thailand - US Visa in Thailand

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment US Immigration

The Thai Tourist Visa is a valid document that allows travelers to enter Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. It can be obtained at the embassy or consulate of the country that the applicant is residing in.

Applying for a Tourist Visa is an easy process. The first step is to make sure you have a valid passport for Thailand. It should have sufficient remaining validity for the trip and also show previous travel records.

Moreover, you should be able to provide all the required documents as per the Thai Immigration regulations and guidelines. You can either apply online or in person at the nearest embassy or consulate.

There are many types of Tourist Visa available in the country. You can select the one that is best suited for you depending on your personal preferences and budget.

A Single Entry Tourist Visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter Thailand for a maximum of 60 days in a calendar year. It is valid for a single entry and can be extended by 30 days.

If you would like to extend your stay in Thailand, you can apply for a Visa Exemption. This option is available for citizens of some countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. It is valid for 30 days on arrival, but can be extended for a further 15 days by paying an additional 1,900 Baht at any immigration office in Thailand.

Another popular way to extend your stay in Thailand is through the Visa on Arrival rule, which permits US, UK and other nationals who carry a valid passport to enter and stay for up to 30 days without any additional documentation or fee. This option is available to travelers who arrive by air or land.

In addition, there is a Visa Exemption scheme for nationals from other countries who have entered the Kingdom by land. These nationals can enter the Kingdom by land with a 30-day Visa Exemption and can subsequently cross any border and re-enter the kingdom after a few days with a new 30-day Visa Exemption, if necessary.

Those who are planning to apply for a Tourist Visa should consider professional help in order to streamline the application process and make it faster and simpler. There are many companies who offer services that include helping you prepare the application, submitting it to the relevant embassy or consulate and helping you with the issuance of your visa once you have received it.

The processing time for a Tourist Visa is usually 5 to 10 working days, depending on the embassy or consulate where you are applying from and the completeness of the required documents. Applicants are advised to apply for a visa well before their planned departure from their home country to avoid any delays in the approval process.

You can apply for a Tourist Visa in Thailand from any Royal Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also apply for the visa online through the E-Visa system, which will save you time and money in completing the application process.

Retirement in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment US Immigration

Retirement in Thailand is a popular choice for many people who are looking to enjoy their twilight years. The country offers a rich culture, stunning beaches, a variety of activities and a friendly local community. With an excellent cost of living, it’s easy to stretch your savings and live a good life in this Southeast Asian paradise.

Retiring in Thailand

The first thing you will need to do if you are planning on retiring in Thailand is to apply for a retirement visa. There are certain requirements that must be met, and these can be found in the official Thai Government website.

Depending on the province that you wish to settle in, you may need a different type of visa. The Non-Immigrant O-A retirement visa is the most popular, and it allows you to stay in Thailand for up to one year. You will need to renew it with an ‘Extension of Stay’ visa and a re-entry permit every year, so make sure you have these in place.

You will also need a Thai bank book and letter from your home bank, as well as photos and a passport. Lastly, you will need to report to the Immigration Police every 90 days, and you may not be accepted on a retirement visa if you have any criminal history.

There are a number of places that retirees can choose to settle, and each will have its own unique benefits. If you are seeking a beachside resort, then a tropical island like Koh Samui is ideal. It is a beautiful island with a relaxing atmosphere, and it is known for its pristine beaches and coconut groves.

Another option is Bangkok, a city that is oozing with culture and has everything you need. The downside is that the traffic can be a nightmare and the city is quite busy, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Alternatively, you can choose to live in one of the smaller towns and cities that are dotted around the country. This will give you more privacy and a slower pace of life.

A good place to start your search for a property in Thailand is through an estate agent. These are usually very helpful and can save you a lot of time.

There are some challenges that can arise when you’re retiring in Thailand, such as language barriers and a lack of familiarity with the culture. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort to learn a new language and culture, then it can be a wonderful place to spend your retirement years.

It is a very safe and stable country for retirees to live in. Its homicide rate is lower than the United States, and it has a very strong social safety net.

You should be aware, though, that the exchange rate can fluctuate greatly, especially if you remit funds into your bank account each month. This can be a problem if you’re on a fixed income, so it’s important to have adequate retirement capital in the bank to cover these fluctuations.

The Legality of Divorce in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment Family

Divorce is a difficult decision to make. It is an extremely personal experience and can have negative effects on both the emotional and financial well-being of a person. This is why it is important to take the time to acquire the right knowledge before heading towards a divorce.

Divorcing in Thailand is a complicated and often stressful process that requires expert advice, negotiation and settlement of all issues that may arise. A good Thai divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal and financial implications of a divorce.

The Legality of Divorce in Thailand
Getting a divorce in Thailand is an essential step for any couple to end their marriage. This will formally end the marriage and dissolve any legal obligations and duties the spouses have under the marriage. This includes dividing marital property (sin somros), child custody and if there is any, financial alimony.

A divorce in Thailand can be effected either by a judgment of a court or by a mutual consent from both spouses. Both of these methods are effected by the competent official at the district office (amphur) and require both of the spouses to be present and sign off on the terms of the divorce.

If the divorce is effected by a judge in court it will be considered a contested divorce and will typically be much more expensive. This can also require more court appearances and representation by a Thai lawyer.

Contested divorces can be difficult to resolve and will typically take a lot longer, more money and a lot of court work. This is why it is recommended to seek expert divorce advice from a qualified Thai divorce lawyer as soon as possible to reduce the stress and costs associated with a divorce.

The main grounds for divorce in Thailand are listed under section 1516 of the Civil and Commercial Code. If you have these grounds you can seek a divorce by suing for separation and dissolution of the marriage in court.

You can also seek a divorce if you have lived apart from your spouse for more than one year. This is known as “desertion”.

If you have children, it is usually best to get them involved in the divorce process from the very beginning. This can protect their interests and avoid any future conflicts later down the line.

Your property is divided equally between you and your spouse upon a divorce in Thailand. This will include your jointly owned property and assets (sin somros) as well as any debts that you have incurred during the marriage.

The law states that the division of marital property should be fair and equal, but this can be a difficult issue to resolve if there is disagreement. The laws in Thailand state that any assets acquired during the marriage are considered joint owned property (sin somros) and subject to equitable distribution by a judge if there is any dispute over who gets what.

The Elite Visa in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment US Immigration

The Elite Visa in Thailand is a long-term resident visa that offers exclusive privileges and additional complimentary services. It was designed to attract more businessmen, tourists and entrepreneurs and make their stay in Thailand much easier.

There are a variety of membership tiers to choose from including Elite Easy Access for 500,000 THB ($15,000 USD), Elite Superiority Extension for 1,000,000 THB ($30,000 USD), and Elite Ultimate Privilege for 2,000,000 THB ($60,000 USD). These all come with different benefits and can range in length from 5 years to 20 years.

For most people, the biggest draw of the Thai Elite Visa is that it’s a longer term resident visa that will give you the ability to live in Thailand without having to worry about visiting immigration offices or re-applying for a new visa every year. If you travel a lot, that’s an advantage in itself, since it means that you won’t have to spend time in immigration offices for each visit.

It also comes with some nice benefits like airport limo transfers for international flights at major Thai airports, which is a big deal. And if you’re going to be in Bangkok for a while, it can save you some money not having to rent a car or take public transportation.

Another big bonus is that you don’t have to pay for any services such as a bank account or a driving license, which is a huge plus. You can even have 90-day reports done for you, though it might be worth checking the cost of these before you decide to sign up with Thailand Elite.

The program is geared to those who are not interested in getting a country citizenship in the future and would rather skip the administrative procedures associated with the renewal of their business visa. The application process requires a number of steps, such as paying the program entry fee, filling out a Personal Data Policy Form, and submitting the required documents to the immigration office.

After submitting all of the necessary documents, you should receive a welcome package with an EMN or Elite Membership Number from Thailand Elite. Once you have this, you can affix your visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.

If you’re a tourist, it’s important to note that you can’t work in Thailand or apply for a work permit while on an Elite Visa, but you do have the option of hiring a driver to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel for a small fee.

You’re also not supposed to leave Thailand for more than 90 days in a row. However, it is possible to extend your stay in the country if you have an official representative who makes the report on your behalf for 1900 THB per day.

The Thailand Elite Visa is a popular choice for foreigners who want to avoid the hassles that come with a regular business visa. The program is especially popular with investors who don’t have the money to invest in real estate, but still want to be able to come and go as they please while living in Thailand. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to be tied down to their own property in Thailand and who just want to enjoy the beautiful country for a long time.

Registering a New Company in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment Corporate

The first step in registering a new company in Thailand is to reserve a name. This must be different from existing registered names and not resemble any other Thai company or partnership. This is a very important step in the process as it provides an official registration certificate for your business and a Tax ID number. This is essential in order to open a local bank account and conduct regular business activities.

The second step is to hold a statutory meeting of the company’s shareholders. During this meeting the by-laws of the company are submitted, articles of incorporation are drafted and any contracts entered into are ratified. The next step is to register the company with the Department of Business Development within a period of 90 days from holding the statutory meeting.

After this, the company will be issued with a Certificate of Business Registration and Company Affidavit. This certificate is required to open a corporate bank account at any one of the Thai commercial banks. The company will then be legitimately registered in Thailand and will have to pay taxes.

There are many benefits to registering a business in Thailand, including a favorable tax environment and the ability to hire Thai nationals as directors. However, it is important to understand that there are some restrictions and limitations that you need to consider.

Choosing a Business Structure:
There are several options when establishing a business in Thailand, but the most popular option is a private limited company. This type of business is regulated mainly by the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand. It is owned by a minimum of 3 shareholders and requires registered capital in the form of shares.

A share value is not a fixed amount, it can be as low as THB 5 per share for a private limited company or as high as THB 1 million for a public limited company. The minimum number of shareholders for a private limited company is three, and the maximum can be fifteen.

Other options for establishing a business include a limited liability partnership and a representative office. These are not as popular with foreign investors, but they may be useful in some circumstances.

Besides, there are other tax incentives for companies that are set up in Thailand. For example, a company that is engaged in R&D or advanced technology training can benefit from a tax exemption.

Another advantage is the fact that the company will be exempt from all customs duties on its exports. This will help the company save money in terms of imports and exports and also reduce its overhead costs.

In addition, companies based in Thailand can take advantage of tax incentives in the form of a preferential rate of income tax and capital gains taxes. These incentives are aimed at encouraging foreign investors to set up their businesses in Thailand and make investments in the country.

The main regulatory body for registering a new company in Thailand is the Department of Business Development, which is under the Ministry of Commerce. The Department of Business Development is responsible for regulating companies in Thailand and provides information on their history to third parties such as investors, banks or private lenders. It also offers a number of services to businesses that are operating in the country, such as assistance with filing documents and providing advice on how to comply with local laws.

Marriage in Thailand

March 5, 2023

by US Immigration Attorney with No Comment Family

Marriage in Thailand is a very special occasion. This is a time for two people to pledge their love and commitment to each other, so it’s important that they follow the right procedures and comply with the country’s laws.

The first step to getting married in Thailand is to obtain an affidavit from your home embassy in Bangkok that states that you are free to marry. You should then take this to a translation agency in the area and have it translated into Thai.

Once you have these documents, you can visit your local district office, also known as an amphur or khet in Thai, to register your marriage. Both parties should have not been previously married at the time of the registration. If one partner has been divorced, he or she must have a court order allowing him or her to get married again.

If the couple is a foreigner, then they should provide their passports and copies of their visas to the registrar. They also need an affidavit from their embassy stating that they are both free to get married, which is called an “affirmation of freedom to marry.”

This affidavit needs to be notarized on site by the embassy and then certified by the Consular Affairs Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once this is done, the marriage will be officially registered in your area and will be recognized by both countries.

For foreigners, the procedure of marriage registration in Thailand is much easier than for Thai citizens. There are fewer requirements and steps involved, which means you can be more focused on planning the wedding.

The wedding will be held in a church or other religious venue, but it can also be held in a hotel or in a small Thai village. The ceremony is generally performed by a Buddhist monk or an elder who will ask the couple to sit together and fold their hands in a prayer position.

After this, the couple will receive blessings and advice from the priest or elders in front of them. They will then be given a shell to represent the new family. They will be poured holy water over their hands and they will be asked to join together as a husband and wife.

During the ceremony, the couple can also receive gifts from their parents and family members. These can include money, gold, and jewelry. These are typically considered to be symbolic gifts, though they may also be a sign of gratitude for the new family’s good fortune and support.

When the ceremony is over, the couple will be married and their wedding certificate will be issued. This certificate can be used to legally marry in other countries.

Another important aspect of marriage in Thailand is that it must be arranged at a ‘amphur’ or ‘khet’, which are the district offices in each city and province. There are a few different types of amphur, and each has different rules and regulations.