Nov
12
60 More Days
November 12, 2007 |
Yesterday we bussed down to Korat in the afternoon. The reason was to apply for an extension of my visa, as I am here on a 60 day tourist visa, that can be extended for another 30 days, before I have to leave Thailand.
So we arrived in Korat, and made our way to to K.S Pavilion Hotel. For 700 baht a night the rooms are not bad, except for the dead cockroach next to the room door. But it was not the excellence of the place that made us check in there, but rather the proximity to “The Mall”. It’s within walking distance. So that’s what we did.
In there, we scrutinized the shelves at Home Mart for food items that can not be found in Putthaisong. Cheese, edible chockolate, honey, strawberry jam, ham, bacon, etc soon found it’s way into the shopping trolley, along with various farang spices, and well, a lot of stuff to eat really.
We also picked up some cooking knives, forks and spoons, and got a pair of sneakers for Nan, plus a bag full of computer games for me…ahem, I mean for the boys…
Then it was back to the hotel and sleep (we are such a boring couple, you won’t believe it!)
Next morning it was to done my best shirt, and shoes for the first time in 2 months, and head for the Korat Immigration office. It’s about 12 km out of town towards Bangkok, and located in the TOT building.
I had read so many horror stories online about difficult immigration officers, so I was quite nervous. But those fears where safely put to rest. I met a smiling and polite officer. And soon explained that I wanted to apply for a 30 day extension of stay to my 60 day tourist visa. He then asked if Nan was my wife, and then informed me that since I am married to a Thai, I could apply for a 60 day extension. Something we did.
Paperwork I had to show was:
- Her Tabian Ban (house registration book)
- Her ID Card
- Our marriage certificate
- My pass port
- 1 pass port picture (4 x 6 cm)
- Copies of the above
- Application form
- Nan filled out a form notifying immigration that I was staying in her house
The fee was the usual 1900 baht, and the whole process took about 30 minutes. I now have permission to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand until January 10th.
After that was done we again headed for The Mall, and had lunch, before browsing around a bit, just to familiarize ourselves with the place. It’s huge. Then we boarded the bus back to Putthaisong.
On the bus was another farang. So I said hello. It turned out the chap was Swedish, and married with another Putthaisong lady. The couple is here on their annual 1 month Holiday, and live in Sweden. But are planning to retire to Putthaisong in 4-5 years. It was good to speak Norwegian again, as Norwegian and Swedish is practically the same language, with only a few words that are different. Anyway we exchanged mobile numbers, and agreed to hook up later some day for a beer or two.
At home things where a b it chaotic. The electrician was here, and in full swing doing the cabling. I claims he will finish tomorrow. We’ll see if he says the same when we confront him with all the things he still have not done. Like installing outlets for the wall that has the TV, DVD player, Satellite decoder, amplifier, computer, external hard drive etc.
But thats for tomorrow. I got a Pizza in the oven. Oh what a beautiful life!
Popularity: 29% [?]
Comments
2 Comments so far
Hi. I didn’t know about the 60 day extension if you have a Thai wife. It will be really useful when I can start building our house in 12 months time (unless it has all changed again by then).
I have checked a bit, and it’s only given once, when you are recently married. So I can not apply for it again…