@Tom ******

. Ive done it at Changwatanna 6 times . First 4 it was required. Last two times they said " not necessary".

I kept it there anyway, because they have a habit of doing whatever they feel like at times. Every extension I did seemed to be different between the officer you get when applying. Ask 3 people there and you'll normally get 3 different answers to your questions.

The last two times i applied they said keep it there, only to be told on collection it wasn't necessary. Welcome to CW IMM

You can get a spouse visa once married which allows you to obtain a work permit. But you'll either need an employer willing to hire you or register your own business with your wife which halves the business registration requirements. Will still need 2million baht capital and at least 2 thai staff. Business must be 51+% thai owned on paper and you will still be restricted to what job title you can hold due to thai labor laws. Your current occupation is thai only here as it's a govt position.

@Brandon ***********

. Would be interesting for those who choose to fly back to Thailand instead of a land border. Are they going to get the same response? I can't see how Laos can stop you from leaving without a legal reason (eg a wanted fugitive )but Any country can stop you from entering for any reason they see fit.

My opinion is it's a Thai influenced decision in that respect that also benefits Laos 2nd hand.

Wether this affects actual visa holders is another interesting question.

To be honest, the question is redundant .

Men ,forever , have been and are the gatekeepers to marriage. They decide if and when. If she complains or demands, a reassessment of the relationship is due.

Ironically , 90% of divorce is initiated by women..

@Nan *********

. Small amount in YOUR world.. for most thais its a lot of money. Sounds like you have had a very priveleged life. Lucky you.

@Kim ********

. That's why I said " basics" and "expect". Wasn't true for me either. The woman who posted this is claiming 2 million baht as the norm in her circles.

My mother in law requested 1 million but my wife refused and said no dowry. I could understand why seeing her mother abandoned her and her 2 younger siblings when she was 8 yrs old leaving her father to raise them. She resurfaced when the father passed away 2 years before we married. Of course there are exceptions.

I have a cousin who married issan girl. 400k dowry. Return was promised, still waiting 10 yrs later, occasional requests for "help" still coming though. Built them a new house on top.

@Peter *******

. Probably explains why she lives alone in a big house with her dog.. doesn't need a man.. daddy takes care of it all. If she" doesn't see the need" to help her own family.. God help her potential future husband and children..

@Jason *****

. Basics of how it works in Thai culture

If bride to be is young, very beautiful, no prior children or marriage, educated and from a wealthy family expect an asking price of 2 million plus and dowry normally returned or gited to newlyweds to help build their future together.

If older , kids already ,average looks , lower class family etc expect a low or no asking price. But don't expect any dowry to be returned and expect requests for future "help " forever.

@Uchiha **********

. Beautifully said! I wish I had your eloquence with words.. Us Australians are known to be blunt and straight to the point.. ;-)

A compromise I had to make to successfully navigate thai culture which is the opposite of mine.

@Nan *********

. Doesn't surprise me at all. You just proved my example that elite thai ladies rarely date outside their own "class". Those that have found real love.

This isn't a criticism of you at all. It's very common in most cultures worldwide. I'd take care of my children the same way but I wasn't born into wealth . I took care of my family before myself. When I married , my family insisted that my wife andany children now comes first. That's our western culture.