RE-ENTRY PERMIT? WHAT’S REQUIRED?

Re-Entry permit? What’s required? A completed TM-8 form. A passport type photo 4x6 cm Photocopy of passport (main page, visa page and latest entry stamp) 1,000 Baht for single / 3,800 Baht for a multiple re-entry. The airport cost could be 1200 for a single re-entry, and 4000 baht for a multiple because they take the picture. Re-entry permits are valid for the length of your current permission to stay. When re-entering use the number of the re-entry permit on the immigration card (TM6). To make sure it is noticed put RE-ENTRY PERMIT next to it. Check immigration stamps when still at the border/airport.

WHAT IS A THAI TOURIST VISA?

Q: What is Thai Tourist visa? A: Thai Tourist visa is a kind of visa to Thailand with the purpose of tourism and traveling. While applying for this kind of visa you must have only one purpose of your staying in Thailand – Tourism and spending money in Thailand. Thai Tourist visa is Not for business or employment purposes. Q: What kind of Tourist visas exist in Thailand? A: You can apply only for two types of Tourist visas in Thailand: Single Entry Tourist Visa Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) Starting from November 12, 2015 double-entry Thai Tourist visa was canceled Q: What is Single Entry Tourist Visa in Thailand? A: Single Entry Tourist visa is a kind of visa to Thailand with the purpose of tourism and traveling. By Single Entry Tourist visa is allowed one entry to Thailand and to stay in the country up to 60 days. Single Entry Tourist visa is valid from the date of entry, so the 60-days start on the day of enter Thailand. You can entry to Thailand within 90 days from the date of issue of your single entry Thai tourist visa. You can apply for Single-entry tourist visa in any Thai Embassy or Consulate worldwide. For example, you can apply for Thai Single Entry Tourist visa in Laos.
Q: What is Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) A: Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa it is a new kind of visa for tourism purpose. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from day of issue. Multiple-Entry means, that you can leave Thailand any number of times you need and come back during the visa valid period. You can stay in Thailand for 60 days per trip. After the 60 days, you must leave Thailand, but you are allowed come back again (as it is a multiple entry). Each re-entry to Thailand will activate another 60 days. You can apply for Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa only in your home country or in the county, where you can prove residence in. The full list of the documents for Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa you can find on the official pages of the Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Q: What does the “enter before” date on my Thai visa mean A: The “enter before” means, that the holder of visa must enter Thailand, before this date. For the Single Entry Tourist visa it will be 3 months’ period from the date visa is issued. Q: If my 60 days are ended, what can I do, if I want to stay in Thailand more? What is an extension of Tourist visa in Thailand? Where I can do the extension of Thai Tourist visa? A: If you want to stay in Thailand by tourist visa for more than 60 days, you can do the extension of your visa in Thailand.  The tourist visa in Thailand can be extended once in the Immigration Office. Thailand Tourist Visa can be extended for 30 days. The extension of Thai visa costs 1,900 baht. In Bangkok you can do it in Bangkok immigration Office at Government Complex Chaengwattana Q: How many single entry Thailand tourist visas I can get? A: Nobody knows the answer on this question. It depends on your individual situation, your visa history, Thai Embassy officer, the country where you are applying for new visa, and a package of documents you can provide and many others factors. Remember, if you stay in Thailand for long time only by tourist visa – it seems questionably. For example, in Laos, after 2 or 3 tourist visas (made in Laos) you can get a special stamp on your visa, with the mark about rejection for the next tourist visa. Remember, that Thai law requires any foreign nationals, who entering Thailand to have money equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family. Also round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full) can be asked. Your tourism and traveling purposes must be clear or you can get rejection in visa. Q: Is it become more difficult to stay in Thailand for long term by tourist visas from year to year?
A: Yes, it is true. There are many of examples, when people do not understand and even break the Law while using tourist visas. Thai Tourist visa is Not for business or employment purposes. Q: When people say they got Thai Tourist visa for 3 months, what they exactly mean? A: There is no any 3 months Tourist Visa in Thailand. You can stay with tourist visa in Thailand maximum 60 days. But you can do the extension of your visa in Thailand and get plus 30 days in Immigration Offices in Thailand. If you will count, it will be 3 months. Q: What is the difference between border run and visa run in Thailand? A: Border run in the whole world means just crossing the border without getting visa. The residents of some countries and territories have Visa Exemption or can do visa on arrival to Thailand. The meaning of border run comes from the people, who cross the border and immediately come back to Thailand without any visa. Nowadays this option becomes more difficult Visa run it is a trip for new visa to any country bordering with Thailand. Visa run means getting new visa and come back to Thailand, but it does not mean come back immediately. NOTE: 1.Before you will go and apply for Thai Tourist visa – visit the official pages of the Thai Embassy or Consulate in the country, where you want to do visa to Thailand. 2.Thai Tourist visa can be getting only with the purpose of tourism and traveling 3.In some cases, you must to show the additional documents which confirming the purpose of your visit in the Thai Embassy, as on the border. 4.Do not believe in any stories, comments, declaration which say about guarantees of obtaining Thai Tourist visa. 5.Before going to any other countries for Thai Tourist visa, you must know the visas rules in these countries for your entry (if you going to Malaysia you must know about the Malaysian visa and etc.) and visit page of the Thai Embassy in these countries. In some countries you can’t get and apply for Thai Tourist visa, if you are not a resident of these countries or need to prove the permission for a long stay. 6.If you have more than 1 Thai Tourist visa – nobody will guarantee for you, that you will get new without any problems. 7.You can get rejection of getting new Tourist visa to Thailand in The Thai Embassy without any explanation. Also, even with visa you can get rejection of visiting Thailand on the border, if the border officer will be in doubts about the purpose of your visit.

TM30? A GUIDE TO STAYING IN THAILAND AND WITHIN THE LAW

A TM30 is required to be completed within 24 hours of arrival at whichever building a foreigner is staying in.This applies to ALL foreigners regardless if they are visiting Thailand for a short holiday, or if they are living here more permanently. Or If they are traveling to different places within Thailand. A TM30 is required for any overnight stays.For travelers staying in hotels or other accommodation, that is properly organised. The accommodation provider will have an online account with the immigration department and submit your information online, without you needing to do anything.You can request a copy if you like.For other foreigners, maybe living here or staying longer periods.You need to either have your landlord go to immigration with the correct documents and your passport copy.Or You need to do it yourself.It needs to be done within 24 hours of your arrival, so if you are then staying at your same home for months, you do not have to do it again. Until you stay somewhere else, even for a night.Registration is very important if you are staying in a "Hotel" with no licence (especially condominiums providing illegal daily/weekly rentals).The TM30 is required under immigration law, and it will cause more problems if buildings are inspected, which is happening very frequently now.They are now asking for your TM30 when you report to immigration for your 90 day report, which obviously only applies to long stay visitors.They will in the near future be asking travelers leaving the country why the TM30 has not been completed. This information is available on their computer terminal and linked to your passport and to the NEW design arrival/departure card and to every immigration point throughout Thailand.It will take time to implement the new system and enforce the regulations, but they are coming.The TM30 is a separate piece of paper which you should keep with your passport and departure card.Remember foreigners should carry their passport at all times according to Thai Law.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO RETIREMENT VISA IN THAILAND

Thailand’s majestic landscape, formed by its rich foliage and scenic beaches make for a very relaxing and soothing environment one could live in forever. It’s not surprising that foreigners find themselves enchanted and wanting to spend their retirement days in this breathtaking piece of tropical paradise. If you are interested to do the same, applying for a retirement visa in Thailand would be the first step to take. Listed below are the requirements. HOW TO OBTAIN A RETIREMENT VISA IN THAILAND: STEP 1: OBTAIN A NON-IMMIGRANT VISA Requirements: • Passport (at least one year remaining before expiration) • You must be holding nationality or permanent residence of the country of application • Proof of Funds STEP 2: OBTAIN A ONE-YEAR RETIREMENT VISA Requirements: • Must be 50 years old and above • Passport (signed copies of each page) • Non-Immigrant Visa • Departure Card TM.6 • Proof of meeting Financial Requirements • Thai Bank Book (original) • Letter from your Thai Bank • Three(3) 4×5 cm photos, with full face taken STEP 3: BRING YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO THAILAND You will be given six months from your entry to Thailand to bring in your household items from your country. If your permit grants you to stay for a year, these items will not be taxed. Otherwise, they will be taxed at a rate of 20% for import duty and 7% value added tax. However, the deadline can be flexible. If you expect your items to arrive past the six-month deadline, you may inform the Customs two months before the deadline to request for an extension. STEP 4: OBTAINING A RE-ENTRY PERMIT Most people misunderstand the different concepts of “Extension of Stay” and “Re-entry Permit”. Sometimes mistaken for each other, you must understand that these are two different things, both of which you would need during your stay. The Extension of Stay is simply the controlling date. Everything else is dependent on this. Everything is invalidated when your Extension of Stay expires. On the other hand, the Re-entry Permit’s validity is subject to the validity of your Extension of Stay. However, leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit automatically invalidates your extension of stay. STEP 5: REPORTING YOUR STAY EVERY 90 DAYS and VISA EXPIRATION You are required to report to the Immigration Police every 90 days if you are on a long term extension of stay. Persons holding a multiple entry visa will simply depart Thailand and renew their extension of stay after each 90 day entry. If you cannot obtain your extension inside Thailand, you will have to get a new non-immigrant visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. MEETING THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A RETIREMENT VISA: Financial Requirements are as follows: • Bank Account showing THB 800,000 • Monthly income of at least THB 65,000 • Combination (Bank Account + Income x 12 = THB 800,000) • MORE INFORMATION SIGN-UP FOR THAI RETIREMENT VISA: Your first and only appearance for the retirement visa will be at the Immigration office upon its approval. You must appear in person with your passport and sign the visa paperwork in the presence of the Immigration staff. The Immigrant staff puts a stamp in the passport at the time of approval. RESTRICTIONS ON RETIREMENT VISA The retirement once approved allows you to stay in Thailand for one year. You are not allowed to have employment while on this type of visa. Also you must report to Immigration every 90 days to verify your current address

SETV VISA REPORT-HONG KONG

VISA REPORT: SETV HONG KONG Most of my experiences getting tourist visas in Hong Kong have been super easy, but last time, about a year ago, they gave me the third degree about what I was doing in Thailand. Today I returned to the office to see if things have changed, I'm pleased to say that it's back to being (mostly) painless again. Maybe last time I just got someone at the window who was having a bad day? I don't know. Documents Required: Photocopy of Passport Photocopy of Arrival Slips (I put both on one page) 1 Photo - IMPORTANT: Must be on a white background. This was never an issue before, but they rejected my first photo which had a slightly off-white background. I was lucky and had a couple of extra photos from the last time I applied for a passport, which they accepted. $300 HKD Step One: Take Cathay Pacific Flight 616 leaving at 6:40 in the morning from Bangkok. Have your passport photocopied and application printed/filled out ahead of time. Make an extra copy of your passport just in case your hotel needs to see it on check in. Step Two: Arrive in Hong Kong at 10:20 (we got in about 25 minutes late so 10:45 today). Step Three: Get a photocopy of your arrival slip and print out at the airport. I used the Cathay Pacific Arrival Lounge. No photocopier, but I emailed myself a picture of the arrival papers, and printed that. They accepted it. (Alternately there's an Alpha Graphics at Admiralty Station.) Step Four: Take Airport Express to Hong Kong station (save time by ordering your pass online... I use look... You won't have to wait in line at the airport express counter if you get a round trip ticket+3day MTR pass.) Step Five: Follow the signs and walk to Central MTR Station via the underground tunnel. Step Six: Take the red line one stop to Admiralty Station. Step Seven: Take Exit B on the ground floor. You'll see Alpha Graphics at the base of the escalator if you didn't photocopy your arrival documents at the airport. People say its $2 HKD per copy. You'll want to have some Hong Kong cash on you so... stop at an ATM and maybe buy a snack at 7-11 on the way. Step Eight: Take the escalator upstairs, go right, and walk out the door next to the coffee shops. Cross the sky bridge. Go into Fairmont House across the street (it's on the left). Thai Consulate is on the 8th floor. Step Nine: Hand in your application just before the 12:30 submission deadline. Today they locked the doors around 12:38. I arrived at 12:26. Step Ten: Come back the next day (or later if you want), to collect your passport. Technically, you could do what I did on the drop off and be back in BKK the next day, but it's probably wiser to stay at least two nights just in case your flight is late, and be sure to have an afternoon/evening trip home. I haven't done Step Ten yet, but I have no reason to believe there won't be a visa in my passport tomorrow morning. I'm staying in HK a few days anyway. I just have a thing against making unnecessary trips, so I rushed from the airport. Update: Picked up my passport this morning around 10:30. It was an in and out trip to the consulate. Less than 10 minutes wait. I don't know if all consulates are doing this now, or if HK just ran out of stickers, but my visa is a rubber stamp that says: "TOURIST VISA Tourist Visa Royal Thai Consulate-General Hong Kong No. _________________ (hand written number) Good for SINGLE journey To Thailand. This visa must be utilized Before __________________ (stamped date) If passport remains valid. Issued on _________________ (stamped date). (Signature + red authorization stamp)" There's no mention of number of entries, the employment prohibited reminder, etc. That you usually find on the computer printed stickers. The girl who got her visa before me was staring at her passport like " is this?" I had a similar reaction. This is the first time I've received a visa from any country that wasn't a sticker. I don't care as long as immigration at swampy doesn't have any questions. Visa Report: SETV Hong Kong Most of my experiences getting tourist visas in Hong Kong have been super easy, but last time, about a year ago, they gave me the third degree about what I was doing in Thailand. Today I returned to the office to see if things have changed, I'm pleased to say that it's back to being (mostly) painless again. Maybe last time I just got someone at the window who was having a bad day? I don't know. Documents Required: Photocopy of Passport Photocopy of Arrival Slips (I put both on one page) 1 Photo - IMPORTANT: Must be on a white background. This was never an issue before, but they rejected my first photo which had a slightly off-white background. I was lucky and had a couple of extra photos from the last time I applied for a passport, which they accepted. $300 HKD Step One: Take Cathay Pacific Flight 616 leaving at 6:40 in the morning from Bangkok. Have your passport photocopied and application printed/filled out ahead of time. Make an extra copy of your passport just in case your hotel needs to see it on check in. Step Two: Arrive in Hong Kong at 10:20 (we got in about 25 minutes late so 10:45 today). Step Three: Get a photocopy of your arrival slip and print out at the airport. I used the Cathay Pacific Arrival Lounge. No photocopier, but I emailed myself a picture of the arrival papers, and printed that. They accepted it. (Alternately there's an Alpha Graphics at Admiralty Station.) Step Four: Take Airport Express to Hong Kong station (save time by ordering your pass online... I use look... You won't have to wait in line at the airport express counter if you get a round trip ticket+3day MTR pass.) Step Five: Follow the signs and walk to Central MTR Station via the underground tunnel. Step Six: Take the red line one stop to Admiralty Station. Step Seven: Take Exit B on the ground floor. You'll see Alpha Graphics at the base of the escalator if you didn't photocopy your arrival documents at the airport. People say its $2 HKD per copy. You'll want to have some Hong Kong cash on you so... stop at an ATM and maybe buy a snack at 7-11 on the way. Step Eight: Take the escalator upstairs, go right, and walk out the door next to the coffee shops. Cross the sky bridge. Go into Fairmont House across the street (it's on the left). Thai Consulate is on the 8th floor. Step Nine: Hand in your application just before the 12:30 submission deadline. Today they locked the doors around 12:38. I arrived at 12:26. Step Ten: Come back the next day (or later if you want), to collect your passport. Technically, you could do what I did on the drop off and be back in BKK the next day, but it's probably wiser to stay at least two nights just in case your flight is late, and be sure to have an afternoon/evening trip home. I haven't done Step Ten yet, but I have no reason to believe there won't be a visa in my passport tomorrow morning. I'm staying in HK a few days anyway. I just have a thing against making unnecessary trips, so I rushed from the airport. Update: Picked up my passport this morning around 10:30. It was an in and out trip to the consulate. Less than 10 minutes wait. I don't know if all consulates are doing this now, or if HK just ran out of stickers, but my visa is a rubber stamp that says: "TOURIST VISA Tourist Visa Royal Thai Consulate-General Hong Kong No. _________________ (hand written number) Good for SINGLE journey To Thailand. This visa must be utilized Before __________________ (stamped date) If passport remains valid. Issued on _________________ (stamped date). (Signature + red authorization stamp)" There's no mention of number of entries, the employment prohibited reminder, etc. That you usually find on the computer printed stickers. The girl who got her visa before me was staring at her passport like " is this?" I had a similar reaction. This is the first time I've received a visa from any country that wasn't a sticker. I don't care as long as immigration at swampy doesn't have any questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

That is a short summary of the process and below I list some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) from my clients that should help you: Q. Can I work on a Retirement visa? A. No you cannot work in Thailand on a retirement visa. However, this visa is just for Thailand and we have many clients you utilise the visa but continue to work outside of the country. The visa is only a retirement visa – it will not affect your status outside of Thailand. By that I mean it doesn’t mean you have now stopped working and are actually retired. Q. Can I leave the country on a retirement visa? A. Yes, as long as you have a re entry permit you can leave and re enter. The retirement visa is renewed year, so you must re enter before the expiry date on the visa. Q. How many times can I leave? A. If you have a multi re entry permit you are free to come and go as you like, this can be made at the same time we process the visa Q. Is there a minimum amount of time I have to stay in Thailand? A. No you are free to travel as much as you like but you will need to be in Thailand before the visa expires in order to renew it. Q. How many days before the visa expires can I renew? A. At present the maximum time is 60 days, for most clients we start the process about 30 days before to ensure there are no issues, and then take them to immigration for the renewal. Q. Can my wife and family follow my retirement visa? A. Yes, however in order to do this they will need to already have non immigrant O visas obtained from outside of Thailand at a Thai consulate or embassy as well as documents to show the relationships between the family. Q. Can I follow my Wife’s/Husbands visa? A. Yes, as long as you have a non immigrant 0 visa from outside the country, we will also need documents to prove the relationship. Q. Can I show money in my bank in my home country to obtain the retirement visa? A. No the money has to be in a Thai bank. We will be happy to assist you with the opening of your account and make sure everything goes smoothly for you. Q. If I lose my retirement visa can I apply for a new one? A. Yes if there is any issue which means you can’t renew we can start the process for you again and obtain a new visa, there is no penalty for losing the visa. Q. What are 90 day reports? A. Thai Law requires all foreign to check in with immigration for every 90 consecutive days they are in the Kingdom. At Speedy Visa we can take care of this for you, and make sure you never miss a report and always comply with the rules. Q. Can I get a visa longer than 1 year? A. At present the retirement visa is based on a 1 yearly renewal. It is therefore not possible to get longer than this.

EXTENSION OF STAY BASED ON HAVING A THAI WIFE.

EXTENSION OF STAY BASED ON HAVING A THAI WIFE.(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IMMIGRANT) (2)In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.Letter from your Thai Bank showing balance and up to date bank book.If income from outside Thailand:Letter from your Embassy showing income. Now may also need proof of income as back up.If Income from Thailand:Statements showing income Tax receipts.Marriage Registry entry. (Kor Ror 2) Also copies of TM6 Arrival/Departure Card, divorce certificate if your wife has been married before.Your Passport.Copies of everything.Photos of you and your Wife in and around the house.A map showing the way to your house.Passport size photos and 1,900 Baht fee.Take your Wife to be interviewed.One or two witnesses may be required.You will be given a 30 day under consideration stamp.Go back in a month and get the remainder.IF APPLYING AT CHIANG MAI IMMIGRATION WILL ALSO NEED:1. Sor Tor Mor Song, 2 copies,Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions for Visa Extension;2.Acknowledgement of penalties for visa overstay 2 copies.3. TM7 for Chiang Mai is different from website and other offices, this and other forms available from Chiang Mai Immigration, or you will have to rewrite them when you arrive.4.Last but not least, map to your house, written on their form, not plain paper.

PERMISSIONS TO STAY EXPLAINED

Just think of it like this:A VISA is only used TO ENTER Thailand,A permission to stay is only used to STAY in Thailand.An EXTENSION to stay is only used to EXTEND your stay in Thailand.A WORK PERMIT is only to allow you to WORK in Thailand.A RE-ENTRY permit allows you to enter Thailand without a valid visa and your permission to stay is used instead.

DOCUMENTS FOR RETIREMENT EXTENSION

1. Completed Form TM7.(Must be printed on both sides of 1 sheet).2 Passport + Copies Last Visa,Last Extension permit,Last entry stamp.3. Proof of Address. (one of three options).Condo owners;Blue Tabien Baan.(foreigners name will not appear in the book) + Copy.Title Deeds (Chanote) + Copy,Yellow Tabien Baan (if you possess one) + Copy.A copy of House owners Tabien Baan and ID card.Rental agreement + Copy Yellow Tabien Baan (if you possess one) + Copy. Private Home Not a Rental.Copy of House owners Tabien Baan and ID card.Yellow Tabien + Copy.4. Map pinpointing and detailing address location.5. TM6 Departure card + Copy 6. Passport photo 4 x 6 cm.7.Proof of Funds;If using the funds in the bank method an updated passbook and letter from the bank dated the same day as the application. Funds in the passbook and letter must match.If using the income method, a letter from your Embassy confirming income.You can use a combination of the two methods providing it adds up to 800,000 baht per annum.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA OR VISA STATUS ALTERATION (NON-O): FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES.

The application must be submitted more than 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.Form TM.86 for the foreigner, who has Tourist and Transit Visa and applies,for Visa Status Alteration and applies for non-immigrant visa1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 day, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visa.of passport pages (for example, personal information page, last entries, stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any) and departure card (Form TM.6)Either one 4x6 cm photograph or one 2 inch size photograph. 4.Application fee of 2,000 baht A guarantee letter from the bank in Thailand in Thai language (Attention: Immigration Commissioner)5.2 A copy of all entries of the applicant’s passbook showing that the applicant has a savings or fixed deposit account of not less than Baht 800,000 (all documents must be in the Applicant’s name).5.3 Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand.Documents under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant’s name. A guarantee letter from the local or overseas Embassy or Consulate, proving the monthly pension of the Applicant not less than Baht 65,000 per month (together with reference documents showing the source of said monthly pension) Evidence of deposited money under Clause 5 and evidence of income under Clause 5

PATTAYA IMMIGRATION OFFICE CLOSURES FOR SONGKRAN 2018

Pattaya Immigration Office Closures for Songkran 2018.All offices will be closed on these days.12 April (Thursday) Songkran13 April (Friday) Songkran14 April (Saturday) Songkran15 April (Sunday) Songkran16 April (Monday) Substitute For Songkran

HOW TO GAIN PARENTAL RIGHTS AS A FATHER

When a baby is born, it is clear who the mother is. Who the father is remains the question. If the mother is married the the law will assume that the husband is the father of the child. It doesn't matter who makes the registration.However, if the mother is not married, the law makes no such assumption and the father being named on the the birth certificate is not enough. After all,anyone can be named on the birth certificate as the father,without that person knowing let alone agreeing. In that case the father has to legitimize the child, with which he acknowledge before the law that he is the father of the child.The Thai law gives 3 possibilities to become the legal father of a child:1. When the mother and father marry after the birth of the child, the father becomes automatically the legal father of the child.2. The father asks to be registered as the legal father at the amphur. For this two criteria has to be met. The first one is that the mother has to agree. The second one is that the child also has to agree.However, the law doesn't give an age at which the child can give consent. Most amphurs will accept the consent of the child when it is at least 7 years old, but some amphurs seem willing to accept the consent of a child when a child is as young as 3 years old.Taking a respected local person with you might increase your chance on registration at an early age.There might be amphurs that will accept a registration of the father as the legal father when the father and mother appear at the amphur together to register the birth of the child and ask at the same time that the father be registered as the legal father. It is not according to the law.for the father petitions the court to become the legal father of the child. This is the only option that can be used when the child is too young or the mother or child don't consent to the legitimization. If the mother does consent, it is a relatively simply process, a longer one if the mother doesn't agree.Note that becoming the legal father is not the same as gaining parental rights, that is a different subject. You might become the legal father, without getting parental rights. Becoming the legal father means that you establish family ties with the child. That is for example important for a child's nationality and right to inheritance. With establishing parental rights you get authority over the child and can for example determine the place where a child stays.Always check with you embassy how you can legitimize a child under the laws of your own country. in some cases this can even be done before the child is born.Above applies to a father who wants to become the legal father of a child. It is also possible that a father doesn't want to become the legal father of a child, but the mother or the child do want the father to legitimize the child. In that case a paternity suit can be made against the father and the court will decide if the person is indeed the father of the child. This will establish family ties between the father and the child, which again relates to nationality and inheritance, but also gives the child right to child support.The child often has more rights regarding this than the mother. Often the mother has a limited period in which to file a paternity suit,while the child has a much longer time to file a paternity suit against the father.For more information about parental rights and legitimization of a child under Thai law read this article from ThaiLaw Online: http://thailawonline.com/en/family/children/custody-of-a-child-thailand.html

SAVANAKET TRIP FOR YEARLY NON O MULTI ENTRY BASED ON MARRIAGE.

Flew up to Savannakhet Monday the 19th. Laos Airlines with a stop in Pakse on route.Flight on time, comfortable and with a beer Laos and sandwich offered. Cost 4.5K baht.Immigration at airport a breeze. 1500 for the visa. 10 mins through immigration,Tuk Tuk to Vivanouk guesthouse 100 baht. The French owner had overbooked. He paid me back in USD and walked me to neighboring guesthouse Savan Cafe. 800 per night.Nice modern place. Next to the Night Market. This is the only area with anything going on. Plenty of places to eat and have some beer. A couple of bars/cafes with live music. In no hurry do I try to chill and enjoy the quiet nice city.Next morning in no rush arrived at the Consulate 10am. I was the only person there.Delivered the paperwork. Most of us know what it is already. Lunch, nap and out.for dinner at Lins Cafe at the night market. Nice place Laos and European food.Next day at 2.30pm picked up Passport and back over to Thailand. 200 baht from Night Market.Wait and onto the bridge. Freedom Bridge 2.We decided to stay in Mukdahan in Ploy Palace. Nice old hotel. Great staff. Went out in a wet evening. If you stay around Ploy Palace many options to eat. I would advise taking a right and a left after Amazon Coffee where there are a strip of places to eat.10.30 the next day fly drive from Ploy Palace to Ubon and back to DMK. Easy, hassle free.

MARRIAGE EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS

The alien has obtained a non-immigrant O type visa. In case of marriage with a Thai lady, the husband who is an alien must have an average annual income of not less than 40,000 baht per month or a money deposit in a local Thai bank of not less than 400,000 baht for the past 2 months for expenses within a year.Letter from your Thai Bank showing balance and up to date bank book OR If income from outside Thailand, a Letter from your Embassy showing income. You may also need proof of income as back up. If Income from Thailand you will need to show statements showing Income Tax receipts, and Marriage Certificate. (Kor Ror 3) Marriage Registry entry. (Kor Ror 2) Wife's Tabbien Baan and ID Card. You’re Passport. Copies of everything. Photos of you and your Wife in and around the house. A map showing the way to your house. Passport size photos and 1,900 Baht fee. Take your Wife to be interviewed. One or two witnesses may be required. You will be given a 30 day under consideration stamp. Go back in a month and get the remainder.

NON O MULTIPLE ENTRY FROM SAVANNAKHET BASED ON MARRIAGE #2

A successful visit to Savannakhet to obtain a ME O visa based on marriage. Journey started with a flight from CM (7.15am CNX) to Khon Kaen (2,810 baht return- AirAsia) and then a minibus journey (240 baht) from Khon Kaen bus station to Mukdahan bus station . Caught the international Laos bus from Mukdahan to Savannakhet (45 baht each way). 1 x picture 1,500 baht I needed for the Laos visa. Arrived at the Avalon hotel (6 GBP per night - 2 nights through Agoda) in Savannakhet at 15.00. Probably would stay at the Aura next time, but cannot complain about the cost of the Avalon. Food was poor though. The next day the Thai consulate in Savannakhet opened at 09.00. Submitted all my documents, Marriage cert copy, (took the original as well, but was not needed - but good to take, just in case) Wife's house book and ID copied, signed and dated. Front page of my passport and 2 pictures (35 mm x 45 mm pictures) and of course the 5,000 baht fee. Out by 09.20. The next day, arrived at the Thai consulate at 13.30 (Opens at 14.00) and collected my ME O visa. Out by 14.10.Caught a tuktuk (100 baht) to the border. Crossed Laos and Thai border by 15.10. Caught a taxi to Mukdahan bus station and caught a minibus at 16.00 to Khon Kaen (240 Baht). Arrived in Khon Kaen at 20.10. Stayed in the Garden Room hotel (near the Khon Kaen airport - 550 Baht booked through Agoda).The next day caught a taxi using Grab (75 baht) to the airport for the 13.15 from Khon Airport to CM. Arrived in CM at 14.10. All done, relatively painless

TO APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION OF STAY BASED UPON RETIREMENT

To apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement (it is not a visa) you have to show financial proof for every extension application. You must have 800k baht in a Thai bank for 60 days if it is your first extension or 3 months for the 2nd one and onwards or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2 totalling 800k baht.For money in the bank you will need a bank letter and copies of your updated bank book. For income you will need a letter from your embassy confirming your income. You will need a completed TM7 application form with one 4 X 6 cm photo attached. Copies of your passport photo page, visa, entry stamp, extension stamp (if any) and TM6 departure card. Some offices may want copies of every page with a visa or stamp for stamp for Thailand on it. You will need proof of residence which can be a rental agreement with copies of the owner’s house book and ID card attached.

VISA FROM ROYAL THAI CONSULATE.HONG KONG

Hong Kong Royal Thai Consulate. 8th Floor, Fairmont House, Cotton Tree Drive, Hong Kong. Documents required. Passport, One photocopy of details page, Completed application form. One photocopy of Hong Kong Entry Slip (for non-residents), 300 HK$. To get there, get the MTR to Admiralty Station. Exit using exit B. Walk right and right again to the entrance of the Lippo Centre. Go up one floor to the 2nd floor (one floor above ground level). Use the footbridge to cross Cotton Tree Drive. If you don't use the footbridge, you will find it tricky to get to Fairmont House. Take lift to 8th floor. The nearest photocopying place is Alpha-graphics on the ground floor of the Lippo Centre. 2 HK$ per sheet. Applications are accepted from 9:30 - 12:30 on Day One. Passport is available for collection from 9:30 - 12:30 on Day Two. I went on Thu 4th Jan so it was quite busy with about 20 applicants. I had to wait around 15 minutes. I don't think this is normal. I have a lot of Thai visas but I still got one there. They are not interested in flights or funds. I did get asked and reminded that I should not work in Thailand.

10 YEAR RETIREMENT VISA REQUIREMENTS

Many Embassy websites have the requirements posted.This from the embassy in the USA. http://thaiembdc.org/non-immigrant-visa-category-o-x-long-stay

ONCE YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT CHAENGWATTANA IMMIGRATION

When you are past the security at the building entrance, you'll be in a large lobby area.The door to Immigration is on the right side.Once you enter that door, you'll be in a small reception type area with people filling out forms, etc Walk through this room and in the next room you'll find the real reception desks where you get a queue number.The 'number' will start with a J or K, areas J and K is where they do the extensions for tourist visas and visa exempt entries.This area is just steps away from reception.As I recall, they process about 50 people each hour. I've arrived at 9 am and received a number as low as J5 and as high as J110. At this time of year, it will likely be busy and will take a few hours. If you arrive after the lunch break, you may be there until they close, they do guarantee to help everyone who has a number and they definitely process more people per hour later in the day.You don't need to sit and wait in the J or K area, you can go downstairs where they have some cafes, etc.to kill the time.Just go back up and check where they are on the numbers every now and then.

GOING TO CHAENGWATTANA IMMIGRATION IN BANGKOK

From the Soi Nana BTS station, you take the BTS to Morchit station(end of the line)and use exit 3.Once you are street level, you can get the bus to Chaengwattana.The bus is number 52 from Morchit BTS to Chaengwattana.It travels in a loop so you can get the same bus back again.Also you should see some taxis lined up next to some concrete barriers on the road.I believe the barriers are there to create a bus lane so be careful not to be run over by a bus!! (The buses will be lane 1 and the taxis in lane 2).Every now and then, there are no taxis at the barrier and you have to get one that is parked curb side a little further up the road.  Or flag one down.  The fare is about 120-140thb.  Most taxi drivers know where to go but not all.  Try 'Immigration', 'make visa', Chaengwattana  to help them understand where you need to go.  It might help to have a map with you if at all possible.  It is not a difficult journey, about 30 minutes on the BTS and another 20-30 min to get to immigration via taxi (depends on traffic). Watch out for taxis. I had one fiddling the meter which went to 50 THB after 100 meters up the road.However most of the taxis are very safe and reliable.The immigration office is located at the very back of the government complex (furthest point from Chaengwattana road).  It can be confusing as to what driveway to turn into, I’ve missed it before and been able to get in at another entrance further down the road. http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/location1.html