Thread: Friend's Visa Status Changing Due To Divorce

A young friend of mine ( about 30yrs. old) is getting a divorce from his Thai wife. He wishes to remain in Thailand, whether he gets custody of his child or not(also does not wish to be separated from child). He has been running a restaurant in his wife name in the past , and his visa was from the income declared by his wife from this business. The restaurant features European food and he is a Chef with the proper credentials. He will be keeping the restaurant (lease is in his name), especially since the wife has no clue, about this kind of cuisine, nor in the management of business thereof.
What are his options? Will the Thai government basically kick him out, and separate him from his child should he loose or gains custody? The mother has no education nor job for income. Would he be able to work here in Thailand, and be close to his child, or if he gets custody, live here with his child? He has a nice place, and the skills to make a decent living. Could always get a job in one of the Hotels,etc.. but I'm sure he would prefer his own cozy place.
His father also lives here on a retirement visa. I suggested he just puts everything in his father's name, who could get a work permit along with his retirement visa. The young man could get a one year non- immigration type O, from Europe and renew it every year, and doing visa runs. He could then be with his business, as well as his father, and child here in Thailand. Please give me some good advise to pass along to him.

Originally Posted by mellow

His father also lives here on a retirement visa. I suggested he just puts everything in his father's name, who could get a work permit along with his retirement visa. The young man could get a one year non- immigration type O, from Europe and renew it every year, and doing visa runs. He could then be with his business, as well as his father, and child here in Thailand. Please give me some good advise to pass along to him.

sounds like a plan to me.

commiserations to him, and I hope it works out.

I'm running this same thread on TV., in order to get as much info as I can. So far they said the father cannot get a work permit, because he is on a retirement visa.

I do not think it possible to get a work permit with a Retired visa, Thetyim be the guy to ask about any visa realted subjects.

Originally Posted by blackgang

I do not think it possible to get a work permit with a Retired visa

Correct

Can he get a work permit to run a restaurant in Thailand, if not how do these guys run bars etc.. if not married?

Surely if he's the owner he could employ someone to run the place under his guidance, he wouldn't need a work permit for that?

To employ someone, and put all licenses in their name, lease the building your own name?

Originally Posted by Gordon Brown

Surely if he's the owner he could employ someone to run the place under his guidance, he wouldn't need a work permit for that?

Can this be done?

^ that's what I do

I run a restaurant and employ a manager whilst I direct things - I'm not the owner either if your wondering.

Originally Posted by Gordon Brown

^ that's what I do

I run a restaurant and employ a manager whilst I direct things - I'm not the owner either if your wondering.

If possible please please PM me and give me practical advise to pass along or propose a non personal theory, of such an operation on the thread. Have never had to contemplate said scenario.

can he not stay in thailand using the child as the reason to stay as surely if his place is good enough not to be working in an international hotel he must be making more than the minimum requirements

Apply for a work permit but the business must meet the proper operating requirements re: number of Thai Employees, turnover etc etc.

Speak to a proper legal advisor with regards to custody at the same time as a work permit application and I sincerely wish him good luck.

Originally Posted by mellow

What are his options? Will the Thai government basically kick him out, and separate him from his child should he loose or gains custody?

I have a friend who had a marriage visa for a long time even though he was no longer with the wife. They had one child and he got along with her well for a good 10+ years after split up. Your friends best scenario may be to do the same, stay married and live separately if possible. I am sure wifey wants money and this is his only leverage. If he is at odds with the wife he is in for a long period of
aggravation.

As far as a visa goes, for sure the Thai govt could care less about his relationship with his child.

Your friend has got to go and see a lawyer who specialises in this sort of thing, rather than ask a bunch of idiots on a couple of internet forums.

Tell you friend to contact a visa specialist. The magic wand seems to work wonders.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Your friend has got to go and see a lawyer who specialises in this sort of thing, rather than ask a bunch of idiots on a couple of internet forums.

Simple, blunt to the point advice and your answer

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Your friend has got to go and see a lawyer who specialises in this sort of thing, rather than ask a bunch of idiots on a couple of internet forums.

Something like, but not Scam Belt Asia?

Originally Posted by chitown

Something like, but not Scam Belt Asia?

If anyone uses those twats they deserve to get banged up in the Bangkok Hilton for gross stupidity.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Your friend has got to go and see a lawyer who specialises in this sort of thing, rather than ask a bunch of idiots on a couple of internet forums.

Obviously the best answer so far. Stupid of me to have made such a mistake, it seemed I had read about a few business tycoons who post here, or is it that other forum, but they seem completely out of any ideas also. That's almost unbelievable. Maybe Rural Surin can help, he knows everything. Help RS, Help RS, Help RS..
He's probably busy, learning to be Thailand's first Astronaut.