ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
ThailandCoconuts TV: Interview with 'super pimp' Chuwit Kamolvisit

KareeMaleThailand2014-03-27 06:36:00
ThailandThai Police Cert

I don't have anything to add to this.  All I can say is that my wife never went to get the police report on her own.  She paid some lawyer 5k THB in Chiang Mai to deal with it so she didn't have to travel to Bangkok and back.

 

Any time a Thai deals with the police, and the police know that there is a farang involved, the price/bribe/teamoney whatever you want to call it, is going to go up.  Same thing when the police deal directly with a farang.

 

I'll tell a story.  There's a guy that I worked with when I lived there.  He's from the U.S.  He would travel from his home in Rayong to BKK every Monday morning to work and then travel back home on Friday every week.  This guy is about 6'4" and 250 or so, so he sticks out there.  Well it's very common for him to get pulled over and jacked up by the cops.  Usually costs him 100 THB or so.  $3 U.S. not a big deal.  One day they the stopped him twice on the same highway.  Different cops.  He got pi$$ed the second time, and got his wife on the phone etc.  Basically she just told him pay the 100 THB.  I guess he just started looking at it as an additional toll.

 

Another story.  I was standing outside MBK near the BTS station smoking.  I threw down my cigarette butt when I was finished and went to walk back into the mall.  Two cops walked up to me and each grabbed one of my arms and said "come with us"  So I went with them to this desk they had set up.  There's was another farang there with his Thai girlfriend.  I had only been in Thailand for less than a month at this point, so I called the (bar)girl/long-haired dictionary I was with at the time and told her to come out of the store.  She talked to the cops and explained to me that since I threw my cigarette butt down there's a fine for littering.  500THB.  I gave the cop the money.  He told the girl, "ask him if he wants a receipt."  Of course I said no.  The cop took the 500 THB, folded it up and put it in his front shirt pocket and said have a nice day.  Later after living in Thailand for awhile, I learned that these guys weren't really cops at all, and if I would have just told them to pi$$ off, there wasn't much they could do about it.

 

That's just the way it is.  And it's not just the police.  There's some kind of mentality going on there where they assume that farangs have an unlimited supply of money. 


Edited by Karee, 02 July 2013 - 10:40 AM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-07-02 10:39:00
ThailandThai Police Cert

Gigi went and got her cert today it cost only 150 bhat. 100 for the certificate and 50 to mail.

 

 

They stated up to 3 weeks to send.

 

 

Just thought id keep people posted.

 

 

Thanks for the update.  That policy seems to change now and then, so it's good to hear what the latest is.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-01 08:53:00
ThailandHas anybody found a source to stream Thai music?

Found an Tunein app for her tablet. She is all set. I on the other hand am regretting buying her that blue tooth speaker set up.

 

rofl.gif
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-31 08:33:00
ThailandHas anybody found a source to stream Thai music?

Tunein is awesome.  The quality is really good.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-30 19:43:00
ThailandHas anybody found a source to stream Thai music?

I have looked at Pandora and I heart radio. Neither seem to carry Thai music.  Jin has been finding some on Youtube, but that is generally short snippets then she needs to find another one to play after 5 minutes..

 

My wife plays hours long Thai music and vidoes on Youtube.  Trust me I know.  It drives me crazy.  I'll post some links when I get home.

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-30 13:16:00
ThailandAdditional documentation submitted - usual wait time Thailand Embassy?

Does anybody know is Bangkok one of the Embassies closed right now?

 

As of now, it is not affected.

 

enhanced-buzz-7629-1375565727-8.jpg

 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-05 10:23:00
ThailandWhy is it so hard to find a good man in Bangkok as a female farang?

Probably one of the dumbest questions I've heard in awhile.

 

HOT MESS - ?So, basically, your three main options are an ex-gogo dancer who doesn?t own a phone, a guy who lives with his long term girlfriend and another guy who keeps trying to spring surprise threesomes on you? I think you need more options.?

Sometimes you have moments of clarity, and it was this conversation with my best friend, Boy, which made me start to think my love life in Bangkok was a bit dysfunctional.

Dating can be hard but, as you will hear many women lament, it?s almost impossible in Bangkok.

Apart from one vaguely decent long term relationship before I moved here, I?ve never had much success with men, but this city seems to bring about even more terrible relationships than usual. I think the reason is that Bangkok is bursting with far more women than men, making it a playground for the indecisive gent. I also think it?s because this city is SO much fun, and who has time for thinking about marriage and babies when you could be singing karaoke on the bar at Wong?s Place until 10am?

Right? Am I right? Oh.

When I first arrived here two and a half years ago, I found it hugely depressing but, as I began to realize that looking for a meaningful relationship was all but impossible (I?ve actually only been on about five proper dates in Bangkok), I?ve made a conscious decision to just try and have fun. If you?re living in Bangkok in your twenties and thirties and not having fun, then you?re not doing it right.

On paper, casual dating is great. I had flings with a few lovely beach bums in Samet, a gorgeous chef and a kickboxing instructor who every time I meet him brought along a hopeful friend (who I would have to usher off home).

But the bleak side is that it?s less reliable than having a boyfriend. I send a lot of Line messages that never get replies and I have to ignore the smirks of my doorman when I have to come downstairs to let a boy into my condo because it doesn?t have a bloody buzzer. Another depressing aspect is that, of all the men I know, the ex-gogo dancer who doesn?t own a phone is the one my friends like the most. He?s the most eligible of the lot. His reason for not having a phone, by the way, is that ?if I had a phone, people would call me?.

One can?t argue with that.

It?s easy to believe that I am un-date-able. Especially when well-intentioned people give me advice on all the things I?m doing wrong (not giving men a chance, meeting too many of my dates in Wong?s, not adhering to the ?three day rule? are some of my dating crimes)

but, actually, when I look around at my friends of around the same age as me, they tend fall into two categories; those who are settling down and those who have similar dating success to me i.e. no dating success at all.

Big surprise - those who are tying the knot live almost exclusively outside of Bangkok.

And that?s why, every year, my single girl friends (Thai and otherwise) seem to leave the city and then immediately hook up with some hunk that they end up living happily ever after with.

But I have no plans to leave the country. Where?s the challenge in that?

 

Source:

http://bangkok.cocon...k-female-farang


Edited by Karee, 06 August 2013 - 01:55 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-08-06 13:54:00
ThailandBra Commercial

That's awesome.  My wife and I are going to Bangkok in February and she asked if we could hang out with some Kathoeys.

 

Here's a Katoey show that's supposed to be good if you make it down to Pattaya while you're there.  I personally can't stand Pattaya, but if you go, check it out.

 

http://www.alcazarcabaret.com/
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-09 12:13:00
ThailandBra Commercial

KareeMaleThailand2013-08-09 11:41:00
ThailandNeed help for i-134 K 1

Dear VJ friends here

My fiancé is filing K1 visa and now we are preparing for the packet 3 which I am not sure about some question in form i-134 no. 11.

1. Could anyone please suggest what should I check for "intend" or "not intend" and is there any sentence that I should write on to answer"?

2. And do we have to ask bank to notarize form I-134? I'm confused as someone say no. , someone say yes.


Base on your exp. for the consulate office in Thailand.

Many thanks in advance smile.png










 

1.  Question 11 might be "intend" since hopefully you intend to support your fiance upon arrival to the U.S.  Some people don't check either box and put  something like "N/A (K-1 VISA PROCESS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE)  Here's a link to an example form here on VJ:

 

http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf

 

2.  You don't need to have any signature notarized concerning I-134.  From page 1 of the I-134 instructions:

 

 Form I-134 must be

signed in your full name. (Note: Signing Form I-134 is
under
penalty of perjury under U.S. law).
For this reason, it is not
necessary to sign Form I-134 before a notary, nor to have your

signature notarized after you sign it

 


Edited by Karee, 15 August 2013 - 08:40 AM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-08-15 08:35:00
Thailandrequired income for the I-134

Sawadee all:

 

I have seen on the NVC website that the required income/assets for the sponsor is 100% of poverty level for a 2 person household (Annual income of $15510 or assets of 5 times that amount, so $77550) I can meet both of these, but not 125% of poverty level as has been stated is required at the U.S. Consulate in Bangkok by VisaJourney members.

Can anyone here verify what the NVC/U.S. Consulate in Bangkok will find acceptable on an I-134?  -Kop khun kop,  -David

 

The following is from:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#9

Do the Same Income Requirements Apply to Form I-134 as Apply to Form I-864?

No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

It would help if you put which type of visa you are applying for in your profile.  Next to your name it just says "other"  NVC doesn't have anything to do with K visas.  They just forward the approved petition on to the consulate.


 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-18 13:41:00
ThailandHomeless foreigners on the rise

The number of homeless Westerners is on the rise in Thailand and the government is poorly prepared to deal with the emerging social problem, a charity warned Monday.

532930.jpg

A homeless man sleeps inside a phone booth near Si Ayutthaya Road. Phone booths are often used by Bangkok's homeless. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

"We are starting to see more and more homeless foreigners, many of whom have separated from their Thai wives and now have no money," said Natee Saravari, secretary-general of the Issarachon Foundation.

While foreigners can own condos, houses and other property are usually registered in their wives' or girl friends' names, meaning they have no rights and can be ejected. 

The Thai charity has been helping homeless Thai people in Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket provinces for the past 10 years, but has recently branched out into assisting homeless foreigners as well.

"In Pattaya we see them sorting through the trash in front of McDonald's for something to eat, and hanging out in front of restaurants asking customers for money," Mr Natee said.

He estimated that there were more than 200 homeless foreigners nationwide, compared with about 30,000  homeless Thais.

"As many as 40% of the Thai homeless suffer from mental illness, but most of the foreign homeless are alcoholics," he said.

The foundation has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the growing problem by setting up a system with embassies to cope with their penniless nationals, most of whom are living in Thailand without passports or on expired passports.

Thailand attracted more than 22 million tourists last year and has a growing population of Western retirees living in the kingdom on a permanent basis.

"Thailand's laws covering foreigners are very outdated and should be revised to deal with the changed circumstances," said Buaphan Promphakping, an associate professor of social studies at Khon Kaen University.

"Under the current laws, foreigners' rights are not very well protected," said Buapan, who has done research on the growing number of foreigners married to Thai women in northeast Thailand and on the kingdom's expanding population of Western retirees.

 

Source:

http://www.bangkokpo...d-charity-warns


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-19 06:45:00
ThailandSupport sought for bill to curb foreign land grabbers in Phuket and throughout Thailand

Here we go again.

 

PHUKET: The Office of the Ombudsman is seeking support for a law to prevent foreigners illegally owning land via nominees.

 

Bangkok Post

Tuesday 20 August 2013, 10:58AM

The legislation was discussed yesterday (August 19) at a seminar organised by the Office of the Ombudsman, which wants to push the bill through for scrutiny by Parliament.

The 40-section bill targets foreigners illegally holding land in Thailand, their legal consultants and their nominees.

Foreigners holding land plots in Thailand illegally would face five to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of B500,000 to B2 million, while the consultants would face two-thirds of whatever penalties are imposed on the wrongdoers.

Under the bill, a committee to investigate ?hidden? transactions would be set up.

One provision in the draft allows those found to be holding Thai property illegally to transfer the plots to legitimate entities within one year to avoid being punished.

Ombudsman Siracha Charoenpanij said the proposed law aims to close loopholes being exploited by foreigners.

Mr Siracha became the centre of a heated debate in March last year when he claimed that foreigners owned 30 per cent of all the land in Thailand.

Currently, foreigners may ?own? land through a number of channels such as registering a limited company with 51:49 Thai-foreign ownership, or by putting the land in the name of a Thai spouse.

?We must bring to account the foreigners, Thai nominees and legal advisers,? he said.

He said the Office of the Ombudsman would propose a regulation overseeing nominee ownership before the law takes effect. It would require the Interior Minister and his permanent secretary to investigate ?hidden transactions? and take legal action against offenders.

Mr Siracha said that based on the office?s study, much of the land in major tourist destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang is owned by foreigners.

He said another concern was that foreigners allegedly ?seized? agricultural areas through either purchase or lease.

?If we don?t do anything, they will take control of it all ? tourism, residential and farming,? he said.

Prasop Butsarakham, a legal adviser to House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont, backed the proposed changes.

He suggested Mr Siracha ask major political parties to submit their own versions to parliament to avoid conflicts.

Prasong Lertratwisut, a member of the law reform committee, however, pointed out that the problem lay with lax enforcement of the law.

Mr Prasong said land grabs were widespread among Thai investors and suggested a tax measure to address it.

He said information on land ownership should be made public as this would allow the state to collect taxes on unused land.

Mr Prasong believes such a measure would force many landowners to sell their plots to avoid paying taxes.

Pirapan Premputi, former secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, also raised concerns about lax law enforcement.

He said existing laws, such as the anti-money laundering law, should be amended instead of drafting a new law.

Department of Business Development deputy chief Wichai Potchanakij said political will was needed if the problem was to be properly addressed.

Mr Siracha said he would submit the bill along with a study on nominee land ownership to the Prime Minister, Parliament and the two biggest political parties before the end of the current session.

blank.gif - See more at: http://www.thephuket...h.tqVdBBXe.dpuf

 


or by putting the land in the name of a Thai spouse.

?We must bring to account the foreigners, Thai nominees and legal advisers,? he said.


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-20 09:07:00
ThailandBangkok Embassy accept co-sponsors... and other concerns

well it was actually 6 months for us, but I figure 7 months is a safe number

You had to wait 7 months between your NOA2 and the interview?  Your time line shows about 45 days.


Edited by Karee, 21 August 2013 - 08:28 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-08-21 20:28:00
ThailandBangkok Embassy accept co-sponsors... and other concerns

You've got a 7 month wait between the NOA 2 and the interview.  I would think 7 months at the new rate would be a good thing.

 

920 area code. The frozen tundra of L-------u Field

7 month wait?


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-21 20:12:00
ThailandBangkok Embassy accept co-sponsors... and other concerns

Thanks for the input. And a little good news I found out is My income was over 125% for last year, but the reason I was concerned was because I am not on track to make as much this year. My work is in landscape supply so I don't work winters, and this last winter went to long into spring. Which brings up another question: How is seasonal work seen in the light of those reviewing I - 134 forms... I make a decent hourly wage, but have lay off time every year (which I have enjoyed up until now!). 

 

Anyone have any experience with seasonal workers and I 134's?

I think you'll be fine showing them last years income, as well as what you have so far for 2013.  There's still 4+ months left in 2013, so it would be hard for them to predict what you will end making by years end.  Hopefully you have something fairly decent for 2013 that will show them that you are generating income. 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-21 19:03:00
ThailandBangkok Embassy accept co-sponsors... and other concerns

Ok, Just got NOA2 and was starting to prepare for next steps. I noticed several people saying co-sponsors are no good in Bangkok on some older posts, is this still true? If so I may have a problem... just wondering if anyone has any input. I will list a few options that came to mind.

 

I meet the 100% level and could raise my monthly income by taking on more work to get up to 125% if that would help... It would not reflect on last years tax returns so I don't know if thats any good.

 

I could transfer the process to a different consulate, but Fiance is from Burma and they are known to be unfriendly to there residents marrying foreigners. I really don't know where else she could go to live...

 

Another thing I have considered is totally freaking out and hating myself for not catching this detail earlier. j/k

 

Any help advise is welcome

 

Thanks

How are you proving your income on the -134 for last year?  Are you using tax transcripts?  If you don't meet the level for 2013, can you give some sort of indication that you will?  Pay stubs etc.


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-21 18:43:00
ThailandForeigners Being Financially Ruined by Thai Wives

The best advice is that any money you invest in Thailand, be prepared to lose it all.  If you don't, bonus.


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-23 21:02:00
ThailandForeigners Being Financially Ruined by Thai Wives

 

 (I can't remember the name--it's a Germanic word). 


Usufruct. 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-23 20:47:00
ThailandForeigners Being Financially Ruined by Thai Wives

FOREIGNERS BEING FINANCIALLY RUINED BY THAI WIVES ? It appears that the Human Rights of a foreign national living in Thailand merely extend only as far as the size of one?s bank account; that is if a foreigner runs out of money, for whatever reason, they can be and should be deported.

Last week we published an article that was sent to us; it floated the idea that maybe Thailand should change its laws regarding Marriage Visas so that a foreigner could not be deported or required to leave simply if he or she couldn?t provide proof of sufficient income.

Read:

Time for Thailand to Change Marriage Visa

The comments from the readers were wide and varied and some openly disturbing; it appeared that many, who obviously live in Thailand, were completely unsympathetic to anyone who didn?t have the financial means to reside in Thailand; some felt that foreigner?s who don?t have any money, regardless to the fact that they are married with children, should be deported.

The fact is that we all need money to survive but this attitude is disturbing in that money appears to take precedence over the morals of keeping a family unit together.

I decided to do a little digging.  Now I?m not that familiar with Thailand although I?ve managed to pick up some internal sources of information and I?ve done my fair share of reading.

Before I wrote this article I asked one of my sources their views on the content.  I was told to expect a fair amount of hostility and I?m likely to be told that I don?t have a clue what I?m talking about.  Here?s what I was told;

?Most westerners here don?t like being told the truth.  Some openly ###### and moan about Thailand and its policies whilst other will defend them to the death.  Mostly, when it comes to knowledge and understanding of the ?Thai Way? you?ll be faced with a barrage of insults because of your lack of time in the country ? you get a lot of petty one-up-manship in that it?s not about what you actually know but how long you?ve been here.  Good luck with the article but expect a fair amount of abuse.?

I?ve got the hide of a Rhino; you have to have when you write and I certainly appreciate that we all have differing views; however, time to get on with the article?

Foreigners-Homeless-in-Thailand.jpg

According to some Government officials there is a growing number of foreign national?s now living rough on the streets.  Many, they think, are tourists who ran out of money and are unable to return to their home countries; some are retirees who have fallen on hard times or worst duped or robbed of their possessions by unscrupulous Thai wives.

?In some cases, these foreigners ? mostly male Westerners ? arrived as tourists or retirees and fell into poverty or neglect after settling down in Thailand, often having being duped or robbed by Thai former wives or partners.? Natee Saravari, secretary-general of the Issarachon Foundation

Natee Saravari believes that some system should be set up in order to aid these people as it is often the case that people just pass them by; even other foreign national?s appear to avoid giving them money when they are begging.

While Natee Saravari comments are commendable, in that he wants to set up a system to provide assistance there is a very unnerving development here.

The last part of his statement centered on foreign national?s being duped or robbed of their possession and so I did a bit more digging.

According to our sources it is nothing uncommon for a western male to marry a Thai citizen and then later lose everything to them.

The issue appears mainly to do with land and houses due to a foreigner being unable to legally own them in their own name.  The result is that foreigners have a tendency to put property in the spouses name and therefore if the marriage fails then the foreigner appears to lose everything.

According to Thai law; as I can ascertain, it is illegal to purchase land in a Thais name for the sole purpose of the foreigner being able to acquire it.  Therefore the title deed must be accompanied by a letter that states that the land is being made over as a gift; therefore removing the foreigners right to any compensation or money in the event of a sale.

It appears to me as nothing more than legislation that sanctions open theft of property. I decided to do a bit more digging and made a few phone calls.  After getting through to one person I got this brief account;

?I was one of those trusting foreigners who put the land and house in my Thai wife?s name.  Little did I know that she was gambling and she used the house and land as collateral for her mounting debts. In the end I lost 15 million Thai Baht, nearly US$500,000.

She said she was too ashamed to tell me of her habit which is why she kept silent. I came back from my work offshore to find that the house had been taken by a certain police officer for just a 2 million bath debt.

I tried to discuss this with the now new owner; but he wasn?t interested, after all why would he be, he now had a 15 million baht home for 2 million.

Foreigners need to be careful and my advice would be to rent, it?s just easier and will give you peace of mind.?

Considering this is the case I?m not surprised Thailand has a mounting problem with homeless people but surely a simple change in the law could prevent foreign nationals from being duped and robbed and in the process give Thailand?s image a bit of a shine?

So what does a foreigner do if they fall foul and lose everything?  Certainly most foreign embassies are not interested in getting involved in what is nothing more than a civil matter and unlikely to provide any financial assistance.

This situation worries me for it appears that any foreigner falling foul of the system simply attracts a multitude of abuse from other expats; I?ve seen this on a number of Thai based news websites targeted at foreigners.

I read a couple of cases and found it deplorable that some people would leave such vile comments. I went back to my source and asked for an insight.

?There are many expats that troll the likes of ThaiVisa looking to voice their worthless opinions.  They appear to relish the idea of any foreign national falling foul; it?s like they have the upper hand of being intellectually superior because they have been here for so long and understand how the system works.

It?s deplorable in many instances how anyone could be that cold but when you live in Thailand for many years and spend most of your days sitting in a bar it?s understandable how these people have become bitter and disenfranchised and so take to mocking other people?s misfortunes.?

I have to ask the question? Is this how Thailand?s expat community behaves in the mainstream towards their fellow man and their unfortunate circumstance?

I don?t want to cast any dispersion on any one group of people or individuals but it will be interesting to see the response I get, if any, to this article.

It is a shocking realization that a foreigner is so vulnerable to abuse which can leave them penniless. If you have been a victim of this type of loss meebal.com would be most interested in publishing your story; just get in touch with the editor.

 

Source:

http://meebal.com/fo...-by-thai-wives/


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-20 15:23:00
ThailandApproved i601 Waiver

I recently had an i601 waiver approved and I am waiting for it to make it to the embassy and them to contact us for visa issuance / our medical.

 

We already renewed the medical exam and have all the paperwork ready... but does anybody have experience in how long it takes for the approval to get from the Nebraska Service Center to the Bangkok Embassy?

Not sure about how long it will take to get to the embassy, but have you dealt with the police report yet?  If so, you may need to get another one of those because I think they are only good for 6 months.


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-29 22:05:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

 As others have said, her prior work in a bar, even as a waitress, will raise suspicion. In all honesty, any woman working in a bar in Pattaya in any capacity most likely also goes home with the customers sometimes for money.

 

Yep.  That's just how it is in Pattaya.  It's also like that in Cowboy, Patpong, and Nana.  If they're working there, it's a very high probability you can bar-fine them.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-09-01 20:27:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

I'm not sure for any of the DCF or IR-1/CR-1 asks how you met each other like the I-129f does or not.  If ever asked how they met they would have to be honest with that because it sounds like they met in Pattaya from reading the first post.

 

No, The I-130 doesn't ask that I can remember, but they'll ask at the interview.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-25 22:46:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

The problem now with the DCF may be that his long term visa expired and he left Thailand for some period of time. He said he in now on some other type of visa now while he decides what to do next. I don't know if the consulate would allow him to file DCF but its worth asking.

 

Yeah if his previous visa ran out, I would assume the clock resets.  But I don't know that for sure.  He needs to check with the USCIS office in Bangkok and see what they have to say about it.  Definitely worth asking them.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-25 11:44:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

How long have they been married if they are doing a CR1?

 

I don't think they have actually gotten married yet.  You only have to be married for one minute to file an I-130 to apply for a CR-1 visa.  If you file an I-130 based on marriage and you go to your visa interview past your two-year wedding anniversary, you will get an IR-1 visa that will result in a 10 year green card.

 

Also, if you go to your visa interview prior to your two-year wedding anniversary, you will get a CR-1 visa that will result in a 2 year green card, BUT if you enter the U.S. AFTER your two year anniversary, it will result in a 10 year green card being issued. 
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-25 11:00:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

The person must be a legal resident not just a resident. This requires a certain Thai visa status. Karee knows better than I what that is exactly.

Pretty much any long term visa will work.  Anything except a tourist visa.  Work, Marriage, Teaching, whatever. 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-25 10:25:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Wow guys! Thanks for all the info.

 

Just to summarize the questions asked. She was in Pattaya for about 4 months. I met her in the 4th month. After I left, her cousin and best friend who she went to Pattata with, died (only 19 and just so adorable it was a shame). So she left Pattaya. She went home to work on the farm and in her shop with her mom. That was it. We called and emailed everyday so I never doubted her. I also have a couple of $1000 phone bills to prove it! (She didn't have good internet for skype.) I visited her for about 2 weeks every 3-4 months. I got here in March, we traveled to Singapore, Malaysia and PI for a bit before coming back to Thailand.

 

Now, as for my status here...I was on a Non-B...however I had to leave the country and it expired. I am currently sitting on a 30-day exempt looking for options. We haven't gotten married yet, but that's based strictly on our laziness, lol. She just hates going down to the Amphur.

 

Now for the DCF, will they take into account the length of time here or do I need the appropriate visa for a long stay in Thailand?

Send an email to the address I provided in that link and explain your situation.  See what they say.  I think you can actually go talk to them in person.  They are in the building across the street from the embassy.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 21:32:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Wow, That would be the way to go if her qualifies.

Yep.  I wish I knew about it before I moved back to the U.S.  Would've saved us alot of time, and we wouldn't have been separated.

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 18:49:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

What is the DCF route?

 

Direct Consular Filing.  The whole process takes about 3 months and you get a green card out of the deal.  You have to prove residence in Thailand for the last 6 months.  You also must be married.  Can't do it for fiancee visas.
 

 

In a limited number of cases, if the petitioner can demonstrate current residence in Thailand for at least six months, the petition may be filed with the USCIS office in Bangkok. The general inquiry email box for USCIS Bangkok is BKKCIS.Inquiries@dhs.gov. To access USCIS forms, click here

 

Source:

http://bangkok.usemb...sa-process.html


Edited by Karee, 24 July 2013 - 06:30 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 18:27:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Hello all,

 

I am getting ready to start my CR-1 process for my soon to be Thai wife and some of the things I've read on this forum have me concerned.

 

I have been with my fiancee for 2.5 years now. Many trips within Thailand, trips to Singapore and a cruise through the Pacific together. I am financially secure enough that I can work when I want and support her and her daughter without worry.

 

YET, She used to be a waitress in Pattaya. Now, I know there will be eye-rolls because no-one is innocent in Pattaya. I am not some love struck moron...I met her in Pattaya as a waitress. I didn't ask...she didn't tell and she hasn't been back there in years. So...my concern is the CO's demenure towards her in a future interview.

 

Has anyone had a similar experience? Did the CO show compassion in lieu of a long established relationship? Or were they hell bent on trying to get to her to admit she was a working bar-girl?

 

I am genuinely asking here...please do not get into a discussion of the truth or lie, the regulations and such. She was a waitress and I truly believe her. Hell, I am living with her in Thailand now and she has never given me concern as to her past.

 

SO...worked in Pattaya...are we screwed from the start? Thank you to all for the help.

 

One thing I just noticed.  If you're living with her in Thailand,  you should be going the DCF route.  That is super fast.  What kind if Thai visa do you have?  If it's a Non-O or Non-B, you should be good to go. 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 15:36:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

 

 I went with my wife to her interview. A few days before we went shopping. She dressed like she worked in office, white blouse, black skirt with matching jacket and flat shoes. I saw a few of the girls go for the interview dressed like they had just come from a club! #######! I never learned their outcome. They showed up holding a loose stack of papers and short dresses and high heels, to each their own I guess!

 

That's exactly what I told my wife.  Dress like you work in an office.  Black pants, white shirt, no heels.  Pretend like it's a job interview at AIS, or True, or some other business.  
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 15:22:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Here's the issue plain and simple.  Has nothing to do with Pattaya.  It has to do with being a bargirl.  If they smell anything that relates to that, forget it.  Just so happens that Pattaya is the bargirl capitol of Thailand.  I've heard lots of stories about the U.S. embassy and this subject long before I even thought about getting my wife a visa to the U.S. while I was living there.  Stories like the girl showing up in tight jeans and high heels for the interview.  Denied right off the bat.  Stuff like that. 

 

So my advice is don't outright lie about it as slowlyman said, but do your best to frame it in a good light.  Her length of employment there might be key, like she worked there for a month and that was it.  Has she had jobs at other places doing other things besides being a waitress?  Has she been a waitress in other places in Thailand?  (Not Nana, Patpong, or Cowboy)

 

Kwaidee brings up something that has often perplexed me about that embassy.  They seem to grant K-1s with no problems at all.  However, when is comes to an immigrant visa like IR-1/CR-1, they can be a pain in the a$$.  My guess is that in the K-1 scenario, they are just giving out a single entry non-immigrant visa, and if USCIS wants to allow them to adjust status and get a green card, that's on them.  In the IR-1/CR-1 any approval will result in a green card and permanent residency based solely on the decision of the consulate.  You know, typical govt. buck passing.  Like I said, just a guess.

 

The bottom line is she worked at a place where some of the girls could be bar-fined from your description above, and that doesn't look good to the embassy.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 15:00:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

 

I was told that even the mention of Pattaya is not only a red flag but the death knell. I read a post about a guy who's fiance worked for housekeepinng in a small hotel on a Soi that was very quiet. My recollection was that she was denied. We went to Jom Tiem once for a weekend but were told never to use the P word ever as the Embassy will pick up on it right away. We chose not to include the beach pics from Jom Tiem.  Maybe do a search here as to your best course of action. I am just telling you what I was told.

Yeah I've been told that if you even mention the word "bar" you can forget it.  Of course they can't deny you for that, but they can just come up with some other default reason for denial like they don't think it's a bonafide relationship and use that as an excuse.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 14:37:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Thanks for the reply. I I appreciate it.

 

It wasn't a gogo. It was a your typical Pattaya bar but it was trying to be more as a sports pub. It wasn't like those pushy beer bars that dot the place but it had staff waitresses and staff bar girls. She was a waitress. Reinforced by the fact when I asked her out she said "When I get off of work".

You should change your profile to reflect Thailand.  That way when you post something Thai related, it will show up on the Thailand Portal.


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 11:38:00
ThailandPattaya...guilty by association?

Hello all,

 

I am getting ready to start my CR-1 process for my soon to be Thai wife and some of the things I've read on this forum have me concerned.

 

I have been with my fiancee for 2.5 years now. Many trips within Thailand, trips to Singapore and a cruise through the Pacific together. I am financially secure enough that I can work when I want and support her and her daughter without worry.

 

YET, She used to be a waitress in Pattaya. Now, I know there will be eye-rolls because no-one is innocent in Pattaya. I am not some love struck moron...I met her in Pattaya as a waitress. I didn't ask...she didn't tell and she hasn't been back there in years. So...my concern is the CO's demenure towards her in a future interview.

 

Has anyone had a similar experience? Did the CO show compassion in lieu of a long established relationship? Or were they hell bent on trying to get to her to admit she was a working bar-girl?

 

I am genuinely asking here...please do not get into a discussion of the truth or lie, the regulations and such. She was a waitress and I truly believe her. Hell, I am living with her in Thailand now and she has never given me concern as to her past.

 

SO...worked in Pattaya...are we screwed from the start? Thank you to all for the help.

Whether fairly or unfairly, that's gonna raise some suspicion with the embassy.  I guess it depends on where she worked as a waitress.  If she worked at a Chokchai steak place or 13 coins, or something along those lines then probably not.  If she worked as a waitress at a bar that had a silver floor to ceiling dancing pole in it, then there's probably going to be an issue.


 


KareeMaleThailand2013-07-24 11:15:00
ThailandTwo questions about P3

Karee, that's an intersting point.  Do you know if it has to be a special translation for the AOS?  My fiancee has a Thai birth certificate and a translation, but the translation wasn't by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

It doesn't have to be translated by the MFA.  Any regular translation service with the stamp etc. will do.


KareeMaleThailand2013-09-01 20:23:00
ThailandTwo questions about P3

Ref. the 1040. From a purely practical standpoint it depends how big your file is. Mine fills a small binder. It was a lot easier to make copies of the three page transcript then is was to make copies of the 50 page return.  And keep in mind, for the AOS later you will need three years of returns. If you have a bunch of schedules, that gets to be a lot of copying.

 

The transcript is free and easy to get. If you order the last three years now, you are all set for the P3 and the AOS.

I think this is a point alot of people miss.  Sometimes they're so concerned about getting the visa, they don't think ahead to the Adjustment of Status process.  I've seen people get bit in the a$$ multiple times by not considering the AOS process.

 

The main pitfall is the birth certificate of the beneficiary.  The embassy will accept just about anything as proof of birth, however USCIS in the U.S. will not when it comes time to adjust status and get the green card. 

 

The other thing is the differences in the affidavit of support.  The embassy uses the I-134 for affidavit of support which is NOT a legally binding document.  USCIS uses the I-864 for affidavit of support which IS a legally binding document.  Also, in most cases there is no way to use a co-sponsor for the I-134 in Bangkok, but you can use one for the I-864 when adjusting status.

 

The point is, just because the embassy in Bangkok accepts certain evidence to obtain the visa, it's a bad idea to automatically assume that USCIS will accept the same evidence when adjusting status once in the U.S.  Getting a birth certificate, or something that USCIS will consider acceptable proof of birth, once the petitioner arrives in the U.S. is a major pain in the #######.  It's much easier for them to deal with it while still in Thailand.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-09-01 18:33:00
ThailandUS citizenship vrs. land ownership in Thailand

I brought up dual citizenship, but the group seemed to think becoming a USC would disqualify her from ownership. Like you say things change all the time. Interesting choice they need to make though.

 

Out of curiosity what are the advantages of becoming a USC that might make a person consider risking her land?  I assume her current status is permanent resident non USC?  Can that status be maintained indefinitely?

If I was them, I wouldn't worry about becoming a USC.  How would the Thai govt. even know?  Just enter and leave Thailand on the Thai passport, and there's really no way for them to know if someone becomes a USC.

 

Personally I think the biggest benefit of becoming a USC is the passport.  There's the social security thing as well.  As far as remaining a permanent resident, that's no problem at all.  Many people live their whole life renewing 10 year green cards with no issues.

 

India is a country, where becoming a USC can be bad news.  You have to file some kind of paperwork after you become a U.S. citizen, and then you're considered OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)  They restrict you from buying farmland and some other stuff.  I think you lose the right to vote there as well.


Oops.  Double post.  Not sure how that happened

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-09-05 21:03:00
ThailandUS citizenship vrs. land ownership in Thailand

I brought up dual citizenship, but the group seemed to think becoming a USC would disqualify her from ownership. Like you say things change all the time. Interesting choice they need to make though.

 

Out of curiosity what are the advantages of becoming a USC that might make a person consider risking her land?  I assume her current status is permanent resident non USC?  Can that status be maintained indefinitely?

If I was them, I wouldn't worry about becoming a USC.  How would the Thai govt. even know?  Just enter and leave Thailand on the Thai passport, and there's really no way for them to know if someone becomes a USC.

 

Personally I think the biggest benefit of becoming a USC is the passport.  There's the social security thing as well.  As far as remaining a permanent resident, that's no problem at all.  Many people live their whole life renewing 10 year green cards with no issues.

 

India is a country, where becoming a USC can be bad news.  You have to file some kind of paperwork after you become a U.S. citizen, and then you're considered OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)  They restrict you from buying farmland and some other stuff.  I think you lose the right to vote there as well.


KareeMaleThailand2013-09-05 20:59:00