I felt bad that you were getting so many comments that were repetitive and useless, while you were here posting and worrying about loved ones. Seems a little barbaric how they’ve carried on, even after being told differently.

“Use Line app!” Yeah, thanks?

I use Line, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger, cell lines in two countries, among other things.

That’s a relief! I have family there too, and I’m in the states for another month before I go back. I would have responded similarly.

I don’t envy you. Yikes!

Let us know if you got through. Sounds like a very worrisome situation.

I’m thinking it’s overhwlemed network, expired data or lost phone. Cellular networks can be overwhelmed in any locale (even happens in the states) when populations spike and data usage goes through the roof. Think of all the videos being posted to social media, wannabe influencers eating up bandwidth.

Coincidentally, this year’s songkran is a little different than usual: It’s set up so that more tourists can be in more cities, and the celebrations have windows of time (date ranges) allocated to certain regions.

Record numbers of tourists in the country right now, so I’m thinking the issue could be related to this sort of bandwidth/cellular thing.

I’m doing the version where you try to do that, then end up having to fly back to the states for marriage certificate authentication, which takes around 12 weeks.

My wife who has dual citizenship is staying to take care of parents.

Can’t open the bank account for the 400k baht until the marriage certificate is authenticated. (not apostilled)

You’re doing right to ask around. Just assume that less than half of what you’re told is possibly wrong for your particular situation, even if you have guidance of an professional or lawyer.

I’m having my marriage certificate authenticated in the states, but not Apostille.

It’s my understanding we are required to use regular Authentication (non-Apostille) because Thailand is not part of the Hague convention.

@Andy *********

Wow, you’re right. It really is a reoccurring theme. 😂😂🤣💀

Would you like to buy a vowel?

Yes, I’ll buy a “U” and extra spaces around commas.

What’s the best way to find an agent? We’re working with an immigration lawyer, and I assume that’s different.

@Andy *********

Exactly! They have changed. I’m back in the states waiting for document authentication because I couldn’t open a bank account until our US marriage certificate was authenticated by state, federal and US Thai embassy.

I am well dressed, properly funded, and my wife is Thai / American (dual citizenship) and a business owner. None of that mattered in our case.

A friend of ours made it through last fall, but the new policy has me getting more documentation before I can even open the account for proper O-Visa funding.

We have a lawyer guiding us through the process, and we went all over BKK trying to find a workaround.

I’ll be back in late May I guess. 😕