Penang resumes Thai multi entry Non Imm "O" visas
Penang resumes multi entry visas
The Royal Thai Consulate in Penang is again issuing multi-entry, non immigrant visas for Thailand according to reports received by Pattaya Today. In the last two years there has been a restriction by the Thai ministry of Foreign Affairs and single entry visas have been the order of the day. Many foreigners have been disappointed by the restrictive policy. But, effective late June, some applicants will be able to obtain multi entry “O” visas provided they have the right paperwork. Thus foreigners married to a Thai spouse are eligible for one year, multi entries provided the farang shows the original marriage certificate and the spouse’s ID. It may be advisable to take proof of income, but reports say this is not currently necessary.
These visas may be an alternative for some to the one year non immigrant extension visas available to married men applying at Thai immigration offices. However, these visas are strictly monitored by the immigration bureau in Bangkok and require a great deal of paperwork including proof of regular income, certification by the applicant’s embassy etc. Multi entry, non immigrant “B” visas are also now available for work permit holders who can show a current license issued by the Labour office. They also need to take company documentation and proof they have paid the permit registration fee. Applicants who are applying for a business visa for the first time, or whose work permit has lapsed, will still receive only a single entry. There has been no lifting of the curfew on multi entry visas for those seeking a tourist, 60 day, visa. These visas are available only as single entries all over the Asia Pacific area. To obtain a multi entry tourist visa, it is usually necessary for the applicant to return to his or her home country. However, one year retirement visa extensions are available at Thai immigration offices for those who can show cash in a Thai bank and pension income worth at least 800,000 baht altogether.
Pattaya Today
