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What should I do about my immigration issues in Thailand related to frequent entry and a NON-O visa based on marriage?
Visa rulesThai immigrationNON-O visaMarriage-based visaExpat living in ThailandVisa extensionResidence permit
May 17, 2024
2 years ago
Lorenzo ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood morning everyone,
I wanted to understand and have clearer ideas if possible.
So 2 days ago on the 15th of this month I landed in Suvanambumi with an international flight, during the process to get to immigration everything was very fast and not many people but when I arrived in front of the agent for the classic check I was put aside and this is where my doubts began.
The agent checks my passport (I have an Italian passport) and sees various forms of extension and re-extension, then he calls his colleague and takes me to another checkpoint and he saw that I have done many extensions and re-extensions per visit family, then asks me to call my wife in an inappropriate way (call your wife, call your wife, call your wife), I point out that I could not open my mouth to make them understand that being a sailor and working on a cruise ship I stay out of the kingdom for 4 months and then return for 2 months, (sometimes 1 and a half months and sometimes for 2 months and something because always depends on the company when it gives me the next assignment but never more than 2 months and a 1 week).
After he spoke to my wife in Thai on the phone he tells me that this time he will let me in but next time NO more and I can be banned for 49 years😏. I know that I could request a NON-O visa based on marriage and I would have all the documents in order but for the work I do it is not really feasible as to get an extension of one year I have to initially stay 3 months without leaving the kingdom when I am at maximum on holiday for 2 months.
So after he stamps entry and I go in.
Perfect then since I had no peace yesterday morning I went to the main immigration in BURIRAM where I live and I explained to the officer what had happened to me, he told me that they CANNOT NOT let me in, that the visa based on marriage It is NOT suitable for me and within 1 year I can request this extension visa to visit family 4 times and I can always have it when I enter the kingdom by plane, I would like to point out that the official in BURIRAM notified me of residence I live in Buriram and it has attached in my passport.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Who should I listen to?
Better i process this NON-O based in marriage?
And because every officer says different things?
Thanks for your advice.
Cheers.
I wanted to understand and have clearer ideas if possible.
So 2 days ago on the 15th of this month I landed in Suvanambumi with an international flight, during the process to get to immigration everything was very fast and not many people but when I arrived in front of the agent for the classic check I was put aside and this is where my doubts began.
The agent checks my passport (I have an Italian passport) and sees various forms of extension and re-extension, then he calls his colleague and takes me to another checkpoint and he saw that I have done many extensions and re-extensions per visit family, then asks me to call my wife in an inappropriate way (call your wife, call your wife, call your wife), I point out that I could not open my mouth to make them understand that being a sailor and working on a cruise ship I stay out of the kingdom for 4 months and then return for 2 months, (sometimes 1 and a half months and sometimes for 2 months and something because always depends on the company when it gives me the next assignment but never more than 2 months and a 1 week).
After he spoke to my wife in Thai on the phone he tells me that this time he will let me in but next time NO more and I can be banned for 49 years😏. I know that I could request a NON-O visa based on marriage and I would have all the documents in order but for the work I do it is not really feasible as to get an extension of one year I have to initially stay 3 months without leaving the kingdom when I am at maximum on holiday for 2 months.
So after he stamps entry and I go in.
Perfect then since I had no peace yesterday morning I went to the main immigration in BURIRAM where I live and I explained to the officer what had happened to me, he told me that they CANNOT NOT let me in, that the visa based on marriage It is NOT suitable for me and within 1 year I can request this extension visa to visit family 4 times and I can always have it when I enter the kingdom by plane, I would like to point out that the official in BURIRAM notified me of residence I live in Buriram and it has attached in my passport.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Who should I listen to?
Better i process this NON-O based in marriage?
And because every officer says different things?
Thanks for your advice.
Cheers.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, who holds an Italian passport and works on a cruise ship, recently encountered issues at Thai immigration due to frequent visa extensions and re-entries. An immigration officer threatened a potential ban for future entries, prompting the user to seek advice on obtaining a NON-O visa based on marriage to a Thai spouse. Multiple commenters shared insights on the requirements and processes for obtaining the NON-O visa, highlighting that it's more beneficial for individuals with frequent travel patterns, and discussed variations in ruling interpretations among Thai immigration officials.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Lorenzo ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI will definitely go to Laos briefly, I already have all the necessary requirements because I had already made the request and I wanted to obtain this visa after getting married and I remember that after explaining to the officer in Buriram that with my job I have been in the kingdom for a month to two and I'm out for 4 months, he told me that this type of visa wasn't for me because to get a one-year extension I have to stay at least 90 days to get it, so I don't understand if I'll get
my one-year visa right away when I go in Laos or should I wait these 90 days before extending for 1 year? I already have my next assignment and will be leaving next month on the 15th or I will have to cancel.
my one-year visa right away when I go in Laos or should I wait these 90 days before extending for 1 year? I already have my next assignment and will be leaving next month on the 15th or I will have to cancel.
Greg ***********
@Lorenzo *******
normally, the officer at the border should let you enter visa-exempt, because you always spend a long period outside of Thailand and because you can show him work papers as a proof of your employment and your marriage to a Thai wife. Your job requires this timeline. I guess almost EVERY Thai Immigration officer will tolerate it. You ran into a very intolerate Immigration officer on your recent entry. Don't expect the same treatment again, don't lose your faith. I know oil-riggers who come to Thailand for a 4 weeks holidays visa exempt many times, with 2-months periods of work on the oil-rigs withGraham ******
@Greg **********
The trouble with that is if the OP is leaving Thailand for work purposes that is an admission that he is living in Thailand on Tourist stamps which is now frowned upon.Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Greg ***********
@Lorenzo *******
you can get a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa on a Thai embassy or consulate in Laos or elsewhere, if you can fulfill the requirements. Vientiane requires an appointment, Savannakhet is walk-in! However in Savannakhet, you need the proof of having 400.000.- THB in your Thai bank account. And only after being issued the 90 days Non-imm-O family visa, you need to wait for the money to season for two months, before you can apply for the "one year Extension of Stay". The procedeure, sadly is apparently very difficult for you to do, as it needs to be completed within a timeline of three monthsBrandon ************
@Greg **********
there is no money requirement for Savannakhet if you just want the single entry visa. You only need to show the funds if you want the 1 year multiple entry version.Greg ***********
@Brandon ***********
ah, sorry, I mixed these two visa types up 🙂Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Struyf *********
Do go apply for a non immigrant o multi entry, i have 1 time a same problem denied to inter and after he called with my wife he let me in..i was also working as capt on dredging ships on a 6 weeks base but sometimes longer.later a apply for a retirement visa and no more problem. Now i ame 3 years retirement but stressed to renew my visa will Thailand change more from regulations than we from underw....Hahaha take care good luck
Greg ***********
@Struyf ********
since November 2023, there is no more multi entry Non-imm-O visa category based on marriage to a Thai wife. Only 90-days single entry types. However what he can do, is buy a multi-re-entry permit for the "one year extension of stay permit" based on marriage to a Thai wife. It is not listed on the Thai consulate Savannakhet website any more as multi entry, although one can apparently ask for and get it issued, if he is showing all proper documentation and if he has the proof of 400.000.- THB on a Thai bank accountStruyf *********
Reply to
Struyf *********
Reply
Jeffrey **********
You are incorrect. If you have a Thai wife you should get a non o Visa. The non o Visa I have is a multiple entry I can come and go every single day or even three four times a day and they grant me entry for up to 90 days every time I enter. I got my Non o Visa at the Thai consulate in Savannahkat Lao.
With all your documents in order it normally takes 24 hours or less to get this Visa. I have been on this Visa for well over a decade with no issues of me coming and going.
With all your documents in order it normally takes 24 hours or less to get this Visa. I have been on this Visa for well over a decade with no issues of me coming and going.
Greg ***********
@Jeffrey *********
since November 2023, there is no more multi entry Non-imm-O visa category based on marriage to a Thai wife. Only 90-days single entry types. However what he can do, is buy a multi-re-entry permit for the "one year extension of stay permit" based on marriage to a Thai wife. It is not listed on the Thai consulate Savannakhet website any more as multi entry, although one can apparently ask for and get it issued, if he is showing all proper documentation and if he has the proof of 400.000.- THB on a Thai bank accountMichael ********
@Greg **********
Wrong the only change was now you need to show financials for the 1 year visa. No money all you will get is 90 daysGreg ***********
@Michael *******
correct. Actually I wrote the same. NOTE: you cannot get a multi entry Non-Imm-O family visa on ANY other Thai embassies and consulates worldwide, ONLY in Savannakhet!Michael ********
@Greg **********
you edited it afterReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Greg **********
I guess they forgot to alert the Royal Thai consulate. As they're still giving them out.Reply to
Jeffrey **********
Reply
Jonathan *******
@Jeffrey *********
I used to have this visa while I travelled a lot, made things a lot easier. Have a normal extension now as I am based in Thailand moreReply to
Jonathan *******
Reply
Brandon ************
Put 400k baht in a Thai bank account then go to the Thai embassy at Savannakhet. You can get a 1 year multiple entry non-O visa based on marriage to Thai. Every time you enter Thailand during that one year you'll be stamped in for 90 days. This will solve all of your problems.
Shaughn ***********
If you have spent 180 days in past 12 months as a regular tourist in country then at the main airports in particular is triggering an alert to pull you aside for questioning.
Lorenzo ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shaughn **********
no, so far in this year 57 days.Shaughn ***********
@Lorenzo *******
since May last year?Lorenzo ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shaughn **********
since May last year 123 daysReply to
Lorenzo ********
Reply
Bruce **************
Non O works well if you have time to apply, perhaps the guy in the airport was having a bad day? Sounds like the Buriram officer is correct to me. Often you need to go up the chain to get correct rulings.
Jonathan *******
Non O is only 1900 THB plus 3800 THB for a multiple re entry permit. Seems like a worthwhile investment for peace of mind
Jeffrey **********
@Jonathan ******
Actually they multiple entry one year non-o would be the best choice you don't need a reentry permit and the cost is 5,000 bahtJonathan *******
@Jeffrey *********
That is also a good point. But at the same time if you factor in the price of travel to a neighbouring country and accommodation to apply for that visa then it may be more expensive.Graham ******
@Jonathan ******
The Non-O is 2000B, extension 1900B and multi re-entry permit is 3800B. The 12 month multi-entry Non-O from Savannakhet is 5000B plus the Laos Visa and travel, accommodation etc. What you haven't factored in is the 1900B the OP pays for each extension of his Visa Exempt entries. I know which I'd prefer.Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
John **********
Unfortunately each and every officer you stand in front of when entering the country will interpret the rules according to their own understanding. I believe you can still get a year long multi entry non-o visa based on marriage in Savannakhet in Laos provided you have the required funds in a Thai bank. As you're in Buriram it might be worth considering a trip to get one while you're here
Peter *********
Best just bite the bullet and get a non o visa based on marriage or retirement easier option 🤔
Michael ********
I Work on ships also but on repair and not regular, eventually had same as you. I get the Multi Non O from Savanakhet as it only takes couple of days with travel. Normal Non O in country takes too long
Phil ******
@Lorenzo *******
If I was in your shoes I would apply for a non o based on marriage. The immigration at the airport has made a note in the IT system and this immigration is the one I would take advice.
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
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