What are the recommendations for a visa run from Koh Tao to Penang for a non-O spouse visa?

Sep 27, 2022
2 years ago
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, I need advice on doing a visa run from Koh Tao to Penang. I haven’t been since pre-covid. Has anyone recently used Jim’s Place, or can recommend another visa service? Preferably with clear pricing for a non-O spouse visa.

I’m able to have the papers prepared by a lawyer ahead of time, so if making a trip to the embassy/consulate myself is relatively easy and more affordable I’m happy to do that as well. Just looking for any guidance on post-covid Penang 🙂

Recommendations for a nice clean hostel would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on conducting a visa run from Koh Tao to Penang, specifically looking for recommendations on visa services and clear pricing for a non-O spouse visa. They inquired about using Jim's Place and asked for general guidance about post-COVID conditions in Penang. There are comments suggesting alternatives for getting the visa within Thailand and providing general travel tips.
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Sonia *******
Message
@Jim **************
he will give you all the info for visa paperwork
Lee *******
You can apply for Non O in Thailand
John **********
@Lee ******
that depends if her spouse is Thai or not
Lynnette *******
@John *********
aug 20th her visa question post said Dutch husband and she's on US passport.
John **********
@Lynnette ******
thanks. I see her husband had a non-b back then so assuming he is now on an extension of stay she should have no problem just showing up at immigration with all the relevant information and 2000 baht and getting an in country Non-O. No idea why she's involving lawyers etc. It should be straightforward unless some information is missing.
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Our marriage is being officially registered today and I only have until Oct 5 before my visa expires. As I understand it I have to have 10 days (maybe 2 weeks? Something longer than I have) left on my visa to apply for the non o (even if I do it myself in person without a lawyer)

The lawyer option is because I live on Koh Tao and I was under the impression I’d have to travel to Bangkok for the non o application. Merely a convenience fee really, but I don’t think an in-country non o is an option given my current visa timeline
John **********
@Sarah *******
ah yes you are correct. You need 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for an in country Non-O. That's because your application (which you make at your local immigration office) goes to Bangkok for approval.
Lee *******
@Sarah *******
have you extended 1 time for 30 days
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ******
Yes, I’m on a 60 day tourist visa and have already done my 30 day extension
Lynnette *******
@John *********
maybe wasn't married then. But now got married
John **********
@Lynnette ******
that's the point. I was talking about now not then
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ******
Yes, but it is much more expensive than doing a visa run and I don’t have enough time left on my current tourist visa 😕
Lee *******
@Sarah *******
you can get at most immigration centres.
Lee *******
@Sarah *******
its 2000 baht
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lee ******
That’s if I travel to Bangkok and apply there, but paying a lawyer to do it in country is a lot pricier.

And regardless, I don’t have enough time left on my current visa to do an in-country application.
VaiAna **********
We’re from Koh Tao . Hubby went to Malaysia , took the bus from Surat Thani , 12 hr ride and flew back in to Bangkok with a 30 day visa .
Sarah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@VaiAna *********
🙂 Yes, I think I’ll take the night ferry/bus combo through Island Travel to get down there. Did the bus drop him close to Georgetown? And did he use a visa service or go to the embassy himself?
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