What is the easiest way for an American expat to get a long-term Non-O visa for Thailand?

Jun 1, 2018
6 years ago
Martin **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arrived HKT the other night from Dubai, my second 30-day exempt in three weeks. COMPUTER WARNING! Officer pulled me aside and could not explain warning but asked a few questions. Showed him photos of wife and daughter in Phuket and he told me limit for 30-day exempt is three times in one year. Was pleasant and let me go with “have a nice day!”

So I get I am on some list.....and I NEED TO GET LONG TERM O VISA AND NEED ADVICE ON EASIEST WAY TO DO THIS. One person said do at one of the consulates in Laos where they don’t require as much documentation. Too many other ideas as well. I am AMERICAN so cannot easily go back to States to do it there.

Thanks, in advance, for any ideas.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An American expat recently faced a computer warning upon entering Thailand for the second time in three weeks on a visa-exempt entry. They were informed that the limit for such entries is three times a year and expressed the need for a long-term Non-O visa based on marriage. Several comments suggested visiting consulates in Laos, Vietnam, or Korea for easier processing and fewer documentation requirements. They noted that documents needed typically include the marriage certificate, wife's ID, and various signed copies, with fees varying by location.
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Tod *********
The guy was just blowing smoke up your backside there is NO official limit of visa exempt entries by air in any period of time.
Tod *********
The easiest thing for you to do is to go to the thai consulate in either Savannakhet Lao, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam or Seoul South Korea and get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on marriage.

In Savannakhet they take baht so it's 5000baht for the visa

In Ho Chi Minh City they take USD so it's $200 for the visa

In Seoul they take korean won so it's 200,000 KRW
Tod *********
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Tod *********
@Mar***
It's a slog there from Phuket. You're probably better seeing if you can't fly to HCMC or Seoul right out of that airport instead.

The thai consulate in Savannakhet is across the river from Mukdahan province in thailand.
Martin **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Asking about Savannakhet.
Martin **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod thanks for your helpful replies. Am going to have wife call the consulate there as well. One important question, what’s the easiest way to get there and back from HKT? What would you recommend? Thanks. Martin
James ********
Does his US marriage certificate to his Thai wife need to be registered in Thailand? In their home province? Just asking ....for his benefit to be sure if it does or does not need to be registered somewhere in Thailand.
Tod *********
@James *******
, he can use the US marriage certificate in Savannakhet without any problem.

I would guess that Ho Chi Minh and Seoul are the same.
Robert *******
For Extension of Stay you need proof that your marriage is still valid, I guess it is more easy to visit the Amphur in the province and get the Kor ror 2 form that marriage is still registered and valid, cost 20 Thb, than a certified document from abroad.
John-Paul **********
Go to Ho Chi Minh City Thai Embassy.

Take copy of wife's ID card, signed.

Take copies, signed, and original marriage certificate.

Take US$200.

Have a nice trip!
Albert *******
I just got back from Savannakhet (Laos) 1 week ago. My 3rd multi entry Non-O based on marriage.

All you need is your original marriage certificate, a copy of same. Copy of wife’s ID, copy of wife’s blue book, copy of your front page of passport, a couple of photos of yourself and 5000 Baht.

Drop this into the consulate before 1100 one day and pick up your passport the next day after 1400.

There’s a fellow across the road that will fill the form and check paperwork for 100 Baht, well worth it.
Martin **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Albert. Just left a question for Paul immediately above. In case you have a POV. Very helpful. Thanks.
Paul *********
Savanaket in Laos don’t ask for financial statements

Original and copies of wedding certificates

Wife’s ID card copy signed

Blue book house copy signed
Tod *********
@Martin *************
You're fine with the American license, just make sure you have signed copies of her thai i/d card front & back and her thai house book listing. Also make a copy of the marriage certificate (that you both sign) BUT take the original one too.
Albert *******
I’d suggest getting your wife to call the consulate, they’re very helpful.
Paul *********
I don’t know as I have a Thai wedding certificate.

Sure someone here has experience though.
Martin **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Paul. Am I ok with US marriage license and do we need to get it translated? Or do we need an actual Thai marriage license which we would have to get because we got married in States. Thanks!
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