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  1. #1
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    Help with Visa selection

    [COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)] I am having a hard time understanding the different visas and the process to obtaining and keeping once in Thailand. Background: I am a 67 y/o male married to a my Thai wife who is a USA citizen. We will be relocating to Sattahip, Thailand in the March, April 2020 time frame. We still need to sell our home in Texas. I will either process my visa via mail or walk-in at the embassy in Washington D.C.. When I apply, I will have over $50,000 in my Charles Schwab account. I will also have my Social Security payment and my military retirement money sent to account. As retired USAF, I will have Tricare overseas for insurance for my wife and myself. [/COLOR]
    [COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84)] Now for my questions. What visa should I get (reading the embassy website is confusing)? I would like a multiple entry visa as I have family in USA and my mother is 95 y/o. When in Thailand, what extension should I get, retirement or marriage? Can it be a multiple entry visa as my wife and I want to travel? I would like everything to be smooth but I realize we are speaking about Thailand so things change.

    [/COLOR]

  2. #2
    RIP
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    I'm sure one of our more informed members will be along shortly to help you with your query.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
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    Only thing I know is that if you got married outside of Thailand then she has to register that fact at your/her local Amphur. Or maybe I'm talking shite. It's what I was told by immigration if applying for a Visa/extension by marriage.

  4. #4
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
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    What I did -

    Got a Non Imm O Visa "to visit family" from the New York Consulate. Called them first and asked what was required. Visited the consulate to apply (two hour train ride) Provided copy of our marriage certificate and $200 plus (???) for postage and had them mail it (FedEx I think) back to me. Smooth and easy. Received passport a couple days later with my Non Imm Category O Multiple entry visa - use by date one year later.

    Did a three month recognizance trip. Traveled Thailand N-S, E-W, checked out locations, visited most of the VFW Posts and spoke to resident Vets for advice. Got a ton of good advice. Returned to the US, put house up for sale - house in great shape (a quick and easy sell) arranged for packing and shipping of household goods. Beware customs - my wife is/was a returning Thai citizen (more than five years outside Thailand) so Thai import tax exempt. Although we did pay import tax a few items not covered in her blanket exemption. Voltage difference so no appliances.

    When we moved to Thailand my Non Imm O multi was still valid - Side Note: In my recognizance visit I got my drivers licenses and opened bank accounts.
    When we moved to Thailand I transferred a bit more than the required THB 800k for a "retirement" extension. It has to season for 2-3 months before applying for an extension.

    When we moved to Thailand (yup, repeating myself) I was stamped in for 90 days entry (typical for the Non Imm Cat O Visa). Now, I had a whole lotta stuff going on so I use a Thai Attorney (accommodation rental, household goods import, wills and testaments, and Immigration). Under his advice I extend my Non Imm O Visa annually under the "Retirement" extension category - easier (less hassle) than the "Marriage" extension category. I maintain the required THB 800k in Bangkok Bank to satisfy immigration requirements.

    Concerning new and as of yet undefined "Mandatory Insurance Requirements" I would advise you to NOT get a Non Imm Cat OA Visa.

    Expats in general and US retired military (at this point in time) do not know what Thai Immigration is going to require and/or how Tri-Care will be accepted or rejected - an on-going issue that'll flesh itself out over time.


    My advice to you is call your Thai Consulate (Houston), explain your situation and ask their advice on how best to proceed:

    Per new instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand we are not accepting visa applications by mail or Fed Ex until further notice. All applications must be made in person.

    The Honorary Consulate General can only issue single entry visas. Multiple entry visas must be obtained through the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the Royal Thai Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles.

    We have moved. Our new office is now located at the address below:

    Royal Thai Honorary Consulate General
    Foster LLP
    3 Greenway Plaza, Suite 800
    Houston, TX 77046

    Tel. 713 335 3995
    E-mail: info@thaiconsulatehouston.com
    Website: www.thaiconsulatehouston.com


  5. #5
    R.I.P. Luigi's Avatar
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    Probably best off getting a 12 month Multiple Entry Non-O based on marriage, you'll need to do a border run (leave and reenter Thailand) every 90 days. Cost 5,000thb.


    Once settled here go to local immigration office and go down the path of getting annual extensions based on marriage, annual extension is 1,900thb and yuo report to immigration every 90 days, also get a multiple reentry permit for 3,800thb while there, which allows you to come and go as you please during that 12 month extension.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Even Thai immi can work smoothly and with no unwelcome bumps; give them the papers they want and they'll give you the papers you want.

  7. #7
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
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    One note on which Consulate/Embassy you use.

    The Thai Consualtes/Embassies have defined geographic locations they service. As you state that you will "walk-in" or mail the Washington DC Embassy and you have a house in Texas - make sure the Washington DC Embassy will service you (home of record) consideration.

    I second Luigi's visa recommendation but, every individuals situation is different (devil-in-the-details). Speak to consulate officers concerning your situation. Perhaps they have info we do not generally know.

    Good Luck.

  8. #8
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Luigi View Post
    best off getting a 12 month Multiple Entry Non-O based on marriage,
    Agree. Easiest way to go. You can change later. Is your wife fluent in Thai?

  9. #9
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    My wife is from Korat. So yes, she speaks Thai fluently.

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