Marriage to a Thai - extension of stay

[VincentD]

Hmmmm?

I've looked up the government website, the section that sets out the fees shows 1,900 for single and 3,800 for multiple for a non-quota immigrant visa. Further down the line it says 1,000 baht for single entry (re-entry permit) and 3,800 baht "within the remaining period of admission".

Am I missing something? I'm looking at the receipt in my hand and it shows a total of 5,700 baht.
Immigration website (English): http://www.immigration.go.th/

[Dannie Boy]

Hmmmm?

I've looked up the government website, the section that sets out the fees shows 1,900 for single and 3,800 for multiple for a non-quota immigrant visa. Further down the line it says 1,000 baht for single entry (re-entry permit) and 3,800 baht "within the remaining period of admission".

Am I missing something? I'm looking at the receipt in my hand and it shows a total of 5,700 baht.
Immigration website (English): http://www.immigration.go.th/

That would be the cost for a one year extension visa with a multiple re-entry (1900+3800).

[thebears]

It all seems like an awfully complicated subject in its own right. How do you all manage to understand and keep track of it?

Just from reviewing the several replies to my original question, there are so many implications to take into account and so many lost chances if one should inadvertently forget to observe certain conditions or opportunities. Whilst not being entirely serious in asking, and certainly not wishing to promote the idea, doesn't anyone ever consider just "staying put" in Thailand and ignoring the complex immigration system. Obviously one would have to depend upon one's spouse for banking, motoring, housing and that sort of thing and of course not wishing to travel overseas at all.

And what is the purpose of having to obtain a re-entry permit. If one was granted stay in the first place and wishes to travel overseas, why on earth is there a need for a re-entry stamp? It all seems quite bizarre.

[Dannie Boy]

It all seems like an awfully complicated subject in its own right. How do you all manage to understand and keep track of it?

Just from reviewing the several replies to my original question, there are so many implications to take into account and so many lost chances if one should inadvertently forget to observe certain conditions or opportunities. Whilst not being entirely serious in asking, and certainly not wishing to promote the idea, doesn't anyone ever consider just "staying put" in Thailand and ignoring the complex immigration system. Obviously one would have to depend upon one's spouse for banking, motoring, housing and that sort of thing and of course not wishing to travel overseas at all.

And what is the purpose of having to obtain a re-entry permit. If one was granted stay in the first place and wishes to travel overseas, why on earth is there a need for a re-entry stamp? It all seems quite bizarre.

I think you've answered your last point yourself - you have indeed been granted stay in the Kingdom, but if you want to leave and return later, you need to obtain a re-entry permit.........jumping through hoops, of course it is, but if you want to live here then you have to follow the rules. As for your "not entirely serious question" about effectively going into hiding, well one day it will all catch up with you and the consequences would be serious, so not a very good idea at all.

[Bristolian]

It all seems like an awfully complicated subject in its own right. How do you all manage to understand and keep track of it?

Just from reviewing the several replies to my original question, there are so many implications to take into account and so many lost chances if one should inadvertently forget to observe certain conditions or opportunities. Whilst not being entirely serious in asking, and certainly not wishing to promote the idea, doesn't anyone ever consider just "staying put" in Thailand and ignoring the complex immigration system. Obviously one would have to depend upon one's spouse for banking, motoring, housing and that sort of thing and of course not wishing to travel overseas at all.

And what is the purpose of having to obtain a re-entry permit. If one was granted stay in the first place and wishes to travel overseas, why on earth is there a need for a re-entry stamp? It all seems quite bizarre.

I think you've answered your last point yourself - you have indeed been granted stay in the Kingdom, but if you want to leave and return later, you need to obtain a re-entry permit.........jumping through hoops, of course it is, but if you want to live here then you have to follow the rules. As for your "not entirely serious question" about effectively going into hiding, well one day it will all catch up with you and the consequences would be serious, so not a very good idea at all.

As I understand the maximum fine for overstay is 20,000 Baht but then you would also be deported. As Dannie Boy says....Not such a good idea!