Rickschoppers in Retiring to Thailand

[toddaniels]

Lancelot, that new photo every year of you and your thai wife standing in front of your address sign, sitting in the house, etc, is a pretty standard request. I think they've done it like that here in Bangkok a good while now.

AFAIK, every one who applies for a yearly extension of stay based on being married to a thai national has their extension go "under review" for 30 days.

During that time a thai immigrations officer is supposed to come to your house and make sure you're really living where you say with who you say you're living with. However, I don't know a person in Bangkok on an extension of stay based on marriage who's had a visit by immigrations to really check on them. They just go back out after a month and get the extension stamped into their passport.

As I posted in one of the other threads, if someone needs that "married to a thai" year long multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type-O visa (the one where you border bounce every 90 days) go to Savannakhet Lao. They now offer same day service and require NO proof of any financials..

[rickschoppers]

This sounds about right Tod. I only tried one time to get a marriage extension at Udon and the immigration officer wrote down about 7 things she wanted to see before granting it. Included in these 7 things were the pictures which I did not have at the time and had not heard of this requirement.

Ultimately, I went to Laos and just obtained a 90 days O visa for 2000 baht. I may or may not go through the extension this next time depending on what they want. I guess I need to take some pics if I want to try.

Again, I don't mind doing what is needed as long as I can see a regulation for what is being asked and can be prepared. Where I get a little testy is when I am told what I need and then go back and am told I need even more pieces of paper. Just tell me what I need the first time and everything will be fine.

BTW, I am still waiting on my one year, multiple entry Non-Immigrant O visa to come from LA. Once I get it, I should be OK for another year.

[rickschoppers]

Tod, am I able to go to Savannakhet Lao and obtain a marriage extension even though I live in Udon Thani? I just received my 1 year, multiple entry Non-Immigrant O visa on basis of marriage from Los Angeles in the mail today. I will be good until July 25, 2015 printed on the visa, so I am assuming I must wait until there is less than 30 days left on the visa to do the extension.

There seems to be a lot of worry about overstays according to other threads on this site, and I feel much better now that I have a legal, long-term visa. Of course I will have to exit the country every 90 days to obtain the new 90 day stamp, but that is a small price to pay compared to having to go to the Thai Consulate every time.

I am still wondering why Laos will not issue a 1 year in Vientiane with the same paperwork I sent to LA.

[Frawley]

How long did it take to get the O visa? I'll be moving to Thailand within the next 6mos or so and expect to apply for this as well, but our move date isn't certain, so I want to delay application until the date becomes clearer. Thanks in advance.

[rickschoppers]

Frawley, it took just over 10 working days at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles. I emailed them on the 10th working day for an update and they got back to me stating the visa had just been approved and was being mailed back the following morning. I really don't think you would ever see that happen over in SEA.

Be sure to supply a USPS Express Mail self-addressed and stamped envelope when you apply and it will cut down on the mail time. I always us next day Express Mail for sending it as well. Each time I have obtained a visa from LA, they have gotten it back to me between 10-14 working days.

If I were you, I would apply 30 days prior to your flight date just to give yourself enough time in case they wanted another piece of paper.

[rickschoppers]

I have made an appointment again at the US Consulate in Chiang Mai to register the birth of my son and see if I can get him a US passport and SS card. The last time I tried, the Consulate was closed for renovation, so we just did some sightseeing. My fault really, but I did not see anything on their website about it being closed. I should have know when I was not able to make an appointment for the days I was there.

The paperwork required for everything is quite extensive, but I am pretty sure I have everything listed. I will still need to get our marriage certificate translated into English and some recent pictures of my son. They may or may not ask for a DNA test, but I am hoping I can show he is my son and that I have been around enough to qualify as the biological father. It will be up to the consulate at the time of the appointment.

Each time I have gone to the US Consulate in Chiang Mai they have been very helpful and obliging. This is the main reason I go there instead of Bangkok. I also don't mind being in Chiang Mai as much as Bangkok.

[toddaniels]

Different Thai Consulate/embassy different criteria, it's the same in the US, UK as it is in S/E Asia.

As I have said until I'm sick of typing it; right now Savannakhet is the "soft touch place" for that multi-entry year long Non-Immigrant Type-O based on marriage to a thai national. NO financial requirements, minimal paperwork, and same day service! I think it costs 5000baht.

Don't panic about the "overstay threads", or about the rule changes to the "out/in" (border-bouncerx/runnerz) or people who live here on perpetual tourist visas. They do NOT apply to you..

You have a VALID visa, and are following the requirements of that visa by exiting/entering every 90 days.

Actually you could go apply for an in country yearly extension of stay at your local Thai Immigrations office as soon as you meet the requirements. However you'd lose ALL the time on that visa as it'd be canceled when they issue you a new "permission to stay until" stamp.

Just ride out the 15 months, (make sure your last "run-4-the border" is BEFORE the date stamped on the visa itself which says "must be used by". That way you'll get your 15 months that most people get outta multi entry Non-O's. When you have about 45 days left on that very last permission to stay until stamp go apply for a yearly extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national.. You'll be fine.

Good Luck,

[rickschoppers]

Thanks Tod. It must seem that we are all thick when it comes to understanding the rules, but I assure you it is a little confusing due to all the different versions. I am sure you have a better grasp since you seem to be dealing with it a lot more than most.

Thanks Again

[terry57]

The great thing about Tods posts is one picks up that he really knows his shit up against many others who think they do.

Very helpful indeed.

[toddaniels]

Honestly guyz, I don't think ANYONE out there in internet land is thick where the fucked-up convoluted visa rules to this country are concerned.

There is a TON of just plain wrong information out there! It is parroted over and over again until it becomes gospel as far as what people believe can be done. Factor in every Thai Embassy/Consulate in the world runs their dealy different as far as paperwork, criteria, etc, AND that inside the country at the different Immigration Zones it's the same and it's no wonder people get confused.

That's why I always say, "in Bangkok" because that's where I know what's what..

Ask away, really I don't mind.. I do apologize I write in such a snarky, cynical, acerbic sometimes condescending style. I speak just like I write and it's something I've struggled with my whole life!

I always tell people once I really get really wicked good at speaking Thai I'm gonna make a t-shirt that says;
"Asshole, now available in English AND Thai!".

Good Luck

[rickschoppers]

I don't worry about how it is worded, as long as it is good information. Why do you think the immigration offices are all so different? Do they not answer to the same superior being and talk to each other, or is it all a game?

[terry57]

^ ^

I was surprised when discussing the Retirement Visa that no person realized that for an Australian or American citizen that the Stat Dec at the Embassy would suffice for proof of funds.

Many tuned in guys on this forum yet this point was not widely known.

That point confused many people who maintained one needed the 800 K in the bank.

It was not until you posted up the the Relevant information from " Immigration " that it become crystal clear.

Helped me out heaps, I did not know that.

Thanks again.

Saved me a shit load of money as well because my money can stay parked at home making good interest.

[rickschoppers]

^
Directed at Tod, I am sure. I always knew the 800K could be shown with a letter from the US embassy since the 400K for being married to a Thai national could be shown the same way. I have had such a letter from the US embassy for years and have used it on several occasions. It would be interesting to see how many could actually prove this amount if ever asked.

[terry57]

^
This week I went down to the Australian embassy to sort out the Stat Dec info.

First question. =

I am applying for a Retirement visa. Can I fill out a Stat dec declaring proof of funds. ?

Answer = Yes.

Second question =

Do I need to show you I actually have the said funds Available. ?

Answer =

No, you do not but we are not sure if Immigration will accept the Stat Dec.


Tod tells us they will, I'll go with what he say's.

[terry57]

It would be interesting to see how many could actually prove this amount if ever asked.

This is exactly why I was very surprised Thai Immigration would accept the Stat dec.

Any old tosser could write any old dross on it.

Don't understand their rational with that one but I'm loving it.

[Evilbaz]

It would be interesting to see how many could actually prove this amount if ever asked.

This is exactly why I was very surprised Thai Immigration would except the Stat dec.

Any old tosser could write any old dross on it.

Don't understand their rational with that one but I'm loving it.

It's very simple Tezza - they are witnessing you signing a Statement you declared to be true.

Here's the fine print - if you did this in an overseas Australian Consulate or Embassy you are considered to be swearing that Stat Dec on Australian territory.

If it is untrue - you are committing Fraud under Australian Federal Law.

As posted previously some Immi offices now require you to provide proof of income to back up the Stat Dec - I suspect all soon.

It is not up to the Embassy/Consulate to prove your Statement is true - if required it is up to you to do so.

[terry57]

^

Tod tells us Thai Immigration accept the Stat Dec at the moment so I'll go with this.

But as you have pointed out, this is now and they could require to see actual proof of funds in the future.

Not too long down the track I suppose given the shake up.

Jesus, hope they don't do it before the end of the friggin Year.

Would not at all be surprised though.

[rickschoppers]

I make sure that everything I put down on immigration forms is fact. I would hate to see my visa yanked because of trying to "fool" anyone. Not to say this is never done by others, but is it really worth it?

Yes, you could swear to any amount of money and not be asked to prove it at your Consulate, but why risk it unless you just don't have the money to live in Thailand?

I would think at some point, proof of income will be required. You can always just come across the border in the US with nothing and you would probably receive amnesty at some point as is happening right now.

[Frawley]

Frawley, it took just over 10 working days at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles. I emailed them on the 10th working day for an update and they got back to me stating the visa had just been approved and was being mailed back the following morning. I really don't think you would ever see that happen over in SEA.

Be sure to supply a USPS Express Mail self-addressed and stamped envelope when you apply and it will cut down on the mail time. I always us next day Express Mail for sending it as well. Each time I have obtained a visa from LA, they have gotten it back to me between 10-14 working days.

If I were you, I would apply 30 days prior to your flight date just to give yourself enough time in case they wanted another piece of paper.

Thank you for your kind response. The nearest consulate to us is just a 3hr drive, so the 30-day timeframe is vetry workable. Very good to know.

[terry57]

Yes, you could swear to any amount of money and not be asked to prove it at your Consulate, but why risk it unless you just don't have the money to live in Thailand?

The simple answer is,

I feel I'm risking nothing, Tod has told us he has done this multiple times and has never had a problem using an Australian or US citizen.

The dude works in the game, also his posts are rock solid so I have no reason to believe he's talking things up.

Onto top of that a few other posters have come on board and confirmed they also do this.

[Evilbaz]

Proof of funds to back a Consulate/Embassy letter of Income (not deposit Rick), regardless of Nationality (but particularly U.S. and Australian citizens - I've seen the application file) has been required in PHUKET since at least December 2013 - my personal experience.

So Tezza - stick with Tod - don't try here if you want to try any "creative accounting". BTW it has to be Income - not Capital Gains (the Yanks have flogged that one to death!)

[rickschoppers]

Not sure I ever said deposit. Income, according to how I understand it, can be a deposit alone, a combination of bank deposit and proof of monthly income, or income alone. This topic has been discussed extensively and somehow people think it is money in the bank. I use my Social Security proof off earnings whenever I am asked to prove my monthly income. There are times I have little or nothing in my Thai bank account.

[rickschoppers]

Now I am back inThailand with a 1 year multiple entry O visa and the first stamp for 90 days ends the end of November. At that time I will just take a quick trip over to Laos which is only about 50 kms from my house, to obtain another 90 day stamp. No trips to a Thai embassy for about 15 months as long as I watch the stamp dates.

Next week I will be flying over to CM to pick up my sons US passport and certificate of birth abroad. He is now considered a US citizen and will have dual citizenship until he is 18 when he will have to declare which country he wants to claim as his homeland. While I was at the US embassy, I also applied for his Social Security card which will give him access to survivor benefits if I were to croak before he turns 18.

Next, I will be applying for a SS card for my Thai wife. She would also be entitled to survivor benefits as long as my son is under 16,and then again when she turns 50 until she dies. I am not fond of thinking about these things but it has to be done so that they can receive financial assistance once I am dust.

[can123]

Why aren't you just applying for an extension of the visa in Thailand. You would then only have to report to an immigration office instead of leaving the country. Surely, the extension has to be more convenient and cheaper ?

[Mr Earl]

Next week I will be flying over to CM to pick up my sons US passport and certificate of birth abroad. He is now considered a US citizen and will have dual citizenship until he is 18 when he will have to declare which country he wants to claim as his homeland.

Actually as far as the USA immigration goes this is no longer the case, he can continue to maintain dual national status after 18. Not sure what the Thai rules are, probably the same.
My two kids born in Mexico retain both nationalities.
US Dual Citizenship