Experience at CW on 5/5/2021

[EvilDrSomkid]

This is a word of warning.

 

Went to get the yearly extension of stay based on Thai wife yesterday at CW immigration.

Got there at 7.20 AM and left at 4.40 PM. Had all paper work in order, or so we thought. This is the 10th time we had to do this. Their requirements have become even stricter than before.

Due to the current "situation" our economic situation is challenging to say the least. I use my work permit for income. Big mistake.

If any small detail is out of order, expect no mercy. Rules are rules, there will be no consideration. Does not matter how long you have been here or how difficult your situation is.

There is a new sheriff in town. At the risk of being banned, she speaks to you as if you are an animal. Screeches at you to prepare 400k. They are now encroaching on the territory of the Labour Department and Revenue department. They decide what goes.

 

In four weeks time, I will probably be told I can pack my bags and leave. Go where and how? Who knows. Not their problem. Does not matter if you have built a life here and have invested millions.

 

Expect no mercy or understanding.

[richard_smith237]

Was your work permit alone accepted as proof of income for any of the previous years extensions ?

 

For Extension of Non-Imm O based on Marriage the requirement has always been to prove 400,000 baht, seasoned for 2 months.

Immigration require the Bank Book updated that day showing no drop in funds below 400,000 baht for the past 2 months at least. A letter from the Bank (statement of funds) updated to at least the day before. 

 

 

The rules are clear.

 

You need 400,000 baht seasoned in a Thai account for 2 months at least (if applying based on marriage).

Or, you need 400,000 baht in a Thai account on the day (if applying based on a parent of a Thai child).

 

 

 

If you are struggling to meet the requirements maybe an agent can help ?

 

[blackcab]

The thing with using your work permit as the basis of income is that you will have to fulfill many of the same criteria needed to obtain a Non B extension.

 

The Non B criteria for businesspeople is incredibly onerous and exacting, to the point of absurdity. There is zero allowance given for imperfect applications under any circumstances.

[ubonjoe]

7 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

For Extension of Non-Imm O based on Marriage the requirement has always been to prove 400,000 baht, seasoned for 2 months.

Immigration require the Bank Book updated that day showing no drop in funds below 400,000 baht for the past 2 months at least. A letter from the Bank (statement of funds) updated to at least the day before. 

The 400k baht in the bank is not the only option.

He is using the 40k baht income option that is proved by tax payments in his case. He needs to have annual tax return as well when he submits his application.

 

[ubonjoe]

I have removed several off topic posts and etc. meant to deflect the topic.

[EvilDrSomkid]

To answer some of the questions.

 

Yes, I have used income from work permit for the last 8 years. They have always accepted it in the past.

We never had enough in savings to meet the 400k in bank option. I know that is way easier.

Had to sink all savings into our company to stay afloat and keep the WP active. We are in the events business. So, since early 2020, nothing.

[OJAS]

27 minutes ago, EvilDrSomkid said:

To answer some of the questions.

 

Yes, I have used income from work permit for the last 8 years. They have always accepted it in the past.

We never had enough in savings to meet the 400k in bank option. I know that is way easier.

Had to sink all savings into our company to stay afloat and keep the WP active. We are in the events business. So, since early 2020, nothing.

 

Have you considered the possibility of applying for permanent residency status and/or Thai citizenship in the longer term?

 

[Bredbury Blue]

3 hours ago, EvilDrSomkid said:

To answer some of the questions.

 

Yes, I have used income from work permit for the last 8 years. They have always accepted it in the past.

We never had enough in savings to meet the 400k in bank option. I know that is way easier.

Had to sink all savings into our company to stay afloat and keep the WP active. We are in the events business. So, since early 2020, nothing.

 

While we have our own company we have found it far easier not to apply for my annual visa through the company/ work permit but via support Thai wife 400k.

 

Long shot maybe worth considering, but could you and the wife apply for a short term bank loan to get the 400k, apply and get visa extension, then pay back bank plus the interest?

[expatjustice]

4 hours ago, EvilDrSomkid said:

To answer some of the questions.

 

Yes, I have used income from work permit for the last 8 years. They have always accepted it in the past.

We never had enough in savings to meet the 400k in bank option. I know that is way easier.

Had to sink all savings into our company to stay afloat and keep the WP active. We are in the events business. So, since early 2020, nothing.

 

Another option would be to use an agent to get a 1 year Non-O Volunteer visa. They charge 40-50k THB. 

 

Either that or find someone (the bank) to lend you 400k til you get the extension. 

 

Or in the worst worst case scenario apply 60 days COVID extensions, until you figure out another way.

[EvilDrSomkid]

10 hours ago, OJAS said:

 

Have you considered the possibility of applying for permanent residency status and/or Thai citizenship in the longer term?

 

Well, yeah. I have seriously thought about applying for citizenship. My country finally allows dual citizenship. But if they reject my 10th application, I have a snowballs chance for that. I have read about the process for citizenship. They ask any question they want, come and dig into the smallest detail. Getting an extension of stay is a cakewalk compared to that. Besides that, my wife is so angry she is about to go nuclear on them. Told her to chill, but you know. I'm not chill about it this time either.

 

Like I said, this year is not like before. Oh, your business went down the drain? We don't care. I understand they have to follow orders, but come on. All those tourist people that got stuck because of lockdowns? They got lots of understanding. Us that have been here for a long time and done all they can to be legal? Nah. Go and die.

 

[NoshowJones]

No matter whether you are right or wrong, that IO should show some respect and mind her manners when speaking to you, if she showed that attitude to me, I would retaliate in the same manner she showed me.

What I am saying here is not just talk, I have proved that on two occasions so far. Don't be afraid to stick up for yourself, but also, never be abusive to them.

Although a small minority of IOs can have a hostile attitude towards people, I don't think any of them will actually be abusive towards anyone.

Edited May 9, 2021 by possum1931

[EvilDrSomkid]

20 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

No matter whether you are right or wrong, that IO should show some respect and mind her manners when speaking to you, if she showed that attitude to me, I would retaliate in the same manner she showed me.

What I am saying here is not just talk, I have proved that on two occasions so far. Don't be afraid to stick up for yourself, but also, never be abusive to them.

Although a small minority of IOs can have a hostile attitude towards people, I don't think any of them will actually be abusive towards anyone.

It was false politeness she showed. Luckily she was not the one who directly handled our case, but she was walking around in the morning looking at everybody's paperwork.

She uses a shrill and penetrating voice that is just slightly louder than necessary. She does not speak like to her colleagues.

[audaciousnomad]

1 hour ago, EvilDrSomkid said:

It was false politeness she showed. Luckily she was not the one who directly handled our case, but she was walking around in the morning looking at everybody's paperwork.

She uses a shrill and penetrating voice that is just slightly louder than necessary. She does not speak like to her colleagues.

There's a similar lady at MTT. Looks and talks like a bulldog barking orders. Treats everyone like schoolchildren.

[Thingamabob]

Over 40 years plus I've never had a problem with Thai immigration concerning a number of different visa categories and related extensions. It appears from this thread that may be about to change....

[berrec]

Just get yourself a good immigration Visa agent, that's what they are pushing you towards.

 

I went through this same circus for 2 years, they kept moving the goalposts documentation requirements ever visit; it was just so stressful and soul destroying for my wife.

 

Now I use a creditable visa agent and it's like water off a duck's back each year now.

[Requirement]

Has anybody else had such an experience at CW recently?
I will have to go there in less than 2 month to get a 1 year extension on a NON O visa based on having a child (not married) and monthly income with WP.
This is the first time I am going this route. Is there any clear information which documents exactly are required in this case?
They gave me  list at CW detailing requirements but I tend to think that they will ask for other items not listed.

[chakeeoyen]

What exactly was wrong/missing with your application? In the end did they accept it? If so, I'd say you're in the clear. I did this last year and I'm about to do it again based on income. I'm not looking forward to it in the slightest.

[EvilDrSomkid]

On 5/10/2021 at 4:45 PM, chakeeoyen said:

What exactly was wrong/missing with your application? In the end did they accept it? If so, I'd say you're in the clear. I did this last year and I'm about to do it again based on income. I'm not looking forward to it in the slightest.

Number of Thai employees. It was no issue last year. They did accept the application.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Forgot to update.

 

Went on June 2nd to obtain result. Got another year with no comments made.

So far, so good.

Maybe I was paranoid. We'll see end of this month when I go to renew WP.