wally1k

Last time I got stung the fee was 150THB for a cash advance using my visa card.
Has there been any changes to this figure?
Which bank if any charges the lowest fee for this service?
Thanks
Walt

Hi

I am a US resident and have been married to a Thai national for 6 months and we have been partnered with her for 5 years.
We want to live in the states for a bit
I would like to get her a IR1 resident permit which includes a green card. I know this takes some time.


Just wanted get some info on this matter.  I have heard the wait time is shorter if you apply to the USCIS office in Bangkok (Form I 130)
Some say about 7 months or less. Is this the best way to go?
I will only be here in Thailand for 6 more weeks and then will leave for the US and establish residence. I am not sure if filing the form here and
then continuing the process in the states is possible given my situation?

My wife will join me later - She has a tourist visa currently. This will allow her to come to the states for 6 months

At the end of the documentation line there is an interview. Must both of us return to Thailand for this interview or just my wife??

I have written Bangkok Immigration but no reply so far

Requirements I am aware of are - please correct me or add any you are aware of

Must have a stateside residence... (Could I use a friends address so I can apply before I leave for the states or is this illegal)
Must have income 125% of poverty for USA. I do not have this but  I do have  a bank account in the US with appropriate funds.
I don't wish to use a sponsor.
Must register marriage license with the American Consulate in Chiang Mai.
Must prove you have been a resident of Thailand for at least 6 months (  I have been here on a retirement visa good till Sept 15th 2012)

Thanks for taking the time.. I will continue to google my questions
W

PS
I would like to do the paper work myself but would like a good immigration lawyer to look it over before I send it in
Does anyone know of someone they could recommend. Personal mail ok

A friend who is thinking of retiring in Thailand asked me to look over his
list of pros and cons. I thought if would be fun to share
If anyone has something to add it would be welcome

Thanks all

PROs

Ladies treat the man like a leader with respect
Food is tasty and healthy
Money can go a long way if your smart
Buddhist culture is pretty easy going
Easy to make friends with locals and expats
Easy to travel and join in the many activities
Good weather - but very hot and need to acclimate
Good heath care and reasonable fees for it

CONs
Hard to find western food
English is not spoken by most
Autos are expensive
Rain, cloudy a for half a year
Thai language is difficult to learn
Sometimes hard to get things done when you don't  speak the language
Limited cultural exposure




ok - your turn

How many months out
of the year must one remain in Thailand to keep the retirement visa.
I will be out of the
country for 9 months beginning in May....
Also is it possible to renew early?
Many Thanx
W

Does anyone know how long my wife can visit the USA on her tourist visa.?
I know it is determined by customs when she arrives in the USA. I have heard 3 months and also 6 months if the plane ticket is for that period.
Her visa is valid for 7 more years?

Thanks
W