Immigration confirm Muang Thong Thani office to reopen amid speculation visa amnesty will not be ext
- Thread starter gotlost
- Start date
As I have said before, I am on a 1 year Imm O multiple entry due to marriage to a Thai citizen. But. My 1 year O visa is done 'out of the country' at the Thai consulate in Savanakhet Laos. I am not on an Immigration visa, but a Consulate visa bought outside the country. Same visa I 'used' to be able to get at the Thai Consulate in Boston each year. Which you can no longer do in Boston as they changed that a few years back now. And until they open the borders again, and open the Thai Consulate in Savanakhet again you cannot do it until then. You do not have to show any income verification (just the same in the Boston Consulate). 5K baht, your paperwork, and you get your 1 year visa. Not having to have either 400K in a Thai bank for months for marriage visa, or 800K for a retirement visa. They DO NOT do retirement visas at the Savanakhet Thai Consulate (which you need 800K in a Thai bank for months to get and need to do INSIDE Thailand through the Immigration people). I am NOT on an extension. I get a brand new visa each year, which means I need to step out and step back in every 90 days. No problem for me. I consider it a day out to shop and visit places out of Surin, or even a trip to Malaysia or elsewhere to see friends. One reason I have a 'multiple entry' visa is just for that. No hassles or baloney or going to Immi each time I want to leave the country and travel. I just pick up and go. Easy.
I prefer it this way (usually, no problems before the covid shit). And have done it this way for many years, before each year when I was back visiting family in Boston, and now each year in Laos Thai consulate. Why? Because it rankles me to be forced to put my money in a Thai bank. I have enough in my US bank to do it no problem, and could show sufficient monthly income as well if needed instead, but after the '97 baht crash and the horse doody of having to have the money in the bank for 3 months prior to getting your visa, (and now for 3 months after maybe?). I prefer to keep MY money in my US banks. It's how I roll.
Do you understand now, Coffee?
nomad97
Resident Geek
Further to @Cents comments about keeping 400 or 800K in a Thai bank account...................
I have an extension based on retirement and keep very little money in a Thai bank account. Prior to last year, I needed a Letter of Income from the British Embassy but this service was discontinued 18 months ago. Last year, December 2019, I showed my proof of income for the 12 month period by downloading a statement from TransferWise, together with a 12-month statement from the Bangkok Bank. These documents were accepted by SI. Please note, if you bank with Bangkok Bank, you may download your statement online for the previous 6 months only. Therefore, you will need to download your statement at the 6-month point and again after 12 months to complete the full 12-month period.
I have an extension based on retirement and keep very little money in a Thai bank account. Prior to last year, I needed a Letter of Income from the British Embassy but this service was discontinued 18 months ago. Last year, December 2019, I showed my proof of income for the 12 month period by downloading a statement from TransferWise, together with a 12-month statement from the Bangkok Bank. These documents were accepted by SI. Please note, if you bank with Bangkok Bank, you may download your statement online for the previous 6 months only. Therefore, you will need to download your statement at the 6-month point and again after 12 months to complete the full 12-month period.
merlin
You chose a custom title
As I have said before, I am on a 1 year Imm O multiple entry due to marriage to a Thai citizen. But. My 1 year O visa is done 'out of the country' at the Thai consulate in Savanakhet Laos. I am not on an Immigration visa, but a Consulate visa bought outside the country. Same visa I 'used' to be able to get at the Thai Consulate in Boston each year. Which you can no longer do in Boston as they changed that a few years back now. And until they open the borders again, and open the Thai Consulate in Savanakhet again you cannot do it until then. You do not have to show any income verification (just the same in the Boston Consulate). 5K baht, your paperwork, and you get your 1 year visa. Not having to have either 400K in a Thai bank for months for marriage visa, or 800K for a retirement visa. They DO NOT do retirement visas at the Savanakhet Thai Consulate (which you need 800K in a Thai bank for months to get and need to do INSIDE Thailand through the Immigration people). I am NOT on an extension. I get a brand new visa each year, which means I need to step out and step back in every 90 days. No problem for me. I consider it a day out to shop and visit places out of Surin, or even a trip to Malaysia or elsewhere to see friends. One reason I have a 'multiple entry' visa is just for that. No hassles or baloney or going to Immi each time I want to leave the country and travel. I just pick up and go. Easy.
I prefer it this way (usually, no problems before the covid shit). And have done it this way for many years, before each year when I was back visiting family in Boston, and now each year in Laos Thai consulate. Why? Because it rankles me to be forced to put my money in a Thai bank. I have enough in my US bank to do it no problem, and could show sufficient monthly income as well if needed instead, but after the '97 baht crash and the horse doody of having to have the money in the bank for 3 months prior to getting your visa, (and now for 3 months after maybe?). I prefer to keep MY money in my US banks. It's how I roll.
Do you understand now, Coffee?
Good stuff Cent. I adopted this same method in January, and really enjoyed the short trip across to Savanakhet - a town that is much more interesting to visit than I'd previously been led to believe. My wife and I stayed there for a couple of nights, and made friends with an American guy and his Thai wife as well as with an Australian man and his wife, and saw the sights with the four of them, sharing meals and one very entertaining evening in the night market (a million miles different to Surin's comparatively dowdy setting!) followed by a thirst quenching session in a nearby pub.
The disadvantage was that while the 5,000 THB cost of a multi-entry for a year, the 90 day reports to SI would be replaced with a bounce over the border every 90 days to Chong Chom or any other crossing point - meaning 3 more trips in every 12 months at a cost of 1,900 THB plus a Cambodian visa each time. Still, it is a day out, and the world's your oyster. No income declarations or letters or bank statements required,
The Covid amnesty has made things even easier to date, and we can but hope that it won't end before BOTH sides of the border open up again!
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
55555555555 Pay for an overstay?
You are not an overstayer.
You were caught up by the Corona Beer Flu and YOU are on a visa which its self life has expired. It is people such as yourself that this amnesty was brought about since all borders are closed and you can not go out or back in. Set back and have another beer and enjoy. #44 signs this tomorrow then it will be translated for us to see. IMHO I see this going on to the first of the years..6 more months of this and NO crossing open for a border hop. When we do see a crossing open such as Choeng Chom then we will hear of Thai Embassies and Consults reopening to issues VISA. Side note..major progress on the 214 upgrade but still a ways off. MAJOR construction going on for the NEW Chong Chom Market. The new PTT complex is coming along. New buildings are going up directly across from the market. The custom house had 12 22 wheelers inside and directly across the road were at least 30 22 wheelers waiting. Commerce is flowing across the border. It is not if BUT when these crossing open 100%
Coffee
You chose a custom title
As I have said before, I am on a 1 year Imm O multiple entry due to marriage to a Thai citizen. But. My 1 year O visa is done 'out of the country' at the Thai consulate in Savanakhet Laos. I am not on an Immigration visa, but a Consulate visa bought outside the country. Same visa I 'used' to be able to get at the Thai Consulate in Boston each year. Which you can no longer do in Boston as they changed that a few years back now. And until they open the borders again, and open the Thai Consulate in Savanakhet again you cannot do it until then. You do not have to show any income verification (just the same in the Boston Consulate). 5K baht, your paperwork, and you get your 1 year visa. Not having to have either 400K in a Thai bank for months for marriage visa, or 800K for a retirement visa. They DO NOT do retirement visas at the Savanakhet Thai Consulate (which you need 800K in a Thai bank for months to get and need to do INSIDE Thailand through the Immigration people). I am NOT on an extension. I get a brand new visa each year, which means I need to step out and step back in every 90 days. No problem for me. I consider it a day out to shop and visit places out of Surin, or even a trip to Malaysia or elsewhere to see friends. One reason I have a 'multiple entry' visa is just for that. No hassles or baloney or going to Immi each time I want to leave the country and travel. I just pick up and go. Easy.
I prefer it this way (usually, no problems before the covid shit). And have done it this way for many years, before each year when I was back visiting family in Boston, and now each year in Laos Thai consulate. Why? Because it rankles me to be forced to put my money in a Thai bank. I have enough in my US bank to do it no problem, and could show sufficient monthly income as well if needed instead, but after the '97 baht crash and the horse doody of having to have the money in the bank for 3 months prior to getting your visa, (and now for 3 months after maybe?). I prefer to keep MY money in my US banks. It's how I roll.
Do you understand now, Coffee?
Crystal clear now. So your situation is quite different from mine.
I either was unaware of or totally forgot the loophole that allows one to make a Consulate Visa in back-to-back years at Savannakhet and elsewhere probably because I've been on a Non-O extension based on retirement for too long.
Is this something that is currently only available to married folks ? ... (and possibly teachers and business folks).
No wonder they always ask me when I'm getting married annually when I apply for my extension. At the time I think they're just trying to make humour.
Anyhow sounds like a fantastic deal and possibly a reason for marriage; eventhough, there really is never a reason to get married.
lol
Yorky
Fullritis Member
..........but after the '97 baht crash and the horse doody of having to have the money in the bank for 3 months prior to getting your visa, (and now for 3 months after maybe?). I prefer to keep MY money in my US banks. It's how I roll.
Unfortunately, I'm suffering the opposite. Most of my savings were brought over when the ฿-£ was 75 - 1. but now any Sterling in UK banks is only worth ฿40 (if I'm lucky).
CO-CO
Rather wrinkly & occasionally cantankerous member
I do the same. With Kasikorn I got them to print, stamp and sign 12 months statements - 200 Baht altogether with the standard "Mr Co-Co holds bank account number xxx with us". Also took the Transferwise PDF's of each 65k monthly transfer.
No problem with acceptance by BI.
CO-CO
Rather wrinkly & occasionally cantankerous member
Crystal clear now. So your situation is quite different from mine.
I either was unaware of or totally forgot the loophole that allows one to make a Consulate Visa in back-to-back years at Savannakhet and elsewhere probably because I've been on a Non-O extension based on retirement for too long.
Is this something that is currently only available to married folks ? ... (and possibly teachers and business folks).
No wonder they always ask me when I'm getting married annually when I apply for my extension. At the time I think they're just trying to make humour.
Anyhow sounds like a fantastic deal and possibly a reason for marriage; eventhough, there really is never a reason to get married.
AFAIK Savannakhet is the only consulate that issues a multiple entry Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa. Only based on marriage - cannot get one based on retirement.
This visa is probably the ONLY reason that I could of for getting married (that and maybe the current ability to return to Thailand after an overseas visit).
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
Not correct. I got my multiple entry Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa. Only based on marriage in Washington D.C.
CO-CO
Rather wrinkly & occasionally cantankerous member
Not correct. I got my multiple entry Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa. Only based on marriage in Washington D.C.
Well corrected GL.......................... I should have said "in the region"....................
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
Two Thai immigration officers transferred for allegedly taking visa extension bribes
Two police officers of the Nonthaburi Immigration department have been transferred to clerical duties at Region 3 head office as an investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of visas begins.
The two men - with the rank of captain - have been accused of taking 20,000 baht tea money to speed up visa extensions for foreigners.
Their chief has been reprimanded for allowing illegal activity to occur on his watch.
National RTP spokesman Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen announced the moves after a virulent Facebook post and video on the page of "Tom Julpas Kruesopon" that made the claim that 20,000 baht needed to be paid to speed up work visas for foreigners.
The poster called on immigration to stop ripping off their country and foreigners.
Pol Col Krissana promised that the investigation would be open, extensive and fair and should the officers be guilty they will be dealt with.
RTP Gen Chakthip Chaijinda has also issued orders to reprimand but delay further punishment for the man in charge of the transferred officers for failing to deal with possible illegal activity taking place under their command.
Source: Thai Rath
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/11...d-for-allegedly-taking-visa-extension-bribes/
Two police officers of the Nonthaburi Immigration department have been transferred to clerical duties at Region 3 head office as an investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of visas begins.
The two men - with the rank of captain - have been accused of taking 20,000 baht tea money to speed up visa extensions for foreigners.
Their chief has been reprimanded for allowing illegal activity to occur on his watch.
National RTP spokesman Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen announced the moves after a virulent Facebook post and video on the page of "Tom Julpas Kruesopon" that made the claim that 20,000 baht needed to be paid to speed up work visas for foreigners.
The poster called on immigration to stop ripping off their country and foreigners.
Pol Col Krissana promised that the investigation would be open, extensive and fair and should the officers be guilty they will be dealt with.
RTP Gen Chakthip Chaijinda has also issued orders to reprimand but delay further punishment for the man in charge of the transferred officers for failing to deal with possible illegal activity taking place under their command.
Source: Thai Rath
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/11...d-for-allegedly-taking-visa-extension-bribes/
CO-CO
Rather wrinkly & occasionally cantankerous member
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
PM urged to ease visa restrictions for foreign teachers and students
Picture: Daily News
The Association of Private School and Non-Formal Education has delivered a letter to the government to urge changes to stringent visa restrictions for foreign teachers and students.
If the move is successful foreign teachers and students already in Thailand would not need to leave the country to upgrade their visas.
It comes as the coronavirus pandemic has left many schools without foreign teachers due to the burden of paperwork.
Association chief Thongchai Pradapchananurat has asked that foreign teachers and students already in the kingdom be permitted to stay legally until the end of the month so that universities can prepare work permits and student visas.
Foreign teachers with expired work permits should also be given 30 days extra. This will enable them to apply for a new permit.
Foreign nationals on tourist visas should also not be forced to leave the country first before upgrading to Non-immigration Education visas, as they would normally be required to do.
The same would go for foreign students in Thailand on other types of visas.
Thongchai said that the sector is facing a shortage of foreign teachers.
Many have left due to the pandemic and they need to be encouraged to come back with easier visa requirements.
Source: Daily News
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/11...strictions-for-foreign-teachers-and-students/
Picture: Daily News
The Association of Private School and Non-Formal Education has delivered a letter to the government to urge changes to stringent visa restrictions for foreign teachers and students.
If the move is successful foreign teachers and students already in Thailand would not need to leave the country to upgrade their visas.
It comes as the coronavirus pandemic has left many schools without foreign teachers due to the burden of paperwork.
Association chief Thongchai Pradapchananurat has asked that foreign teachers and students already in the kingdom be permitted to stay legally until the end of the month so that universities can prepare work permits and student visas.
Foreign teachers with expired work permits should also be given 30 days extra. This will enable them to apply for a new permit.
Foreign nationals on tourist visas should also not be forced to leave the country first before upgrading to Non-immigration Education visas, as they would normally be required to do.
The same would go for foreign students in Thailand on other types of visas.
Thongchai said that the sector is facing a shortage of foreign teachers.
Many have left due to the pandemic and they need to be encouraged to come back with easier visa requirements.
Source: Daily News
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/11...strictions-for-foreign-teachers-and-students/
gotlost
Kap Chong R Us Member
Group calls for easy education visa access
Foreign teachers absent in some unis
PUBLISHED : 22 JUL 2020 AT 05:21
NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS
WRITER: POST REPORTERS
The global pandemic of the new coronavirus has severely disrupted the education sector, including various institutions nationwide.
The sector is facing a shortage of foreign teachers, Mr Thongchai noted.
Ads by optAd360
Many teachers with a proper work permit left Thailand and cannot return to work due to the pandemic that has not been brought under control in many parts of the world.
The new school term has already begun, and some classes are missing their foreign teachers who have not been able to return, Mr Thongchai said.
Many prospective foreign students who are already in Thailand would sometimes only have 15 days to stay in the country, which means they would have to leave the kingdom and apply for a Non-Immigrant Education visa at a Thai embassy overseas, he said.
However, Covid-19 has made travelling impossible.
The association on Tuesday submitted their request to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha through the government's complaint centre.
The request was received by Suporn Atthawong, the deputy PM's Office minister.
Foreign teachers absent in some unis
PUBLISHED : 22 JUL 2020 AT 05:21
NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS
WRITER: POST REPORTERS
- 111Florida teachers sue to stop school openings as virus rages
- Hunt for molesters
- A whole new ball game
The global pandemic of the new coronavirus has severely disrupted the education sector, including various institutions nationwide.
The sector is facing a shortage of foreign teachers, Mr Thongchai noted.
Ads by optAd360
Many teachers with a proper work permit left Thailand and cannot return to work due to the pandemic that has not been brought under control in many parts of the world.
The new school term has already begun, and some classes are missing their foreign teachers who have not been able to return, Mr Thongchai said.
Many prospective foreign students who are already in Thailand would sometimes only have 15 days to stay in the country, which means they would have to leave the kingdom and apply for a Non-Immigrant Education visa at a Thai embassy overseas, he said.
However, Covid-19 has made travelling impossible.
The association on Tuesday submitted their request to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha through the government's complaint centre.
The request was received by Suporn Atthawong, the deputy PM's Office minister.
I know, GL. I was making a joke about the 20K.
QUOTE="gotlost, post: 311853, member: 387"]You are not an overstayer. You were caught up by the Corona Beer Flu and YOU are on a visa which its self life has expired. It is people such as yourself that this amnesty was brought about since all borders are closed and you can not go out or back in. Set back and have another beer and enjoy. #44 signs this tomorrow then it will be translated for us to see. IMHO I see this going on to the first of the years..6 more months of this and NO crossing open for a border hop. When we do see a crossing open such as Choeng Chom then we will hear of Thai Embassies and Consults reopening to issues VISA. Side note..major progress on the 214 upgrade but still a ways off. MAJOR construction going on for the NEW Chong Chom Market. The new PTT complex is coming along. New buildings are going up directly across from the market. The custom house had 12 22 wheelers inside and directly across the road were at least 30 22 wheelers waiting. Commerce is flowing across the border. It is not if BUT when these crossing open 100%[/QUOTE]
QUOTE="gotlost, post: 311853, member: 387"]You are not an overstayer.
You were caught up by the Corona Beer Flu and YOU are on a visa which its self life has expired. It is people such as yourself that this amnesty was brought about since all borders are closed and you can not go out or back in. Set back and have another beer and enjoy. #44 signs this tomorrow then it will be translated for us to see. IMHO I see this going on to the first of the years..6 more months of this and NO crossing open for a border hop. When we do see a crossing open such as Choeng Chom then we will hear of Thai Embassies and Consults reopening to issues VISA. Side note..major progress on the 214 upgrade but still a ways off. MAJOR construction going on for the NEW Chong Chom Market. The new PTT complex is coming along. New buildings are going up directly across from the market. The custom house had 12 22 wheelers inside and directly across the road were at least 30 22 wheelers waiting. Commerce is flowing across the border. It is not if BUT when these crossing open 100%[/QUOTE]