Phuket Immigration re-confirms ‘embassy income verification’ letters not required after American expat given 30 days to leave Thailand

[Mr Smithy]

1 minute ago, crazygreg44 said:

if this hasn't been mentioned yet, here it is . . it is no big deal:  

 

He can get a 1-year permit of Stay by applying for a multi entry Non-Imm-O visa based on the marriage to a Thai,  on the consulates in Savannakhet, Laos, or in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,

 

WITHOUT any proof of finances.

 

All he has to do on this visa, is a border run every 90 days

 

end of story

Using a M/E visa gives 90 day stays NOT a "one year permit to stay" -- 

[LivinginKata]

Just now, crazygreg44 said:

ah and not to forget . . anyone who is married to a Thai, can apply for a 60-day permit of stay based on "visiting the wife" on ANY immigration inside Thailand !

 

Exactly. Had to use this 60 permit a couple of times past when Immigration changed rules and I had no time to put more money in my bank before deadline..

[crazygreg44]

3 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

Using a M/E visa gives 90 day stays NOT a "one year permit to stay" -- 

wrong

 

it gives you ONE YEAR "validity" (which is about the same)  on a multi entry Non-Imm-O based on marriage with a Thai. He will have to do a border run every 90 days, though

 

NO finances needed for application for this visa in Savannakhet and HCMC

 

Edited January 14, 2020 by crazygreg44

[Mr Smithy]

3 minutes ago, crazygreg44 said:

ah and not to forget . . anyone who is married to a Thai, can apply for a 60-day permit of stay based on "visiting the wife" on ANY immigration inside Thailand !

Only if a 60 day extension has not previously been given on the same entry

[Mr Smithy]

Just now, crazygreg44 said:

wrong

 

it gives you ONE YEAR on a multi entry Non-Imm-O based on marriage with a Thai. He will have to do a border run every 90 days, though

 

The visa might be valid for a year - BUT it does NOT provide a one year permission to stay NOR does it guarantee entry.

[crazygreg44]

2 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

The visa might be valid for a year - BUT it does NOT provide a one year permission to stay NOR does it guarantee entry.

I stand corrected . . it is a visa with a 1-year "validity" and gives him a 90 day stay permit on each entry, for the duration of the validity

 

I have yet to read or hear about somebody being refused entry at a land border with this visa

 

Edited January 14, 2020 by crazygreg44

[crazygreg44]

10 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

Only if a 60 day extension has not previously been given on the same entry

so once per entry ?  He could do a border run, enter with a 30 day visa exempt and apply for the 60 days based on this new entry? 

Edited January 14, 2020 by crazygreg44

[Mr Smithy]

3 minutes ago, crazygreg44 said:

how long is "previously" reaching back in time? 

It could be years - and re-entry permits do not count as new entries.

[ukrules]

19 hours ago, impulse said:

Sounds so simple, but I wonder what happens when he does show up. 

They will tell him he needs an embassy letter

[crazygreg44]

7 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

It could be years - and re-entry permits do not count as new entries.

sorry, I had edited my post while you were replying to it.

 

He could do a border run ANY TIME and enter with a 30-day visa exempt. Gives him a new entry upon which he can apply for the 60 days visa based on visiting the wife.

 

Only two entries per calendar year, though, by land borders

 

Phuket immigration is famous for making up their own rules and interpretations. I suggest he uses a hotel stay in another region to give him the right to use a more foreigner-friendly Immigration

Edited January 14, 2020 by crazygreg44

[Mr Smithy]

2 minutes ago, ukrules said:

They will tell him he needs an embassy letter

I posted this link earlier -

http://piv-phuket.com/long-stay-extensions/marriage-m/

It clearly states that Phuket immigration does not accept monthly income from abroad for extensions based on marriage unless supported by an embassy letter.

 

 

[crazygreg44]

i know of people who have the 1-year Non-Imm-O Multi Entry based on marriage to a Thai, who at the very end of the 1-year validity of this visa get granted an application for 60 more days, which means you can get a maximum of 14 months out of the visa and the 60-day permit of stay. Upon the exhaustion just go visit Savannakhet or HCMC and apply for a new 1-year Multi Entry Non-Imm-O based on marriage without having to show any finances. This option is widely open to the guy ! 

 

Shall I repeat: No finances needed !

 

Border runs required every 90 days to keep the visa alive and receive 90-day stay permits upon each entry.

 

Requirements regarding the marriage certificates, passports and house books can be had on the websites of both consulates.

 

Savannakhet and HCMC are still walk-in consulates, no online appointments needed. In HCMC he needs US Dollars cash to pay. The visa fee is likely the equivalent of 5000 THB

Edited January 14, 2020 by crazygreg44

[ukrules]

16 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

I posted this link earlier -

http://piv-phuket.com/long-stay-extensions/marriage-m/

It clearly states that Phuket immigration does not accept monthly income from abroad for extensions based on marriage unless supported by an embassy letter.

The morons who run that website are wrong, bunch of amateurs.

[Olmate]

1 hour ago, ukrules said:

The morons who run that website are wrong, bunch of amateurs.

You know everything, why are you using their website?

[JAYDOUBLEYOU]

My grateful thanks to those truly decent human beings who gave their silent support, and even more to those who openly offered  their sound advice and support…especially, Tony, CrazyGreg and Foghorn.

 

It was clearly a ‘shameful act’ that the two Immigration Officers insist I leave Thailand immediately, rather than offering the 2 month extension that I was already ‘qualified for’.

 

Equally shameful, are those of you who did not see this, and instead opted to defend them outright.

 

Tomorrow, I’m driving my wife the three hours back to Chonburi Cancer Hospital…a sadly depressing place that I wouldn’t wish on anyone…except perhaps…
 

[happy chappie]

6 hours ago, crazygreg44 said:

i know of people who have the 1-year Non-Imm-O Multi Entry based on marriage to a Thai, who at the very end of the 1-year validity of this visa get granted an application for 60 more days, which means you can get a maximum of 14 months out of the visa and the 60-day permit of stay. Upon the exhaustion just go visit Savannakhet or HCMC and apply for a new 1-year Multi Entry Non-Imm-O based on marriage without having to show any finances. This option is widely open to the guy ! 

 

Shall I repeat: No finances needed !

 

Border runs required every 90 days to keep the visa alive and receive 90-day stay permits upon each entry.

 

Requirements regarding the marriage certificates, passports and house books can be had on the websites of both consulates.

 

Savannakhet and HCMC are still walk-in consulates, no online appointments needed. In HCMC he needs US Dollars cash to pay. The visa fee is likely the equivalent of 5000 THB

I use this method and have no problems what so ever.dont mind doing the 90 day border run as it only takes a few hours and I get duty free and a quick run around in the casino.

 

[BigC]

10 hours ago, Max69xl said:

"A bank statement from a foreign  bank should be enough."

Of course, that's one out of two requirements you have to provide when applying for an O-A Visa. It can only be obtained in your home country. I guess this american didn't meet the financial requirements or we're missing some info. 

You can get online statements  from online  banking

[BigC]

10 hours ago, Max69xl said:

"A bank statement from a foreign  bank should be enough."

Of course, that's one out of two requirements you have to provide when applying for an O-A Visa. It can only be obtained in your home country. I guess this american didn't meet the financial requirements or we're missing some info. 

Also as an American  surely he could prove  his income as has to submit  his tax every year to IRS 

 

So IRS  should  be able to secure his incomes 

[JDGRUEN]

On 1/13/2020 at 9:41 PM, Roy Baht said:

Don't know if everyone read the full article. Seems like many haven't. Phuket Immigration has said:

 

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application]."

 

So all this guy has to do is go back to Phuket Immigration and show he has the money.

Not sure why so many people--including people who don't even live here--are getting so hysterical over it.  Patience and the ability to read are two basic requirements of living in Thailand. Not having those, it is indeed just as well that you left.

 

 

I agree with you mostly but the first part of the article IMO is written very poorly. I read it several times and still did not really understand what the thrust of the article was. Your explanation and the last part of the article makes much more sense. I keep up with Immigration issues on a frequent basis but never cease to be amazed at the inconsistencies. Again IMO the biggest problem with Thai Immigration is inconsistency with rule interpretation different in every office or even among I/Os in the same office. And to top it off I have read that the top dogs in Immigration promote local interpretation of the rules. Crazy in my opinion especially in the age of the Internet. 

I have a B Visa and WP and choose to get my annual new One Year Multi-Entry B Visa in Penang due to this same arbitrary and capricious I/O behavior. I have met and still meet every qualification for an Extension of Stay for the B Visa but refuse to deal with the local office with their fun and games plus graft. 

Last year a fellow American friend of mine applied for his second Extension of Stay but was not allowed to show his 12 months of 65K baht from International Transfers. He was told that since he was an American (no Income Affidavit) his only option was to show 800K in the bank. We made a plan for him to go home to get an O-A Visa.  He arranged his U. S. Bank account to have 800K for 3 months. Applied in person in LA - presented his one year Travel Insurance ($110.00 total) as proof of insurance and was granted the O-A Visa on November 1, 2019.  IMHO, I believe there are way too many I/0s on Power Trips or are ignorant of actual policy or are just inserting obstacles to elicit bribes. 

 

As far as the guy in the story, if he goes back meeting the 40,000 a month documented as an International Transfer could prove to be a problem.  It is a very common problem these days. 

[the guest]

Which just proves the point, getting married in Thailand has zero vaue.

[car720]

On 1/14/2020 at 12:10 AM, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

You tell em' Jock.

[CH1961]

6 hours ago, car720 said:

Beer is great

 

6 hours ago, car720 said:

its all cheaper

.. the most important for Brits ????

[Psimbo]

Once again a PHUKET SPECIFIC thread is hijacked by completely irrelevant comment from around and without the country. If it was open for general comment it would be in the main visas, etc section of the forum

 

Why do people feel the need to comment on a thread that is completely irrelevant to them. 

 

Those of is in Phuket are not interested in the processes in Udon Thani, Bangkok, Jomtien, etc. Why do people outwith the place insist on posting irrelevant comment? It just clutters up the thread and allows IMPORTANT, RELEVANT information to be missed.

[metisdead]

Some posts not related to this topic have been removed. 

[merijn]

There is no change in the requirements for the extension based on marriage to a Thai national.

If the income option is used they have to have a income certificate from their embassy or consul.

But immigration has the authority to ask for other proof of income if this deemed necessary for the application and accept this if required.

And this is happened with this person and was therefore granted the extension.

The American person could probable proof that he had stable monthly income of more then 40.000 Baht and was therefore accepted for his application.

Those affected applications (like any other)  are checked and approved on a case by case basis.

[sucit]

On 1/13/2020 at 9:10 PM, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

Blew a fuse in Thailand, returned to the promise land and lived happily ever after. 

[CharlieH]

Reported off topic post removed

[abizeus]

On 1/13/2020 at 2:10 PM, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

 

Can't blame you at. Got my dodge out also and back into my own dodge in UK.

Couldn't get treated with respect so <deleted> em all.

 

[codebunny]

On 1/14/2020 at 8:45 AM, Olmate said:

Your friend found a friend! 

I'm sure they appreciate genuine malt whisky from duty free...

[codebunny]

 

On 1/14/2020 at 5:33 PM, crazygreg44 said:

I stand corrected . . it is a visa with a 1-year "validity" and gives him a 90 day stay permit on each entry, for the duration of the validity

 

I have yet to read or hear about somebody being refused entry at a land border with this visa

 

Every time I reenter my stamp gets changed to 90 days from when I re-enter. I thought it was just 90 days, but no... so I had to get a new proof of address letter, so i guess the next time I go and come back it will be limited by the end date of the whole visa, and not be 90 days, so I need to extend it or get a new one. It's rubbish really, because my wife comes to the UK, can work, gets ILR, and then after 3 years or so can get citizenship. I hope that Brexit results in a UK-Thai FTA and revisited Bowring Treaty.