What is the application process for a Non-Imm O multi-entry visa based on having a Thai family in Penang?

Penang Non-Imm O Visa, multi-entry, based on Thai family, application on Monday 25 June, 2019 - A Report

A helpful posting on ThaiVisa.com

Of a foreigner's personal experience.

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"So this might not be as useful since fewer people apply for Non-Imm O based on Thai family/children, but here's my report on getting a ME Non-Imm O at Penang.

First thing, docs needed:

1. Current passport with pages free for visa and stamps;

2. Filled application - 1 copy only. I used a PDF version I found on Penange Consulate website that allowed you to type in the fields and then printed it. KL require 3 copies of application, but Penang only wanted 1. I left Guarantor for Malaysia and Thailand fields blank - no issue. Another aside, a guy in queue had used the generic Thailand Visa application form and was told outside by security guard to fill out a new form with Penang Consulate in title (identical forms, just different titles);

3. Two recent passport-sized photos attached to filled application form;

4. Since I'm not married I submitted my son's birth cert (copy of TH and EN), his Legitimization order from Family Court, Legitimization cert from Thesabaan;

5. Copy of ID page from passport;

6. Copy of passport page with entry stamp to Malaysia. This wasn't identified in any docs I saw, and I only included this because others in queue outside said it was required. It might be only for TV applications, but the staff member took this, and also wanted to see my second passport where the entry stamp was. Guy doing photocopies and passport photos from boot of his car outside consulate must make a killing. I copy 2 Ringgit;

7. Copy of house book with my son's entry (this was never required when I got same visa from London or Dublin previously);

8. Copy on son's Thai Passport;

9. I included copies of my prior Non-Imm O ME visas as I didn't want a SE visa from them. Probably wise as I submitted a brand new passport with no stamps;

10. Thai bank statement showing required funds;

11. Copies of bank book inside cover with name and account number (wasn't requested, but better safe than... ).

I arrived at the Penang Consulate at approx. 8.30 AM. Taxi from Georgetown takes about 10 mins, and Grab costs about 7-8 Ringgit. There were maybe 5 or 6 others already standing outside locked gate. By 9am there were probably closer to 30 or 40 people already in the queue. They apparently process a maximum of 100 walk-ins per day, so best to arrive early.

Once moved inside the courtyard to second queue, the security guard again checked application form. If you had any issues he would pass you by and give the numbered check-in forms to the next person that had the correct application form. 3 or 4 people ahead of me in queue were passed in this way and told to rejoin the queue at the end. About 20 people are allowed into courtyard at a time, and then people allowed to enter to consular office in groups of 10.

The interesting bit came when consular staff checked my application. I was first in the queue for Non-Imm visas. He started by asking about my son and checking the Family Court document (which he read carefully). I explained that I had 2 passports, with my application passport being new. He checked second passport also and returned to me. He then asked me about my "Thai wife". I politely explained that my application was based on having a Thai citizen child and that I was not married. He again asked about my "Thai wife" - where she was and whether we lived together. I answered honestly, and again explained politely that my application was being made solely on the basis of my Thai son over whom I have joint custody. He checked all of the docs, and returned tot he application where I had written "MULTI" for "Number of Trips". He then told me "You want 3-month visa right". I again politely asked for a multi-entry. More checking of docs on his side. Finally he asked for 750 Ringgit and stamped my collection document.

Returned today at 1.30 PM (collection document indicated between 2PM and 4PM). Many people already at consulate by this time - probably 40 or more. Much of an informality - told to form a line outside, and then people went in 10 at a time to collect their passports. Only took 2-3 minutes after gate opened just after 2PM. Received passport with Non-Imm O ME visa and receipt stapled inside.

For people who say "only go to an agent" - a friend was also here to get a TV and went to "Jim" (probably the best-known agent in Penang). Well it turned out Jim is on vacation in Europe for a couple of months, but his office is still accepting agent fees. Only difference is that his staff are not coming to the consulate to do everything for you. Instead they sent all their customers by taxi as walk-ins. Not really sure what the fee covered, especially if they send customers to do all the legwork themselves. Unless you have some very particular problem with your application I honestly don't see any point in using agents.

And to anyone who thinks I'm using a loop-hole: this visa type is the best fit for me as I do travel, although less frequently than before. I also had to show bank statements with adequate funds to support myself and my family in Thailand. So it's no different from SE with extension-to-stay at in-country Immigration office. But I suspect the days of ME Non-Imm O are numbered, and that within the next few years the only option for Non-Imm married and family visas will be SE with extensions to stay and 90-day reporting.

I hope this might help others with similar challenges around recent changes to Non-Imm O issuance."

***I thank the gentleman for his taking time to detail his personal experience. It does help many others 😉