok

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

You dont need to keep the 400,000 in the bank for the whole year of the extention. Once you recieve the extention you can do what you want with the money.

4

Steve *******

Steve *******

. I cant think of another option. Maybe someone else in the group can help. Good luck.

0

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

OP

Getting there but no 6 years to go with that. Thanks for your answers Steve appreciate your time :-)

0

Steve *******

Steve *******

. Ok, I see your point. 40,000 per month income is another option. Maybe the Non imm OA visa from the UK if you're over 50.

2

Charlie *********

Charlie *********

OP

Until I need to put it back 10 months later, that's the concern for me

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