eastbaybob

Go to the exit in Chiang Saen. It’s right up near the Golden Triangle. It’s 100 baht for the boat over and 70 baht to get back. The Lao visa is $40 US or they quoted me 2000 baht. Also bring 1 photo. When you return to Thailand they might want to see 10,000 baht, they have a little print out of what you need to show when you return. Also there is a taxi stand right next to the immigration office and they advertise rides to Chiang Rai.

When I crossed there a couple weeks ago I was just pulled in the back room and they processed me there, as I was the only person of European descent there and the place was jammed packed.

From where we live to the border is about 48 km, that took about 3 hours incline a rest break. No problem taking a bike across but it was a bit confusing as I didn’t know the process but it quickly got sorted out. The tough part was just riding around in Burma as they drive on the right but even though I’m American I’m just used to that and the crappy roads didn’t help.

I crossed the border last month at Mae Sai, I live in Chiang Rai so I just rode my bicycle there and then cycled into Tachiliek and just rode around for an hour before going back to Thailand. The place is a complete mess aside from the golf course, which looked really nice, I just couldn’t imagine spending any time there.

Personally, for me, the two good reasons to have the visa is to never deal with Thai immigration and I do not have to keep 400,000 in the bank, which at this point I no longer have. For me I live near Mae Sai and they just put a stamp in the passport rather than a visa. if you have the 400,000 in the bank your life will be much simpler just to go to immigration and get the yearly extension.

I applied for my visa today. Got to the consulate at 9:30 because prepandemic that’s what I used to do. The line was out to the street. It is a Monday and I should have known better. The line is super slow, made it to the window at around noon. I got receipt 205, which I think I was probably the 205th person this morning. My wife didn’t come but I did have a copy of her passport, and they kept it. My only advise is don’t go on a Monday and be prepared for the sun.

My last experience prior to the pandemic entering at Padang Basar was not good. I had a valid multiple entry Non Immigrant O visa but the female immigration officer there just absolutely hates people entering Thailand. It’s bazar and I have never encountered such a horrible person in all my time in Thailand. Thus, go anywhere but there.

My case is 100% the exact same as the OP, but mine will be a new build, does this effect the transfer payment or anything?

Although OP already sent off his passport for renewal, just to let anyone else that may read this, this is not the case. I got a full year in Nonthaburi even though my passport will expire well before that.

Yes. You need to apply using a different application, I think DS-11, and you have to have an interview at the embassy. You also need to bring evidence that you use the initialized name for official ‘business’, which aside from my passport is everything I’ve ever done.

I don’t want to make a problem for myself, that’s why I asked the question here before doing anything. If people had stories where everything turned out great when they dropped a middle name I would have done it, but without that I won’t risk the headaches.

It would just be a middle initial and they will accept the application with proper evidence that I just use an initial in other uses with the government. Thus far, although I’d like to change it, I think it confuse immigration and just cause a bunch of new hassles that I just don’t feel like dealing with.

US Passport that needs to be renewed this year. I have a marriage extension on a Non O visa. When I renew the passport I have been thinking of dropping my middle name for just an initial. I heard back from the embassy and I have all the documentation they require. My question is will this cause issues with immigration as everything there has my full middle name?

@DrJack54 I arrived a couple years ago on a Non Immigrant O visa issued in Los Angles. For the marriage extension I have 400,000 in the bank. It wouldn’t be too much of a trouble getting that to 800,000 by the time I renew next December but it might take until December to do that. I’m in Nonthaburi if that makes any difference.

@OneeyedJohn Thanks for asking this question. I just redid my marriage extension and go back next week to get another year. Neither my wife, myself, or the immigration officer want to go through this again so next year I’ll switch to retirement. What Im unsure about is the money, I’ll do the 800,000 but do you know if it all needs to be in there 90 days in advance? I’ve read where proof of insurance is needed, which I have, but is it needed only for the issuance in the visa overseas or when I apply for the yearly extension here? Good luck!