TLS offers and provides assistance for a smooth and hassle-free way in securing a Thai Police Clearance certificate for Thai nationals who are currently in Thailand and abroad.

Benefits

• You will not be required to be present when requesting for the certificate
• It is beneficial for those foreigners who are no longer residing in Thailand but they need to secure a certificate for
• Expedited application and mailing to your current location

Eligibility

• Thai nationals who are currently in Thailand
• Thai nationals who are currently residing in a country with a Thai embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission

Requirements

• Current passport
• Thai ID card
• Photocopy of House registration
• In case of name or surname change, a photocopy of name or surname change certificate is required
• A photocopy of Marriage certificate or Divorce certificate (if available)
• Two Photographs(2inches x 2inches)
• Three sets of fingerprint. Fingerprint must be taken at local police or at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country together with the official seal and signature of the official taking the fingerprint
• A photocopy of Military Service Document (Sor Dor 8 or Sor Dor 43 or the certificate of completion of 3-year or 5-year reserve officer training course, either of which needed for Thai male who is over the age of 20 and Sor Dor 9 for applicant between the age of 17-19)

Process

• You will mail all the required documents to our office in Bangkok
• Our representative will submit the application
• The processing time is 5 business days and it does not include the time for the mailing of documents

TLS offers and provides assistance for a smooth and hassle-free way in securing a Thai Police Clearance certificate for foreigners who are currently in Thailand and abroad.

Benefits

• You will not be required to be present when requesting for the certificate
• It is beneficial for those foreigners who are no longer residing in Thailand but they need to secure a certificate for
• Expedited application and mailing to your current location

Eligibility

• Applicants who are currently on short-stay visas
• Applicants who used to stay in Thailand on short-stay visas
• Applicants who are currently in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa or extension of stay
• Applicants who used to stay in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa or extension of stay

Requirements

• Passport (old and current) with Thai immigration stamps
• Copy of Thai work permit (if applicable)
• Letter from the agency requiring your Police clearance certificate
• Two photographs (2inches x 2inches)
• Two sets of original fingerprint. Fingerprint must be taken at local police or Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy in your country together with the official seal and signature of the official taking the fingerprint.

Process

• You will mail all the required documents to our office in Bangkok
• Our representative will submit the application
• The processing time is 7 business days and it does not include the time for the mailing of documents

Opening a Thai bank account offers several benefits but foreigners often find themselves having a difficult time opening one or are unsure of what they need to be eligible for an account.

TLS offers and provides assistance for a smooth and hassle-free way in opening up a Thai bank account.

Benefits

• You will receive assistance in opening up a Thai savings/current account
• You will receive a Bank book and a debit/ATM card
• Online Banking

Eligibility

• Applicants who are currently on visa exemption stamps or short-stay visas
• Applicants who are currently in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa or extension of stay

Requirements

• Passport
• Guarantee letter (to be provided by TLS)

Process

• If you reside in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket or Chiang Mai, we will accompany you personally to the bank.
• If you currently reside in the provinces, we will coordinate with the branch of the bank nearest you and set up an appointment for you to open an account. The staff at the bank will take care of you. We will mail the necessary forms that you need to submit to branch of the bank.

For those Belgium Citizens or foreign nationals residing in Belgium who want to bring their non-citizen of a European Member State Spouse to live with them in Belgium, they are required to apply for a family reunification visa.

When applying for the Family Reunification Visa, the following items needs to be submitted:

1. A valid travel documents (international passport) valid for a minimum of one year after the visa issuance date
2. Two visa applications completely and correctly completed and signed
3. Two Recent Passport Photos
4. Copy of Belgian Identity Card, or a Copy of the Residence/Settlement for Foreign Nationals issued to your spouse/partner or parent living in Belgium
5. Police Clearance covering the last 5 years for applicants older than 18 years old
6. Medical Certificate completed by Belgian Embassy or consulate approved medical center not more than six months prior to the date of the application
7. Proof of sufficient means to support their stay in Belgium or a pledge of financial support from a Belgian Citizen or Resident with sufficient means to support
8. Proof of Sufficient Accommodation
9. Evidence that the person you will join has medical insurance valid to cover themselves and all of his family members
10. Marriage Certificate
11. Birth Certificate
12. Evidence of Termination of Previous Marriages

The documents listed above are merely the basic documents required in all cases. Additional documents may be requested by the embassy or consulate.

Official documents issued abroad must be legalized or bear an apostille, depending on the country whence they originated, unless a treaty provides for exemption from this process.

Foreign official documents which are written in another language than German, English, French or Dutch must then be translated by a translator recognized by the Embassy.

Processing of Visa Application

As a general rule, your visa application will be sent by the consulate to the Immigration Office, which will make the final decision.

If all of the appropriate documents have been submitted establishing your eligibility for the visa, the processing time is about 6 months from the date of submission.

If there complications with the application, the Immigration office may extend the processing time by three months two times for a total of an additional 6 months processing time (total processing time is 12 months).

Issuance of the visa

If the visa is issued, it will be a national long-stay visa (D visa) which has a validity of 6 months. After entry into Belgium, you need to present themselves at the municipal administration office where you will reside to apply for a residence card before the expiration of the 6 months.

If you fail to register before the expiration, you will have to refile a new petition.

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Belgium is a fairy tale country full of castles and history. It is the oldest free country in the world with the country establishing its charter of rights in 1066. The country is famous for its chocolates, waffles, and beer. Belgium’s capital is known for its wide selection of restaurants with over 138 restaurants per square mile and the highest density of Michelin star rated restaurants in Europe. Belgium is also a popular European Tourist destination because of its close proximity to France, Holland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. If you want to visit, work, or live in Belgium, the following types of visas are available:

• Short-Stay Visas - These visas allow the applicant to stay in Belgium for up to 90 day. These visas are generally for tourist, visits to family or friends, sports programs, business trips, or transits through a Schengen area.
• Long-Stay Visa - If you are planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days you might need a long-stay visa or not. The application begins at the local consulate or embassy in your country of residence and must have the visa stamped in your passport before travelling.
  
  It is also possible to obtain a long-stay visa (spouse visa) if your purpose to visit Belgium is to live in a stable relationship with a Belgian national or anyone who is legally residing in Belgium.
• Student Visa - In Belgium, the three communities (Flemish, French, and German) make their own decision on education. Someone on student visa will have to be enrolled in a Belgian educational institution and will obtain residence permit that will allow them to work up to 20 hours per week outside of school holidays.

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Holidaying in Spain is a fantastic option for visitors who wish to witness the exciting and dangerous sport of bull fighting, indulge in Paella and other Spanish delicacies, visit age-old cathedrals and stroll along the colorful streets of Madrid and Barcelona. Thais are among the other nationals who are required to apply for a tourist visa to be able to enter Spain for a holiday.

Required Documents for the Application

• Completed Visa Application forms (4 copies)
• Passport with at least 6-month validity and photocopy
• Passport sized photos (4 pcs) – Should not be more than six-month old
• Employment certificate, Bank Certificate/Statement
• Detailed copy of itinerary
• Travel insurance

Applying s Spanish Tourist Visa Through Sponsorship

The sponsor needs to furnish the following:

• Notarized sponsorship letter - this should specially states that the host will take care of his guest financially during his stay in the schengen territory.
• Evidence of good economic position - bank statements, income tax, employment certificate and House title deed.
• Proof of immigration status in Spain in case the sponsor is not Spanish citizen

Visa Processing Time

It may take the embassy 15 business days to evaluate your visa application. The process can take longer if interview is required.

Processing Times

Nationalities listed below please allow several weeks for processing:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Travel Document holders, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Validity Of The Visa

A Spanish tourist visa is valid for 90 days. It is valid in all Schengen - member countries namely Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

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Since the Netherlands is a Schengen state, the requirements for a Netherlands visit visa as well as the processes involved are the same as those mandated by other Schengen states.

Eligibility

Citizens of non- European Union and non-European Economic Area countries, along with other foreign nationals who are not in the visa exemption category need to apply for a visa to enter the Netherlands.

The visa sticker shows the number of days a foreigner is allowed to stay in the country as well as the number of entries allowed to explore and visit the other Schengen states. For a maximum, foreigners are allowed to remain in the country for ninety (90) days every six (6) months.

Netherlands Visit Visa Requirements

These are the requirements for a tourist visa for the Netherlands:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Current, valid passport or travel document
• Photos
• Visa fee

Visa Application Process

• STEP 1 - The applicant must visit the nearest Netherlands embassy or consulate in Thailand, and inquire about the specific visitor visa application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged since such assures more timely and accurate information.
• STEP 2 - Upon learning the requirements, identifying and gathering the application form, documents, records and certificates required come next. In cases of financial incapacity to finance the visit, coordination with the sponsor must be done immediately.
• STEP 3 - Then, visa candidates should pay the application fee of EUR 60.
• STEP 4 - Scheduling an appointment is next on the list. In order to avoid delays and waiting time, it would be best for applicants to call the embassy's call center to secure a spot.
• STEP 5 - During the scheduled appointment, submission of all the requirements must be done. After submission, waiting time for the approval starts. Applicants may continue to follow-up their applications by calling the embassy.

The Netherlands diplomatic mission in Thailand recommends that the applicant submit the application at least 4 weeks before the intended date of travel.

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An Italy Tourist Visa or a Schengen visa is issued to foreigners who would like to have a short period of travel to Italy for tourism, business or family visit purposes. Schengen visa holders are allowed to stay in Italy and the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in a 6-month period. Since Italy is one of the Schengen countries, the requirements of visa are similar as those mandated by other Schengen countries.

Eligibility

Those who need to apply for Italy Tourist Visa are:

1. Citizens of non- European Union and non-European Economic Area countries
2. Other foreign nationals who are not in the visa exemption category.

Thai citizens, who are not holders of diplomatic or service passports, need a Schengen visa to visit Italy.

The visa sticker shows the number of days a foreigner is allowed to stay in the country as well as the number of entries allowed to explore and visit the other Schengen states. For a maximum, foreigners are allowed to remain in the country for ninety (90) days every six (6) months.

Italian Visit Visa Requirements

The requirements for a visit visa are the following. Candidates need to show:

• Lack of propensity to be either a public or security threat to the Italian government
• A valid passport with at least three-month validity
• A travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
• An invitation from the sponsor to clarify the purpose of the travel, for private visits
• Sufficiency of financial resources or in case of financial incapacity, a formal pledge executed by the sponsor taking full responsibility of the entire costs to be incurred by the applicant
• Compliance with other specific requirements requested by the Italian diplomatic mission in Thailand

Visa Application Process

• STEP 1 - The applicant must visit the nearest Italian embassy or consulate, as the case may be, and inquire about the specific visitor visa application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged since such assures more timely and accurate information.
• STEP 2 - Upon learning the requirements, identifying and gathering the application form, documents, records and certificates required come next. In cases of financial incapacity to finance the visit, coordination with the sponsor must be done immediately.
• STEP 3 - Then, visa candidates should pay the application fee.
• STEP 4 - Scheduling an appointment is next on the list. In order to avoid delays and waiting time, it would be best for applicants to call the embassy's call center to secure a spot.
• STEP 5 - During the scheduled appointment, submission of all the requirements must be done. After submission, waiting time for the approval starts. Applicants may continue to follow-up their applications by calling the embassy.

Italian diplomatic missions usually process visitor visas for approximately two (2) to ten (10) working days. Extensions may possibly occur especially during the peak season.

Italian embassy in Thailand processes the Schengen visa for approximately 3 to 10 working days. This process may take longer than usual during high season.

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Since Portugal is a Schengen state, the requirements for a Portugal visit visa as well as the processes involved are the same as those mandated by other Schengen states.

Eligibility

Citizens of non- European Union and non-European Economic Area countries, along with other foreign nationals who are not in the visa exemption category need to apply for a visa to enter Portugal.

The visa sticker shows the number of days a foreigner is allowed to stay in the country as well as the number of entries allowed to explore and visit the other Schengen states. For a maximum, foreigners are allowed to remain in the country for ninety (90) days every six (6) months.

Visa Requirements

The requirements for a visit visa are the following. Candidates need to show:

• Lack of propensity to be either a public or security threat to the Portuguese government
• A valid passport with at least three-month validity after the proposed travel to Portuguese
• A travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
• Sufficiency of financial resources or in case of financial incapacity, a formal pledge executed by the sponsor taking full responsibility of the entire costs to be incurred by the applicant
• Documents showing strong links to Thailand and proving return
• Letter of employment and leave permission; business registration
• Proof of accommodation for the entire period of stay
• Compliance with other specific requirements requested by the Portugal diplomatic mission in Thailand

In case you are staying with a guarantor in Portugal and the guarantor pays for your stay:

• An invitation from the sponsor to clarify the purpose of the travel, for private visits
• Proof of sufficient income and accommodation from the guarantor

Application Process

• STEP 1 - The applicant must visit the nearest Portugal embassy or consulate in Thailand, and inquire about the specific visitor visa application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged since such assures more timely and accurate information.
• STEP 2 - Upon learning the requirements, identifying and gathering the application form, documents, records and certificates required come next. In cases of financial incapacity to finance the visit, coordination with the sponsor must be done immediately.
• STEP 3 - Then, visa candidates should pay the application fee of EUR 60.
• STEP 4 - Scheduling an appointment is next on the list. In order to avoid delays and waiting time, it would be best for applicants to call the embassy's call center to secure a spot.
• STEP 5 - During the scheduled appointment, submission of all the requirements must be done. After submission, waiting time for the approval starts. Applicants may continue to follow-up their applications by calling the embassy.

Italian diplomatic missions usually process visitor visas for approximately two (2) to ten (10) working days. Extensions may possibly occur especially during the peak season.

Italian embassy in Thailand processes the Schengen visa for approximately 3 to 10 working days. This process may take longer than usual during high season.

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France has always been a favorite holiday destination among holiday goers and travelers around the world. Whether you go to France to visit your friend, relatives or to simply experience the elegant French side of life, you would need to obtain a corresponding tourist visa in order to be able to get admitted in the country. Thais are among the nationals which are required to obtain a tourist visa beforehand to be able to enter France for a holiday.

Required Documents

• Passport (valid for 6 months)
• Copy of passport's photo page
• Completed Visa application form
• Two color ID photos size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in white background
• Proof of Employment - This will be in the forms of:
• Employment which specifically states the applicant's position
• If self employed, provide copy of Business registration certificate
• Sponsorship letter from the inviting French resident
• Motivation Letter - that which relates you reason of visiting France
• Proof of accommodation
• bank book, bank statements, payment slips showing sufficient funds
• Flight reservation and proof of accommodation

Applying Through Sponsorship

The sponsor needs to furnish documents proving his financial capacity, should provide a confirmed booking of a return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, a copy of his passport's photopage and all pages stamped by the Thai immigration, proof of medical insurance and motivation letter.

Application Process

• STEP 1 - The applicant must visit the nearest French embassy or a French diplomatic mission, as the case may be, and inquire about the specific visitor visa application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged since such assures more timely and accurate information.
• STEP 2 - Upon learning the requirements, identifying and gathering the application form, documents, records and certificates required come next. In cases of financial incapacity to finance the visit, coordination with the sponsor must be done immediately.
• STEP 3 - Then, visa candidates should pay the application fee.
• STEP 4 - Scheduling an appointment is next on the list. In order to avoid delays and waiting time, it would be best for applicants to call the embassy's call center to secure a spot.
• STEP 5 - During the scheduled appointment, submission of all the requirements must be done. After submission, waiting time for the approval starts. Applicants may continue to follow-up their applications by calling the embassy.

French diplomatic missions usually process visitor visas for approximately two (2) to ten (10) working days. Extensions may possibly occur especially during the peak season.

Visa Processing Time

It normally takes the embassy 3 working days to process the visa application. It takes longer if an interview is required or if it's the peak season. For non-Thai applicants the application can take up to 10 business days.

When Visa is granted, you have to show the following when picking up your passport:

• Original and a copy of the return flight ticket
• Proof of health insurance

Validity of the Visa

A French tourist visa is valid for 90 days. It is valid in all Schengen-member countries namely Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

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Visiting Germany is a dream for most Thais especially those who have relatives, friends, fiancee or spouse in Deutschland to visit. A visit to Germany for tourism purposes requires the application of a tourist visa for some nationalities. Thailand is among the countries in the world which are required to obtain a tourist visa beforehand to be able to enter Germany for a holiday. A fiancee/spouse visa, student visa, and business visa to germany are also available for other travel purposes.

Required Documents

• Passport (valid for 6 months)
• Completed Visa application form
• 5 x 3 cm (2 inch), two passport-sized pictures in white background
• Medical Travel Health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro
• Formal sponsorship by the inviting German resident ('Verpflichtungserklärung').
• Bank book, bank statements, payment slips showing sufficient funds
• Flight reservation and proof of accommodation
• Visa Application at approximately 3,000 Baht
• 19 years old applicants and below need to submit the consent of their parents
• 1 photo copy of all the abovementioned documents

Applying Through Sponsorship

The sponsor needs to furnish a completed sponsorship form which the applicant can include in his visa application and other documentations to be submitted at the German embassy. The German authorities will be checking on the financial position of the sponsor in Germany before considering the sponsorship form.

Application Process

• STEP 1 - The applicant must visit the nearest German embassy or a German diplomatic mission, as the case may be, and inquire about the specific visitor visa application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged since such assures more timely and accurate information.
• STEP 2 - Upon learning the requirements, identifying and gathering the application form, documents, records and certificates required come next. In cases of financial incapacity to finance the visit, coordination with the sponsor must be done immediately.
• STEP 3 - Then, visa candidates should pay EUR 60 for the application fee.
• STEP 4 - Scheduling an appointment is next on the list. In order to avoid delays and waiting time, it would be best for applicants to call the embassy's call center to secure a spot.
• STEP 5 - During the scheduled appointment, submission of all the requirements must be done. After submission, waiting time for the approval starts. Applicants may continue to follow-up their applications by calling the embassy.

Visa Processing Time

It normally takes the embassy 2 to 3 weeks or earlier to process the visa application. It takes longer if an interview is required or if it's the peak season. For non-Thai applicants the application can take up to 10 business days.

Validity of the Visa

A visiting visa to Germany is valid for 90 days. It is valid in all Schengen-member countries namely Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

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Amazing destinations await you by traveling in a European country. It will cater you the things you are possibly searching for through their interesting historical background and heritage especially to all Thai nationals who want to spend their holidays, and tourism travel in Europe. Your travel has been made easier by applying your Schengen visa. This visa allows you to explore for a maximum of 90 days in any of those European countries that have signed in with the Schengen Agreement which excludes traveling to United Kingdom and Ireland that would require a separate visa.

Schengen Visa Requirements

• Completed visa application form
• Passport
• Most recent photograph
• Proof of stable financial background such as bank statements, property certificates, and other related documents.
• Proof of travel arrangements and accommodations such as hotel booking receipts, airline tickets and itineraries.
• Health and Travel Insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000.00.
• If currently employed: it is best to present a certificate of employment from employer, with most recent income statement.
• If you have a sponsor, an invitation letter should be provided together with the official sponsorship declaration made from his/her home country as a supporting evidence for the said visa application.

Application Process in Thailand

• STEP 1 - Applicant must visit the embassy of his destination in Europe where he/she intends to stay or make as his/her first point of destination and inquire for the necessary application requirements. Personal visits are encouraged for more efficient and accurate information. However, you can also contact the embassy/consulate by phone if available for your inquiries.
• STEP 2 - The applicant should complete all the necessary or required documents and immediately apply for the visa at least 6 weeks before the proposed date of departure.
• STEP 3 - Go to the immediate issuing embassy/consulate in Thailand and submit all the completed documents for application. Then pay for the visa processing fee which is currently 60 GBP or approximately THB 3,000.
• STEP 4 - After submission, the applicant should wait for the visa approval. He/she may also contact the embassy/consulate's hot-line for follow-ups.

Visa Processing Time

Normally, it will take 4-5 business days to process, but sometimes even longer when an interview is needed. It would also depend on the applicant's circumstances and the time of the application.

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Work opportunities for foreigners abound in Canada. The Canadian government, in fact, encourages skilled foreign workers to migrate to Canada through their immigrant workers welfare programs. If you intend to go to Canada for work, you need to obtain a work visa or permit at the Canadian embassy in Thailand prior to your departure.

Required Documents

1. Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the corresponding visa application form clearly and truthfully. Download application here.
2. Valid Passport: The passport must have a validity period covering your period of stay in Canada. It should not expire before your return to Thailand. Old passports need to get submitted as further proof of identity.
3. Photograph: Four recent specific photographs, taken not more than 6 months before the application. See Photograph specifications here
4. Letter of Job Offer: This needs to be provided by your Canadian Employer. The letter should include the following details: the job title, duties and length of employment.
5. Letter of Reference from Present and Past Employers: Provide letters of reference or employment letter from your past and current employers.
6. Educational Evidence: Collect all educational certificates and transcript of records. Have them translated into English if they are in Thai.
7. Police Clearance Certificate: If you are 18 years old or older, you have to secure a Police Certificate certifying that you are free of criminal records.
8. Medical Certificate: You will be asked to undergo a medical check up following the embassy’s medical instructions once your visa application is approved provisionally.

Additional Important Points to Remember

• Your spouse and children can go with you to Canada as your dependants, you just have to provide a copy of your marriage certificate and birth certificate of your children and 4 photographs for each of them.
• Anticipate corresponding visa fees. It won’t be refunded if your visa application gets refused.
• An interview with the visa officer maybe required so prepare on this one.

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Results of the Application

You will be notified by the embassy once the results of your application are ready. If your visa application is approved, a visa will be stamped on your passport. All submitted papers for the application will be returned to you.

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ชาวต่างชาติและคนไทย ซึ่งเป็นคู่สมรส ตามระบบกฏหมายจารีตประเพณี (Common Law) หรือคู่สมรส หรือเด็กที่อยู่ในการอุปการะของพลเมืองแคนาดา มีสิทธิจะอพยพเข้าแคนาดาเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรได้ การยื่นสมัครเพื่อรับรองครอบครัวสามารถดำเนินการนอกประเทศหรือในประเทศแคนาดาก็ได้

คู่สมรสชาวไทยของชาวแคนาดาและผู้ที่อยู่ในอุปการะของพวกเขาสามารถได้รับประโยชน์จากวีซ่านี้ ซึ่งสามารถอาศัยอยู่ในแคนาดาได้ด้วยดี

คุณสมบัติของผู้สนับสนุน

1. คุณต้องเป็นพลเมืองชาวแคนาดา หรือเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรในประเทศแคนาดา
2. ต้องมีอายุ 18 ปีหรือมากกว่า
3. คุณต้องมีหลักฐานแสดงรายได้
4. คุณต้องไม่มีประวัติอาชญากรรม
5. คุณคือคู่สมรส คู่ครอง หรือพ่อแม่ที่ถูกต้องตามกฏหมายของผู้สมัคร

คุณสมบัติของผู้สมัคร

1. คุณต้องมีความสัมพันธ์เป็นคู่สมรสหรือคู่ครองของผู้สนับสนุน หรือ ผู้อยู่ในการอุปการะตามกฏหมาย
2. ต้องมีสุขภาพดี
3. คุณต้องไม่มีประวัติอาชญากรรม
4. ต้องมีอายุ 16 ปีหรือมากกว่า

คุณสมบัติของผู้อยู่ในอุปการะ

บุตรชายหรือบุตรสาวจะเป็นผู้ที่อยู่ในอุปการะได้ ถ้าบุตรนั้น

1. อายุต่ำกว่า 22 ปีและสถานะโสด
2. เป็นนักเรียน เรียนเต็มเวลาและต้องพึ่งพาพ่อแม่สำหรับการสนับสนุนทางการเงินก่อนอายุ 22 ปี หรือเริ่มตั้งแต่เป็นคู่สมรสหรือเป็นคู่สมรสตามกฏหมายจารีตประเพณี (ถ้าสิ่งนี้เกิดขึ้นก่อนอายุ 22 ปี) หรือสภาวะทางการเงิน ขึ้นอยู่กับพ่อแม่ก่อนที่บุตรจะอายุ 22 ปี เนื่องจากจะถือว่าเป็นบุคคลไร้ความสามารถ

เหตุที่ไม่สามารถยอมรับได้

ผู้สนับสนุน: คุณอาจจะไม่มีสิทธิเป็นผู้สนับสนุนได้ ถ้า

• คุณเคยสนับสนุนคนอื่นมาก่อน แต่ไม่ผ่านการเป็นผู้สนับสนุนบุคคลคนนั้น
• คุณเพิกเฉยต่อคำสั่งศาลในเรื่องของการสนับสนุน เช่น ค่าเลี้ยงดูบุตร
• คุณได้รับเงินสนับสนุนจากรัฐบาล
• คุณเคยเป็นนักโทษในการกระทำผิดกฏหมายทางอาญาที่ร้ายแรง
• ปัจจุบันคุณติดคุก
• คุณเป็นบุคคลล้มละลาย

ผู้รับผลประโยชน์: คุณอาจจะไม่มีสิทธิได้รับการสนับสนุนถ้า

• คุณมีอายุต่ำกว่า 16 ปี
• คุณคือผู้ที่สมสรแล้ว (แต่งงานถูกต้องตามกฏหมายแล้วและจะไปแต่งงานกับบุคคลอื่นอีก)
• คุณไม่สามารถเป็นผู้รับผลประโยชน์ได้หากคุณอยู่ระหว่างการแยกทางจากผู้สนับสนุนคนก่อนภายใน 1 ปี
• ผู้สนับสนุนของคุณก่อนหน้านี้ เคยสนับสนุนคู่สมรสอีกคน และไม่ผ่านการอนุมัติภายในระยะเวลา 3 ปี

กระบวนการการขอวีซ่า

ขั้นตอนการสมัครเกี่ยวข้องกับ 2 ขั้นตอนนี้

1. พลเมืองชาวแคนาดา หรือเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรของแคนาดา ต้องสมัครเป็นผู้สนับสนุนของคู่สมรส คู่ครอง หรือ ผู้อยู่ในอุปการะของพวกเขา
2. คู่สมรส คู่ครอง หรือ บุตรผู้อยู่ในอุปการะต้องสมัครเพื่อเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร

การสมัครของผู้สนับสนุนทั้งสอง และผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร จะดำเนินการพร้อมกัน มี 2 ขั้นตอนในกระบวนการยื่นแบบฟอร์มการสมัคร

1. การสมัครของผู้สนับสนุนเป็นกระบวนการของ Case Processing Centre (CPC) ใน โตรอนโต (Mississauga) โอตาริ (Ontario) (สำหรับสมาชิกครอบครัวที่อาศัยอยู่นอกแคนาดา) หรือ CPC ใน Vegreville อัลเบอร์ต้า (Alberta) (สำหรับสมาชิกครอบครัวที่อาศัยอยู่ในแคนาดา)
2. ถ้าคุณเป็นผู้สนับสนุน ใบสมัครเพื่อเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรถูกส่งไปที่สำนักงานวีซ่าของแคนาดา

สถานฑูตแคนาดาในกรุงเทพมหานคร ไม่ยอมรับยื่นการอพยพในแคนาดา ดังนั้นการสมัครเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรในประเทศแคนาดา จะเป็นกระบวนการของ Regional Processing Centre ที่ the Canadian High Commission ที่ประเทศสิงคโปร์ เราสามารถช่วยกระบวนการในการสมัครของคุณซึ่งจะเป็นประโยชน์กับคุณ แค่คลิกปุ่มข้างล่างนี้

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Foreigners and Thais who are spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children of Canadian citizens are eligible to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. Application for Family Class sponsorship is done either outside or inside of Canada.

Thai spouses of Canadians and their dependents can avail this visa to be able to live in Canada for good.

Eligibility Requirements of the Sponsor

1. You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
2. Must be 18 years of age or older
3. You must meet certain income requirements
4. You must have no criminal records
5. You are the spouse, partner, or legal parent of the applicant

Eligibility Requirements of the Applicant

1. You must be in spousal or partner relationship with the sponsor, or a legal dependent
2. Must be in good health
3. No criminal records
4. Must be 16 years old of age or older

Eligibility Requirements of the Dependents

A son or daughter is dependent if the child:

1. Younger than 22 years old and is single
2. Is a full-time student and is dependent on a parent for financial support since before the age of 22, or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner (if this happened before age 22) or is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 22 because of a disability.

Grounds for Inadmissibility

Sponsor: You may not be eligible to be a sponsor if you:

• sponsored someone in the past but failed to support the person
• abandoned a court-ordered support order like alimony
• received government financial assistance
• were convicted of a heinous criminal offence
• are currently in jail
• are bankrupt

Beneficiary: You may not be eligible to be sponsored if:

• You are under 16 years of age
• You are a bigamist (legally married person who marries another)
• You took another partner during a separation of one year from your sponsor
• Your sponsor previously sponsored another spouse and three years have not passed

Visa Application Process

The application process involves two steps:

1. The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must apply to sponsor their spouse, partner or dependents.
2. The spouse, partner, or dependent children must then apply for permanent residence.

The applications for both sponsorship and permanent residence are done simultaneously. There are two steps to process the application forms:

1. The sponsorship application is processed by the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Mississauga, Ontario (for family members living outside Canada), or the CPC in Vegreville, Alberta (for family members living inside Canada).
2. If you are an eligible sponsor, the permanent residence application is sent to the appropriate Canadian visa office.

The Canadian Embassy in Bangkok does not accept applications for immigration to Canada so the application for permanent residence in Canada will be processed by the Regional Processing Centre at the Canadian High Commission in Singapore. We can help you process your application on your behalf by clicking the button below.

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แคนาดามีการเรียนการศึกษาหรือสถาบันการศึกษาที่หลากหลายซึ่งเปิดโอกาสสำหรับชาวต่างชาติให้เข้ามาเรียน จึงไม่ใช่เรื่องแปลก ที่มีชาวต่างชาติจำนวนมากต้องการไปแคนาดาเพื่อข้อเสนอทางการศึกษาเหล่านี้ ชาวไทยก็เป็นหนึ่งในนั้น ที่อยากเดินทางไปประเทศแคนาดาเพื่อการศึกษาเช่นเดียวกับชาวต่างชาติอื่นๆ ชาวไทยต้องได้รับใบอนุญาตนักเรียน (Student Permit) ถ้าพวกเขาต้องการจะไปเรียนที่แคนาดาในระยะเวลานานกว่า 6 เดือน ใบอนุญาตหรือวีซ่านี้จะต้องได้รับจากสถานฑูตแคนาดาในประเทศไทยก่อนออกเดินทาง

เอกสารที่ต้องการสำหรับการขอวีซ่านักเรียน

1. แบบฟอร์มใบสมัครการขอวีซ่า - กรอกแบบฟอร์มให้ถูกต้องและชัดเจน ดาวน์โหลดแบบฟอร์มได้ ที่นี่
2. หนังสือเดินทางฉบับจริง - หนังสือเดินทางที่มีระยะเวลาครอบคลุมในช่วงเวลาที่คุณอาศัยอยู่ในประเทศแคนาดา และไม่ควรที่จะหมดอายุก่อนที่คุณจะกลับมาที่ประเทศไทย หนังสือเดินทางฉบับเก่า จะต้องได้รับการพิสูจน์เอกลักษณ์ด้วย
3. รูปถ่ายปัจจุบัน – รูปถ่ายปัจจุบันจำนวน 4 รูป ซึ่งถ่ายมาไม่เกิน 6 เดือนก่อนยื่นขอวีซ่า ดูรายละเอียด ที่นี่.
4. สำเนาต้นฉบับจดหมาย การเข้ารับการศึกษาจากโรงเรียนหรือมหาวิทยาลัย
5. เอกสารการศึกษาที่ผ่านมาและปัจจุบัน - อาจต้องแสดงใบรับรองผลการศึกษาหรือวุฒิการศึกษา ถ้าเอกสารเหล่านั้นเป็นภาษาไทย ต้องแปลเป็นภาษาอังกฤษ
6. เอกสารที่แสดงถึงความสามารถด้านภาษาอังกฤษ - ผลสอบ IELTS หรือ TOEFL อาจใช้เป็นสิ่งที่ยืนยันได้
7. หลักฐานที่สนับสนุนสถานภาพทางการเงิน
8. ใบรับรองความประพฤติออกโดยสำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ - สิ่งนี้ต้องมีสำหรับนักเรียนอายุ18 ปี และ18 ปี ขึ้นไป เพื่อเป็นหลักฐานว่ามีความประพฤติที่ดี
9. ใบรับรองแพทย์ - ต้องได้ตามข้อกำหนดของทางสถานฑูต เมื่อการขอวีซ่าของคุณได้รับการอนุมัติชั่วคราว

ขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่านักเรียน

เมื่อคุณได้รับการตอบรับเพื่อเข้าหลักสูตรการเรียนในมหาวิทยาลัยในประเทศแคนาดา นั่นคือคุณมีความพร้อมที่จะสมัครวีซ่านักเรียนแคนาดาในประเทศไทย ต่อไปนี้จะเป็นขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า

1. เอกสารที่จำเป็นทั้งหมดฉบับเสร็จสมบูรณ์
2. การขอวีซ่าต้องทำที่สถานฑูตแคนาดาในประเทศที่คุณอยู่อาศัย ประเทศที่คุณถือสัญชาติ หรือประเทศที่คุณได้รับอนุญาตให้เข้าอย่างถูกต้องตามกฏหมาย
3. อาจมีการสัมภาษณ์เกิดขึ้น ซึ่งขึ้นอยู่กับดุลยพินิจของเจ้าหน้าที่วีซ่า
4. การสมัครจะได้รับการแจ้งอีกครั้งโดยสถานฑูตเมื่อผลของการสมัครพร้อมแล้ว

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Canada offers various educational or academic prospects to foreigners. It's no surprise therefore that a lot of foreigners would like to go to Canada to take advantage of these educational offers. Thais are among those foreigners who flock to Canada to study. Like the rest of the foreign students, Thais are required a Student Permit if they would like to study in Canada for more than six months. This permit or visa needs to be obtained at the Canadian embassy in Thailand before their departure.

Documents Required for the Student Visa Application

1. Completed Visa Application Form - Fill out the form clearly and accurately. Get the form here. (Note: You need to have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader before you can view this file.)
2. Valid Passport - The passport must have a validity period covering your period of stay in Canada. It should not expire before your return to Thailand. Old passports need to get submitted as further proof of identity.
3. Recent Photograph – Four recent photographs, taken not more than 6 months before the application. See specifications here.
4. Original copy of the admission letter from the school / university
5. Most Recent Record of Previous Study - You may provide transcript of records, diploma, or certificates. If these documents are in Thai, have them translated into English.
6. Evidence of English Language Proficiency - Results of your IELTS or TOEFL maybe required to substantiate this.
7. Evidence of Financial Support
8. Police Clearance - This needs to be provided by students who are 18 years old and older to certify their good character.
9. Medical Certificate - This needs to be obtained following embassy's medical instructions once your visa application is provisionally approved.

Student Visa Process

Once you are admitted to a program in one of the universities in Canada, you are ready to apply for Canada Student Visa in Thailand. The following would be the process of the application:

1. Complete all the required documents.
2. Visa application must be made at the Canadian Embassy in your country of residence, your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted.
3. An interview may be required depending on the visa officer's discretion
4. Applicants will be notified by the embassy once the results of the application are ready.

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Types Of Temporary Resident Visa

Depending on your purpose and the number of times you wish to enter the country, you may use the appropriate type of visa suited for you:

1. Single Entry Visa – This allows you to enter Canada only once.
2. Multiple Entry Visa – This allows you to go in and out of Canada.
3. Transit Visa – If your flight will be staying in Canada for 48 hours and more.

Required Documents

1. Completed Visa Application Form - Fill out the corresponding visa application form clearly and truthfully.
2. Valid Passport - provide all passports of the people included in your application. Bring your old passports with you in case you have one.
3. Recent Photograph - see specifications here.
4. Proof of Funds - Statement from your bank or your original bank book.
5. Details of Employment - This can be in the forms of:
   • Employment letter stating your position, length of service and salary.
   • Payment slips (if any)
   • Provide Leave Certificate if you are a government employee, state enterprise personnel or employed in the private sector.
   • Submit the original and a copy of your Business Registration Certificate if you are self-employed.
6. Invitation Letter from Canada - this is for applicants who are going to Canada for business, training, seminars, and among others.
7. Police Clearance - the officer at times require this for character refrence.

Visa Application Process

Collect all the required documents and fill out the application form. Submit your visa application at the nearest Canadian embassy in your area. The embassy will be reviewing your visa application and may contact you if they require additional documents or interview with the visa officer.

Results of the Application

You will be notified by the embassy once the results of your application are ready. If your visa application is approved, a visa will be stamped on your passport. All submitted papers for the application will be returned to you.

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วีซ่าคู่สมรสชาวแคนาดา คือ1ใน 2 ประเภทของวีซ่าที่ออกโดยสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของประเทศแคนาดา วีซ่าคู่สมรสชาวแคนาดาคือวีซ่าผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร ไม่เหมือนกับวีซ่าประเภทอื่นๆซึ่งเป็นวีซ่าชั่วคราว ชาวไทยที่สมรสกับพลเมืองแคนาดาหรือผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรมีคุณสมบัติที่จะขอวีซ่าคู่สมรสชาวแคนาดา การได้รับวีซ่านั้นจะสามารถอาศัยและทำงานในประเทศแคนาดาได้ ผู้สมัครวีซ่าประเภทนี้ต้องมีการสนับสนุนโดยคู่สมรสของเขา การให้การสนับสนุนอาจทำคำร้องส่วนบุคคลในแคนาดาหรือนอกแคนาดาก็ได้

คุณสมบัติ

การจะเป็นผู้สนับสนุนสำหรับการขอวีซ่าคู่สมรสชาวแคนาดาในไทยได้ คุณต้อง

• เป็นพลเมืองแคนาดา หรือเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร
• อายุ 18 ปีหรือมากกว่า
• ยินยอมที่จะลงนามในข้อตกลงกับหน่วยงานรัฐบาลของประเทศแคนาดาหรือที่รัฐควิเบค (Quebec)
• สามารถจัดเตรียมความต้องการขั้นพื้นฐานของคู่สมรสในเวลาที่กำหตามกฏระเบียบที่วางเอาไว้
• ไม่เป็นบุคคลล้มละลาย ติดคุก หรือเป็นผู้ต้องสงสัยในความผิดที่ร้ายแรง
• ไม่เป็นผู้ต้องสงสัยในคดีอาญาความผิดที่ร้ายแรง หรือผิดนัดตามคำสั่งของศาลในเรื่องการสนับสนุน
• (ถ้าเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร) จะต้องไม่อยู่ภายใต้คำสั่งเพิกถอน

ข้อเรียกร้อง

ผู้ใดที่ต้องการสมัครเป็นผู้สนับสนุนต้องกรอกและส่งแบบฟอร์มอย่างเป็นทางการ ดังต่อไปนี้

• การเป็นผู้สนับสนุนและภายใต้ข้อผูกพัน (IMM 1344A)
• ข้อตกลงการให้การสนับสนุน (IMM 1344B)
• การประเมินผลการให้การสนับสนุน (IMM 5481) หรือการประเมินผลสภาวะทางการเงิน (IMM 1283)
• ใช้แทนตัวอย่าง (IMM 5476) ถ้าเหมาะสม เป็นประโยชน์
• ใบเสร็จรับเงิน (IMM 5401) หรือเทียบเท่าที่ระบุไว้
• แบบสอบถามผู้สนับสนุน (IMM 5540)

ตามเงื่อนไขของรายการข้างบนนี้ การสมัครเป็นผู้สนับสนุนเหล่านั้นยังคงต้องให้การสนับสนุนเอกสาร เช่น หนังสือเดินทางชาวแคนาดา บัตรผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร สูติบัตรชาวแคนาดา ทะเบียนสมรส ใบหย่า ใบแจ้งการตายของผู้ตายที่เป็นคู่สมรส หรือใบรับรองการเพิกถอน (สิ่งใดก็ได้ที่เหมาะสมและเป็นประโยชน์) และหลักฐานของรายได้ที่เพียงพอ

คู่สมรสชาวไทยที่จะได้รับการสนับสนุนจะต้องกรอกและส่งเอกสารดังต่อไปนี้

• ใบสมัครเพื่อเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร (IMM 008 ทั่วไป)
• กำหนดการ 1-ประวัติ/การแถลง (IMM 008 กำหนดการ 1)
• แบบสอบถามคู่สมรส/คู่ครอง (IMM 5490)
• ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับครอบครัว (IMM 4506)
• ใช้แทน (IMM 5476) ถ้าเป็นประโยชน์

กระบวนการของวีซ่าคู่สมรสชาวแคนาดา

การสมัครสำหรับทั้งผู้สนับสนุนและวีซ่าผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร ควรกรอกและสมัครในเวลาเดียวกัน การสมัครของผู้สนับสนุนจะดำเนินการโดย Case Processing Center ถ้าผู้สนับสนุนได้รับการอนุมัติ การสมัครวีซ่าผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร ถูกส่งไปที่สำนักงานวีซ่าแคนาดา ในประเทศไทย ผู้สนับสนุนสำหรับวีซ่าประเภทนี้ ควรทำตามขั้นตอนข้างล่าง

• ขั้นตอนที่1: ได้รับชุดเอกสารการสมัครโดยการดาวน์โหลดจากเวปไซต์ Citizenship and Immigration Canada (www.cic.gc.ca).
• ขั้นตอนที่2: กรอกแบบฟอร์มทั้งหมดให้สมบูรณ์ โปรดจำไว้ว่ามีแบบฟอร์มที่แยกกันและเอกสารที่จำเป็นสำหรับทั้งผู้สนับสนุนและคู่สมรสหรือคู่สมรสตามกฏหมายจารีตประเพณี แบบฟอร์มสำหรับคู่สมรสชาวไทยต้องถูกส่งไปที่ประเทศไทยและเมื่อเสร็จบูรณ์แล้ว ต้องส่งกลับไปที่แคนาดา นอกจากนี้ยังคงเป็นสิ่งสำคัญที่ผู้สนับสนุนและผู้สมัครต้องรวบรวมหลักฐานต่างๆเท่าที่เป็นไปได้ เพื่อพิสูจน์ว่ามีการสมรสกันจริง และรวมทั้งส่วนที่เหลือของเอกสาร
• ขั้นตอนที่3: ชำระค่าธรรมเนียมวีซ่าหลังจากรวบรวมเอกสารทั้งหมด จากนั้นผู้สนับสนุนควรส่งจดหมาย ใบสมัครการให้การสนับสนุนพร้อมด้วยการสมัครผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรของคู่สมรสที่ Citizenship and Immigration Center ที่แคนาดาเพื่อตรวจสอบ อาจมีการเรียกเก็บค่าธรรมเนียมเพิ่มเติมหรือเอกสารเพิ่มติม ถ้าเอกสารทั้งหมดอยู่ในการร้อง การสมัครจะถูกส่งไปที่สำนักงานวีซ่าแคนาดาในประเทศไทย เพื่อขั้นตอนต่อไป
• ขั้นตอนที่4: รอสำหรับการตัดสินรอบสุดท้ายของการอนุมัติผู้สนับสนุนทำโดยสำนักงานวีซ่าที่ประเทศแคนาดา อาจมีบางคำถามสำหรับการสัมภาษณ์และ/หรือเอกสารเพิ่มเติม เมื่อผู้สนับสนุนได้รับการอนุมัติแล้ว วีซ่าผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรก็จะออกให้ด้วย

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A Canadian spouse visa is one of the two types of visa issued by Canadian Immigration. The Canadian spouse visa is a Permanent Resident visa unlike other types of visa, which are Temporary ones. Thai citizens who are married to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents are qualified to apply for the Canadian spouse visa. Those granted the visa would be able to live and work in Canada. The applicants for this type of visa must be sponsored by their spouses. Application for sponsorship may be done whether the individual being petitioned is living inside or outside Canada.

Eligibility

To be able to sponsor for Canadian Spouse Visa application in Thailand, you must:

• be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• be 18 years of age or older
• be willing to sign a written agreement with the Government of Canada or Quebec
• able to provide for the basic requirements of his/her spouse for a prescribed time
• not be bankrupt, in prison, charged with a serious offense
• not be charged with a criminal offense, defaulted on a court-ordered support order
• not under a removal order (if a permanent resident)

Requirements

Those who would like to apply as a sponsor must complete and submit the following official forms:

• Application to sponsor and Undertaking (IMM 1344A)
• Sponsorship Agreement (IMM 1344B)
• Sponsorship Evaluation (IMM 5481) or Financial Evaluation (IMM 1283)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) if applicable
• Receipt (IMM 5401) or specified equivalent
• Sponsor Questionnaire (IMM 5540)

In addition to the those listed above, those applying to be sponsors must also provide supporting documents such as his Canadian passport, Permanent Resident Card, Canadian birth certificate, marriage certificate, a divorce, death certificate of deceased spouse or annulment certificate (whatever is applicable) and proof of sufficient income.

The Thai spouse being sponsored is required to submit the following documents:

• Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 008 Generic)
• Schedule 1-Background/Declaration (IMM 008 Schedule 1)
• Spouse/Partner Questionnaire (IMM 5490)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 4506)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable

Canadian Spouse Visa Process

The application for both sponsorship and permanent resident visa should be filled out and applied at the same time. The sponsorship application is processed by the Case Processing Center. If the sponsorship is approved, the permanent resident visa application is sent to the Canadian Visa Office in Thailand. The sponsor for this type of visa should follow the steps listed below:

• STEP 1: Obtain an application kit by downloading it from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca).
• STEP 2: Complete all the forms. Note that there are separate forms and required documents for both the sponsor and spouse or common-law spouse. The forms for the Thai spouse must be sent to Thailand and once accomplished, must be sent back to Canada. It is also important that the sponsor and the applicant gather as many evidence as possible in order to prove that the marriage is genuine and include these with the rest of the documents.
• STEP 3: Pay the visa fees after gathering all the documents. Then the sponsor should mail the sponsorship application along with the spouse's permanent resident application to the Citizenship and Immigration Center Canada for review. Additional fees or documents may be requested. If all the documents are in order, the application will then be sent to a Canadian visa office in Thailand for further processing.
• STEP 4: Wait for the final decision of the sponsorship approval made at a Canadian visa office. There may be a request for an interview and/or more documents. Once the sponsorship is approved, a permanent resident visa will be issued.

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การท่องเที่ยวแคนนาดาสำหรับคนไทย จะต้องได้รับวีซ่าแคนนาดาประเภทไหนก็ได้เสียก่อน ขึ้นอยู่กับจุดประสงค์ของการเดินทางเพื่อจะได้รับการยอมรับในการเข้าประเทศ การได้รับวีซ่าแคนนาดาที่เฉพาะเจาะจง อาจแตกต่างกันไปตามจำนวนครั้งที่คุณต้องการที่จะเข้าประเทศ ในกรณีนี้มันเป็นสิ่งที่สำคัญมากที่จะกำหนดล่วงหน้าในวีซ่าที่เหมาะสมสำหรับคุณ ก่อนที่คุณจะดำเนินการยื่นขอวีซ่า

การบริการวีซ่าสำหรับประเทศแคนาดา

ขึ้นอยู่กับจุดประสงค์ของการเดินทางและจำนวนครั้งที่คุณต้องการที่จะเข้าไปยังประเทศแคนาดา คุณจะเป็นประโยชน์ในการดำเนินการขอวีซ่าที่เหมาะสมกับคุณ

1. วีซ่าท่องเที่ยว/วีซ่าเยี่ยมเยียน
2. วีซ่าครอบครัว
3. วีซ่าคู่สมรส
4. วีซ่าทำงาน
5. วีซ่านักเรียน

เอกสารทั่วไปที่จำเป็น

1. กรอกแบบฟอร์มการขอวีซ่าให้สมบูรณ์
2. พาสปอร์ตฉบับจริง (กรุณานำพาสปอร์ตเล่มเก่าของคุณมาด้วย, ถ้ามี)
3. รูปถ่ายปัจจุบัน - ดูรายละเอียด ที่นี่
4. หลักฐานการเงินหรือกองทุนที่เพียงพอ
5. รายละเอียดของการจ้างงาน (สามารถเป็นฟอร์มที่แตกต่างได้)
   • จดหมายการจ้างงานที่ระบุตำแหน่งงาน ระยะเวลาของการทำงาน สลิปเงินเดือน
   • สลิปเงินเดือน (ถ้ามี)
   • ถ้าทำงานภายในหน่วยงานของรัฐบาล ต้องใช้ใบลาและต้องระบุว่าคุณเป็นบุคลากรขององค์กร หรือการจ้างงานในภาคเอกชน
   • ถ้าประกอบธุรกิจส่วนตัว ให้นำหลักฐานฉบับจริงและสำเนาของเอกสารจดทะเบียนบริษัทมาด้วย
6. จดหมายเชิญจากแคนนาดา (สำหรับการสมัครที่มีจุดประสงค์ของการเดินทางไปเพื่อธุรกิจ อบรม สัมนา หรือ อื่นๆ
7. ใบรับรองความประพฤติออกโดยสำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ (เอกสารรับรองเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษร)

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Traveling to Canada for Thai nationals would require them to obtain any kind of Canadian Visas depending on their purpose of travel for them to get admitted in the country. Obtaining specific Canadian visa may also vary to the number of times you wish to enter the country. In this case, it is very important to predetermine the appropriate visa for you before lodging the visa application.

Canadian Visa Services

Depending on your purpose and the number of times you wish to enter the country, you may use the appropriate type of visa suited for you:

1. Tourist/Visitor Visa
2. Family Visa
3. Spouse Visa
4. Work Visa
5. Student Visa

General Required Documents

1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport (Bring your old passport with you, if you have any.)
3. Your recent photograph - see specifications here
4. Proof of Sufficient funds
5. Details of employment (this can be in different forms):
   • Employment letter stating your position, length of service, and salary.
   • Payment slips (if any)
   • If working within a government agency, provide leave certificate stating whether you are an enterprise personnel or employed in the private sector.
   • If self-employed, provide the original and a photocopy of your Business Registration Certificate.
6. Invitation Letter from Canada (for applicants whose purpose of visit is business, training, seminars, or among others.
7. Police Clearance (for character refrence)

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What is an Australian Student Visa for Thai?

Australian student visa is for prospective Thai students who would like to travel to Australia to study in ELICOS*, primary and secondary course, vocational training, higher education, post graduate research and some non-award courses. The prospective students need to lodge the application at the Australian Visa Application Center in Bangkok. You must disclose information on every previous visa applications and you should provide as much information as possible at the time of lodgement.

*ELICOS = English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students

Eligibility

Those who are eligible to apply for this type of visa are Thai nationals or foreigners holding relevant resident status in Thailand. The applicants must provide both the original documents and a set of clear copies. All originals will be returned to you after the copies have been certified. You must also provide an English translation of any document issued in a different language.

It is important to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the first 12 months to support yourself (the prospective student) and family members included in the application. You must show funds that you can cover the cost of a return fare, tuition costs, and living costs. Sufficient funds would be taken into consideration only if it have already been liquidated and held as a money deposit. Required documents for Australian Student Visa Thailand application are as follow:

• Application form
• A non-refundable visa application charge
• Recent photo
• Passport
• Thai National ID card
• Confirmation of Enrolment
• Military discharge papers, if applicable
• Medical examination
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Evidence of income from the sponsor (family), if any
• Evidence of relationship with the sponsor (family), if any
• Character check
• Educational qualifications and course completion certificates
• Original copy of permission Letter to exit Thailand *

* This letter is required if the applicant is under the age of 18 years old. The applicant can file a petition for this permission letter to the district office in their residential area.

Requirements

To be qualified for this visa, you must:

• Have a letter of support from your government
• Not be accompanied by dependent children
• Not have previously entered Australia on Work and Holiday visa
• Hold a degree or post high school diploma from an accredited institution.
• Be Competent in English
• Pass the health requirements
• Pass the character requirements
• Show proof of sufficient funds to support the first months of your holiday stay

* This letter is required if the applicant is under the age of 18 years old. The applicant can file a petition for this permission letter to the district office in their residential area.

What We Can Do For You

Our Australian Visa in Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal and employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if any)
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with the government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during the interview (if any)
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

What is an Australian Family Member Visa?

An Australian Family Member Visa is issued to a foreigner who has a family member holding Australian citizenship, Australian permanent residency or eligible New Zealand citizenship. This type of visa allows the holder to reside in Australia with their family as a permanent resident. The visa must be sponsored by the aforementioned family member or their eligible partner in Australia.

Eligibility

Those who can lodge the Australian Family Member Visa Thailand application are Thai nationals or foreigners holding relevant residence status (A Non-Immigrant visa and work permit in Thailand). The applicants may apply for the following types of visa:

• Aged Dependent Relative visa

  This type of visa is for applicants who are neither married nor formally separated. The applicants should be dependents of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and must be old enough to be granted an old age pension under the Social Security Act 1991.

• Remaining Relative visa

  This type of visa is for applicants, who are children or siblings of an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and have no other parent or sibling residing outside Australia.

• Career visa

  This type of visa is for applicants who have close relatives residing in Australia as Australian citizens, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, with a medical condition for which Health Services Australia has been issued a medical assessment with a rating of 30.

Requirements

Your family in Australia has to lodge the application with required documents and application fees while you, the applicant, will go to the VFS Bangkok in person to submit your application documents which will be transferred to Australian embassy for evaluation process. This process can take 3 to 4 months to be completed. The applicant must:

• Complete the necessary forms and all required documents
• pass health clearance
• pass character clearance

The sponsor must provide:

• Letter assuring support, accommodation and financial assistance for the applicant in the first 2 years
• Proof of financial support to the applicant and any family members accompanying the applicant without recourse to public funds for 2 years

What We Can Do For You

Our Australian Visa in Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal and employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if any)
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with the government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during the interview (if any)
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

What is an Australian Partner Visa?

An Australian partner visa is referred to those foreigners who are either legally married to or in a de facto relationship with their eligible partners (including same-sex partners). Those who are married to their eligible partners can apply for the temporary or permanent spouse visa. Those who are engaged and intend to marry their eligible fiancée have to apply for the Prospective Marriage (fiancée) visa. It is necessary that the applicant and their fiancée get married within 9 months after the visa is granted as the visa is only be valid for that period.

Temporary spouse visa to a permanent spouse visa

You should maintain your marital relationship and meet all the legal requirements to be granted a permanent spouse visa after the two year waiting period under the temporary visa. The permanent spouse visa is granted provided that the sponsor and the applicant meet all legal requirements.

Where can I lodge my application?

There are three ways to submit your application documents for Australian visa. You may lodge your application:

• In person at Australian Visa Application Centre

  34th Floor, Thai CC Tower, 889 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok (next to Surasak BTS Station) Further information on the Australian Visa Application Centre is available at www.vfs-au.net

• By mail or courier to the Visa and Immigration Office

  Australian Embassy Bangkok, 37 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. You must enclose pre-paid envelope (EMS) with self-return address with your application.

• At the Australian Embassy by appointment only

  Please call this number: 02-344-6400 during 14:30 - 16:30 hrs from Monday to Friday (Except public holiday)

How long will I need to wait for my application results?

You would know the result of your application within 6 - 12 months from the day you lodge your application. The processing time may take longer if the application documents are incomplete. There are other issues that may be present in your application, such as character issues (previous immigration history or criminal convictions) and child custody issues. Further medical checks are required. You will be fully informed of the reason for any delay if your application is likely to take longer than 6 - 12 months.

Types of Partner Visas for Australia

Partner Temporary Visa

• you are permitted to enter Australia with your partner, until a decision is made
• you are entitled to work in Australia
• you are entitled to study in Australia, but with no access to government funding
• you may enrol in Australia's medical benefits and hospital care scheme

Partner Permanent Visa

• you are permitted to enter or remain permanently in Australia with your partner
• you are entitled to work and study in Australia
• you may enrol in Australia's medical benefits and hospital care scheme
• you may be eligible to receive certain social security payments
• you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
• you are permitted to enter or remain in Australia with your partner

Note: You may also be eligible to enrol in Medicare, if you have applied for, but not yet been granted, this visa.

What We Can Do For You

Our Australian Visa in Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal and employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if any)
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with the government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during the interview (if any)
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

What is an Australian Fiancée Visa?

Australian Fiancée Visa Thailand application allows Thai or non-Australian fiancées of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to reside with their partners in Australia. The holders of this visa can stay in Australia for 9 months and have their visas adjusted accordingly after marriage.

Eligibility

To be able to sponsor your Thai fiancée to Australia, you need to:

• Be an Australian citizen.
• Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be 18 years of age
• Have met your fiancée in person and have personally known each other
• Have the freedom to marry

To be able to apply for Australia Fiancée Visa, you need to:

• Be 18 years of age or above otherwise parental consent is needed to marry
• Have the freedom to marry
• Pass a character clearance or has no criminal records
• Pass a health clearance
• Have met your sponsor in person and have personally known each other

Requirements

The specific requirements for the Australian Fiancée Visa Thailand application are as follow:

• Evidence of relationship. It is necessary to show proof of genuine and on-going relationship as well as the sincere intention of the sponsor and the applicant to get married. You are therefore advised to keep every piece of evidence proving your relationship. Those can be in the forms of photos taken together, email or correspondence exchanges, money transfer receipts, air tickets and others.
• Evidence of sufficient funds and accommodation. As the sponsor, you should be able to show proof of your financial capability and accommodation to support your fiancée once in Australia. If you are not able to do so, you can have an Australian resident to act as the sponsor of your fiancée.

Your Thai fiancée has to visit the VFS Bangkok to submit your application documents and application fees. The VFS will then transfer your documents to Australian embassy for evaluation process. This process can take up to 6 to 12 months to complete. The documents that the Australian Fiancée Visa Thailand applicants need to submit are as follow:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Current, valid passport or travel document
• Photos, Visa fee
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Evidence of accommodation
• Evidence of stable employment
• Evidence of the date and venue of the marriage
• Flight ticket reservation

Benefits

The Australian Fiancée Visa holder will be entitled to the following privileges:

• Enter Australia before marriage
• Multiple entries to Australia within the allowed 9-months period of stay
• Work in Australia with this visa
• Apply for a spouse visa after your marriage registration
• Study in Australia (without being entitled to government funding)
• Avail of Australia's medical expenses and hospital care assistance scheme

Contact any of our Australian immigration attorneys in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, or Phuket to arrange your Australian Tourist Visa in Thailand.

What We Can Do For You

Our Australian Visa in Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal and employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if any)
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with the government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during the interview (if any)
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

What is an Australian spouse visa?

The foreign spouse of an Australian national, an Australian Permanent resident and an eligible New Zealand citizen can apply for a temporary or permanent spouse visa to enter, work and live in Australia.

Types of Spouse Visa

1. TEMPORARY SPOUSE is good for two years which will be adjusted to permanent spouse visa if you remain married with your spouse and legal requirements are met.
2. PERMANENT SPOUSE VISA allows you stay in Australia for indefinite period of time. It is normally granted on or before the expiration of the temporary visa provided that you meet all legal requirements. Under certain conditions, it is issued accordingly to qualified applicants.

Eligibility of the Sponsor

To be qualified for this visa, you must:

• He or she needs to be an Australian citizen or an permanent resident
• He wishes to sponsor his partner to Australia
• He is in a married or in a de-facto spouse relationship with the applicant
• He is generally aged 18 years or over.
• He is prepared to sponsor the applicant and the applicant's dependent family

Eligibility of the Applicant

To be qualified for this visa, you must:

• He or she needs to be in a married to an Australian citizen
• He or she must pass the health requirements
• He or she must be free of criminal records

Benefits of a Temporary Spouse Visa

The spouse may enjoy the following privileges once granted a temporary spouse visa:

• You can stay in Australia with your spouse until a decision is made
• You can work in Australia
• You can study in Australia, but you will not avail government funding
• You can avail Australia's medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme

Benefits of a Spouse Permanent Visa

As a spouse permanent visa holder, you are entitled to the following privileges:

• You can stay permanently in Australia with your spouse
• You can work and study in Australia
• You can avail Australia's medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme
• You are eligible to receive certain social security payments
• You can apply for Australian citizenship

Applying for Temporary and Permanent Visas

You may be granted a permanent visa right away without going through the temporary spouse visa phase if you can show one of the following:

• you have been married with your Australian spouse for not less than 5 years
• you have children with your Australian spouse and together for at least two years
• your spouse holds a Protection visa or a permanent visa

What We Can Do For You

We offer you:

• Consultation with our Australian Visa specialist in both Thai and English
• Comprehensive checklist of documents for the applicant and the sponsor
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Assistance with Police Report
• Assistance with Medical check up
• Submission of your visa application to VFS
• Interview training

Obligations for Sponsor and Applicant

You should maintain your marital relationship and meet all the legal requirements to be granted a permanent spouse visa after the two year waiting period under the temporary visa. The permanent spouse visa is granted provided that the sponsor and the applicant meet all legal requirements.

Visa Validity Period

The temporary visa stays valid until the decision is handed on your permanent spouse visa application.

Australian Tourist Visa Service

Thais are slowly getting enamored with the unique appeal of Australia as their new favored holiday destination. Among the compelling reasons Thais love to go to Australia for holiday are to explore educational and employment prospects; to meet with their Australian friends or boyfriends or relatives; or simply, to experience the Down Under side of life. However, it's never easy to realize this plan especially in the case of ordinary Thais who need to undergo the visa application procedure to be able to enter Australia for a visit. Admittedly, the visa application is a complicated process especially for first time applicants who are not familiar with the procedure.

Types of Australian Tourist Visa

Thais are qualified to apply tourist visa under the following visitor visa subclasses: Tourist visa (subclass 600) - This is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to stay in Australia for either three, six or even a year. Sponsored Family Visitor visa (subclass 600) - This visa is for applicants who wish to visit their family or relatives in Australia for a maximum stay period of 12 months. This requires formal sponsorship from the Australian citizen or permanent resident visited.

• Tourist Visa (subclass 600) - This type of visa allows the holder to stay in Australia for recreational purposes for either three, six or even a year.
• Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (subclass 600) - This type of visa allows the holder to visit their family or relatives in Australia for a maximum of 12 month period. This visa requires a formal sponsorship from the Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) - This type of visa allows the holder to travel and work for up to 12 months in Australia. The applicants for this visa must be 18 to 30 years of age with an academic degree or equivalent. See more information on Australian Working Holiday Visa.

Requirements: Australian Tourist Visa

The general requirements for this type of visa are as follow:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Current, valid passport or travel document
• Photos
• Visa fee
• Proof of sufficient financial support
• Proof of accommodation for the entire stay
• Evidence of strong ties to Thailand
• Evidence of stable employment
• Flight ticket reservation

In the case of sponsorship

• Invitation letter(by an Australian citizen or permanent resident)
• Sponsorship letter(by an Australian citizen or permanent resident)
• Evidence of employment, bank savings and accommodation by sponsor

Applying for an Australian Tourist Visa

Australian tourist visa application entails meeting particular requirements to be granted the visa. The Australian government would like to make sure that the visa applicant is coming back to his home country after his allowed visit to Australia so it's necessary to prove your strong ties with Thailand. Your have to show proof of your ties to Thailand in the forms of the following:

1. Employment
2. Savings
3. Assets and Properties
4. Dependents

Tourist visa applicants relying on sponsorship from their Australian partners, friends and relatives will just need to provide all their details and necessary documentations to their sponsors as their sponsors will be the one lodging a formal sponsorship with the DIAC.

Contact any of our Australian immigration attorneys in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai Pattaya or Phuket to arrange your Australian Tourist Visa in Thailand.

What We Can Do For You

Our Australian Visa in Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal and employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for you and your sponsor (if any)
• Professional and accurate preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with the government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle yourself during the interview (if any)
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

What is an Australian working holiday visa?

An Australian Working Holiday Visa is issued to foreigners who would like to visit Australia for work and vacation purposes. This visa allows the holders to enjoy their holiday while seeking and earning money from temporary or casual employment. Thais are among the nationals who can apply for this visa.

Eligibility

Australia working holiday visa Thailand applicant must be:

• Aged 18 to 30 years on the date of application
• Holding Thai passport

Requirements

To be qualified for this visa, you must:

• Have a letter of support from your government - original letter of approval from the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups in Bangkok.
• Not be accompanied by dependent children
• Not have previously entered Australia on Work and Holiday visa
• Hold a degree or post high school diploma from an accredited institution.
• Be Competent in English
• Pass the health requirements
• Pass the character requirements
• Show proof of sufficient funds to support the first months of your holiday stay

Validity of Work Holiday Visa

Once the Australia working visa is granted, the holder must enter the country within three months to get the visa activated. Failure to do so may result in visa expiration and you need to reapply for a new visa to go to Australia under the Holiday and Work Program. One may travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

Conditions of Visa

• You can only work up to 6 months for one employer.
• The work limitation applies to full-time or part-time employment.
• You must not study or train for more than 4 months.
• If you obtain a new passport, you must advise the department of the new details as soon as possible.

What We Can Do For You

Our Australia Working Holiday Visa Thailand service does not include embassy or government fees. We provide you with:

• Full review of your sponsor and your own personal, financial & employment history
• Consultation and confirmation what type of visitor visa is appropriate for you
• Comprehensive checklist of required documents for the applicant and the sponsor
• Thorough preparation of your visa application
• Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies
• Careful arrangement of all correspondence with government agencies
• Expert advice on how to handle the consular interview
• Unlimited assistance over the phone with our Australian Visa specialists

Contact any of our Australian immigration attorneys in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai Pattaya or Phuket to arrange your Australian Tourist Visa in Thailand.

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The Tier 4 Student and Child categories under the points based system are for those international students who wish to come to the UK to study and experience life and culture in the UK.

We can help with your Tier 4 Student Visa applications and queries. Our expert consultants can assist you with the preparation of your application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules.

UK (General) Student Visa Eligibility

• You must have been accepted at a UK-based institution which is registered with the Home Office for full-time study which is a minimum of 15 hours of classroom study per week.
• You will need to have English ability just below GCSE in a foreign language to gain entry to the UK on a student visa;
• You need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to pay for your course and support your stay in the UK;
• You need to provide your certificates that show sufficient qualifications from secondary school or college;
• You need to provide your letter of acceptance to show you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK.

There are certain restrictions on a Tier 4 Student Visa. For example:

• You will not be able to study below degree level if the course includes a work placement unless the course is being provided by a university, college or training provider with the status of ‘highly trusted sponsor';
• You will not be able to bring in dependents if the duration of the course is less than six months.
• If you are studying a course lower than foundation or undergraduate degree level your dependents will not be allowed to work in the UK.

Under Tier 4 Student Visa regulations, international students have permission to commence part time work of up to 20 hours per week and full time during holidays. The Tier 4 Student Visa also gives permission for you to undertake a work placement as part of your university course.

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ผู้ปกครองของบุตรในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรสามารถเข้ามาอยู่อาศัยกับบุตรของเขาในประเทศได้ภายใต้การขอวีซ่าประเภทนี้ การอยู่อาศัยเริ่มต้นจะให้เวลาผู้ปกครอง 30 เดือน หลังจากเตรียมเอกสารที่ต้องใช้ทั้งหมดเรียบร้อยแล้ว ในช่วงระยะเวลาให้กำหนดให้นั้น ผู้ปกครองสามารถยื่นคำร้องขอเวลาอีก 30 เดือนในการอยู่อาศัย ถ้าเขาหรือเธอมีคุณสมบัติตามที่กำหนดไว้ เมื่อเสร็จสิ้นระยะเวลา 60 เดือนหรือ 5 ปีตามหัวข้อนี้และได้จัดเตรียมสิ่งที่ต้องใช้ครบถ้วนแล้ว ผู้ปกครองสามารถยื่นคำร้องขอวีซ่าเพื่ออยู่อาศัยอย่างถาวรในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรได้

คุณสมบัติ

บุตรของผู้ปกครองที่ยื่นคำร้องขอวีซ่า ควรมีคุณสมบัติที่เหมาะสมดังนี้:

• มีอายุต่ำกว่า 18 ปีในวันที่ยื่นคำขอ
• อาศัยอยู่ในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักร
• เป็นพลเมืองประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรโดยกำเนิด หรือมีที่อยู่อาศัยอย่างถาวร

คำแนะนำเพิ่มเติม

ผู้ปกครองสามารถยื่นคำขอวีซ่าประเภทนี้หาก:

• เขาหรือเธอรับผิดชอบต่อบุตรเพียงลำพัง หรือบุตรไม่ได้อาศัยอยู่กับผู้ปกครองคนอื่น
• ผู้ดูแลบุตรในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรซึ่งเป็นชาวอังกฤษหรือมีที่อยู่ถาวรนั้น ไม่ใช่คู่ชีวิตของผู้ปกครอง และนอกจากนี้ผู้ปกครองยังไม่มีคุณสมบัติในการผ่านเข้าประเทศในฐานะคู่ชีวิตอีกด้วย

เพื่อให้เป็นไปตามเงื่อนไขที่กำหนดคุณสมบัติของผู้ปกครอง เขาหรือเธอต้องจัดเตรียมหลักฐานเกี่ยวกับความรับผิดชอบในการดูแลบุตรเพียงลำพัง หรือหลักฐานเกี่ยวกับการมีบทบาทในการเลี้ยงดูอบรมสั่งสอนบุตร

คำแนะนำในการขอวีซ่า

ผู้ปกครองสามารถยื่นขอวีซ่าประเภทนี้ได้ไม่ว่าเขาหรือเธอจะอยู่ในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรหรืออยู่ต่างประเทศ สิ่งที่ต้องปฏิบัติตามมีดังต่อไปนี้:

กรณีที่อยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักร:

• ผู้ปกครองจะต้องไม่ถือวีซ่าสำหรับนักท่องเที่ยว และต้องไม่เข้าอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรเพียงชั่วคราว
• ผู้ปกครองจะไม่ได้รับอนุญาตให้พักอยู่ในประเทศเป็นเวลาน้อยกว่า 6 เดือน
• คำร้องที่มีผลบังคับใช้กรณี leave to remain จะต้องจัดทำขึ้นโดยผู้ปกครอง
• เขาหรือเธอจะต้องไม่ฝ่าฝืนหน้าที่ที่ได้รับมอบหมายตามกฏในการพาคนเข้าเมืองของประเทศสหราชอาณาจักร ถึงแม้ว่าช่วงระยะเวลาน้อยกว่า 28 วันที่พวกเขาอยู่อาศัยในสหราชอาณาจักรหลังจากได้รับอนุญาต จะได้รับการอนุมัติ
• หลักฐานที่เฉพาะเจาะจงจะต้องถูกจัดเตรียม เพื่อพิสูจน์ว่าผู้ปกครองสามารถจัดให้หาสิ่งที่เขาหรือเธอต้องการได้ โดยไม่ต้องพึ่งพากองทุนสาธารณะ
• ทักษะภาษาอังกฤษเป็นสิ่งที่จำเป็นจะต้องมี

กรณีที่อยู่นอกสหราชอาณาจักร:

• ผู้ปกครองจะต้องมีอายุมากกว่า 18 ปี
• คำร้องที่มีผลบังคับใช้เพื่อเข้าประเทศจะต้องจัดทำขึ้นโดยผู้ปกครอง
• ผู้ปกครองจะต้องสามารถให้ความอำนวยสะดวกในสิ่งที่เขาหรือเธอต้องการได้ โดยไม่ต้องพึ่งพากองทุนสาธารณะ
• ทักษะภาษาอังกฤษเป็นสิ่งที่จำเป็นจะต้องมี

นอกจากสิ่งที่ต้องใช้ที่กล่าวมาข้างต้นแล้ว ผู้ปกครองซึ่งไม่ว่าจะอยู่ภายในหรือภายนอกประเทศ จะต้องมีสิ่งที่จำเป็นต้องใช้ให้เหมาะสม ซึ่งเป็นไปตาม Appendix FM ของกฎการอพยพเข้าเมืองในประเทศสหราชอาณาจักร

ในกรณีที่ผู้ปกครองมีสิ่งที่ต้องใช้ไม่ครบถ้วนสำหรับการขอวีซ่านี้ เขาหรือเธอก็อาจจะยังคงได้รับอนุญาตให้อยู่อาศัยบนพื้นฐานบางอย่าง ภายใต้เงื่อนไขนี้ ผู้ปกครองก็จะสามารถยื่นคำร้องขอตั้งถิ่นฐานถาวรหลังจากอยู่อาศัยในสหราชอาณาจักรไปแล้ว 10 ปีเท่านั้น

คุณอาจจะต้องการคุยกับหนึ่งในที่ปรึกษาแผนกวีซ่าประเทศสหราชอาณาจักรของเรา เพื่อสอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับวีซ่าประเภทนี้

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If you are the parent of a child that is either a British citizen or is settled in the UK you have the right to enter and remain for 12 months, provided that you have certain qualifications. Once the 12 months have passed you can apply for an indefinite leave to remain even if the child has turned 18 - provided the child has not formed an independent family unit and is not living an independent life.

Eligibility

• You must be the parent of a child who is living in the UK;
• You must show evidence that you have access rights to the child in the form of a UK court granted Order
• There will be adequate accommodation for you and any dependents without recourse to public funds in accommodation which you own or occupy exclusively; and
• You will be able to maintain yourself and any dependents adequately without recourse to public funds.
• You must provide evidence either for having the sole responsibility to care for the child or for taking an active role in the child's upbringing.

Application Guidelines

The parent can apply for this visa whether he or she is inside the UK or is abroad. The requirements are as follows:

If inside the UK:

• The parent must not be holding a visitor visa and is not in the UK for temporary admission.
• The parent was not granted permission to stay in the country for less than 6 months
• A valid application for leave to remain must be made by the parent.
• He or she must not be in the UK breach of the Immigration rules, though a period of less than 28 days that they remained in the UK after the permitted stay is allowed.
• A specified evidence must be provided which proves that the parent can accommodate his or her needs without relying on public funds.
• The English language requirement must be met.

If outside the UK:

• The parent must be over 18 years of age.
• A valid application for entry clearance must be made by the parent.
• The parent must be able to maintain accommodation of his or her needs without relying on public funds.
• The English language requirement must be met.

Aside from the qualifications mentioned above, the parent, who is either inside or outside the country, must meet the suitability requirement which is based on Appendix FM of the immigration rules in the UK.

You may want to speak with one of our UK Visa consultants to know more about this visa category.

The visa for the adult dependent relative, under the UK Family Visa category, allows the applicant to come and live permanently with someone who is a permanent resident in the UK. The applicant must obtain a visa before he or she can travel, and the visa must be applied outside the country. Once their application is approved, they will be granted with an "indefinite leave to enter or remain."

You can apply for a UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa if you are a dependent on a family member who is settled in the UK. You can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK if you are aged 18 or over and a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a British citizen. In addition to this you will need to meet the strict criteria set by the government.

Eligibility

The qualifications for a dependent relative to apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK are as follows:

• Age of 18 years or above
• The parent, grandparent, brother, sister or child of a British citizen or person settled in the UK

Additional Guidelines

In order to qualify for the adult dependent visa, the applicant must satisfy the following conditions:

• The applicant needs a long-term care and aid to perform everyday tasks.
• The long-term needs of the applicant is not available in the country where they live, either due to its unavailability or is not affordable.
• The person who is settled in the UK can show that he or she is able to provide adequate support, settlement and care for the applicant through their own means and not relying on the UK public funds for a period of at least 5 years.

To confirm that the sponsor will take responsibility on the needs of the adult dependent relative, he or she will need to sign a sponsorship undertaking form. This is one of the supporting document required for the visa application. Furthermore, the applicant will also need to enroll his or her biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial image, at a visa application center. Other documents may be required depending on your location.

If you wish to know more information, our UK Visa staff will be more than glad to assist you.

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หากผู้ปกครองทั้งสองหรือคนใดคนหนึ่งของบุตรอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักร บุตรสามารถสมัครวีซ่าเพื่ออาศัยในสหาราชอาณาจักรได้ กรุณาติดต่อเราเพื่อสอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม

วีซ่าสำหรับบุตรและคุณสมบัติต่างๆ

คุณสมบัติของผู้ปกครอง

ความหมายของ “ผู้ปกครอง” คือ บิดามารดาผู้ให้กำเนิดและพ่อและแม่บุญธรรม

• ผู้ปกครองหรือญาติที่จะสปอนเซอร์จะต้องอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักร หรือผู้ปกครองทั้งสองกำลังจะสมัครวีซ่าไปอยู่สหราชอาณาจักร หรือ
• ผู้ปกครองคนใดคนหนึ่งจะต้องอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรหรือกำลังจะสมัครวีซ่าไปสหราชอาณาจักร
• ผู้ปกครองคนใดคนหนึ่งจะต้องอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรหรือกำลังจะสมัครวีซ่าไปสหราชอาณาจักร และผู้ปกครองของเด็กอีกคนหนึ่งเสียชีวิตแล้ว
• ผู้ปกครองคนใดคนหนึ่งจะต้องอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรหรือกำลังจะสมัครวีซ่าไปสหราชอาณาจักรและมีอำนาจปกครองบุตรฝ่ายเดียว
• ผู้ปกครองคนใดคนหนึ่งจะต้องอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรหรือกำลังจะสมัครวีซ่าไปสหราชอาณาจักร และมีเหตุจำเป็นที่จะต้องนำบุตรไปอาศัยอยู่ด้วย

คุณสมบัตรของบุตร

• จะต้องมีอายุต่ำกว่า 18 ปี และไม่มีบุตร หรือสมรสกับบุคคลอื่น

คุณสมบัติด้านการเงิน

• จะต้องมีเงินที่สามารถเลี้ยงดูบุตรได้โดยไม่อาศัยเงินสนับสนุนจากรัฐบาล

หากคุณสมบัติไม่ครบถ้วนวีซ่าจะถูกปฏิเสธ

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If both the parents of a child under 18 living outside the UK are present and settled in the UK the child can apply for a child visa for indefinite leave in the UK. If only one parent is present and settled in the UK, it may still may be possible to apply for a child visa. Contact us for information on how to apply.

UK Child Visa Eligibility Requirements

Parent Requirements:

The term "parent" includes the biological parent of the child, the stepfather or stepmother of a child whose father or mother is dead, and the adoptive parent in certain circumstances.

• The sponsoring parent or relative must be present and settled in the UK; or both parents should be applying to be admitted on the same occasion for settlement; or
• One parent must be present and settled in the UK and the other should be applying to be admitted on the same occasion for settlement; or
• One parent must be present and settled in the UK or should be applying to be admitted on the same occasion for settlement and the other parent is deceased; or
• One parent must be present and settled in the UK or applying to be admitted on the same occasion for settlement and has had sole responsibility for the child`s upbringing; or
• One parent or the relevant relative must be present and settled in the UK or applying to be admitted on the same occasion for settlement and there are serious and compelling family or other considerations which make exclusion of the child undesirable and suitable arrangements have been made for the child's care.

Child Requirements:

• The child should be under 18 years of age and not leading an independent life, nor be married and have formed an independent family unit.

Financial Requirements:

• There must be sufficient funds for adequately maintaining and accommodating the child without recourse to UK public funds.

If any of the relevant requirements are not shown to be met the application for a child for indefinite leave to enter will be refused.

Many Britons want to bring their foreign spouse and family to live with them in the United Kingdom. A British citizen or a person who reside in the UK may petition to bring their family members to the United Kingdom under the UK Family Visa.

The process begins at the British Embassy in Bangkok where the main applicant has obtained their work permit. The applicant’s family members can apply for an entry-clearance at the same time as the main applicant. Siam Legal can provide assistance with the process for the applicant's spouse, fiancé, children, adult dependent relatives, or parents.

UK Spouse Visa

We can assist you on how to apply for a visa in the UK for your spouse and family members.

UK Fiancé(e) Visa

If you want to bring your fiancé or civil partner to the United Kingdom to get married, you can apply for a UK Fiancé visa for a permission to stay for 6 months.

UK Visa for Children

You can bring your child, including adopted children, to the United Kingdom with you. It is done by applying for a UK visa under the child category.

UK Adult Dependent Relatives Visa

Adult Dependent Relative Visas are available for parents and grandparents, siblings and children (who are over 18 years old) of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. Information how to apply for a UK adult dependent relatives visa can be found on our website.

UK Parent Visa

If you are a parent of a child in the UK, you can apply for a UK parent visa outside the country and enter the UK to be with your children.

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วีซ่าท่องเที่ยวเป็นวีซ่าสำหรับผู้สมัครที่ประสงค์จะเดินทางไปสหราชอาณาจักรเพื่อการท่องเที่ยว เยี่ยมครอบครัว รวมไปถึงการเดินทางเพื่อธุรกิจ การสมัครวีซ่านั้นจำเป็นสำหรับบุคคลสัญชาติไทย วีซ่าท่องเที่ยวสำหรับบุคคลสัญชาติไทยจะมีอายุ 6 เดือน ศูนย์ยื่นวีซ่าสหราชอาณาจักรในกรุงเทพฯ รับใบสมัครวีซ่าทุกประเภทและได้รับมอบหมายจากสำนักงานวีซ่าและตรวจคนเข้าเมืองแห่งสหราชอาณาจักร

คุณสมบัติ

ผู้สมัครวีซ่าท่องเที่ยวสหราชอาณาจักรในประเทศไทยจะต้องมีคุณสมบัติดังนี้

• ผู้สมัครมีความประสงค์จะเดินทางไปสหราชอาณาจักรเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวตามระยะเวลาที่ระบุไว้ในใบสมัคร
• ผู้สมัครไม่ใช้วีซ่าท่องเที่ยวเพื่อประสงค์จะต่อวีซ่าในสหราชอาณาจักร
• ผู้สมัครไม่มีความประสงค์จะทำงานในสหราชอาณาจักร
• ผู้สมัครประสงค์จะศึกษาในสหราชอาณาจักรไม่เกิน 30 วัน
• ผู้สมัครจะต้องสามารถสปอนเซอร์ตนเองได้โดยไม่เป็นภาระของกองทุนรัฐบาล หากผู้สมัครประสงค์จะอาศัยอยู่กับญาติหรือเพื่อนในสหราชอาณาจักร ผู้สมัครจะต้องแสดงหลักฐานว่าบุคคลเหล่านั้นอาศัยอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรอย่างถูกต้อง (หรือมีที่อยู่ขณะไปเยือนสหราชอาณาจักร) และประสงค์จะให้ที่พักหรือสนับสนุนด้านการเงิน
• ผู้สมัครจะเดินทางออกจากสหราชอาณาจักรภายในระยะเวลาที่กำหนด

คุณสมบัติ

• มีสัญชาติไทย
• ชาวต่างชาติที่มีถิ่นฐานอยู่ในประเทศไทย (เช่น ผู้ถือวีซ่าระยะยาวและมีใบอนุญาตทำงาน)

คุณสมบัติผู้สมัครวีซ่าท่องเที่ยวสหราชอาณาจักร

• มีความประสงค์จะไปท่องเที่ยวระยะสั้น - ไม่เกิน 6 เดือน
• จะเดินทางออกจากสหราชอาณาจักรภายในระยะเวลาที่กำหนด
• ผู้สมัครจะต้องมีค่าใช้จ่ายเพียงพอสำหรับการเดินทางกลับ
• ผู้สมัครจะต้องมีค่าใช้จ่ายเพียงพอสำหรับที่พักและการเดินทาง
• หลักฐานภาระผูกพันธ์ในประเทศไทยหรือเหตุผลที่จะเดินทางกลับมายังประเทศไทย

คุณสมบัติสำหรับสปอนเซอร์

• จดหมายเชิญ (โดยพลเมืองสหราชอาณาจักรหรือผู้พำนักถาวร)
• จดหมายรับรอง (โดยพลเมืองสหราชอาณาจักรหรือผู้พำนักถาวร)
• หลักฐานการทำงานของสปอนเซอร์

เอกสารอื่นๆที่เกี่ยวข้อง

สิ่งที่ไม่สามารถทำได้ขณะถือวีซ่าท่องเที่ยว

• เรียนในสหราชอาณาจักร
• ทำงานในสหราชอาณาจักร
• จดทะเบียนสมรสในสหราชอาณาจักร
• รักษาตัวในโรงพยาบาลในสหราชอาณาจักร (ยกเว้นกรณีเจ็บป่วยฉุกเฉิน)
• ไม่เป็นผู้โดยสารที่เปลี่ยนเครื่องยังประเทศอื่นที่ไม่ได้ระบุไว้ในแผนการเดินทาง

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The visitor visa is the most popular single route for individuals coming to the UK for tourism, visiting family as well as business visits. Entry clearance is necessary for Thai nationals for travel to the UK. A UK Visitor Visa for Thai nationals can be granted for visits of six month. The VFS UK visa application center in Bangkok accepts applications for all visa categories and is officially authorized by the UK Visa and Immigration.

Qualifications

Applicants for a UK Visitors Visa Thailand as a tourist or visitor must show:

• that the applicant is genuinely seeking to enter the UK for a limited period of time as requested in the application;
• that the applicant is not using the visitor visa as a means for extended stays to live in the UK through extensions or multiple successive visits;
• that the applicant will not work in the United Kingdom for remuneration or for free;
• that the applicant will not produce goods or provide services including the selling of goods or services to the public;
• if the applicant is attending an educational course in the UK, that it is not the main purpose of the visit and not longer than 30 days;
• that the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves on their visit without the need of public funds or employment. If the applicant will be accommodated by relatives or friends in the UK, they have to provide a statement that they are legally present in the UK (or will be at the time of the visit) and intend to provide accommodations and support;
• that the applicant has the means to leave the United Kingdom at the end of their stay.

Eligibility

• Thai national
• Foreigner holding residence status in Thailand (e.g. with a Non-Immigrant visa and work permit)

UK Tourist Visa Requirements

• Intent to visit the UK for a short period - no more than 6 months.
• Intent to leave the UK after the end of your visit
• Demonstrate that you can meet the cost of the return or onward journey
• Must show that you have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK
• Evidence of strong ties to Thailand or compelling reasons that they will come back

In the case of sponsorship,

• Letter of invitation (by a UK citizen or permanent resident)
• Letter of sponsorship (by a UK citizen or permanent resident)
• Evidence of stable employment by sponsor

Other supporting documents relevant to the application

Activities not permitted on a general visitor visa

• Must not intend to study in the UK
• Must not intend to charge the public for services provided or goods received
• Must not intend to undertake business, sport or entertainer visitor activities
• Must not intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK
• Must not intend to receive private medical treatment during your visit to the UK
• Must not be a transit passenger to a country outside the Common Travel Area

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วีซ่าสำหรับคู่สมรสของชาวสหราชอาณาจักรอนุญาตให้คู่สมรสของพลเมืองสหราชอาณาจักรหรือผู้อยู่อาศัยถาวร (ผู้ถือ ILR) ย้ายไปอยู่สหราชอาณาจักรกับคู่สมรส

การสมัครวีซ่าคู่สมรสให้กับคู่สมรสชาวไทยสามารถทำได้ที่กรุงเทพฯ ประเทศไทย สถานเอกอัครราชทูตสหราชอาณาจักรในกรุงเทพฯ จะดำเนินการใบสมัครวีซ่าทั้งหมด ระเวลาการดำเนินการขึ้นอยู่กับจำนวนใบสมัครที่สถานเอกอัครราชทูตได้รับ วีซ่าคู่สมรสมีอายุ 2 ปี 9 เดือน

คุณสมบัติ

• คู่สมรสต้องมีอายุมากกว่า 18 ปี
• คู่สมรสต้องเคยพบกันและจดทะเบียนสมรสอย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมายแล้ว
• คู่สมรสจะต้องมีความประสงค์อยู่ด้วยกันถาวร
• ผู้สมัครจะต้องผ่านการวัดระดับภาษาอังกฤษ
• สปอนเซอร์จะต้องผ่านกฎการเงิน
• หากผู้สมัครสมรสกับพลเมืองสหราชอาณาจักร วีซ่าที่ได้จะมีอายุ 2 ปี 9 เดือน
• หากคู่สมรสยังคงสถานะการสมรสและอาศัยอยู่ร่วมกัน ผู้สมัครจะสามารถต่อวีซ่าในสหราชณาจักรออกไปอีกได้เป็นระยะเวลา 2 ปี 6 เดือน
• หากอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรมากกว่า 5 ปี และมีคุณสมบัติครบถ้วน จะสามารถสมัครเป็นผู้อยู่อาศัยถาวรได้ (ILR)

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A UK Spouse visa Thailand allows married partners of UK citizens or permanent residents (mainly those with indefinite leave to remain) to immigrate to the UK.

Obtaining your UK Marriage Visa or applying for a UK Spouse Visa for your Thai spouse can be completed in Bangkok, Thailand. The Visa section of the British embassy in Bangkok processes UK spouse visa application and other settlement visa applications. The processing time depends on the volume of UK visa Thailand applications received by the British embassy. A UK Spouse Visa Thailand is valid for two years and 9 months.

ELIGIBILITY

• The parties must be 18 years old or over.
• Both parties must have met each other and be legally married.
• The married couple must intend to live together permanently.
• The spouse must meet English language requirements.
• The petitioner must meet the minimum financial requirements.
• If you are married to a British citizen, you may be granted a UK Spouse Visa for a probationary period of 2 years and 9 months.
• If you are still married and living together at the end of that period in the UK, you will be eligible to apply for a Leave to Remain which entitles further stay of 2 years and 6 months.
• If you have been together for five years or more inside the UK and still meet the requirement, you will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence in the UK).

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วีซ่าคู่หมั้นสหราชอาณาจักรคล้ายกับวีซ่าคู่สมรส สิ่งที่แตกต่างกันคือผู้สมัครจะต้องมีความประสงค์ที่จะจดทะเบียนสมรสในสหราขอาณาจักรภายใน 6 เดือนหลังจากที่ได้วีซ่า

ขั้นตอนคือเริ่มจากการสมัครวีซ่าผ่านสถานเอกอัครราขทูต หลังที่ที่วีซ่าได้รับอนุมัติ ผู้สมัครสามารถอยู่ในสหราชอาณาจักรได้เป็นเวลา 6 เดือน และจะต้องจดทะเบียนสมรสภายในระยะเวลาที่กำหนด

ผู้สมัครไม่จำเป็นต้องมีคุณสมบัติทางด้านการเงิน แต่สปอนเซอร์จะต้องมีรายได้อย่างน้อย 18,600 ปอนด์ต่อปี เพื่อผ่านคุณสมบัติด้านการเงิน และเพิ่มอีก 3,800 ปอนด์หากมีบุตร 1 คนรวมอยุ่ในใบสมัคร และเพิ่มอีกคนละ 2,400 ปอนด์หากมีมากกว่า 1 คน ถ้าหากผู้สมัครทำงานในสหราชอาณาจักร รายได้ของผู้สมัครจะสามารถนำมารวมกับสปอนเซอร์เพื่อทำวีซ่าให้บุตรได้ในอนาคต ในกรณีที่สมัครแยกกัน

หลังจากที่จดทะเบียนสมรสแล้ว ผู้สมัครจะต้องสมัครหรือเปลี่ยนประเภทวีซ่าเป็นวีซ่าคู่สมรสในสหราชอาณาจักร ซึ่งจะทำให้สามารถทำงานได้อย่างอิสระและอาศัยในสหราชอาณาจักรต่อไปอีกเป็นเวลา 2 ปี 9 เดือน

หากความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างผู้สมัครและคู่สมรสยังดำเนินต่อไป ผู้สมัครจะสามารถต่อวีซ่าและอยู่ต่ออีก 2 ปี 6 เดือน และหากอยู่ครบ 5 ปีและผู้สมัครมีคุณสมบัติครบถ้วน ผู้สมัครจะสามารถสมัครเป็นผู้อยู่อาศัยถาวรของสหราชอาณาจักรได้อย่างไม่มีกำหนด (ILR)

ผู้สมัครสามารถนำบุตรที่มีอายุมากกว่า 18 ปี ติดตามไปได้ ในกรณีที่บุตรอยู่ในภาวะพิการและช่วยเหลือตัวเองไม่ได้

คุณสมบัติของผู้สมัครวีซ่าคู่สมรส

• ทั้งสองฝ่ายจะต้องเป็นผู้มีอายุมากกว่า 18 ปีบริบูรณ์ ณ วันที่ยื่นใบสมัคร
• เป็นบุคคลสัญชาติไทย หรือสัญชาติอื่นที่มีถิ่นฐานอยู่ในประเทศไทย
• ทั้งสองฝ่ายมีอิสระในการสมรส
• ทั้งสองฝ่ายจะต้องพบกับมาก่อน

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The requirements for immigration on a UK Fiancée Visa are very similar to a UK Spouse Visa. The difference is that the British resident or a British citizen must have the intent to getting married to the fiancée within 6 months of their entry into the United Kingdom.

The process begins with an application for entry at the local embassy or consulate. Once the visa application is approved, the fiancé will be allowed to stay in the UK for six months. You must then get married to your British fiancé within the given amount of time.

The applicant does not have any financial requirements but the British partner is required to have a minimum gross income of £18,600 plus £3,800 for the first sponsored child and £2,400 for each additional sponsored child. The amount must be maintained for the duration of the applicant’s stay in the United Kingdom. When the applicant enters the United Kingdom and begins working, the applicant’s income can be included in the gross income amount.

The applicant must then apply for a UK Spouse Visa from within the UK once they are married. This will provide them with the ability to work freely and live without restrictions in the UK for 2 years and 9 months.

If the relationship is still continuing after this period, you may then apply for Leave to Remain (LR) and stay for another 2 years and 6 months, and finally become eligible to apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for permanent stay in the UK.

The Fiancé's children who are over 18 years old can apply for entry into the UK as dependents if they have a mental or physical condition forces them to be dependent on the fiancé.

UK Fiancee Visa Eligibility

• Both Parties must be over the age of 18 at the time of the application
• Thai national or a foreigner holding residence status in Thailand
• Both parties are free to marry
• You must have met your future spouse

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Visa Or Entry Clearance

Some country nationals require permission to just visit the UK. These are known as UK Visa Nationals. These include nationals of Thailand and the Philippines. However, an Entry Clearance is required to all nationals (excluding those from the EU) who wish to go to the UK for longer than 6 months, or to work, study, or settle. For example: A citizen of Singapore does not require a Visa to visit the UK, but if they wish to work there, they will be required to obtain an Entry Clearance.

Outsourced Visas

The UK Embassy in Bangkok is in partnership with VFS (Thailand) also known as the UK Application Center. You should tender your UK visa application at the VFS office which in turn forward your application to the UK Embassy. It is not VFS who decides on your visa application. The Visa Section of the British Embassy in governed by UK Border Agency or (UKBA). UKBA is an agency of the UK's Home Office.

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How long is the application process?

In general, non-settlement category visas such as visitor visas typically take up to 15 working days to be processed. If the client has previously travelled to the UK, or the US, New Zealand, Australia or to any Schengen countries in the last 5 years, processing time could be lessen to 5 - 7 business days. Settlement category visas, on the other hand, can take between 2 - 3 months.

Note that the length of time that it takes to process an application is not always the same. Delays can occur as the British Embassy might ask for additional documents or other evidences. Furthermore, you can also check the progress of your application online, but you will not know the outcome of your application until collection of the documents.

When is the interview?

Only some people require an interview and it is usually because the Visa Officer requires further clarification. This interview is usually conducted over the phone with the Embassy's interpreter. There is no interview on submission.

Need help with UK Visa for Thai application?

Before doing anything, get a consultation with our Senior UK Visa & Immigration Specialist. You can also leave us a message for more information on UK Visa applications from Thailand.

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การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ: ข้อกำหนดทั่วไป

การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะคือกระบวนการเพื่อจะทำให้กลายเป็นผู้ที่มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวรอย่างถูกต้องตามกฏมหายโดยไม่จำเป็นที่จะต้องออกจากประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะจะแตกต่างจากวิธีการของการได้รับถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยโดยถาวร ขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า CR-1 และ IR-1 ณ สถานกงสุลต่างประเทศ

กฏของการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะคือ ตามที่ §245 แห่งพระราชบัญญัติคนเข้าเมืองและสัญชาติ [The Immigration and Nationality Act “INA”] ตามพระราชบัญญัติคนเข้าเมืองและสัญชาติ [The Immigration and Nationality Act “INA” §245 (a)] สถานะของคนต่างด้าวผู้ได้รับการตรวจสอบและอนุญาตให้เข้า ประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา อาจเปลี่ยนแปลงโดยอัยการสูงสุดในการใช้ดุลยพินิจของเขาอันอยู่ภายใต้กฏหมายดังกล่าว ในขณะที่เขาอาจกำหนดให้คนต่างด้าวได้รับการอนุญาตให้เข้าอย่างถูกต้องตามกฏหมายสำหรับถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร ถ้า:

1. คนต่างด้าวเป็นผู้ยื่นเพื่อการเปลี่ยนแปลง
2. คนต่างด้าวมีสิทธิได้รับวีซ่าอพยพและเป็นที่ยอมรับในการเข้าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาเพื่อมีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยแบบถาวร
3. วีซ่าอพยพ จะมีผลใช้ได้ทันทีหลังจากที่ได้ยื่นเอกสารแล้ว

เพื่อการสมัครสำหรับการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ วีซ่าอพยพ จะสามารถใช้ได้ทันทีหลังการยื่นเอกสารเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ และไม่เป็นปัญหาในกรณีของผู้ถือวีซ่า K-1 และวีซ่า K-3 เพราะในการขอกรีนการ์ด จะไม่จำกัดจำนวนที่จะออกให้เครือญาติหรือผู้เกี่ยวข้อง คู่สมรสของผู้อพยพ การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะควรยื่นต่อผู้อำนวยการเขตที่ USCIS ในเขตที่อยู่อาศัยของผู้ยื่นคำขอ

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การตัดสินใจของการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ?

ควรจะสังเกตว่า การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะขึ้นอยู่กับการตัดสินใจของ USCIS ซึ่งอาจได้รับการอนุมัติ หรือในบางครั้งอาจถูกปฎิเสธได้ แม้ว่าจะไม่มีผลตามกฏหมายที่จะทำเช่นนั้นได้

ในความเป็นจริง USCIS ให้การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ เมื่อคนต่างด้าวนั้นมีสิทธิถูกต้องตามกฏหมาย ตามพระราชบัญญัติ และไม่มีปัจจัยลบ “Negative factors” เมื่อมีปัจจัยลบ ปัจจัยเหล่านี้จะถูกนำมาชั่งน้ำหนักบวกลบ “Positive factors” เพื่อที่จะนำมาเป็นปัจจัยร่วมในการตัดสินใจว่าคุณจะได้รับการอนุมัติเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะหรือไม่ ทั้งญาติสนิท คู่สมรส ก็เป็นปัจจัยสำคัญในการที่จะผ่านความเห็นชอบในการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะอีกด้วย

ถ้าการที่ผู้ยื่นคำร้องเข้ามาในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาโดยวีซ่าชั่วคราว เช่น วีซ่าท่องเที่ยว แต่มีเจตนาที่จะพำนักอยู่ในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาเกินกำหนด กรณีนี้จะถูกตรวจสอบว่ากำลังพยายามทำการทุจริตต่อ USCIS ซึ่งจะนำมาด้วยบทลงโทษทางอาญา และจะถูกเนรเทศให้ออกจากราชอาณาจักร หรือไม่ได้รับการอนุมัติในคำร้องต่างๆ แม้ว่าการกระทำนี้ จะไม่ได้เป็นการกระทำผิดหรือบิดเบือนความจริงโดยเจตนาก็ตาม แต่มันก็เพียงพอที่จะเป็นปัจจัยลบ ที่จะมีผลในการปฏิเสธคำร้องขอเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะได้

การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะและความจำเป็นของใบอนุญาตออกนอกประเทศชั่วคราว?

8 CFR §245.2 (a) (4) (ii), คือมาตราในการยกเลิกคำร้องขอเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ ถ้าบุคคลต่างด้าวหรือตัวผู้ขอนั้น เดินทางออกนอกประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาในระหว่างการรอผลการอนุมัติการขอเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ

บุคคลต่างด้าวหรือตัวผู้ขอนั้น สามารถยื่นคำร้องขอเดินทางออกนอกประเทศชั่วคราวได้ในระหว่างการรอผล เพื่อเป็นหลักประกันว่าคำร้องของเขาหรือเธอนั้น จะไม่ถูกยกเลิก การขออนุญาตออกนอกราชอาณาจักรชั่วคราวนี้ ยังเป็นทางเลือกสำหรับบุคคลต่างด้าวหรือตัวผู้ขอเอง ในการออกนอกประเทศด้วยเหตุผลส่วนตัว หรือเหตุผลทางธุรกิจอีกด้วย

การเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะที่สัมพันธ์กับวีซ่า K-1 และวีซ่า K-3

บุคคลต่างด้าวภายใต้การถือวีซ่าคู่หมั้น K-1 หรือภายใต้วีซ่าคู่สมรส K-3 แบบชั่วคราวนั้น อาจมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงในเงื่อนไขของการมีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยแบบถาวร สำหรับพลเมืองชาวสหรัฐอเมริกาผู้ยื่นคำร้องขอวีซ่า K-1 หรือวีซ่า K-3 นั้น จะต้องยื่นคำร้องสำหรับการขอเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะด้วย ผู้อพยพทั้งหมดที่ขาดคุณสมบัติภายใต้เงื่อนไขการขอพำนักอาศัยแบบถาวรในประเทศสหรัฐ อเมริกานั้น หากเงื่อนไขการมีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถูกยกเลิกลง (หลังจาก 2 ปีผ่านไปแล้ว) ผู้อพยพสามารถร้องเรียนภายใต้เงื่อนไขสถานะการยกเลิกนั้น ภายหลังที่ผู้อพยพมีที่อยู่อาศัยแบบถาวรแล้ว

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is the procedure for aliens to change from a nonimmigrant status to immigrant status without leaving the United States. Those who adjust status become a lawful U.S. Permanent Resident. The alien is required to have been inspected, admitted or paroled into the United States.

Before applying for adjustment of status, there are three aspects which the alien must understand.

1. The alien who entered the United States must have been inspected, admitted, or paroled into the United States. An alien who entered the United States without inspection (sneaking across the border), is not eligible for adjustment and must pursue visa processing at a consulate, even if his is an "immediate relative" of a U.S. citizen.
2. Any violation of U.S. immigration status in the alien’s history, including a brief overstay or unauthorized employment, may disqualify most aliens (not "immediate relatives" of U.S. Citizens and some employment-based immigrations) from adjusting status.
3. Travel outside the United States without advance parole or existing permission may cancel a pending adjustment of status application and may prevent the alien from reentering the United States.

In order to apply for an adjustment of status, an immigrant visa must be immediately available to the alien when his or her adjustment application is filed. This is not a problem in the case of a K-1 or K-3 Visa holders because an unlimited number of "green cards" (permanent residence cards) can be issued to immigrants who are immediate relatives, i.e. spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.

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Another way to sponsor the immigration of a foreign spouse is through the IR-1 visa petitions. Under the IR visa category, other immediate relatives of the qualified sponsor can be petitioned to immigrate to the US.

Who can qualify for an IR visa petition?

A US citizen or a legal permanent resident can file a petition for IR visa to an immediate relative who can be one of the following:

• Legally wedded more than two years
• Children below 21 years old
• Parents

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IR Application Process

It takes roughly 6 months to a year, on average, before the IR petition is approved from the filing date until the issuance, given that all required documents are timely provided. Here is an overview of the process for IR applications:

1. The US citizen sponsor initially files the IR petition with the USCIS.
2. The National Visa Center receives notification of approval of the petition.
3. The National Visa Center then instructs both the petitioner and the IR applicant to submit the processing fees.
4. After the processing fees are settled, the petitioner and the IR applicant are informed by the NVC about the required documents to be prepared and submitted.
5. The applicant and the petitioner needs to provide all the required documents in a timely manner to avoid any delay on the application.

In addition, all biographical data that will be obtain during the process must be accurate and complete. There are occasions when the NVC will request for additional documents, and make sure to respond in a timely manner.

วีซ่า CR-1 คืออะไร?

วีซ่า CR-1 คือ เงื่อนไขถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัย (Conditional Resident) เป็นวีซ่าช่วยให้ผู้ยื่นได้รับ Conditional Resident เมื่อมาถึงสหรัฐอเมริกาการวีซ่า CR-1 ยังสามารถทำงานได้ทันทีเมื่อมาถึงสหรัฐอเมริกา Conditional Resident โดยปกติจะได้รับกรีนการ์ด ทางจดหมายในเวลา 2-3 เดือนหลังจากมาถึง สถานะผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร ถูกพิจารณาจากเงื่อนไขการตรวจคนเข้าเมือง ต้องพิสูจน์ว่าเขาไม่ได้สมรสกันเพียงเพื่อเป็นอุบายใช้หลีกเลี่ยงกฏหมายตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของสหรัฐอเมริกา

Conditional Resident และคู่สมรสพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา จะต้องให้ความร่วมกัน เพื่อย้ายสถานะ และมีสถานะของผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร (Permanent Residence) แนะนำให้ยื่นภายใน 90 วัน ก่อนการสิ้นสุดวีซ่าคู่สมรส 2 ปี เหมือน Conditional Resident ถ้าผู้ยื่นคำขอย้ายสถานะเงื่อนไขไม่ได้ยื่นหลังจากนั้น คู่สมรสที่อพยพอาจสูญเสียสถานะ Conditional Resident ของเธอ และจะส่งผลในกรณีที่ต้องออกจากประเทศ

วีซ่า K-3 กับวีซ่าอพยพ (CR-1, IR-1) อันไหนเหมาะสมกับคุณและคู่หมั้นของคุณ?

วีซ่า K-3 ถูกสร้างขึ้นมาเพื่อช่วยให้คู่สมรสของพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกาให้ได้รับวีซ่าอย่างรวดเร็วเพื่อเข้าสหรัฐอเมริกา โดยไม่ต้องรอวีซ่าอพยพ (CR-1, IR-1) ว่างเสียก่อน อย่างไรก็ตาม สำหรับวีซ่าคู่สมรส K-3 ของพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกาไม่มีจำนวนจำกัดในแต่ละปี ในการขอวีซ่า CR-1 หรือ IR-1 เพราะวีซ่าพวกนี้เปิดโอกาสให้ขอได้ทันทีและตลอดเวลา

ความแตกต่างอย่างเดียวระหว่าง K-3 และวีซ่าอพยพ (CR-1 และ IR-1) คือระยะเวลาของกระบวนการ USCIS ต้องใช้มาตราฐานเดียวกัน ทั้งคำร้อง CR-1 และ IR-1สำหรับคู่สมรสของพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา สำหรับคำร้องวีซ่า K-3 สำหรับคู่สมรสของพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา โดยปกติใช้เวลายาวนานกว่าประมาณ 2-3 เดือน สำหรับการดำเนินการวีซ่า CR-1 และ IR-1 เพราะศูนย์วีซ่าแห่งชาติ (National Visa Center) ใช้เวลาในกระบงนมากมากขึ้นกับวีซ่าประเภทนี้

วีซ่า K-3 จะใช้เวลาเร็วขึ้น แต่ว่าคู่สมรสผู้เข้ามาในประเทศโดยวีซ่าK-3 ต้องเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะของเขา/เธอ เพื่อที่อยู่อาศัยซึ่งมีเงื่อนไข (Conditional Residency) หลังจากที่เขา/เธอเข้ามาในสหรัฐอเมริกา จะช่วยประหยัดเวลาและเงินโดยการได้รับวีซ่า K-3 ถูกสร้างขึ้นเพื่อความต้องการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ เงื่อนไขการลงทุนของเวลาและเงิน

ถ้าคุณกำลังมองหาหนทางที่จะทำให้คู่สมรสของคุณเข้ามาในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา เร็วเท่าที่มันจะเป็นไปได้ เราขอแนะนำให้ขอ วีซ่า K-3 อย่างไรก็ตาม ถ้าคุณไม่รีบเร่งที่จะให้คู่สมรสของคุณเดินทางเข้าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา ณ ตอนนี้ เราขอแนะนำวีซ่าให้ขอวีซ่าอพยพ (CR-1 และ IR-1) จะมีความเหมาะสมมากกว่า

ฉันจะยื่นขอวีซ่า CR-1 หรือ IR-1 สำหรับคู่สมรสจากประเทศไทย?

เมื่อคู่สมรสของคุณได้รับวีซ่า CR-1 พวกเขาจะสามารถมาอาศัยกับคุณได้ในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา เพราะวีซ่า CR-1 คือ "Multiple Entry Visa"

ช่วงเวลาที่น่ากลัวและสับสน ในกระบวนการรอผลของวีซ่า CR-1ในประเทศไทย อาจเป็นช่วงเวลาที่ทำคุณรู้สึกท้อแท้ แต่คุณไม่ต้องตระหนก ขั้นตอนนี้สามารถรับมือได้โดยผู้เชี่ยวชาญ โดยเรา สยาม ลีเกิ้ล มีประวัติที่เป็นข้อพิสูจน์มาแล้วกับวีซ่า CR-1 ว่าประสบการณ์มากมายของเรานั้น สามารถช่วยให้คุณเร่งขั้นตอนนี้ให้เร็วขึ้นได้ และเป็นมืออาชีพ ในการทำกระบวน CR-1 ของเรา

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If a US citizen has been married for less than two years when his or her foreign spouse become a lawful permanent resident in the US, then the foreign spouse gets residence on a conditional basis through the CR-1 (Conditional Residence) visa. The CR-1 is valid for two years following the entry date to the US.

Within 90 days prior to the expiration of the two-year residence period (from the date of the foreign spouse's entry), the US citizen, together with the spouse, must apply to USCIS to remove the condition to the residence.

Should We Apply for a K3 Visa or CR-1 Visa?

Under the category of Immigrant visa for a foreign spouse of a US citizen, there are types of visa which can be applied for. Aside from the CR-1, the other usual option is the K3 visa. It is important, therefore, to contemplate on the different factors when deciding which visa is the more appropriate.

The K3 and CR-1 differs in the timeline for the whole application process. If you wish to bring your spouse to the US sooner, then the K3 visa route is the option to take. K3 visa application processes are several months faster than that of CR-1 applications.

However, if you are intending to acquire a green card for your spouse, you will have to consider the time that the adjustment of status will take to complete. It is also more costly in the long run. On a CR-1 visa, the foreign spouse immediately gets legal permanent residency upon entry to the US.

K3 visa holders are also not allowed to become legally employed in the US, not until they have secured a work authorization while on a CR-1 visa, the foreign spouse is granted the privilege to apply for a job at once.

How Do I Apply for a CR-1 Visa for my Spouse from Thailand?

The preparation of documents alone for the CR-1 application can be overwhelming and confusing to many. And practically speaking, It is not uncommon that the intending applicants become apprehensive about the outcome of their application, considering that they will have to put forth money, time, effort.

Here at TLS firm, we offer professional assistance to help you out with the entire process until you obtain your CR-1 visa. Our proven track record with CR-1 visa applications shall attest why we are the most preferred immigration company and firm in all across the Kingdom of Thailand.

The L-1 Intracompany Transfer visa allows multinational companies to send their key personnel to their U.S. operations temporarily and permanently. Managers, executives, and workers with specialized knowledge can obtained the L-1 classification and work in the United States for a period between five and seven years.

What are the requirements for L-1 Intracompany Transfer classification?

The law requires that the employee must have worked at least one year out of the last three years for the multinational firm, affiliate, or subsidiary and who seeks to render services for the same employer, subsidiary, or affiliate as a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge.

The U.S. office must have a corporate relationship with the foreign company abroad and there must be concrete evidence of the relationship. The U.S. entity must have physical office space in the United States and the office space must be an appropriate sized space to do business.

Can my wife and children come with me?

Yes, the L-1 status holder can bring their spouse and minor children to join him under the L-2 visa. The L-2 spouse is allowed to apply for employment authorization and can work anywhere in the United States. The L-2 minor child can attend U.S. public schools but cannot apply for employment authorization.

Can my company apply for Permanent Resident Status while in L-1 status?

L-1 Managers and executives are given priority status for permanent residence. Managers and executives can bypass the stringent Permanent Labor Certification process and the U.S. employer can file an employment immigration petition directly with the USCIS.

L-1 Specialized Knowledge employees must submit a permanent labor certification application with the Department of Labor with evidence that there are no U.S. residents or citizens who are able to fulfill the employment requirements. Upon receiving an approved certification from the Department of Labor, the U.S. employer can submit an application for immigration for the employer.

The process for applying for an intracompany transfer visa is complicated and time consuming. Prior to starting the process, it is important to speak to an experienced professional.

L-1 Visa Requirements

1. The Petitioning U.S. entity must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity abroad.
2. There must be a physical office for the U.S. office.
3. The new office must be active and operating within one year after the L-1’s admission to the United States if requesting an extension of stay.
4. After 1 year, the new office must support a managerial or executive position if you are requesting an extension of stay in the L-1A status.

What TLS can do for you

We offer professional and reliable assistance on L-1 Visa for individuals from countries that have an investment treaty with the United States. Our service package includes the following:

• Guidance on L-1 Investment Requirements
• Advice on the Formation of the U.S. Subsidiary
• Assistance with Obtaining IRS Tax ID Number
• Advice with Organizing Supporting Documents
• Guidance with the L-1 Support Letters
• Completing the L-1 Forms
• Monitoring the L-1 Case Processing
• Attorney Representation with the Consular Office
• Access to a Licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney
• L-1 Interview Preparation
• Advice on Maintaining L-1 Business Requirements Post-Visa

L-1 Visa Dependents

L-1 Visa holders can bring their spouse and minor children with them. An L-1 Spouse may apply for an employment authorization card to work in the U.S. L-1 Children can enter public or private schools in the United States.

Many people dream of coming to the United States and starting a business. However it is difficult to get a visa to enter the United States unless you have U.S. resident family members or an U.S. employer to sponsor you. There is another option for foreign nationals to temporary reside in the United States. Individuals from countries that have an investment treaty with the United States have the option of investing in a new business and entering the United States on an E-2 Investor Visa.

So what is required to apply for an E-2 Investment Visa?

1. Investment

   The amount of the investment is dependent on the type of the company. While there is no minimum stated amount, an investment closer to $100,000 or more increases the chance for approval.

2. Number of Investors

   There can be many partners from the treaty nation but only one partner can enter the United States on an E-2 to manage the business operation.

3. Control

   The business can have U.S. resident partners but investors from the treaty investor country must have control of the business.

4. Risk of Loss

   The E-2 investor must bear the risk of loss in case business failure. Loans secured by the investor's personal assets are allowed but loans secured by business assets is not allowed.

5. Type of Investment

   The investment must be in a physical business operation. Speculative or passive investments are not allowed.

What are the benefits of an E-2 Investment Visa?

• Managers and Specialty Employee

  E-2 Investors can petition to bring managers and specialty employees to run the business operation. The manager must be a high level manager that will run the business operation. The specialty employee must have “special skills” that is unique and required for the business.

• Derivative Family

  E-2 Investors and their E-2 Employees can bring their spouse and children under the age of 21 with them to the United States.

• Employment for E-2 Spouse

  The E-2 Spouse can obtain an unrestricted employment authorization document which will allow work anywhere in the United States.

• Schools for E-2 Children

  Children under 21 of E-2 status holders have similar educational benefits as U.S. residents such as entering local schools.

• No Extension Limits

  The E-2 Investment status can be extended in two year increments as long as the qualified investment enterprise is still in operation as outlined in the initial submission.

What TLS can do for you

We offer professional and reliable assistance on E-2 Investment Visa for individuals from countries that have an investment treaty with the United States. Our service package includes the following:

• Guidance on E-2 Investment Requirements
• Advice on the Formation of the Business
• Advice to Ensure the Proper Transfer of Funds
• Assistance with Obtaining IRS Tax ID Number
• Advice on the Opening of Financial Accounts
• Guidance with the Preparation of the Business Plan
• Packaging of the Documents
• Completing the E-2 Visa Form
• Monitoring the E-2 Case Processing
• Attorney Representation with the Consular Office
• Access to a Licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney
• E-2 Interview Preparation
• Advice on E-2 Business Requirements Post-Visa

The United States is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. However obtaining a US Tourist Visa at the US Embassy in Thailand can be difficult without a US immigration attorney. Thailand is not a visa waiver country. A Thai national who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a US Tourist Visa by submitting a US visa application at the US Embassy in Bangkok or US Consulate in Chiang Mai.

The US Tourist Visa allows a Thai citizen to travel to the United States. A B-2 Tourist Visa issued by the US Embassy Thailand may allow the Thai citizen to travel back and forth to the United States for up to 10 years. Each entry into the United States, the B-2 visa holder may be given authorized period of stay for up to six months.

The US Tourist Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a Thai citizen to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or as a tourist or visitor (B-2). If the purpose of your planned travel is for a holiday or vacation, including tourism, sightseeing, visits with friends or family, relaxation, hospital treatment, and activities of a social or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for entry into the United States.

US BUSINESS VISA THAILAND: If the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with potential business partners, travel for a investigation of new business leads, education endeavors, professional or business seminars, attend on conference, or negotiate a business deal, then a business (B-1) visitor visa would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. US Business visa applicants from Thailand have a high percentage of approval rate if you will show the proper supporting documents such as the Thai company registration, corporate tax receipts, VAT receipts, Thai employee social insurance payments, Thai bank account statements for the last 3 years, loans by the company, listing of business assets and the need for the applicant to attend to the business matter in the US.

US TOURIST VISA THAILAND: Applying for a Thai girlfriend to travel to the US for a short holiday to meet your friends and family will prove to be a difficult process. The Thai girlfriend will have to establish that they plan on returning to Thailand. If there is intent on getting married, officials at the US Embassy in Thailand would most likely deny the Tourist Visa application and advise the Thai girlfriend to apply for an appropriate visa such as K1 Visa Thailand.

Many US Citizens are not aware of this problem when encouraging their girlfriend to apply for a US tourist visa. The Thai girlfriend’s US tourist visa application is most likely to be rejected once the consulate officer discovers the romantic relationship during the US visa interview. The interviewing officer will assume that the applicant will stay in the US and not return to Thailand. Had the couple consulted the US Embassy officials in Bangkok prior to the tourist visa application they may have been advised to apply for the K1 Fiancé Visa in Thailand instead.

But, if the Thai applicant is a legitimate tourist, with intent of going to the US for sole tourism purpose, meet the financial requirement and visa eligibility, able to provide supporting documents for Tourist Visa application, then US Tourist Visa is for him/her.

Applying for a US Tourist Visa Thailand

Under U.S. law, applicants for a US Tourist Visa must qualify on their own for visas to visit the United States.

• Complete the required DS-160 online application form;
• Submit evidences that their visit is temporary
• Undergo security clearance review

Important Documents Needed for All Type of Applicants

• Application Form DS-160, completed and submitted
• Current, valid passport or travel document
• Passport 2x2 in Photograph
• Application fees.
• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses in the United States
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to Thailand

US Citizens often contact us and ask if they can write a letter of support for the Thai applicant to visit the United States. Under U.S. law, however, applicants for a US Tourist Visa must qualify on their own for visas to visit the United States.

This is what applicants must do to qualify for visitor visas:

• Complete and sign the required application forms;
• Bring evidence that their visit is temporary and that they will return home
• Show financial ability to fund their travel and stay in the US

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วีซ่า K3 คืออะไร?

ถ้าคุณสมรสกับชาวไทยและคุณเป็นชาวอเมริกัน คุณต้องยื่นขอวีซ่าคู่สมรส (K3 VISA) เพื่อนำภรรยาของคุณกลับไปที่สหรัฐอเมริกา กระบวนการยื่นขอวีซ่าคู่สมรส คือคุณต้องยื่นคำร้องสำหรับคู่สมรส ที่ประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา (I-130) คำร้องนั้นจะถูกยื่นมาที่ศูนย์บริการ(Service Center) แล้วศูนย์บริการจะแจ้งกลับไปหาคุณเมื่อได้รับเอกสารของคุณแล้ว คุณจะต้องยื่นคำร้อง I-129F เพื่อวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ที่ศูนย์บริการในเมืองชิคาโก (Chicago Center) และทางศูนย์บริการที่ชิคาโกจะส่งเอกสารคำร้องขอวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ของคุณไปที่ศูนย์บริการเมืองมิสซูรี (Missouri Center) เพื่อดำเนินการต่อไป เมื่อคำร้องวีซ่าสมรส K3 เสร็จสมบูรณ์ ก็จะถูกส่งมาที่สถานฑูตสหรัฐอเมริกาในกรุงเทพมหานคร

โปรดจำไว้ว่าขั้นตอนจะเหมือนกับการขอวีซ่า K1 แต่วีซ่า K3 จะดูซับซ้อนกว่า

ใครคือผู้มีสิทธิ์ได้รับวีซ่าสมรส K3 อย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย?

วีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ถูกสร้างเพื่อชาวอเมริกัน ซึ่งต้องการรับภรรยากลับไปที่สหรัฐอเมริกา ขั้นตอนจะใช้เวลายาวนานกว่าการยื่นขอวีซ่า K1 วีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 เป็นวีซ่าชั่วคราว (Non-immigrant Visa) ซึ่งหมายความว่าภรรยาของคุณจะไม่ได้รับถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร (Permanent Resident) เมื่อเธอมาถึงที่สหรัฐอเมริกา แต่เธอยังคงต้องยื่นขอการเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ (adjustment of status) อย่างไรก็ตามวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ก็ยังอนุญาตให้ภรรยาของคุณเดินทางออกนอกประเทศได้ ไม่เหมือนกับวีซ่า K1 เพราะจะเข้าประเทศได้ครั้งเดียว และภรรยาของคุณยังสามารถนำบุตรของเธอ ซึ่งอยู่ภายใต้วีซ่า K4 มาได้อีกด้วย แต่ในคำร้อง I-130 คุณอาจจะต้องการยื่นแยกกัน

ข้อกำหนดพื้นฐานสำหรับวีซ่าสมรส K3 มีดังต่อไปนี้

• คุณต้องเป็นพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกาและผู้รับผลประโยชน์ต้องเป็นคู่สมรสของคุณ
• คุณต้องมีคำร้องการเข้าเมืองที่รอการแต่งตั้งชื่อของภรรยาชาวไทยของคุณซึ่งเป็นผู้รับผลประโยชน์ ที USCIS
• การสมรสระหว่างคุณกับภรรยาชาวไทยต้องสมบูรณ์ ความหมายคือต้องเป็นไปตามข้อกำหนดในการสมรสที่ถูกต้องตามกฏหมายในประเทศไทยหรือประเทศ/อำนาจศาลที่คุณสามารถกันได้ และจะต้องไม่มีเรื่องใดๆที่เป็นอุปสรรค (เช่น การสมรสครั้งก่อนยังไม่สิ้นสุดลง) กับความสามารถในการสมรสใหม่ในช่วงเวลานั้น

หลังจากได้รับวีซ่าสมรส K3 แล้ว ภรรยาชาวไทยของคุณ (และบุตรของเธอซึ่งยังไม่ได้สมรส สามารถใช้วีซ่า K4) เดินทางมาที่ประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาและอาศัยอยู่กับคุณได้นานถึง 2 ปี อาจเป็นไปได้ว่าในระหว่างเวลานั้น USCIS จะอนุมัติคำร้องการเข้าเมืองที่คุณยื่นเอกสารไว้ และเธอจะสามารถยื่นขอเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ ซึ่งจะกลายเป็นผู้ที่มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยถาวร (Permanent Resident) ในสหรัฐอเมริกาได้ การได้รับวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ไม่ได้แปลว่าคุณจะสามารถได้รับ Spousal immigration VISA เร็วกว่าที่ควรจะเป็น อย่างไรก็ตามกระบวนการที่ศูนย์บริการ USCIS จะใช้เวลายาวนาน ซึ่งจะทำให้ภรรยาของคุณจะต้องอยู่ในประเทศไทยนานขึ้น แต่วีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 ก็เป็นวีซ่าที่จะช่วยทำให้คู่สมรสได้อยู่ร่วมกันเป็นครอบครัวอย่างพร้อมหน้าพร้อมตา

What is a K3 visa?

If you are married to a Thai citizen and you are an American, you have to apply for a K3 Marriage visa to take your wife back to the United States. The application process for the K3 Marriage visa is that you file for the Spousal Petition in the US (I-130). Once the petition is filed the Service Center will notify you that they have received the petition. Once this is completed you will then file a I-129F petition for the K3 Marriage Visa with the Chicago Center and they in turn send your K3 Marriage Visa application to the Missouri Center for further processing. Once this is completed the K3 Marriage Visa petition is sent to the US Embassy in Bangkok.

The remainder of the process is the same as that for the K1 Visa. If the K3 Marriage Visa sounds complicated, then you are correct as it is a bit more involved than the K1 Visa process.

Who is eligible for a K3 marriage visa?

The K3 Marriage Visa was created for Americans who want to bring their wife back to the United States. The processing times are longer than the average K1 Visa application though. The K3 MARRIAGE VISA is a 'non-immigrant' visa which means that your wife will not be a permanent resident when she arrives in the United States but would still have to apply for an adjustment of status. The K3 Marriage Visa does however allow your wife to travel aboard unlike the K1 Visa which is a once off visa. Your wife may also bring with her any children that she might have under a "K4" visa. The I-130 petitions however need to be filed separately.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the K3 Marriage Visa

• You must be a US citizen, and the beneficiary must be your spouse;
• There must be a pending immigration petition naming your Thai wife as a beneficiary on file with the USCIS;
• The marriage between you and your Thai wife must be valid, meaning that it has met all the requirements to have a valid marriage in Thailand or the country/jurisdiction where you married, and were not subject to any impediment (such as a non-terminated prior marriage) to your ability to marry at that time.

After obtaining a K3 Marriage visa, your Thai wife (and her unmarried minor children, using the K4 visa) can travel to the United States and live with you for up to 2 years. Presumably, during that time the USCIS will approve the immigration petition filed by you and she will be able to apply for an adjustment of status to become a legal permanent resident in the United States. The K3 Marriage visa is not as ideal as being able to quickly obtain a spousal immigration visa would be. However, given the lengthy processing times at most USCIS service centers, it is a welcome alternative to your wife being forced to live in Thailand for an extended period, and the K3 Marriage Visa has already helped many families reunite.

วีซ่า K2 คืออะไร?

วีซ่า Non-immigrant K2 อนุญาตให้บุตรของผู้ถือวีซ่าคู่หมั้น K1 เข้ามาในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาและรอความพร้อมของวีซ่าอพยพ (Immigrant Visa) นี่เป็นหนึ่งในผลประโยชน์ของวีซ่า K1

บุตรของคู่หมั้นอาจได้รับวีซ่า K2 จากคำร้องของผู้ปกครองซึ่งเป็นคู่หมั้น พลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกาที่เป็นผู้ยื่นคำร้องต้องทำให้มั่นใจว่า คุณใส่ชื่อของบุตรลงในคำร้อง I-129F หรือไม่ หลังจากการสมรสระหว่างผู้ปกครองของบุตรกับพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา บุตรจำเป็นต้องยื่นคำร้องขอจากฟอร์ม I-485 แยกต่างหาก เพื่อลงทะเบียนเป็นผู้มีถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัย (Permanent Residence) หรือเพื่อเปลี่ยนแปลงสถานะ (Adjust status) บุตรสามารถเดินทางกับผู้ปกครองผู้ถือวีซ่า K1 / คู่หมั้นได้ หรือจะตามมาในภายหลังภายใน 1ปีนับจากวันที่อนุมัติวีซ่า K1 ในผู้ปกครองของบุตรก็ได้ คำร้องที่แยกออกมาต่างหากไม่จำเป็นต้องใช้ ถ้าบุตรมาหรือติดตามคู่หมั้นชาวต่างชาติภายใน1ปีนับแต่วันที่อนุมัติวีซ่า K1 ในผู้ปกครอง ถ้าเกิน 1 ปี นับจากวันที่อนุมัติวีซ่า จึงจะจำเป็นต้องใช้คำร้องแยกต่างหากเพื่อขอวีซ่าอพยพ (Immigrant Visa)

โปรดจำไว้ว่า ความต้องการนี้อยู่ภายใต้กฏหมายตรวจคนเข้าเมือง บุตรต้องมีสถานะโสด และ ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างพ่อ/แม่เลี้ยง กับ ลูกติดต้องมีมาตั้งแต่ก่อนที่เด็กจะอายุ 18ปี

ประโยชน์ของ K2

• บุตรไม่จำเป็นต้องขอ I-129F แยกต่างหากจากประเทศไทย
• วีซ่าสำหรับบุตรของคู่หมั้นชาวต่างชาติจะต้องได้รับการอนุมัติในเวลาเดียวกับคู่หมั้นชาวไทยที่สถานฑูตสหรัฐอเมริกาในกรุงเทพมหานคร
• สถานที่พักอาศัยอาศัยในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกากับผู้ปกครองในระหว่างที่รอการสมรสของผู้ปกครองตามวีซ่า K1
• บุตรจะได้รับอนุญาตให้เรียนหนังสือที่สหรัฐอเมริกา ภายใต้วีซ่า K2 และ/หรือ ยื่นขอเพื่อการอนุมัติการจ้างงาน I-765
• ขั้นตอนการดำเนินงานที่ถูกและรวดเร็วกว่า เมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับคำร้อง I-130 ของผู้มีความสัมพันธ์เกี่ยวข้องกับชาวต่างชาติ

ข้อกำหนดของ K2

• เด็กต้องมีอายุต่ำกว่า 21ปีในช่วงเวลาที่วีซ่าจะอนุมติจากสถานฑูตสหรัฐอเมริกาในประเทศไทย
• การยื่นขอวีซ่า K1 บุตรจะต้องมีสถานะโสด

วีซ่า K4 จากประเทศไทยสำหรับบุตรของผู้ถือวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3

วีซ่า K4 เป็นวีซ่าชั่วคราว (Non-immigrant Visa) ซึ่งอนุญาตให้บุตรของผู้ถือวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 เข้ามาในประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาและรอความพร้อมของวีซ่าอพยพ (Immigrant Visa)

วีซ่า K4 มีเจตนาเพื่อคู่สมรสผู้ยื่นขอวีซ่า K3 ซึ่งปรารถนาจะนำบุตรของคู่สมรสชาวไทยจากประเทศไทยมาที่ประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา

ผลประโยชน์ของ K4

• บุตรไม่จำเป็นต้องขอ I-129F แยกต่างหากจากประเทศไทย
• วีซ่าสำหรับบุตรของคู่หมั้นชาวต่างชาติจะต้องได้รับการอนุมัติในเวลาเดียวกับคู่หมั้นชาวไทยที่สถานฑูตสหรัฐอเมริกาในกรุงเทพมหานคร
• อนุญาตให้บุตรอาศัยอยู่ในสหรัฐอเมริกาในขณะที่รอกระบวนการของวีซ่าอพยพ (Immigrant Visa)
• เดินทางออกนอกสหรัฐอเมริกาได้ แต่ในระยะเวลาอันสั้นและต้องเดินทางกลับมา
• อนุญาตให้เด็กเรียนหนังสือและ/หรือยื่นขอเพื่อการอนุมัติการจ้างงาน I-765

ข้อกำหนดของ K4

• บุตรต้องมีอายุต่ำกว่า 21 ปี ซึ่งเป็นคุณสมบัติของการขอวีซ่า K3
• การยื่นขอวีซ่า K1 บุตรจะต้องมีสถานะโสด

What is a K2 visa?

The K-2 non-immigrant visa allows the child of a K-1 fiancé visa holder to enter into the U.S. and await the availability of an immigrant visa. This is one of the benefits of the K1 visa- it allows derivative beneficiary.

The child of a fiancé(e) may receive a derivative K-2 visa from his/her parent's fiancé(e) petition. You, the American citizen petitioner must make sure that you name the child in the I-129F petition. After the marriage of the child's parent and the American citizen, the child will need a separate form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. The child may travel with (accompany) the K-1 parent/fiancé(e) or travel later (follow-to-join) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa to his/her parent. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow the alien fiancé(e) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa. If it is longer than one year from the date of visa issuance, a separate immigrant visa petition is required.

Remember that as required by the immigration law, the child must be unmarried and that the step-parent/stepchild relationship must be created before the child reaches the age of 18.

K2 Visa Benefits

• The child doesn't need a separate I-129F application from Thailand
• The visa for the child will be approved at the same time as the Thai fiancée at the US Embassy in Bangkok
• Reside in the U.S. with the parent while waiting for the marriage of his K-1 parent.
• The child is allowed to study in the U.S. on K-2 visa and/or apply for Employment Authorization I-765.
• Cheaper and faster processing is needed compared to I-130 petition of Alien Relative.

K2 Visa Requirements

• The child must be under 21 years old at the time the visa will be issued at the US embassy in Thailand.
• The unmarried child of a K1 applicant.

What is a K4 visa?

The K4 visa is non-immigrant visa which allows the children of K-3 spouse visa holder to enter into the U.S. and await the availability of an immigrant visa.

The K4 Visa is intended for the child of a K3 Visa applicant who desires to bring Thai Spouse's child to the US from Thailand. The K4 application can be made at the same time as the filing of the K3 Spouse Visa application in Thailand.

K4 Visa Benefits

• The child doesn't need a separate I-129F application.
• The visa for the child will be approved at the same time as the Thai Spouse at the US Embassy in Bangkok
• The child will be allowed to live in the US while waiting for the immigrant visa processing
• Travel outside of the U.S. on short trips and return.
• The child is allowed to study and/or apply for Employment Authorization I-765

K4 Visa Requirements

• The child must be under 21 years old of a qualified K-3 visa applicant.
• The child must be unmarried

วีซ่า K1 จากประเทศไทยคืออะไร

วีซ่า K1 คือ วีซ่าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา ซึ่งอนุญาตให้ชาวอเมริกัน นำคู่หมั้นของคุณที่เป็นชาวไทยไปสมรสกันที่ประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา ซึ่งคุณอาจจะพยายามพาคู่หมั้นชาวไทยของคุณไปที่สหรัฐอเมริกาโดยวีซ่าประเภทอื่น อย่างไรก็ตาม ก็อาจถูกตรวจสอบภายหลังได้ว่าคุณตั้งใจที่จะพาคู่หมั้นชาวไทยของคุณเข้าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาโดยปราศจากการขอวีซ่า K1 เพื่อหลบเลี่ยงการตรวจสอบสถานภาพทางการเงิน โดยสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา ว่าด้วยเรื่องวีซ่า K1

หากคุณทำการสมรสเรียบร้อยแล้วและภรรยาเป็นชาวไทย คุณจะไม่ได้รับอนุญาตให้ใช้วีซ่า K1 เพราะวีซ่า K1 มีจุดประสงค์อย่างเดียวคือเพื่อสำหรับคู่หมั้น ซึ่งไม่ได้หมายถึงภรรยา ในฐานะที่เป็นชาวอเมริกันที่สมรสแล้ว คุณจะต้องยื่นขอวีซ่าประเภท K3 ซึ่งหมายถึงวีซ่าคู่สมรส สามารถดู เว็บไซด์ US ของเรา หรือหน้าเพจอื่นๆที่เกี่ยวข้องกับวีซ่าคู่สมรส K3 VISA THAILAND

ลูกค้าหลายท่านสงสัยว่าประโยชน์ของวีซ่า K1 (วีซ่าคู่หมั้น) กับ วีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกา (US VISA) มีแตกต่างกันอย่างไร เราได้ทำรายการไว้ด้านล่างนี้เกี่ยวกับประโยชน์หลายอย่างของการขอวีซ่า K1 เพื่อคู่หมั้นชาวไทย ถ้าคุณกำลังพิจารณาที่จะใช้วีซ่าท่องเที่ยวเข้าสหรัฐอเมริกา สำหรับคู่หมั้นชาวไทย---อย่า! วีซ่า K1เป็นทางเลือกที่ดีกว่า ด้วยเหตุผลหลายประการที่กล่าวถึงในขึ้นตอนการขอวีซ่า K1 VISA PROCESS

• วีซ่า K1 ประเทศไทย สามารถได้รับง่ายกว่าวีซ่า K3 เมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับการขอวีซ่าของสองประเภทนี้ โดยเฉลี่ยแล้ว ขั้นตอนที่จะลงตราวีซ่า K1 ในหนังสือเดินทางของคู่หมั้นชาวไทย จะใช้เวลาประมาณ 4-6 เดือน เมื่อใช้บริการกับเราที่สยาม ลีเกิ้ล
• ในระหว่างขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า K1 ให้คู่หมั้นชาวไทยนั้น คุณยังสามารถทำการขอวีซ่าให้บุตรของคู่หมั้น ชาวไทยในคำร้องขอวีซ่า K1 ได้ เพื่อบุตรของคุณจะได้รับวีซ่าประเภท K2 ทันทีที่คู่หมั้นชาวไทยได้รับวีซ่า K1 บุตรของคู่หมั้นชาวไทยนั้นก็จะได้รับวีซ่า K2 ด้วย
• สำหรับจุดประสงค์ของวีซ่า K1 จากประเทศไทย บุตรผู้ติดตามภายใต้วีซ่าประเภท K2 นั้นจะต้องเป็นโสดและจะต้องมีอายุต่ำกว่า 21 ปี
• หลังจากที่คู่หมั้นของคุณได้รับวีซ่า K1 เพื่อเข้าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกาจากประเทศไทยแล้ว คู่หมั้นชาวไทยสามารถขอใบอนุญาตทำงานเพื่อการจ้างงานที่ถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย โดยการยื่นแบบฟอร์ม I-765

ตามที่ได้กล่าวข้างต้นจะเป็นประโยชน์หลักๆของการที่ให้คู่หมั้นชาวไทยของคุณกลับไปยังสหรัฐ อเมริกาด้วยวีซ่า K1 ถ้าคุณมีข้อสงสัยหรือมีคำถามเกี่ยวกับวีซ่า K1 และขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า K1 คุณสามารถพูดคุยออนไลน์กับเจ้าหน้าที่ของเราได้ ที่สำนักงานกรุงเทพมหานคร, เชียงใหม่, พัทยา, และภูเก็ต เราจะดำเนินการอย่างดีที่สุด ที่จะช่วยให้คุณได้รับวีซ่าคู่หมั้นเพื่อเข้าประเทศสหรัฐอเมริกา

What is a k1 visa from Thailand?

A K1 Visa is a US Visa which allows you as an American to take your Thai fiance/fiancée to the United States with the intention to get married when in the United States. You may attempt to take your Thai fiancée to the US on a different US Visa however this may be viewed at a later date as you having had the intention to take your Thai fiancée to the US without applying for a K1 Visa and thereby evading the checks and balances set by the United States Immigration Services with the K1 Visa.

If you are already married and have a Thai wife you would not be permitted to use a K1 Visa application from Thailand to take her back to the US as the K1 Visa was created for the sole purpose of a fiancée and not a wife. As a married American you have to apply for a K3 Visa which is Spouse Visa. See our US website or our other pages on the K3 visa Thailand.

Many clients wonder what the benefits are of the K1 fiancée visa compared to other US Visa options. We have listed below the many benefits of applying for a K1 Visa for your Thai fiancée. If you are considering using a US Tourist Visa for your fiancée - don't. The K1 Visa is the better option for a number of reasons as mentioned in K1 visa process.

• The K1 Visa Thailand is easier to obtain than the K-3 Visa. Comparing the two, the K1 Visa is much faster. The average K1 Visa application from submission to having a K1 Visa in your Thai fiancées passport is on average 4-6 months with us at TLS.
• Your Thai fiancée during the K1 Visa application process can have her child/children added to the K1-Visa petition as a K2 derivative. Once she is granted the K1 Visa the children would then also be granted a K2 Visa.
• For the purposes of the K1 Visa Thailand, children falling under the K2 derivative have to be unmarried and under the age of 21.
• Once your fiancée has her K1 Visa from Thailand and is in the United States, she can apply for a work permit to engage in lawful employment by filing a Form I-765.

These points as listed above would be the main benefits of taking your Thai fiancée back to the United States with a K1 Visa. If you have any questions about the K1 Visa and the process then speak to us online or at any of our offices in Thailand. With offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket we are best able to assist you with your US Fiancée Visa.

Thai citizens who seek to travel to the United States for a temporary period or take up indefinite or permanent residence in the country are required for a visa. The purpose of your intended visit (and other facts) will determine what type of visa is needed under the US Immigration Law. If you wish to apply for a visa, it is required to meet all eligibilities in order to receive the appropriate category of visa for which you are applying.

Thai applicants are also advised to give significant attention to planning. If you wish to successfully secure a visa, you might want to consider getting an expert advice to know when is the best time to start your application.

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In addition, you must also remember that some visa applications require additional special clearances or administrative processing. You must adhere with the regulations when you are advised of this possibility.

The 90-Day Non-Immigrant visa is issued to foreigners who wish to enter Thailand for study, business, investment, retirement and other purposes. This type of visa is valid for use for 90 days from the date of issue. The holder of this visa is also given a period of 90 days stay inside Thailand and can be extended for 7 days.

Furthermore, this type of visa grants the holder the option to convert to a 1-Year Non-Immigrant visa stay (i.e. work visa, marriage visa, retirement etc) which can be processed and obtained inside Thailand

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The 1-Year Multiple-Entry Non-Immigrant Thai visa is issued to foreigners who wish to obtain a long term visa stay to Thailand. The issuance of this visa mainly depends on the purpose of the application. This type of visa is valid for use within one year from the date of issue and can be extended to 3 months on or before the visa expiration date.

However, this type of visa requires the visa holders to exit and re-enter Thailand every 90 days by air, sea, or land travel.

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Foreigners applying for a job or opening a business will require a Thai business visa. This can be best applied for before coming to Thailand. In addition, this type of visa can be extended to a long term visa which can be done either inside or outside the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Things you need to know about the Thai retirement visa:

• Thailand retirement visa is the popular term for "Non-Immigrant OA-Long Stay Visa".
• The visa can be valid either for a single entry or multiple entries.
• This visa entitles the holder a stay of 1 year in Thailand.
• The visa is renewable every year and the renewal process can be done inside Thailand (requirements for the visa renewal still apply).

Qualifications

• Applicant must be 50 years of age or over
• Must meet the financial requirements
  • Security deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai Bank Account for 2 months prior to the visa application.
  • Monthly income or pension of at least THB 65,000. An affidavit from the foreign embassy or consulate has to be obtained as proof of the income.
  • Combination of the Thai bank account and yearly income with the total of 800,000 THB.

  Supporting documents as proof of the security deposit in a Thai bank are as follows:

  • Updated bank book or passbook
  • Bank letter stating that the money had been deposited to the account from an oversea source for not less than 2 months.
• Other documents that may be required to be presented:*
  • Police Clearance
  • Medical Certificate

* These are not usually required if the visa application is submitted inside Thailand, though there are rare cases, however, when an official from the Thai embassy or consulate may ask for them before issuance of the visa.

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Reminders to the Thailand Retirement Visa Holders:

• 90-day Reporting

  Retirement visa holder are required to notify the Immigration Office regarding their current residential address every 90 days. This can be done either by mail or by personal visit to the immigration office. You may also enlist the services of an agent to do this on your behalf through a Power of Attorney.

  If the retiree is not in the country when the report is due, the counting for the 90-days will start again after upon re-entry to Thailand.

• Re-entry Permit

  If you plan to travel in and out of Thailand during the year of your visa validity, you will need a multiple re-entry permit to do so and to avoid your visa from getting cancelled. Otherwise, you need not apply if you plan to stay in Thailand the whole time.

  In case you find the need to leave the country for whatever reason, you can apply for a re-entry permit at the nearest Immigration Office or at the international airport before leaving the country.

• Bank Account

  The retirement visa is valid for a year and can be renewed by presenting the same requirements during the initial application. Please note that the required amount of funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before your can renew your visa.

• Importation of Household Effects

  Please note that retirees cannot import their personal effects to Thailand duty free according to the Bureau of Customs.

Things you need to know about the Thai marriage visa:

• Thailand marriage visa is the popular term for "1-Year Extension of Stay Based on Marriage".
• This type of visa is issued to a foreign national who is married to a Thai and meets the other requirements of the immigration bureau.
• The Thai marriage visa holder is entitled permission to stay for a full year in Thailand without the need to exit the country.
• The visa is renewable every year and the renewal process can be done inside Thailand (requirements for the visa renewal still apply).
• The Thailand Marriage Visa also allows the holder to work in Thailand when the visa holder is able to obtain a valid Thai Work Permit to go along with the visa.

This is considered an advantage to prospective foreigner employees as the employer would only have to be concerned about the procurement of work permit.

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As mentioned in an overview of company dissolution, the company might be dissolved either By Law or By Court order. Company dissolution from special resolution is a ground for dissolving the company By Law. The steps involve in registering such special resolution to dissolve the company are as follows:

Registering the Company's Dissolution

The shareholders meeting shall be held in order to have a special resolution of three-quarters (3/4) of the vote of shareholder in the meeting room and can be voted to dissolve the company.

Once the first meeting to dissolve the company is held, the second shareholders meeting will be held to affirm such resolution and appoint the liquidator and its compensation.

Therefore, upon this registration, the liquidator will be appointed. Unless specified otherwise in company's Article of Incorporation, the liquidator shall be director of the company. In case there is more than one liquidator, all liquidators will jointly act. However, it could be specified differently by a general meeting or court order.

However, even the first step is registered; the company is still existed for the purpose of liquidation. The liquidator shall ie. gather all company' assets, sell the assets, request for unpaid amount of shares from shareholders, settle the obligation to company's creditor, compensate the reserve and expenses to the director whose pay for the company in advance etc.

In case, the assets are not enough to settle the debt, the liquidator shall request the court to order the bankruptcy to the company.

Upon the leftover of the asset, it will be average returned to each shareholder as the capital and profit.

In case the liquidator cannot complete the liquidation, the liquidator has to submit the report to the officer of every 3 months. However, if the liquidation cannot be completed within 1 year, the liquidator has to hold the shareholders' meeting every year to report the movement of the going on liquidation.

Registering the Completion of Liquidation

Once the liquidation is completed, the liquidator shall held the shareholders' meeting in order to approve the result of the liquidation. Upon the resolution, the liquidator has to proceed with the second step of registering the completion of liquidation within 14 days. Upon registering the second step, the company is now dissolved.

Tax in Thailand be it Corporate Tax (Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is a direct tax levied on a juristic company or partnership which is established under Thai or foreign law and carries on business in Thailand) or Personal Income Tax (Personal Income Tax (PIT) is a direct tax levied on income of a person. A person refers to an individual, an ordinary partnership, a non-juristic body of person, a deceased person and an undivided estate) needs to be done yearly.

At TLS we provide you with Tax advice and solutions for any Corporate or Personal income tax problems. With the largest Legal Network in Thailand, we find you the best and most economical solutions by Tax lawyers. With a compliment of more than 45 legal staff, Thai Lawyers and foreign lawyers, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Accounting Services

• Monthly reports (Balance Sheet, P&L)
• Withholding Tax (PND 3, 53)
• Value Added Tax (PP 30)
• Withholding Tax Return (PND 54)
• Mid-Year Tax Return (PND 51)
• Annual Tax Return (PND 50)
• Annual Financial Statement submission to Thai government
• Check preparation
• Record accounting transactions
• Supporting schedules for financial statements
• Payment transfers
• Bank accounting set up

Payroll Services

• Payroll calculations
• Report distribution
• Pay-slip creation
• Banking of employee net salary
• Withholding tax (PND 1)
• Social Security (SPS 1-10)
• Withholding Tax Certificate (BIS 50)
• Provident Fund
• Workman's Compensation
• Payments to government agencies
• Electronic reporting

Overview of Tax in Thailand:

The Thai Revenue Code. Being the central government as the main taxing authority taxes are imposed both at national and local levels in Thailand. The majority of tax collections are administered by the Ministry of Finance. The Revenue Department under the following categories collects the income tax:

• Corporate Income Tax
• Value Added Taxes (or Specific Business Taxes)
• Stamp duty
• Personal Income Tax

Apart from this the basic tax collecting authorities in Thailand are:

The Customs Department, responsible for collection of import and export duties and The Excise Department, which collects excise tax. Property tax and municipal tax are collected by local authorities.

Personal Income Tax:

Personal Income Tax (PIT) is a direct tax levied on income of a person. A person refers to an individual, an ordinary partnership, a non-juristic body of person, a deceased person and an undivided estate. In general, a person liable for Personal Income Tax has to compute his tax liability, file a tax return and pay tax, if any, accordingly on a calendar year basis.

Corporate Tax:

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is a direct tax levied on a juristic company or partnership which is established under Thai or foreign law and carries on business in Thailand or derive certain types of income from Thailand.

The term "juristic company or partnership" (hereinafter called "company") means a limited company, a limited partnership or a registered ordinary partnership incorporated under Thai or foreign law as well as an association and a foundation engaged in business producing revenue. The term also includes any joint venture and any trading or profit-seeking activity carried on by a foreign government or its agency or by any other juristic body incorporated under a foreign law.

Tax Filing and Payments:

Any Thai or foreign company carrying on business in Thailand must submit their tax returns and payments twice a year.

A work permit allows a non-Thai citizen to work and operate a business in Thailand as a skilled professional or even as an employer. The work permit is required in order to be able to work legally in the Kingdom of Thailand. Working without a Thai work permit might cause severe consequences. A foreigner, who is arrested for working without work permit, will be punished with a fine or imprisonment.

In general, the success of a work permit application depends on the hiring company's registered capitalization.

• Thai Business Entities who want to apply their foreign employee for work permits must have at least two million baht fully paid-up registered capitalization. However, where the foreign employee has a Thai spouse, the registered capitalization may only be one million baht.
• Foreign Business Entities who had operated their business in Thailand can apply their employees for work permit if they bring at least three million baht per employee into the country.

The entities above may be granted to maximum 10 work permits each. However, the BOI-promoted company is an exception from the regulations above. Thailand Board of Investment is authorized to grant the promoted companies special right concerning the issuance of work permit and visa for the foreign employee working on those projects as technical experts.

Before you can apply or be issued with a work permit you must have a non-immigrant visa first. This is required to apply for a Thai work permit in the Kingdom. Ideally, it should be acquired prior to your arrival in Thailand. We can assist you in obtaining it in your home country or in country close to Thailand. In addition, we can help you convert a tourist visa to a non-immigrant visa without leaving Thailand.

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Getting Your Thai Work Permit Approved

There are several points on which the granting of the work permit would be based upon and one of them is the job description as it should be able to convince the panel concerned that the applicant has the required set of skills and knowledge for the job, a set in which Thai workers may not or may inadequately have. Also, in view of protecting the availability of jobs for its citizens, there is always a possibility that not all of the work permits it has applied before the Ministry of Labor would be granted.

In relation to the importance of the job description, the company may choose to obtain crucial assistance from Siam Legal’s highly skilled foreign and Thai lawyers to increase the chances of being granted with a work permit for its desired employee.

Once the application is submitted for your Thai Work Permit

Our staff will submit the documents for your Thai work permit, during the processing you must not let your visa expire. The Labor Department's system links the non-immigrant visa ("extension of stay") you listed on your application to the work permit paperwork. A typical time frame for approval of the work permit for a company of 2 million baht registered capital is seven (7) business days in Bangkok and up to 2 months in Phuket. BOI approved companies can enjoy 3 hour processing times at the One Stop Service Center. The Labor Department will issue a receipt stating your return date for receiving your work permit book.

Signing for your new Thai Work Permit

Your first and only appearance for the Thai work permit will be at the Labor Department upon its approval. You must appear in person with your passport and sign the Thai work permit book in the presence of the Labor Department staff. The Labor Department puts a stamp in the back of your passport at the time of receipt.

Restrictions on Your Thai Work Permit

When granted with a work permit, the individual must work only with the said company. If in case he is assigned to another location of the same company, he is required to obtain a new work permit covering such new location. The same is required if and when the individual would work with another company. This is due to the fact that the work permit is issued to the employee for the specific company at the specific location.

If in case he tendered his resignation or has been laid off by the company, he is tasked to surrender his work permit to the Labor Department not more than 10 days.

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By informing yourself with respect to holding assets, doing business or residing offshore, you are taking a positive step toward preserving and developing your wealth.

What Offshore Really Means

The term "offshore" describes nothing more than a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which you or your business is usually domiciled. Therefore, any jurisdiction can be an offshore jurisdiction with respect to another jurisdiction. The United States, for example, is one of the world's largest offshore jurisdictions (for non-US persons). However, in most cases the word "offshore" is used to describe low or no-tax jurisdictions which usually have enacted special legislation to attract business from other countries. The British Virgin Islands is a good example for a typical "offshore jurisdiction".

Significant Advantages

There are significant advantages to investing, holding assets, doing business or residing offshore. You have a broader access to global markets and therefore more investment opportunities, your assets are protected from frivolous lawsuits and unjustified claims, you enjoy privacy and personal security, and of course there are many possibilities to legally reduce taxes.

The Use of Offshore Structures

Companies, trusts and foundations set up in low or no-tax jurisdictions (offshore trusts, offshore companies) are widely used in international business and investment transactions and offer many advantages. Although most offshore entities function as part of a tax avoidance or deferral plan, this is by no means the only objective. The following is an overview of the typical uses of offshore structures, and an explanation of why you should consider going offshore. The tax and other benefits which can be obtained by the use of offshore entities usually depend upon the country of residence (and in certain cases also on the country of citizenship) of the beneficial owners and directors and the respective anti-tax-avoidance legislation. One also has to consider the laws of any other country with which the offshore entity might carry on its business or in which it holds any substantial assets.

International Trading

International trading companies are often established in offshore jurisdictions. The offshore company takes orders directly from the customer, but has the goods delivered directly to that customer from the manufacturer or place of purchase. The profits arising out of the difference between purchase price and sales price is then accumulated in either a tax free or low tax area.

Investment and Holding Companies

Funds accumulated through investment companies can be invested or deposited offshore. Although generally returns or interest payable in respect of these funds will be subject to local taxation, there are many offshore jurisdictions in which funds may be placed either in tax-free bonds, mutual funds, shares or as bank deposits where interest is paid gross. Furthermore, in most offshore jurisdictions there are no capital gains taxes. Special consideration should be given, however, to the Qualified Intermediary rules of the United States with respect to investments in US securities, in particular for US persons. Using a holding company incorporated in a suitable country may allow tax efficient business investments in a high tax country.

Asset Protection

The use of offshore trusts, foundations and companies to effectively shield a persons assets from unexpected third party litigation, or punitive damages or similar. In a litigious society such as the United States, where wealthy individuals and families are "moving targets", an offshore trust is almost a necessity and provides excellent asset protection.

A wealthy individual with real estate and other assets in many different countries may wish to hold these through a personal holding company (an offshore company), which in turn may be held in a trust. With such an arrangement, probate can be avoided, which saves substantial legal fees and avoids publicity. Also many of our clients wish to hold real estate and other investments through an offshore entity simply because of the privacy which such offshore arrangements provide.

Acquisition and Holding of Real Estate

There are often substantial advantages in using an offshore property holding company for the purpose of holding real estate. Advantages of real estate ownership using offshore structures include avoidance of inheritance tax, avoidance of capital gains tax, ease of sale which is achieved by transferring the shares in a foreign company rather than transferring the real estate owned by the company. The same is true for the acquisition, registration and holding of private yachts and aircraft.

How to Establish a Thailand Association

Section 78 of the Civil and Commercial Code defines the Association as a juristic person which has been "created for conducting any activity which, according to its nature, is to be done continuously and collectively by persons other than that of sharing profits or incomes earned..."

Section 79 listed the required elements in light of the regulations of the Association. Below are the following particulars:

1. Name, logo and location. The Association must incorporate the word 'Association' in its name.
2. Objectives
3. Address of the main office and all the branches.
4. Rules and conclusion of membership.
5. Membership fees and rates.
6. Committee of Association rules namely:
   1. Number of Directors
   2. Appointment of the Directors
   3. Term and retirement of office of the Directors
   4. Meetings of the Committee
7. Management rules which include the keeping of accounts and property of the Association.

Registration of the Association

In order to register an Association, a license must be issued first from the Office of National Culture Commission. Generally, the documentation and requirements needed to register a Thai Association include the following:

1. The meeting minutes to establish the Association by at least three promoters
2. The regulations or by-laws of the Association, which must include rules regarding membership and the membership fee rates
3. A list of the initial 10 members
4. Documents related to the headquarters of the Association, such as a map and the lease agreement or landlord's consent letter
5. Background histories by three promoters which are certified by a department-level government official.

The Office of National Culture Commission will also solicit the views of any government departments that are related to the purposes of the Association. If permission to establish the Association is granted, it may then be registered as a juristic person.

What is a foundation? Foundations are commonly used as a vehicle for philanthropic individuals to share their blessings to the less fortunate. The Thai Commercial and Civil Code defines a "foundation" as assets arranged only for the purpose of charity, religion, arts, science, literature, education, or any public interest that are duly registered under the regulations of the law. Furthermore, no trustee, director or any member may directly benefit from the profits earned by the foundation incidental to its operation. How do I set up a foundation? The Thailand Ministry of the Interior has prescribed the rules and regulations for setting up of foundations through the legislation of The Ministerial Regulations of Regulations, Operation and Registration of the Foundation B.E. 2545 (2002). The application form for the registration of a Thailand Foundation may be submitted to the registrar of the district which has jurisdiction over the place where the principal office of the Foundation will be established. Along with the application, the following documents are likewise necessary: List of assets of the owners List of allocated assets for the Foundation and registered document indicating the promise to donate these assets Copy of testament if an asset was given to the Foundation by virtue thereof Name, address and profession of all the members of the board of directors of the Foundation Regulations of the Foundation Copy of ID card or other types of Identification cards issued by the government and copy of the house registration of the owners and members of the board of directors (if he is a priest or a foreigner, other documents reflecting his status and address would suffice) Map of the principal office and its branch offices (if any) and the written consent of the landlord or owner of these properties. Minutes of the meeting convened for the establishment of the Foundation The assets of a Foundation must have a value of 500,000 baht, with at least 250,000 baht in cash. Certain charitable objectives allow a Foundation to have assets of only 250,000 baht in value, with only 100,000 baht in cash. Upon receipt of the aforementioned papers, the District Office will inspect the correctness of the application. Thereafter, the District Office will have the application transferred to the Ministry of Interior. If the Foundation has any objectives that are relevant to any other government department, the Ministry of Interior will send the application to that department for their consideration. The entire application process may take up to one year after which the applicant will be informed of the Ministry of Interior's decision.

Business laws in Thailand reserve certain rights only for Thai nationals. Therefore, foreign investors face certain restrictions when doing business in Thailand:

Juristic Persons in Thailand

The law separates foreigners in terms of juristic persons into two different kinds:

1. Juristic person not registered in Thailand
2. Juristic person registered in Thailand having the characteristics as follows:
   • Limited company or public limited company whereby over 50% of its capital shares are owned by foreigner(s),
   • Limited partnership or registered ordinary partnership whereby over 50% of its capital is invested by foreigner(s), or
   • Limited partnership or registered ordinary partnership having a foreigner as the managing partner or manager.

Foreign Business Act Restrictions

According to Thailand Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA), there are 3 types of business activities:

• List 1: Business Not Permitted to Foreigners
• List 2: Business Permitted to Foreigners under Conditions
• List 3: Business Not Yet Permitted to Foreigners

Lists 1, 2, or 3 of the Foreign Business Act in Thailand are subject to the limitations imposed by this Act.

• Activities that fall under List 1 are strictly prohibited to aliens.
• List 2 are prohibited to aliens unless permission is granted by the Cabinet.
• Businesses that are covered by List 3 are prohibited to aliens unless permission is granted by the Director-General of the Commercial Registration Department ("CRD").

Based on the above definition, if majority of the shares of a limited company are held by Thais, it is regarded as a Thai company and thus not subject to this Act. This means that aliens are generally allowed to participate up to 49% in a company engaged in restricted businesses. Beyond that, the approval requirement must be complied with. Strictly speaking, any company with majority of foreign shareholders is required to apply for the Foreign Business License (FBL) if it engages in a restricted business.

The minimum capital requirement for foreigners is two million baht in general, and three million baht for those under List 2 or List 3.

There are some exemptions which allow the foreigner to set up business in Thailand where majority of the owners are foreigners. The Thailand-United States Treaty of Amity is one of such exemption. Under this treaty, the majority of share and director have to be U.S. citizens to enjoy the exemption from FBL.

Similar to the Thailand-United States Treaty of Amity, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is another exemption which might allow foreigners to operate their businesses in Thailand by holding majority of share. Foreign investors may hold a majority or all shares in promoted project depending on the BOI consideration. Such BOI-promoted company will not be restricted under FBA.

License Application

Foreigners wishing to engage in businesses indicated in List 2 or List 3 of Foreign Business Act in Thailand need to obtain a "Foreign Business License" from the relevant authorities before starting their business operations.

An application should be filed with the Commercial Registration Department, which will be reviewed by the Cabinet or Foreign Business Committee, as the case may be. Various criteria are used to consider the impact of the proposed business operation, such as the advantages and disadvantages to the nation's safety and security, economic and social development, size of enterprise, local employment, etc. Approval of business license application is more likely when the authorities view the business as providing significantly more benefits and protect and promote Thai interests.

The application process can be at times very time consuming with unpredictable outcomes. The Foreign Business License application is a complicated long process; in general, most of foreign investors will rarely go through this process even if they had a serious chance to get it. On the other hand, they will not hesitate to submit the BOI application even when there are only a few chances that it might be promoted.

To consider whether the activity is eligible for the BOI privileges, Thailand BOI has listed the activities in many categories. Please note that the same activities located in the different area are entitled to receive varying level of privileges.

The promoted activities are divided in seven categories as follows:

• Agriculture and Agricultural Products;
• Mining, Ceramics and Basic Metals;
• Light Industry;
• Metal Products, Machinery and Transport Equipment;
• Electronic Industry and Electric Appliances;
• Chemicals, Paper and Plastics;
• Services and Public Utilities.

The above categories are further divided into specific activities within the categories. Contact us for more details with regards to promotions by the Thai Board of Investment.

The Thailand Board of Investment procedural aspects of applying for BOI privileges are simply seen in detail on the flow chart below.

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Source: The Board of Investment of Thailand

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For details about the Board of Investment process, please contact us for an appointment and we'll discuss with you in detail all the aspects of the BOI application procedure.

In 1997, the Thai government established the Board of Investment (BOI) to provide investment incentives for both foreign and local entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in the agency's promoted activities.

To do this, investment promotion policies were adjusted in order to attract more businessmen; decentralize Thailand's industrial base and respond to future economic situations.

Thailand BOI has formulated criteria for projects applying for incentives and privileges. These depend on the location of the promoted activities and whether these are priorities or not.

Board of Investment Privileges

Two of the most significant privileges offered by the BOI for promoted projects are:

• Tax privileges such as corporate income tax exemption, tariff exemption or reduction on import machinery and tariff exemption or reduction on import raw material
• Non-Tax privileges such as permission to own land, permission to bring foreign expert to work on the promoted projects, exemption on foreign ownership of companies and exemption from work permit and visa rules.

Board of Investment Non-Tax Privileges

Regardless to locations and activities, Non-Tax privileges are available to all BOI-promoted projects. The BOI helps investors in three ways:

• Reduce the risks associated with investment
• Reduce initial investment costs and to improve the rate of return on investment
• Support services at all times

Sending applications to the Thailand BOI is best done through a Thai law firm as it is a very complex procedure. For more detailed information, please contact us through our numbers listed below. Our staff of local and foreign lawyers will provide you with a detailed information on the subject matter.

There is merger when two companies combine into a single business organization. On the other hand, an acquisition refers to the process of purchasing another firm. Acquisitions are also known as takeovers and could be both friendly and hostile.

During acquisitions, the process could be very complicated and time consuming. Investors are highly recommended to consult with a professional Thai lawyer who could help you for accomplished result.

Typical 4 stages in Mergers & Acquisitions

• Parties enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Letter of Intent (LOI). In this stage, the confidentiality terms along with the binding terms should be stipulated under MOU.
• The buyer checks various issues within the target company via due diligence concerns with the business, property, legality and finance, etc.
• After due diligence process, parties enter the buy-sell negotiation. Any concerns from the due diligence will be negotiated and settled.
• Parties prepare the Sales and Purchase Agreements and any other related documents ready to be signed and affixed the company seal. The signed agreements are validated under Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand.

Processes of mergers are the following

• Each company invites their shareholders to a meeting and conducts a special Resolution of merger with the vote of not less than ¾ of the total shares of those present in the meeting. Fourteen (14) days before the meeting, a notice must be mailed to the shareholders detailing the meeting announcing it in the local newspaper.
• Each company registers a Special Resolution of merger within 14 days after obtaining such resolution.
• Each company advertises the intention to merge in a local newspaper at least once.
• Each company has to send a registered mail to their company to have an opposition within 60 days.
• After 60 days of sending such announcement or notification, a shareholders meeting for both companies must be considered for any details of the newly merged companies.
• The new merged company could be registered within 14 days since the merged resolution is approved.

What is the US-Thai Treaty of Amity?

The US-Thai Amity Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America was signed on May 29, 1966 to give special rights and benefits to American citizens who wish to establish their businesses in Thailand.

Background of the Thailand Treaty of Amity

The Thailand Treaty of Amity aims to provide significant advantages for US investors to run businesses in Thailand for both corporations and individuals. In particular, the Thailand Treaty of Amity provided the US two major trade advantages:

• The Thailand Treaty of Amity permits American companies to hold majority of the shares or the whole company, branch office or representative office located in Thailand.
• American companies may engage in business on the same basis as Thai companies, and are exempt from most of the restrictions of foreign investment imposed by the Alien Business Law of 1972.

While the Thailand Treaty of Amity provides the above-mentioned advantages, the US citizen is also subjected to several restrictions stipulated in the treaty. The Thailand Treaty of Amity prohibits American investors from engaging in the following reserved activities:

• Communications
• Transportation;
• Fiduciary functions
• Banking involving depository functions;
• Land Ownership, Exploitation of land or
• Other natural resources; and
• Domestic trade in indigenous agricultural products.

The following requirements must apply:

• A minimum of 51% of shares must be held by American citizens
• A minimum of 50% of directors must be American citizen(s)

Minimum Capital Requirements

Although treaty-protected companies are given advantage treatment under US-Thai Amity Treaty, they still need to satisfy the minimum capital requirement under the Foreign business Act (FBA).

In case that the business is not restricted under the FBA, the minimum capital requirement for a treaty-protected company is THB 2 million.

On the other hand, if the business is required to obtain a Foreign Business License under FBA, the minimum capital requirement must be THB 3 million for each business activity.

Here is the excerpted information on how to register a company under the Thailand Treaty of Amity:

Brief procedures to obtain Treaty of Amity certification

• Phase 1: Document filing. The applicant obtains documents verifying that the company has been registered in compliance with Thai law. This is the first step in order to obtain the certification under the Thailand Treaty of Amity.
• Phase 2: Certification by CS. Upon receipt of the preceding required documents the CS office will then provide certification to the Thai Department of Commercial Registration in the Ministry of Commerce that the applying business organization is an American owned and managed company and is therefore entitled to national treatment under the provisions of the Thailand Treaty of Amity.
• Phase 3: Application to the Ministry of Commerce. After certification by the CS, original copies of all the above-mentioned required documents, along with a completed application forms, which may be obtained from the Department of Registration in the Thai Ministry of Commerce, must be given to the Thai Department of Commercial Registration in the Ministry of Commerce in order to fully register under the Thailand Treaty of Amity.

The above process can normally be completed within 4 to 6 weeks.

Registration Procedures: Thailand Treaty of Amity

To receive protection under the Thailand Treaty of Amity, the applying business organization must pursue and administrative process to show "registration under the Treaty of Amity." In order to show "registration under the Treaty of Amity," the applying business organization may either consult with one of the many law firms in Thailand or observe the following procedures:

1. For a sole proprietorship, all that is required to seek protection under the Thailand Treaty of Amity is a notarized copy of the owner's passport or birth certificate to prove U.S. citizenship (either by birth or naturalization). They must send this information to the Commercial Service office at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok for certification.
2. For a Thai partnership, Thai branch office, joint venture, or Thai limited company, the following documents are required to be notarized by a Notary Public and sent to the Commercial Service office at the Embassy in Bangkok for certification:
   1. Articles of Incorporation
   2. Bylaws of the Company
   3. An Affidavit of the Manager or Corporate Officer, stating the following:
      1. Name of the Company, registration number, and date of registration. Address of registered office.
      2. Jurisdiction under which the corporation is registered.
      3. Name, address, nationality, age and race of each director, number of shares held by each, and identification of the director(s) with the power to bind the company.
      4. Authorized capital of the Company, number of shares and par value of each and amount of paid up capital.
      5. Total number of shareholders, their nationalities, and number of shares owned or held by them.
3. For an applying U.S. company that is a subsidiary to a larger, parent company, the applying U.S. company, in addition to the above required documents, must also provide documents pertaining to its parent company to the Commercial Service office at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
4. For an applying U.S. company wishing to invest directly in a Thai company to obtain a majority of the Thai company's shares, the applying company must show notarized proof that the majority of owners and directors of both the applying company and the company to be incorporated are (or will be) U.S. citizens either by birth or naturalization.
5. Upon receipt of the preceding required documents, the Commercial Service prepares a document that certifies that the applying business organization is an American owned and managed company and is therefore entitled to national treatment under the provisions of the Thailand Treaty of Amity.
6. After certification by the Commercial Service, original copies of all the above-mentioned required documents, along with a completed application form that may be obtained from the Department of Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce, must be given to the Thai Department of Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce in order to register under the Thailand Treaty of Amity and to complete the process.

Please allow at least four to five weeks to complete the entire process. It usually takes less than one week to obtain certification from the Commercial Service office. But registration by the Thai government can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Please note that the above description of the procedure is based on the knowledge of the Commercial Service for procedures for coverage under the Thailand Treaty of Amity.

Consulting with a legal firm in Thailand may still be highly advisable as the procedures for application under the Thailand Treaty of Amity is very complex and time consuming.

To encourage more business in Thailand, Thai government has launched another instrument that provides benefits to investors who have established a regional headquarters in Thailand while performing "qualifying services" to branches or associated companies located inside or outside Thailand. It is the Regional Operating Headquarters (ROH).

Regional Operating Headquarters (ROH)

In 2002, the first ROH incentives, both tax and non-tax, were introduced to investors with the aims of attracting more investment in Thailand. The benefits provided by the Revenue Department, in term of tax incentives, are as follows:

• Corporate Income Tax reduction from 30% to 10% on net profit deriving from offshore branches and associated companies.
• Tax exemption for dividends received from ROH's domestic or foreign subsidiaries.
• Withholding tax exemption for dividends paid out from ROH to foreign companies that do not carry on business in Thailand.
• Personal income tax reduction on salaries for expatriates working with ROH at the rate of 15% instead of progressive tax rate 5-37%.
• Initial allowance for buildings at the rate of 25% on the date of acquisition.

Board of Investment Option

For the investors who also wish to be granted non-tax incentives, they must apply directly to the Board of Investment (BOI). The incentives which the applicants may gain from BOI are as follows:

• Permission to own land by foreign investors.
• Permission to bring in foreign experts and technicians.
• Work permit and visa facilitation.

Again in 2010, the Thai government considered looking for ways to expedite Thailand's competitiveness among the regions by providing new incentives to attract foreign investment into Thailand.

Incentives from the Board of Investment:

In order for an ROH to be qualified for foregoing tax incentives, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• The company must apply to the Revenue Department for confirmation as ROH.
• ROH must be a juristic company or partnership incorporated under Thai law.
• ROH must have a paid-up capitalization of not less than 10 million baht.
• ROH must provide services to its branches or companies in at least 3 countries.
• ROH must earn half of its income from qualifying services provided to their branches or associated companies outside Thailand.

Definition of Services:

"Qualifying services" stated above means activities that Regional Operating Headquarters, located their business in Thailand, must operate to be eligible for investment promotion under ROH. Those qualifying services include:

• Organizational administration and management business planning
• Sourcing of raw materials, parts and finished products
• Research and development activities
• Technical support
• Marketing and sales promotion
• Regional human resources training and development
• Business advisory services ( financial management, marketing, accounting etc.)
• Investment feasibility studies and economic and investment analysis
• Credit management and control
• Other services shall be as approved by the BOI on a case by case basis.

Consult with our specialized corporate Thai lawyers now for any inquiries you may have. Our legal specialists will always happy to assist you.

Regional offices are different from branch offices in terms of their structure. Regional offices, are not separate legal entities and perform their businesses in Thailand on behalf of its head office abroad. Likewise, they are limited to performing only 7 specific activities. These activities fall under List three of Foreign Business Act 1999 (FBA). These are:

• Communicating, coordinating and directing, on behalf of the head office
• The operation of branches and affiliates which are located in the region
• Providing services in consulting and management
• Training and personnel development
• Financial management
• Marketing control and sales promotion planning
• Product development
• Services in research and development

Regional offices are likewise required to apply for a Foreign Business License. Before beginning their activities in Thailand, foreign companies must have at least one active branch office or affiliate in Asia. Moreover, regional offices are also restricted from earning income, purchasing, selling, and negotiating.

Capitalization rules under the FBA also apply to Regional Offices. It must be at least 25 percent of the average estimated expenses for the first 3 year but not less than THB 3,000,000. Please feel free to contact us for a professional legal consultation and get more information about regional office establishment in Thailand.

Multinational companies wishing to operate their businesses in Thailand might not want to establish a Limited Company. They may instead want to function their business through a branch office located in Thailand. Under Thai law, the branch office is also governed by the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA). That means that in the case where the activities of a branch office fall into one of the categories under the FBA, it requires a Foreign Business License (FBL).

Unlike the Representative Office and Regional Office, Branch Offices under Thai law are not limited to the "non-trading" activities. They are allowed to earn income. The Branch Office's liabilities arising from the action of the business in Thailand will not be limited within Thailand but extends to the head office overseas.

According to the approval of a Foreign Business License, the capitalization will be calculated from at least 25 percent of average estimated expenses for first 3 years but not less than 3 million baht.

For further details, please contact our Thai corporate lawyers who could provide you with the guidance regarding business establishment.

Setting Up of Representative Office in Thailand

Certain conditions apply to those Thai representative offices which require a Foreign Business License. It is important to clarify beforehand what constitutes income and subject to Thai taxes.

A Representative Office is limited to the following activities:

• Reporting on business movement in Thailand
• Providing advice related to products that are being sold to distributors or customers
• Sourcing goods and services in Thailand
• Inspecting and controlling the quality and quantity of goods purchased or ordered to be manufactured in Thailand
• Introducing information regarding new products or services

To fully understand the conditions which pertain to a Representative Office in Thailand, contact any of our Thai lawyers or any of our foreign lawyers to provide you with guidance when considering to open a representative office in Thailand.

What is a Thai partnership?

• The Ordinary Partnership is a business set up by a minimum of two persons.
• The persons are joint partners who share unlimited liability for all the Partnership's obligations.
• It is not mandatory to register an Ordinary Partnership but partners can choose to do so as provided in Section 1064 of Thai CCC, reads in part "An ordinary partnership may be registered."
• Each partner is, jointly and severally, personally liable for debts and taxes of the partnership. For example, if the partnership assets are insufficient to satisfy a creditor's claims, the partners' personal assets are subject to attachment and liquidation to pay the business debts.
• Each partner may be held jointly and severally liable for a co-partner's wrongdoing or tortuous act (e.g. the misapplication of another person's money or property).
• Unless otherwise provided in the partnership agreement, no one can become a member of the partnership without the consent of all partners.

Limited Partnership

A Limited Partnership is in several ways similar to an Ordinary Partnership, though it provides for two types of partners. One partner whose liability is limited and the other partner whose liability is unlimited.

Unlike an Ordinary Thai partnership, Limited Partnerships must be registered.

We are a full service Thai law firm. Let our Thai lawyers or any of our foreign lawyers provide you with guidance when registering a partnership in Thailand.

What is a Thai limited company?

A Limited Company, particularly a Private Thai Limited Company, is the most popular form of business structures in Thailand. Its key features are:

• The liability of the shareholders are limited to any amount left unpaid on their shares
• There is a separation between owners and management

Section 1096 of the Thai CCC (Civil and Commercial Code) has provided that "A limited company is that kind of which is formed with a capital divided into equal shares, and the liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them."

The incorporation of a Private Limited Company requires:

• A minimum of three promoters
• At least one director
• An auditor
• A memorandum of association
• A statutory meeting
• Registration of the incorporation papers

They must also follow accounting procedures specified in the Civil and Commercial code, the Revenue Code and the Accounts Act. A balance sheet must be prepared once a year and filed with the Department of Revenue and Commercial Registration. In addition, companies are required to withhold income tax from the salary of all regular employees.

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Thai limited companies are the most common form of business registration in Thailand. We are a full service Thai law firm. Let our Thai lawyers or any of our foreign lawyers provide you with guidance when registering your limited company in Thailand.

Limited Company Registration Packages

Note: All packages are exclusive of VAT and government fees.

Company Structures in Thailand

Business registration has increased as more foreigners are doing business in Thailand. During the second quarter of 2013, the Thai economy had expanded by more than 4%, with exports mainly serving as the main engine of growth for the greater Thai economy together with government spending. Consult us today about your company in Thailand.

The latest economic figures this year has reflected that domestic demand was improving owing to greater political clarity, continued economic stimulus and lower inflation. Doing business in Thailand has never been better than now. With regard to economic stability in Thailand, inflationary pressure continued to decline due to retail oil prices which had remained below the 2006 level this owing to a much stronger baht amongst other factors.

Doing business in Thailand, you have the choice over what type of business organization to establish. There are 3 different types of businesses which can be registered:

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Visit any of the above mentioned pages for a full explanation of the business structure of each option. Thai limited companies are chosen by most foreigners when doing business in Thailand. Make certain you are aware of what business activity your company will be engaging in or simply contact Siam Legal for professional advice and assistance from any of our Thai lawyers or any number of our foreign lawyers. Doing business in Thailand can be profitable and hassle free. Let us take care of your legal needs. Contact us today.

Company Registration Packages

Note: All packages are exclusive of VAT and government fees.

Business Registration is up due to Thailand's unprecedented economic growth over the years which has been attracting investors to Thailand and addressing the country's increasing market demands while hoping to maximize the return on their investments in the process. Foreign investors are flocking to Thailand because of strong government support and incentives, sufficient infrastructure, skilled and a cost effective workforce. Doing business in Thailand is also supported by well-defined policies geared towards liberalization and free trade, social and political stability and the country's strategic location in Asia. The same reasons why doing business in Thailand is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

When doing business in Thailand, you have the choice over what type of business organization to establish. These are the options:

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Due to its flexibility, the Limited Company is the most appealing form of business organization among foreigners doing business in Thailand.

Do you need a lawyer?

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Doing business in Thailand can be very complicated and may take you several weeks to complete the process. This is mainly due to the registration procedures and the required documents and forms being in Thai. It follows that you need someone you can trust and who is able to communicate in Thai on your behalf to be able to successfully review your company registration. TLS's licensed Thai lawyers and foreign attorneys/solicitors can take care of the legal points of setting up your business thereby making sure that all the necessary requirements are met.

Furthermore, we can give you relevant pieces of advice on doing business in Thailand efficiently. Finally, at TLS, we can give you a one stop service for your convenience i.e. we can help you set up a company while getting you a Thai work permit and a Thai Visa at the same time. Consult us today about your company registration!

Business in Thailand continues to expand from time to time attracting more and more foreigners to invest or set up an enterprise. Foreigners not only invest in existing companies, or put up its own establishment in Thailand. They also venture into the expansion of their branches.

Needless to say, Thailand continues to boom since its government consistently gives incentives to the business world. These incentives include the permission to own real estate property in the country upon satisfaction of all the requirements. Further, joint ventures are also encouraged thus giving business organizations more profitable options.

Business organizations in Thailand are classified into companies, partnerships or sole proprietorships. Other classifications include a branch office, a representative office or a regional operating headquarters. To decide on the most appropriate business organization to establish, the knowledge, expertise and experience of a Thailand lawyer is required. They are equipped with the rudiments of Thailand laws as well as the realities of business practice. Also, they can be of valuable assistance in business registration, the first requirement that all businesses should comply with. Preparation of all the documentary requirements and proper filing in the concerned government agencies will be a breeze.

In matters of establishing a business in Thailand, TLS is a reliable ally. Its team of Thailand and foreign lawyers can assist clients in every step of the process, from the simple process of business registration to the complex offshore investments. Not only that, clients receive a premium for getting the help and assistance of foreign lawyers who can take care of their affairs in their home country. Therefore, in case problems of securing documentary requirements from the home country arise, such can be resolved easily.

TLS can also extend valuable assistance in handling tax liabilities of companies. They have lawyers who are experts in the field; thus can afford clients protection from incorrect assessment of tax liabilities, overcharging and other similar occurrences. Tax exemptions and incentives provided by the Thai government can also be explained clearly to clients in terms easily understandable to them.

Indeed, using of any of TLS's services for the establishment of a business in Thailand is worth the investment. Efficiency as well as cost-effectiveness is assured in every step of the process. Clients have the luxury to sit back and relax as they witness the unfolding of their company, partnership, limited company, or representative office.

Commercial Litigation is any legal manner of resolving controversies between individuals or entities involved in commercial relationships. It covers a broad plethora of subjects, some of which include contract disputes, debt collections, corporation and partnership controversies, consumer fraud, insurance claims, and intellectual property contests.

Often, courts in Thailand will encourage a peaceful settlement to the dispute by employing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) like Arbitration or Conciliation. In fact, there are two main institutions in Thailand which deals with commercial arbitration: the Thai Arbitration Institute (TAI) and the Thai Commercial Arbitration Committee of the Board of Trade.

However, when parties are unable to resolve controversies through the said methods, the injured party goes to court and proceeds to file a lawsuit for the adjudication on the involved issues.

As the number foreign investors and international commercial transactions have increased over the years, the number of Commercial litigation has likewise escalated. As a result of this, lawyers in Thailand are often confronted with the question on whether or not foreign entities may file a commercial lawsuit in Thailand, or if foreign judgements on commercial controversies can be enforced in the country.

The filing of a commercial lawsuit in Thailand is available to the injured party or entity if the cause of action arose in Thailand, or if the subject matter of the dispute is within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom. The foreign plaintiff need not appear personally in Thailand, but may provide his lawyer in Thailand a Power of Attorney for the purpose.

While your lawyer in Thailand may start the legal process or arbitrate on the foreigner's behalf, the foreign plaintiff must still prove his legal status and personality. The foreign party or entity is required to furnish a multitude of documents to show proper authorization. In addition, all of the documents must be notarized by a notary public as well as legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the plaintiff's country.

Also, in the course of the hearings, the Thai courts still require the foreign party to appear and to give his testimony against the respondent.

It is important that foreign litigants are represented by Thai lawyers in cases brought before Thai tribunals. This is because the entire proceedings are conducted in the local tongue. While some Arbitral proceedings now allow foreign lawyers to appear for their clients, much of the proceedings are still conducted in Thai. Likewise, all documents submitted before the courts have to be translated to Thai in order to be admitted to court.

The best option when filing commercial cases is to be assisted by a Thai lawyer who can deliver himself well in both English in Thai, and has extensive experience in commercial litigation.

Resort to court action is a legitimate approach to the resolution of controversies in both the public and business sectors. With the influx of joint public and private investments, new businesses, and private property purchases, Thailand has also seen the inevitable rise in the number of litigations. These controversies lead to the clogging of court dockets. Because of the heavier workload of the judiciary, the resolution of cases necessarily take longer to finish

Same as in many countries, Thailand has encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in order to resolve controversies before the issue proper is formally heard by the court. In fact, Thailand has established an Alternative Dispute Resolution Office under the Office of the Judiciary to oversee the application of ADR in the country.

ADR is any kind of mechanism used for settling disputes rather than litigating a controversy in court. ADR is encouraged because the judiciary understands that the longer a dispute persists, the more damage it causes not only to the parties, but to the economy in general. It somewhat gives power to the parties in controversy to decide the fate of their dispute, rather than to have the courts adjudicate on their differences.

Arbitration and Mediation are two forms of Alternative Dispute Resolutions employed by the judiciary in order to ease the congestion in court dockets. Arbitration necessitates the selection of a third party (to be called the Arbiter) who will hear the controversy and render a legally-binding judgement. On the other hand, Mediation involves the assistance of an unbiased mediator who will help the parties reach a mutually-acceptable agreement.

Mediation is often resorted to in small claims cases where legal costs may be higher than the award. Mediation is funded by the Office of the Judiciary. The parties in mediation accrue minimal expenses.

The Mediator plays a vital role in the process. Not only does he keep the peace between the parties, he likewise assists the participants in designing a solution that would mutually benefit them.

An agreement is reached between parties after mediation. The agreement must specify all the terms and conditions which the parties must fulfill after the mediation is wrapped up. If a party fails to comply with the agreement, the other party may come to court for enforcement of the mediation agreement.

In contrast, Arbitration is employed in high-value business controversies. Unlike in mediation, parties in Arbitration would need to shoulder higher expenses such as the Arbiter’s fee and Institution fees.

Since 2002, Thailand has followed the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration for its own Arbitration mechanism. The country now adopts the same framework for domestic and international arbitration in order to avoid complications in interpretation and execution. The present Arbitration procedure in Thailand gives the parties the autonomy to frame proceedings which they would deem to be most efficient. It also ensures that parties will have reasonable opportunity to be heard of their claims and arguments.

Since 2000, foreigners may already serve as arbiters. Foreign lawyers may also represent their clients in Arbitral proceedings.

Arbitration has been increasingly drawing attention in Thailand. Aside from the business sector, some government entities have likewise used this mechanism to reduce the number of possible litigation in Thailand, like the Department of Insurance, the Department of Intellectual Property and the Security and Exchange Commission.

The Court is responsible for enforcing Arbitration Agreements in case such is afforded in the parties' contract. It has the duty to dispose of a filed case if it finds out that the agreed arbitration has not been availed of. The court may also appoint an arbiter in case the parties fail to agree on the appointment.

While arbitral agreements cannot be considered as legal precedents, the courts and the judicial system have undeniably regarded the importance of arbitration, as well as the essential role of arbitral tribunals.

The labor sector is a dynamic segment in the Thai economic structure. As businesses flourished in Thailand, the workforce likewise increased in figures. Inevitable, Thailand and the courts saw an escalation in the number of labor disputes.

The rights of workers in Thailand are covered by several labor legislations, most prominent of which are the Labor Protection Act and the Civil and Commercial Code. The other statutes on labor are the Labor Relations Act, the Provident Fund Act, the Social Security Act and the Workmen's Compensation Act. Foreign Workers in Thailand are likewise covered by the Alien Working Act of 2008.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, via the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, administers the laws as well as rights with regard to labor issues.

Generally, the above labor laws enumerate the employees' minimum rights such as working hours, compensation, work restrictions, welfare funding, allowable vacation and sick leaves, holidays, workmen securities and privileges. These laws also provide the grounds for the dismissal or termination of employees, as well as the provision of severance compensation for workers. Any violation on the guidelines provided by law is a cause for the worker to file a labor case against his employer. The most common case brought before the labor authorities is illegal dismissal or unlawful termination.

Complaints on illegal dismissal or unlawful termination must be brought by the offended employee first to the Labor Relations Committee. At this early level, the Committee explores the possibility of a peaceful compromise between the employer and the employee. If settlement on the issue is an impossibility and the committee finds probable cause against the offending party, it makes the appropriate recommendation for the filing of a labor lawsuit.

There are instances when a labor dispute can be filed as a criminal suit. Generally, it is the attendance of fraud which elevates a labor case into a criminal case. Also in cases where the Committee renders an Arbitral award and the paying party fails or refuses to pay compensation, the offended party is advised by the Committee to file a criminal case against his opponent.

Reinstatement to resume status quo at the time of dismissal may be ordered by the court upon a determination that the employee was indeed illegally terminated. If the relationship of the employee and the employer has been severely damaged so that reinstatement is no longer possible, the court may simply specify the amount of damages to be paid to the employee.

Factors to be considered in determining the amount of damages include the following: age of the employee, the length of service, the hardship of the employee at the time of dismissal, the cause of the dismissal and the compensation the employee is entitled to receive.

Before, the amount of damages awarded by the courts is restricted to actual damages only. Moral damages caused by emotional and psychological pain is almost unknown in the Thai judicial system. However, recent decisions by the Thai courts have reflected a change in the practice. As long as moral damages can be substantiated by the offended party, such award is considered in favor of the dismissed employee.

While complainants may file their petition or case without the help of a lawyer, having one will have much advantage. Same as in most forums in Thailand, the proceedings are conducted in the native tongue. The expertise of Thai lawyers will likewise assure the litigant that his rights will be fully protected, and all possible claims for compensation are brought to the attention of the Committee or the court.

What is the relevant thai law that provides for extradition?

The Extradition Act 2551 (C.E. 2008) now applies to all extradition proceedings from Thailand. This Act repeals and replaces the Extradition Act 2472 (C.E. 1929). It must be noted that the Act is subject to the provisions of any treaties concerning extradition between the government of Thailand or any other international agency.

Which countries have extradition treaties with Thailand?

Currently, the following countries have extradition treaties with Thailand: the US, the UK, Canada, China, Belgium, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Fiji, and Australia.

What makes offences extraditable?

Generally, offences which are considered by both the country requesting extradition and Thailand to be:

• A crime punishable by death, or
• A crime punishable by imprisonment of one year or more

Extradition for less serious offences will also be considered if they relate to the commission of serious offences as defined above. Note that individual extradition treaties may also provide a list of specific crimes that are considered extraditable, e.g. the Treaty between the UK and Thailand concerning the "extradition of fugitive criminals."

Can extradition be made for inchoate offences?

Extradition can generally be made for offences such as incitement, conspiracy, attempt etc.

What are the conditions for extradition?

Extradition will generally only be granted if the following conditions are met:

• The extradition would not be otherwise contrary to Thai law
• The offense is not political in nature: The definition of political does not include the murder of, or wilful crime (or any attempts of such crimes) against the safety of a Head of State or their families
• The offense is not exclusively military in nature
• There is no final judgement from a court in the requesting country finding the person who is the subject of the extradition request innocent of the offence; that such person has already served punishment for the offence; that such person is in no other way precluded from prosecution for the offence; that such person has been granted amnesty from prosecution

Can a country that has no extradition treaty request extradition?

Under the principle of reciprocity in extradition, requests for extradition may be made by states which have no treaty of extradition with Thailand, but such states must clearly express a commitment to grant extradition of fugitives required by Thailand in a similar manner when requested. This being the case, extradition requests will usually be considered from states with no formal treaty on an ad hoc basis.

What is the procedure for a request for extradition?

In the event the requesting country is a party to an extradition treaty with Thailand, the request is submitted to directly to the Attorney General. If no treaty exists, the request must be submitted through diplomatic channels to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will examine the request to ensure it will not adversely affect relations between the two countries. If they believe this to be the case, they will submit the request to the Attorney General. Assuming there are no deficiencies in the request, the Attorney General will instruct a Public Prosecutor to issue an arrest warrant. Upon arrest, a formal action in court will be commenced.

What must a request for extradition contain?

Since Thailand, like most other States when issued with a request for extradition, will make an arrest on the basis that a warrant has been issued in the requesting country, such a warrant should set out (if possible) all the offences for which the subject of the extradition is wanted. Where a defendant has attended court but has subsequently failed to attend and a warrant of arrest is issued, either the original or a certified copy of the warrant (or the judgment of the Court, if the defendant has been convicted) may be used.

The following information should also be included in a request for provisional arrest extradition:

• Statement of facts: Usually a very brief summary of facts in order to satisfy a judge that the conduct alleged amounts to an extradition crime
• Statement of law: At the preliminary stage all that is set out is the offence and the maximum penalty. No more is needed at this stage, since details will be provided in a later formal request
• Particulars of identity: Evidence establishing that the person sought is the person to whom the arrest warrant refers; any information which will assist with identification, e.g. photographs, fingerprints (if available), and information regarding the address or area where the person sought might be located

What is the legal basis for drug-related offences in Thailand?

Provisions for drug-related offences are contained in a raft of laws variously defined in the Measure for Suppressing Narcotic Offenders Act 2534 (1991) as being 'laws governing narcotics and laws governing active materials which have an active effect on the mind and the nerves.' The two most important Acts for practical purposes are the Narcotics Act 2522 (1979) and the Psychotropic Substances Act 2518 (1975).

How do the two acts define various substances?

The Psychotropic Substances Act defines the term "psychotropic substances" as being "such a psychotropic substance which is natural or derived from nature, or synthetic as the Minister notifies in the Government Gazette." Such "psychotropic substances" are classified into 4 categories, known in the Act as Schedules. Commonly known substances falling within the ambit of the Act include the following:

• Schedule 1 – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the active ingredient of cannabis); Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
• Schedule 2 – Ketamine; Ephedrine; Midazolam (Dormicum, Versed etc.); Triazolam (Halcion)
• Schedule 4 – Alprazolam (Xanax); Diazepam (Valium); Lorazepam (Ativan)

The Narcotics Act defines the term 'narcotics' as being 'any form of chemicals or substances which, upon being consumed whether by taking orally, inhaling, smoking, injecting or by whatever means, causes physiological or mental effect in a significant manner such as need of continual increase of dosage, having withdrawal symptoms when deprived of the narcotics, strong physical and mental need of dosage and health in general being deteriorated…' Substances defined as narcotics are classified into 5 categories (the act also uses the term 'Category' rather than 'Schedule' as used in the Psychotropic Substances Act). Commonly known substances falling within the ambit of the Narcotics Act include the following:

• Category 1 – Heroin;Amphetamine; Methamphetamine; MDMA (Ecstasy); LSD
• Category 2 – Cocaine; Codeine; Methadone; Morphine
• Category 5 – Cannabis; psychoactive mushrooms; Kratom Plant

What are the penalties for unlawful production under the acts?

Under the provisions of Psychotropic Substances Act, the penalties are as follows:

For Schedule 1 and 2 Substances:

• Imprisonment of 5-20 years and a fine of 100,000-400,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation sale
• Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht for carrying across borders
• Imprisonment of 1-5 years and a fine of 20,000-100,000 Baht for possession, use or consumption

For Schedule 3 and 4 Substances:

• Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation sale
• Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht for carrying across borders
• Imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or both for possession, use or consumption

Under the provisions of the Narcotics Act, the penalties are as follows:

For Category 1 Substances:

• Up to life imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000-5,000,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation, unless for the purpose of disposal, in which case the penalty is death. The intention to 'dispose' is inferred through quantities defined in the Act
• Up to life imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 – 5,000,000 Baht, or the death penalty, (depending upon the amount of the substance or substances found) for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal
• Up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of 20,000 – 200,000 Baht for possession. Note again that if the quantity of the substance or substances found exceeds prescribed levels in the act, then possession for the purpose of disposal will be inferred. It should also be noted that 'disposal' is defined in the act as meaning to 'sell, distribute, give away indiscriminately, exchange or give
• Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 10,000 – 60,000 Baht for consumption

For Category 2 Substances:

• Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 – 1,000,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation. If the substance or substances found include morphine, opium or cocaine the penalty is increased to imprisonment of 20 years to life and fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 Baht
• Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 – 200,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. In the case of morphine, opium or cocaine, 3-20 years or a fine of 60,000 – 400,000 Baht if the amount is under 100 grams, or 3-20 years or a fine of 500,000 – 5,000,000 Baht if over
• Up to 5 years or a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht or both for possession. If the quantity is 100 grams of a pure substance or more, this will be regarded as possession for the purpose of disposal
• Six months to three years or a fine of 10,000 – 60,000 Baht or both for consumption

For Cannabis Under Category 5:

• From 2-15 years imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation
• From 2-10 years imprisonment or a fine of 40,000 – 200,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. If the quantity is over 10 kilograms, the penalty is increased to a maximum of 15 years and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht
• Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and or a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht or both for possession
• Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine of 100,000 – 1,000,000 for consumption

For Kratom Plant Under Category 5:

• Imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation
• Imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. If the quantity is over 10 kilograms, the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 Baht
• Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or both for possession

Imprisonment not exceeding 1 month or a fine not exceeding 2,000 Baht for consumption 

Who is charged with overall control of drug enforcement?

The Narcotics Control Act 2519 (1976) designates the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) with overall responsibility for prevention and suppression of illegal drug use in Thailand. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) is the body which implements any resolutions of the NCB.

What powers do drug enforcement officials have?

Under provisions of the act, "competent officials" (for most practical purposes, this means the police), have to following powers of stop, search and arrest:

• To enter and search any place or dwelling place, providing they have reasonable grounds to suspect that there is a person or persons who they reasonably suspect to be involved in the commission of offences relating to narcotics on the premises or there are illegal drugs on the premises, or the premises are being used or are intended to be used in the commission of offences involving illegal drugs. Note that the officials must have reasonable grounds to believe that delaying any search in order to obtain a warrant would result in the escape of any suspects, or the substances in question being hidden, destroyed or in some other way "transformed"
• To search any person or vehicle if there are reasonable grounds to suspect they are carrying or hiding illegal drugs
• To enter and search premises without a warrant (having reasonable grounds for suspicion) and order a person or a group of people to undergo "on the spot" drug tests (under provisions of the fifth amendment of the Narcotics Act)
• To arrest any person involved in the commission of any offence related to illegal drugs
• To seize any illegal drugs or any property being used or intending to be used in the commission of offences relating to narcotics or such that may be used in evidence
• To search under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code
• To make inquiries regarding suspects alleged to be involved in offences relating to narcotics
• To issue a letter of enquiry or a summons to any person or official of any Government agency to give a statement or submit an account, document or material for examination

What is the law with regard to conspiracy?

The Act on Measures for the Suppression of Offenders in an Offence relating to Narcotics 2534 (1991) provides that two or more persons conspiring to commit an offence relating to narcotics shall be guilty of conspiracy and if the offence is subsequently committed, shall all be equally liable to the penalty imposed for such offences.

Are there provisions for the forfeiture of assets?

The above act provides for the forfeiture of all "instruments, equipment, conveyances, machineries or any other properties used in the commission of an offence relating to narcotics or used as accessories for producing the consequence of the commission of an offence relating to narcotics or possessed for use in the commission of an offence relating to narcotics," irrespective of whether any person is convicted in relation to any such offences. Authorities may also 'seize, restrain or confiscate the proceeds of drug trafficking' in any case, and additionally prosecute offences which took place outside the Kingdom, provided that:

• The offender or any accomplice is a Thai national or has a place of residence in Thailand
• The offender is an alien and intends its consequence to occur within the Kingdom or the Thai Government is the injured person
• The offender is an alien and such act is an offence under the law of the State in the jurisdiction of which the offence is committed, if such offender has appeared in the Kingdom and has not been extradited under the law on extradition

THAILAND'S ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAW

In the light of the proliferation of illegal activities involving large sums of money, Thailand's legislative body has implemented a comprehensive anti-money laundering law. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Act was passed in March of 1999 with the aim of eradicating the drug trade, as well as combating other activities like corruption, fraud and prostitution. 

Recent amendments to the Act were made in March 2008, broadening the overall scope of criminal liability and increasing powers to conduct investigation and seizures. The amendments can also be seen as an attempt to address the issue of perceived government corruption. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Prevention and Suppression Office ("AMLO") established under the Act, has confirmed cooperation from financial institutions in reporting potentially illegal transactions. However, AMLO has also reported the number of transactions previously subject to mandatory reporting under the Act have decreased sharply through time. This may be an indication that suspect transactions previously made directly with reputable financial institutions are now being divided into in smaller, more diversified amounts or transmitted through other methods entirely.

WHAT ARE TARGETED CRIMES?

Thai officials initially proposed the implementation of a money laundering act to address the widespread transfer of money and property from the trade in illegal narcotics, as well as to comply with requirements for membership in the 1988 Convention against Illegal Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psycho-toxic Substances.

A list of additional criminal offences were added as the law was finalized and during the March 2008 amendments. Currently, the Act now covers the transfer or conversion of funds or property obtained from:

• Drug trafficking
• Prostitution and other related sexual offenses
• Public fraud
• Fraud involving financial institutions
• Abuse of power by government officials
• Extortion
• Trade involving contraband items

Gambling offenses listed under gambling laws, most particularly the large-scale organization of gambling games.

PROVISIONS OF THE ACT

Under provisions of the Act, it is considered a crime to transfer, convert or receive the transfer of funds or property arising from the above targeted criminal offenses for the purpose of concealing the source of such funds. Under the Act, violators are defined as individuals who commit or attempt to commit a money laundering offence or who serve as an accomplice in such commission. Punishment can be imprisonment of up to 10 years and the payment of a fine of up to 200,000 baht. 

The March 2008 amendments to the Act included provisions addressing the perceived corruption of government officials, with fines doubled for both the principals and the accomplices should they be government officials. 

The Act also provides for the thorough investigation of banking transactions along with other related financial transactions, giving enforcement officials the power to seize, without warrant, money or property that has been proven connected with one of the listed criminal offences. To recover the seized property, the owner must be able to provide ample evidence to prove that the property is completely unrelated to the commission of one of the listed crimes or any money laundering offence.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

One of the Act's key provisions requires banks and other financial institutions to report all cash transactions exceeding 2 million baht. This also includes property transactions, which must be reported if in excess of 5 million baht. 

In the case of such transactions, the financial institutions must require their customers to provide a detailed record. This requirement is generally left to the practical discretion of the financial institution which must balance customer confidentiality concerns and compliance with the Act. 

AMLO has also implemented a requirement for all persons entering or leaving Thailand to declare the amount of currency in their possession in order to investigate whether the amount exceeds certain statutory levels. 

Failure to comply with these reporting requirements is punishable by a fine of up to 300,000 baht. Moreover, filing a false report can result in a fine of up to 500,000 baht and imprisonment of up to two years.

Criminal cases are lawsuits by which the State prosecutes a person or organization for the violation of a penal law.

A penal law is that which identifies which acts or omissions are considered as crimes or offenses. There must thus be a specific provision in a Penal Code or Special Penal Law that defines and punishes the act or omission before one is considered to have committed a crime. Even if an act is socially or morally wrong, no criminal liability is incurred by a person or organization until that act is classified as a crime under law.

When one is being prosecuted for a crime, it is the State which is actually suing the offending party, and not the private injured party. This is because crimes are considered offensive to the peace and order of the country. The private injured party becomes a witness for the State.

In Thailand, prosecution for criminal law is the responsibility of several government organizations: the Royal Thai Police, Office of the Attorney General, the Courts of Justice, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior.

Aggrieved parties commonly go to the Police to make a report of a criminal incident. The Police then proceeds to investigate the alleged crime and reports its findings before the Office of the Prosecutor. The Office of the Prosecutor, on the other hand, files the appropriate criminal case in Court.

The overwhelming number of criminal reports have resulted in delays in investigations and prosecution. As a solution to this, private citizens have been allowed to come to hire lawyers who will directly file the criminal case in courts, instead of taking the police reporting route. While this is a more expedient choice, the private party of course bears the consequence of bearing the costs of the private case filing.

Only judges decide criminal cases in Thailand. The jury system does not apply in this jurisdiction. As everywhere else, the court must find proof beyond reasonable doubt before it convicts an accused of the crime he is being tried of.

Can claims for compensation for injury be brought in Thailand?

Thai law provides that claims for compensation as a result of personal injury may be filed in Thai courts.

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims?

Claims for compensation must generally be brought within one year of the day the injury took place. Certain exceptions apply, most notably where claims also fall under the ambit of the criminal law, where the time limit is that prescribed by the applicable (criminal) law, assuming the period of prescription is longer. The law also provides longer time limits if it is not clear who is responsible for providing compensation.

What is the scope of compensation in personal injury cases?

Broadly speaking, Thai courts seek to put claimants in the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. This usually involves the award of expenses (e.g. for medical treatment etc.) and damages for loss of earnings, both present as well as future. If, at the time of judgement, the court feels it cannot precisely establish the actual consequences of the injury, it may reserve the right to revise its decision for a period of no more than two years. Thai courts generally restrict the award of damages to actual losses and do not usually award damages for such 'intangibles' as pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional shock etc. If such damages are awarded, they are not likely to be substantial.

Is it possible to bring an action for injury while outside Thailand?

Claims can be filed with the court on behalf of an applicant by way of a power of attorney, but applicants are usually required to physically appear in the Thai court to provide testimony.

Resort to court action is a legitimate approach to the resolution of controversies in both the public and business sectors. With the influx of joint public and private investments, new businesses, and private property purchases, Thailand has also seen the inevitable rise in the number of litigations. These controversies lead to the clogging of court dockets. Because of the heavier workload of the judiciary, the resolution of cases necessarily take longer to finish.

Same as in many countries, Thailand has encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in order to resolve controversies before the issue proper is formally heard by the court. In fact, Thailand has established an Alternative Dispute Resolution Office under the Office of the Judiciary to oversee the application of ADR in the country.

ADR is any kind of mechanism used for settling disputes rather than litigating a controversy in court. ADR is encouraged because the judiciary understands that the longer a dispute persists, the more damage it causes not only to the parties, but to the economy in general. It somewhat gives power to the parties in controversy to decide the fate of their dispute, rather than to have the courts adjudicate on their differences.

Arbitration and Mediation are two forms of Alternative Dispute Resolutions employed by the judiciary in order to ease the congestion in court dockets. Arbitration necessitates the selection of a third party (to be called the Arbiter) who will hear the controversy and render a legally-binding judgement. On the other hand, Mediation involves the assistance of an unbiased mediator who will help the parties reach a mutually-acceptable agreement.

In olden times, young or inexperienced Thais would seek the wisdom of their elders in resolving community issues. This is actually an informal mediation. This is practiced until today. The public and private sectors now utilize mediation more in order to resolve differences at the earliest stage of the conflict.

Mediation is often resorted to in small claims cases where legal costs may be higher than the award. Mediation is funded by the Office of the Judiciary. The parties in mediation accrue minimal expenses.

The Mediator plays a vital role in the process. Not only does he keep the peace between the parties, he likewise assists the participants in designing a solution that would mutually benefit them.

An agreement is reached between parties after mediation. The agreement must specify all the terms and conditions which the parties must fulfil after the mediation is wrapped up. If a party fails to comply with the agreement, the other party may come to court for enforcement of the mediation agreement.

The establishment of mediation centers, the increase in mediation training programs, and the recruitment of many new mediators prove the efficiency of the approach. With mediation, we can demonstrate that despite the fast pace of our new lives, some traditional remedies can still be considered as dependable.

What kind of contract is a loan of money in thailand?

A loan of money contract in Thailand is known as a "loan of consumption", a contract whereby the lender transfers to the borrower the ownership of a certain quantity of property which is "consumed" by the borrower. The borrower, in return, agrees to return property "of the same kind, quality and quantity." Note, such a contract only becomes complete upon delivery of the property.

Who is responsible in law for the costs of the contract?

The borrower is responsible for the costs of the contract, the cost of delivery of the property and the cost of return of the property.

What kind of evidence is required to ensure a contract for loan of money is enforceable?

• For a loan of money not exceeding 2,000 baht, a witness may testify in the court that a loan of money contract was established
• For a loan of money exceeding 2,000 baht there must be production to the court of some written evidence of the loan signed by the borrower

What kind of evidence is needed to prove the repayment of a loan?

Written evidence signed by the lender must be provided to the court, or it must be shown the document evidencing the loan has been surrendered to the borrower or cancelled.

What are the rules concerning interest?

As a general rule, the court will not allow an interest rate to exceed 15% a year. Any higher rate fixed by a contract will almost certainly be reduced to 15% unless there are specific laws which prescribe a higher rate may be charged such as those relating to the loan of money by certain types of financial institutions. The law also generally prohibits compound interest except under the following circumstances:

• Both parties agree that that the interest due for not less than one year be added to the capital and the whole amount shall bear interest. Any such agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties
• The loan is one of "commercial usage" e.g. a bank current account or loans of a similar commercial nature

What if no particular interest rate is specified?

If it is agreed in a contract for a loan of money that interest is payable, but no rate is specified in the contract, the court will order that the parties agree to the rate of 7.5% per year, a rate which is prescribed by law.

Can a loan be repaid in a form other than money?

Assuming a loan is made for a sum of money and the lender accepts goods or other property for the repayment of the loan, the amount of the debt repaid will be considered by the court to be equal to the market value of such goods or property at the time and place of delivery. Equally, if a borrower accepts goods or property instead of a sum of money, the amount of the debt will be considered in precisely the same way: the market value at the time and place of delivery.

Can claims for medical malpractice be brought in Thailand?

Thai law provides that claims for medical malpractice may be filed in Thai courts. Such claims have their basis in Thai law as liability for wrongful acts.

What is the statute of limitations for malpractice claims?

Claims for compensation must generally be brought within one year of the day the injury took place. Certain exceptions apply, most notably where claims also fall under the ambit of the criminal law, where the time limit is that prescribed by the applicable (criminal) law, assuming the period of prescription is longer.

What kind of evidence is required to bring a claim?

It must be established that a medical practitioner acted negligently or unlawfully, by way of the failure to meet established and accepted standards of medical practice in the jurisdiction, and that injury or death resulted from such an act. For this reason, the most important evidence, at least initially, will be that provided in the form of a medical opinion from a practitioner providing a suitable attestation to this effect.

What is the scope of compensation?

Thai courts tend to limit damages in malpractice claims to actual, quantifiable losses. This usually involves the award of expenses and damages for loss of earnings, both present as well as future. It is unusual for a Thai court to award damages for such 'intangibles as pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional shock etc. and any such awards are likely to be minimal, if awarded at all. For this reason, damages as a result of medical malpractice in Thailand are, under current provisions, extremely unlikely to result in the levels of awards seen in western jurisdictions, particularly the United States.

Tort law is a body of law that addresses and provides remedies for civil wrongs not arising out of contractual obligations

From the above definition, we comprehend that obligations arise not only from parties who are bound by contracts, but likewise by acts or misdeeds which result in injury or damage. Because of the injury or damage that results, the person or entity responsible is made to compensate the offended person.

In Thailand, a tort is embraced under the category of wrongful acts or fault. In order for an injured person to be awarded compensation for such wrongful act, he must be able to substantially prove that the damage incurred had been a direct result of the wrongful act of the doer.

Claims for damages must be filed at the earliest time possible. Aside from the relatively short period of one year allowed by Thai laws to file the claim, much of the evidence available to the claiming party may easily dissipate with time. Having the assistance of a lawyer in Thailand will greatly help your case. Not only will a lawyer be able to guide you through the collection of evidence, but will ensure you are afforded all your other legal rights, as provided by law.

Dissimilar to Western norms, damages awarded by Thai courts from torts are limited to actual damages only. Thus, it is important that the injured party or his lawyer document all expenses stemming from the tort. Moral and punitive damages are almost unknown to the Thai judicial system. Very rarely has the Thai court awarded moral or punitive damages.

Civil actions are lawsuits brought before courts whereby a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong.

Civil cases generally cover property and business disputes, personal domestic controversies, divorces, torts, and such other types where a party's rights are breached.

While many disputes may be settled amicably, the injured party, called the "Plaintiff" eventually goes to court after he determines that the controversy can no longer be resolved without judicial intervention. The Plaintiff, through his lawyer, must file a complaint in writing with an appropriate Court of First Instance, clearly setting out the nature of his claim, the relief sought and the allegations upon which the claim is based. The party against whom the case is filed is called the "Respondent".

Several factors are taken into account in the filing of a civil lawsuit. These include the proper designation of the case, the jurisdiction of the court, the determination of the proper parties, and many others which will make the assistance of a lawyer indispensable. Failure to properly determine any of the said factors can cause serious consequences, like the early dismissal of the suit.

Divorces, breach of contract and collection of sum of money are among the most common of civil lawsuits filed in Thailand. When these cases are filed in court, the Thai tribunals still aim for a last chance at an out-of court settlement. A preliminary hearing is set not only for the identification of issues, but more importantly for the possibility of a compromise. In some cases, courts may temporarily adjourn a case if parties are willing to settle, but may also set in motion a continuous trial on the merits should it determine that a compromise is not feasible.

All court proceedings are required to be conducted in Thai language, except in some special courts. Documents made in a foreign language must be translated into Thai. Only original documents are admissible in evidence, save in some instances. Preponderance of evidence is enough to prove one's claims in a civil suit.

Until a final adjudication of the case is reached by the court, a Thai lawyer's participation is crucial. Not only because the court proceedings are conducted in the native tongue, but because there are also remedies and practices which are atypical to the Thai judicial system. Your lawyer must be able to take you through the entire process, not only until the judgement stage at the Court of First Instance, but through possible stages of appeal with the Appeals Court and the Supreme Court.

Title Deeds in Thailand may be mainly divided into 4 categories as follows:

Freehold Title Deed (Chanote or Nor Sor 4)

This type of title grants the holder of this document full rights over the land, to deal with or to use it to the exclusion of others.

Thus, if you are planning to buy land in Thailand, this type of title deed is the best and most credible title deed to hold.

Nor Sor 3 Gor

• A land 'awaiting' a full title deed is granted the document Nor Sor 3 Kor.
• The land is measured by the Land Department; therefore, it has its exact boundaries.
• This type of land may be sold, transferred, or mortgaged in the same manner as land with freehold title deed (Chanote) as long as it is ready to be a full title deed.
• In order to change the title to a Chanote, the owner of the land may file a petition to the Land Department to file a request to change it to a full title deed (Chanote), and the Land Department may do so if there is no opposition made against the petition.

Nor Sor 3

• The difference between this type of land title deed and the Nor Sor 3 Gor is that a land with Nor Sor 3 title has never yet been measured by the Land Department; hence the land has no exact boundaries.
• The Nor Sor 3 title may later be switched to a Nor Sor 3 Gor then subsequently transform to that title to a freehold title deed (Chanote) in the future.

Possessory Right

This type of title deed is least recommended. A land with a possessory right has never been substantiated by Department, but is only recognized by tax payments at the Local Administrative Office.

It is essential to bear in mind that title deeds other than one of a Chanote, is not allowed to register any leases against the land such as, usufructs, mortgages or superficies in order to gain encumbrance.

Although Thai Law stipulates that a foreigner may not own land in Thailand, there are alternative options to owning a land in Thailand. We would be more than happy to discuss the options available to you with a meeting, an over the phone conversation, or by email.

The following is an overview of property taxes in Thailand and how they are calculated. Please consult one of our property lawyers with regards to your property taxes in Thailand.

Thailand Property Taxes

Transfer fee	2% of the registered value of the property
Stamp Duty	0.5% of registered value. Only payable if exempt from business tax
Withholding tax	1% of the appraised value or registered sale value of the property (whichever is higher and if the seller is a company). If the seller is an individual, withholding tax is calculated at a progressive rate based on the appraisal value of the property.
Business tax	3.3% of the appraised value or registered sale value of the property (whichever is higher). This applies to both individuals and companies.

TAX	WHICH PARTY NORMALLY PAYS	AMOUNT
Transfer fee	Buyer	2% of registered value
Stamp Duty	Seller	0.5% of registered value
Withholding Tax	Seller	1% of appraised value or registered sale value (whichever is higher)
Business Tax	Seller	3.3% of appraised value or registered sale value (whichever is higher)

What is Escrows?

The concept of putting money down on escrow before you receive title to your property is such a familiar occurrence in common law jurisdictions we don't often give it a second thought. In fact, in some states in the US such as California, to transfer a property is to 'close escrow'. In real estate terminology, an escrow can be defined as an impartial holding of documents or funds related to the sale and transfer of a property. An escrow is designed particularly with consumer protection in mind safeguarding your rights should anything go wrong before the transfer of the property. Nevertheless, an escrow system does offer equal protection to all parties involved including the seller, developer and agent.

Problems with Escrow

Thailand has been toying with the idea of regulating and formalizing laws on escrow accounts since early 2001. Even prior to this, the government had implemented a discretionary measure on the practice but the idea did not really take off due to a lack of publicity and understanding. There were other problems as well. The notion of escrow derives from a common law concept of trust law. The main challenge has been that the concept of trust is said to be the major hypothesis that clearly differentiates civil from common law.

Further to this, section 1686 of the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand voids any relationship created by trusts. It is with this background that many legal scholars believed Thailand will have difficulty introducing escrows to a wider audience. Property developers are also strongly against an introduction of an escrow system because they depend extensively on the 10% to 20% deposit of the selling price to finance the construction. However, because Thailand has experienced immense growth in the last few years, many new laws are required to keep up with these changes. Property developers just have to adapt to the changing environment if they want to survive.

Thai Property Today

The property business landscape is very different today compared to what it was five or ten years ago. Land prices have increased exponentially country wide and international interest in the Thai property market has remained unabated bringing with it different practices and expectations. Property transactions have increased and the numbers of unscrupulous developers have also inevitably increased. With this rise, we are also seeing more and more civil suits from unfortunate consumers losing their hard earned money to projects that have gone to dust or were dust to begin with.

The government recognizes the need for greater regulation and protection to consumers in property and in other large business transactions. Technically speaking, the Civil and Commercial Code does allow for a pseudo-escrow system by applying section 805. This section permits the use of dual agents to hold funds such as instalments to a property prior to the transfer if it is drafted into a sale and purchase agreement. This, however, does not regulate the role of the agent properly and questions often arose as to their impartiality. The other problem is that it is once again discretionary and lacked public awareness.

The Escrow Usage in Thailand

As mentioned earlier, in 2001, by virtue of section 9 of the Commercial Banking Act 1962, the government introduced a 'Letter' allowing commercial banks to provide an escrow account services to customers who have entered into a sale and purchase agreement with a developer. This allows for an escrow agreement outlining the terms and conditions of each party, in particular, the payment to the seller or developer. Although these controls have been introduced since 2001, their applications have also been haphazard, particularly by the banks. The attempt falls short of mandatory practice which when left to discretion often leads to it being, once again, overlooked. It is, however, most certainly a step in the right direction and sets out the agenda for the development of escrow law in its entirety.

In December 2007, the National Legislative Assembly introduced a first draft of escrow law in Thailand. Again, the main thrust of this law is to protect home-buyers from loosing money on down payments in the event property developers become unable to complete and transfer the property to them. The difference is that the draft is intended to apply to all developments across the board and all players are required to oblige. Many property developers are arguing that it will add more pressure on their financial management as they would not have access to the deposits they so heavily rely on until this day. Nonetheless, it will take some time before we know how the new administration will affect the draft bill.

Current Application

Despite a lack of regulation in Thai law, escrows have been widely used by larger property developers, law firms and other third parties in the country for some time already. Law firms and some estate agents apply section 805 of the Civil and Commercial Code, mentioned earlier, to enable this. More established companies and firms provide their clients with an offshore escrow account in a jurisdiction which already has a recognized escrow law in place. Whatever the case may be, it is prudent for you, as a client, to know what the terms and conditions of the escrow are. Some escrow arrangements are drafted into the sale and purchase agreement itself and some more complicated arrangements will require a separate escrow agreement to outline the conditions subsequent to transfer.

Final Word

It is perhaps only a matter of time before escrow laws are fully enshrined into the Thai legal system out of necessity. Indeed, with the draft bill being approved late last year, it would appear almost imminent. This is good news for property buyers as you will be better protected from those few dishonest, under-financed or inexperienced developers. It is certainly a much better alternative to a diluted claim for civil damages in the event of default on the part of the developer. Developers will also benefit by the growing consumer confidence by home-buyers in the property sector.

Property Purchase and Transfer

When you purchase real property, you pay because you want to possess the property you are buying. While there are several preliminary steps, the most essential step is the transfer of property from the owner or developer to you. Often the contract for the purchase of the property will specify how the property is to be transferred. The property transfer will generally take place at the land office where the ownership of the property will be registered upon the conclusion of the transaction.

If you buy property from a developer before development is completed, the transfer of property takes place upon the completion of your property. If the property had already been built, the transfer of property takes place once the installment payments have been completed in accordance to the signed contract. The remaining balance of the purchase price is usually paid on the day of transfer at the land office.

Taxes and Transfer Fees

In addition to the balance of the purchase price, you may also be liable to pay certain taxes and transfer fees.

Generally, the Buyer will be liable for the Transfer fee and the remaining types of taxes are borne by the Seller. However, it can always be negotiated between the parties of how the total amount of payable tax and duty is rationed among them.

• Transfer taxes - The land department levies 2% of the property value based on the value registered.
• Withholding tax - 1% of the appraised property value will be levied (explained below).
• Special business tax - Is only payable if the property is sold within its first 5 years of ownership and is levied at the rate of 3.3% of the appraised value.
• Stamp duty - A total of 0.5% of the registered value will be taxed.
• How much of these taxes will be paid by the seller and how much will be paid by you, the buyer, should be negotiated before going to the land department and written into the sales contract.

Income Tax (Withholding Tax) from the Sale

Income from the sale of property is subject to Thai income taxation. The land department will withhold a prepayment of the property seller's gain from transfer of property is registered. The rates differ between natural and juristic persons when:

• the property seller is a company, the withholding tax is 1% of the sales price or 1% of the assessed value, whichever is higher.
• the property seller is an individual, the withholding tax is calculated on a progressive income tax scale.

Our Legal Services and Conveyancing

TLS provides a number of services that can help make the transfer of property easier for you.

• If it is not possible for you to go to the land office in person, we can prepare a Power of Attorney that will allow you to appoint our firm or a third party to conduct the transfer at the land office on your behalf.
• If you prefer to go to the land office yourself, one of our staff can accompany you to make sure your rights are protected.
• Before the official transfer of property at the land department, we will inform you of the documents needed and the approximate amount of money you will need for the taxes and administrative fees that must be paid.

Sale and Purchase Agreements

When you purchase property in Thailand, in most cases, the seller will provide a "Contract of Sale" or "Sale and Purchase Agreement" after you make the initial deposit. The contract may be in English or Thai. It is important to review this contract carefully before you sign it. Sometimes you may need to have the documents translated and execute both of the versions.

Importance of Contract Review

While the title deed for the property describes exactly what and where the property is and who currently has a right to the property, the sales contract describes exactly when and how the seller will sell you the property and upon what terms and condition. In Thailand, the usual contract of sale only lists basic rights and does not list all the exhaustive rights and obligations of the seller and the buyer. More exhaustive sales contracts, as are common in many other countries, allow for all possible contingencies such as default by the seller or buyer. You should then have a contract reviewed:

• To make sure the sale goes smoothly, it is important to have a good understanding of what the sales contract says.
• In some cases the contract may be lacking some extra conditions which you have negotiated with your counterpart and agreed that it should be contained in the contract.
• The contract could be missing some other essential provisions that become real important once problems arise. For example, the original sales contract might not include a provision for whom will pay the taxes on the sale of the property.
• It could be lacking provisions regarding completion of construction of off-plan developments and makes no references to the penalties the developer must pay in the event of delays.
• Often sales contracts which are signed before development is completed will include the construction plans, schematics or blueprints. If the seller has to complete development before the transfer of property, the contract should clearly lay out a schedule and standard for the construction or other development.

While many sellers will say that their sales contract is standard, we have seen many errors and omissions in sales contracts. There is no need to use a so called "standard" contract if it does not meet your needs. When executing any important contract, it is always a good idea to get a lawyer's comments on the terms of the contract to make sure they are legal, complete, and enforceable if something goes wrong. This is especially true if you are in a foreign country.

Buying and Leasing of Land

If you are buying or leasing land with the purpose of constructing or building a structure on it, it is imperative to make sure that you are allowed to build a structure or house on the land if that is your plan. This is sometimes called the "right to superficies".

Our Contract Review Service

TLS's property services include:

• Reviewing the contract of sale to make sure that your interests are protected.
• Review the contract to make sure that it fully and accurately describes the each parties' duties and does not include any hidden charges.
• To ascertain whether the contract makes clear what will happen to the initial deposit and any other payments if the seller does not transfer the property to you.
• Upon review, our lawyers will negotiate with the seller to make any amendments necessary to meet your needs. These amendments would include protecting your rights if there is a delay in construction, and include late penalty payments and payment schedules.
• Once finalized, the amendments will be provided to the Seller for final ratification and agreement.

In many cases, a purchaser of real estate will want to have more information about the property they are interested in buying than just what appears on examination of the title deed. For example, if you are buying a building that is still being constructed, you may want to be sure that the developer has all of the required permits for the project in addition to ownership of the land.

Our Due Diligence Service

Physical Inspection

In addition to the title search, we will conduct a physical inspection of the land to determine:

• If development has started, we will inspect to ascertain if the land is connected to a public road, and if the boundaries of the land are clear and in accordance to the title deed. This visual inspection can give you additional peace of mind if you cannot be nearby or abroad during development.
• We will also determine the ownership of the parcels of land immediately adjacent the one you are interested in.
• We will inspect whether the property observes the relevant local zoning ordinances.

Inspection of Building Permits

New developments require a number of approvals and official government filings that we can check to ensure that everything goes smoothly with your purchase such as:

• Inspect that the type of development you want to buy is allowed to be constructed in that area. Some areas in Thailand do not permit condominium development, so if you are interested in buying a condominium we will check the restrictions on land use to make sure that a condominium can be developed where the development is advertised. In addition, drainage must be available for all new developments.
• We will also review the construction permit to make sure that it was legally issued and accurately reflects the developer's current plans.
• We can review a developer's Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report filed with the provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment to make sure that it has been properly filed and approval has been granted.
• It is important to compare the IEE report with the developer's construction plans, as sometimes the construction plans are changed after the developer received approval of the IEE report.
• For purchasers concerned over parking spots for vehicles, Thai law requires a minimum number of parking spaces with new condominium construction and we can check official records to determine how many parking spaces are planned and if that meets the legal requirements.

Seller or Developer Credential Research

In addition, we can review local court records to determine:

• Whether the seller is previously or currently been involved in any court cases to ascertain whether other buyers have sued the seller in the past for default.
• The seller may have been declared bankrupt their assets due to be liquidated and they will not have a title to transfer to you.
• Whether it is the first time your developer is developing a project.

Prior research of these things could raise a red flag and you may not want to deal with that seller. It could reveal minor concerns with the paperwork that can be corrected before purchase or in another case, it can mean a world of difference between making a good or bad investment.

TLS can prepare a due diligence report for you about your intended purchase. Your due diligence report will include your title search report, pictures of the land, and translations of construction permits or other documents related to the property you are interested in. Your due diligence report is a snapshot of the legal parameters of the property you are investigating.

Importance of Title Search

Before making any large purchase it is important to make sure you know what you are purchasing. A title search is "highly advised" before purchasing any kind of real property whether it is a piece of land or a condominium. These are the reasons a title search is a "must":

• A title search is done to determine whether the person selling you the property is the true owner of the property and free to sell it to you.
• It also will determine if there are any registered encumbrances on the property such as a loan, lien or a mortgage.
• A title search traces title to the land back to the original property holder. In Thailand all land originally belonged to the king.

Thailand began issuing deeds to private real estate when the Department of Land was established in 1901. Over the years, numerous land reform initiatives have resulted in some confusion over who owns what. A wide variety of official documents are used to show land ownership, some of which do not allow for the sale or lease of the land.

Different Types of Claim on Land and Property

1. The Por Tor Bor 5, Bai Jong (NS-2), and Sor Kor 1 (SK-1)
   Used to establish a claim to land. Land ownership which is only evidenced by one of these documents cannot be leased or sold. But as the claim matures, the Land Department may eventually grant a real title to land based on these claim certificates.
2. Nor Sor Sam (NS-3), Nor Sor Sam Gor (NS-3K), and Chanote (NS-4)
   A higher class of documents used for land claims that have at least been 'partially or fully documented' by the Land title office. Parcels represented by these title documents can be mortgaged, leased, and sold. The deed with the highest credibility is the Chanote.
3. Or Chor 2 - Condominium Title
   Buying a condominium is the easiest way for a foreigner to buy real property in Thailand.
   • Unlike land titles, the Condominium Title shows ownership of a condo unit, not a parcel of land. The land the condo development is built on has its own separate title. Condominium titles are originally issued in the name of the property developer.
   • The Or Chor 2, or Condominium Title, establishes condominium ownership. It lists the location and deed number of the plot of land the condominium is built on.
   • The title also includes a sketch of the condo unit, its dimensions and area, and identifying information such as the unit name, number, floor, and building.
   • It also lists the ownership ratio of common property.

See also the types of Title Deed in Thailand.

Land Department Revokes the Title

• This happens when the Land Department discovers the original land which the title was based on was fraudulently or unlawfully claimed government land.
• These errors may persist for decades before they are discovered and the title is revoked.
• Although the errors are usually not the fault of the present landowner, the landowner does not receive compensation when their title is revoked.
• Title search is very important to detect these faults before the title may be revoked.

Our Title Search Report

Once we complete your title search, we will provide you with a full report and a copy of the title deed in English along with the original Thai. The title search report will give the specific description of the land or property that you are purchasing, specific dimensions of the land, verifying the type of title deed, and verifying the title's history for all previous and current owners.

The property market in Thailand is not regulated very well and you could very well lose your investment in the kingdom. There have been many property scandals in Thailand and some buildings have never been completed 10 years after people have paid a deposit. Ensure that your investment is safe by allowing a Thai property lawyer to check the documents and the developer for you before paying or signing any contract.

Title Search

• Conducting a search on the title and relevant documents of the land;
• Ascertaining that the title document is in order;
• Ensuring that a seller is the current owner of the land;
• Confirm the lack of mortgage, and the lack of further encumbrances;
• Check actions against the seller in both court and the Central Bankruptcy Court;
• Verifying whether there is any restriction on the development of the land.

See our Title Search service.

Due Diligence

• conduct a physical inspection of the land or property
• Inspection of building permits
• Research on the Seller or Developer's Credential

See our Due Diligence service.

Prepare the Sale and Purchase Agreement

• Verifying the sales agreement;
• Providing comments on clauses of the sales agreement;
• Negotiate modifications as needed to protect your interest.

See Review of Contracts service.

Transfer or Registration of Title

• Preparing the application and supporting documents;
• Registering, on your behalf, at the Land Department.

See our Transfer of Title service.

Registration of Thai Company

• Draft, review and registration of the Objectives and the Articles of Association;
• Obtain the Company Registration Certificate and Affidavit
• Apply for Taxpayer Identification Number
• Translate the company registration documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation and the Articles of Association into English.

See Thai Limited Company registration.

TLS Property Services

Thailand Legal Services offers full legal property services with offices within major provinces in Thailand. These include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. Our firm is staffed with foreign lawyers and Thai lawyers scattered around Thailand. You can visit our head office in Bangkok at the Interchange 21 Building, 23rd Floor; or if you have any property questions or issues that need to be addressed, call us using the phone numbers below.

What is Servitudes?

Servitude is practically a registered "right of way" that is given to a dominant property that benefit from the servient property, who is burdened by this right of way.

In common law terms servitude is usually described as an "easement". For example, if property A has a house located adjacent to property B, however, in order to get or property B, the property B tenants has to pass through property A's walkway, a servitude will be needed to grant the right of way.

The right of servitude basically secures access to the public road.

Servitudes in Thailand Law

Servitudes in Thailand are governed by the Thai Civil Law and Commercial Code sections 1387 to 1401. Section 1387 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code states that "An immovable property may be subjected to a servitude by virtue of which the owner of such property is bound, for the benefit of another, to suffer certain acts affecting his property or to refrain from exercising certain rights inherent in his ownership".

Servitudes are generally not difficult to register but are not a common occurrence.

Servitudes can put several kinds of burdens or restrictions on a neighboring property, such as usage of a neighboring water well, or defining restrictions on private structures.

If there is refusal to register such by the Registrar at the Land title office, it may be necessary to make an application in court. Be sure to contact a lawyer or solicitor if a situation as such arises so as to be aware of what options you have available to you.

What is Usufructs?

A usufruct, in Thai language, called "Sidhi-kep-kin", provides temporary ownership rights for use and enjoyment of the property along with an advantage of being able to reap the profits from property belonging to another as long as the property is not damaged or altered in any way.

Use of Usufructs

Although the law does not prevent Foreigners from being able to apply to register a usufruct on a land, however, this is still subject to the discretion of the Land Officer.

The person who enters into a contractual agreement with the owner for this right is called the "usufructuary". A usufruct will be registered in a similar manner to a lease of up to 30 years or for the life of the usufructuary.

Once registered, it will have effects as a servitude on the title. The owner of the land cannot sell or transfer the land until the servitude has been terminated.

The usufructuary must also keep the property intact and returned in the same position that it was when the usufruct was granted.

The usufructuary is responsible for the expenses for the management of the property, paying taxes and duties, and being responsible for interests payable on debts charged to it.

If required by the owner, the usufructuary is bound to insure the property against loss for the benefit of the owner. They must pay the insurance premiums for the duration of their usufruct and your right is also registered on the title deed.

A usufruct interest expires upon the death of the holder of the usufruct and therefore cannot be inherited.

The Transfer of Usufructs

Transfer to a Third Party

The beneficiary in a usufruct scenario may also transfer his rights to the usufruct to a third party according to the Civil and Commercial Code of section 1422.

The grantor of the usufruct however will still claim for damages caused by the third party directly against the usufructuary.

An interesting feature of usufruct is that the usufructuary can enter into a 30-year lease with a third party. So if the usufructuary signed a 30-year lease contract before his death, the lessee (tenant) will maintain the rights of the lease until its expiration.

Case Study: The Supreme Court ruling 2297/1998 states that the lessor (landlord) does not have to be the owner of the property. Therefore the usufructuary can rent out the land. Although in the event of death of the usufructuary within the lease term, only the usufruct will be terminated but not the lease.

Transfer Through Inheritance

The usufructuary could transfer the right of using the land through inheritance.

However, it remains to be seen if the Land Department officials would allow a transfer of the rights to the land. There is no annual tax levied on the property compared with the 12.5 percent of the assessed or market rate rental value in the case of a registered lease.

Registering a Usufruct

There is nothing there is stated that restricts the grants of such usufructs. However, like all other rights in relation to property, it must be noted once again that the registration of such a right is upon the discretion of the Land Officer at the Land Department and may vary between locations. It is advisable that you contact a Lawyer or Solicitor to discuss your options in regards to you specific circumstances.

What is Superficies?

Superficies is "a right to build upon another's land or in essence to register a house separate from the relevant land therefore permitting the building of a structure or a plantation".

Similar to a Usufruct, if a right of superficies is intended, it must be noted that once granted, the "superficiary", or the one who benefits from the right of superficies, must keep the land intact and remain in good condition.

Once the right of superficies has expired, the land must be returned in the same condition as it was before the right was granted.

Upon expiration of the Superficies, if the the owner of the land wishes to buy the building at a market price the superficiary has to sell it.

The right of superficies may be granted for the lifetime of either party or for a period of up to 30 years and during that period any taxes on the land must be paid by the superficiary. The right does not extinguish even if there is complete destruction of the building or structure.

Use of Superficies to Foreigners

• Section 1410 of the Civil and Commercial code allows foreigners a right to register a right of superficies under if granted pursuant to an agreement between the parties.
• Generally, there is no fee for registration at the Land Department; however, there needs to be a mere consideration that has a monetary value of not more than 1,000 baht. However, this may vary between parties as well as Land Departments.
• The right of superficies can be terminated at any time so long as there is no particular fixed registration period upon reasonable notice by either party. However, if rent is to be paid for the superficies, at least one year notice must be given by either party to terminate or one year rent is to be paid.

The Transfer of Superficies

Superficies may be transferred to a third party as well as through inheritance. However, it must be noted that any destruction or damage to the land will become the responsibility of the third party. In that case, they and can directly sue the initial superficiary for the damage of the property.

If the superficies is inherited, the same conditions shall apply to the heir of superficies.

Superficies in Thailand Now

Superficies in Thailand are not as commonly used as much if compared to leases. Although the registrations of superficies in Thailand are not against the law, the land department will view the circumstances and it is upon their discretion whether the right of a superficies is granted or not.

The law of Thailand provides for mortgage contracts under Book 3, Title 12 of the Civil and Commercial Code. The nature of the mortgage contract is that it is one in which a debtor assigns property to a creditor in order to secure repayment of a debt.

Below are the following points you might need to know about property mortgages in Thailand:

• Foreigners must consult with a lawyer before taking out a mortgage in order to purchase any type of real estate in Thailand. This is particularly true in the case of both condominium units or houses.
• In regards to condominium units, the Condominium Act of 1979 and a Land Department regulation issued in 2004 require that non-resident foreigners (i.e. any foreigners without permanent resident status) must transfer foreign currency into Thailand and convert it into Thai baht in an amount no less than the purchase price of the condominium unit.
• The preceding rule (Condominium Act of 1979 and a Land Department regulation) presents difficulties for foreigners who wish to apply for a mortgage in order to finance their purchase of a condominium. Any foreign nationals interested in obtaining financing may have to contact a local Thai bank who is able to assist in providing a loan issued in foreign currency which is transferred from overseas.
• As for financing such properties as houses or villas, an important legal issue is presented due to the fact that the foreigner may not actually own the land underneath the structure and therefore cannot offer such land as collateral for the mortgage.

Furthermore, foreigners may face difficulty in obtaining approval for a mortgage from a Thai bank since they are not resident in Thailand and do not have a permanent domicile here.

Those who are interested in obtaining a mortgage in order to finance the construction of a house or villa on leased property should seek proper legal consultation before proceeding.

As foreigners cannot claim ownership over land as freehold, the preferred method of acquiring land is through leasehold.

A foreigner can safely acquire the right to use the land and register the right for a maximum lease term of 30-year lease at the Land Department.

Lease term - A lease agreement will usually guarantee the initial 30-year lease term.

Renewal of Lease

Renewal of lease in Thailand is not in Perpetuity. There is no automatic right to renewal and parties must take an active step to renew the lease towards the end of the initial term.

It is difficult but possible and success will depend upon careful drafting of the clause regarding the intention to renew and there it will still subject to the Registrar's discretion.

Renewal periods thereafter the initial period must not exceed 30 years.

Have your lawyer advise you on renewal clauses.

Lease Agreements and Registration

Drafting of the Lease

The lease contract is usually drafted in the Thai language, however we do provide English versions if needed.

It is recommended to include family members such as young adults as co-lessees in the contract. In the uneventful demise of the parents, the children can carry on the full term of the lease period.

Registration

Leases for more than 3 years are able to be registered at the Land Office, which will then further protect your interest in the house, as it becomes an encumbrance.

Upon registration, the title deed will then contain your name and particulars as to the lease. The lease contract is then attached to the title deed and maintained at the Land Department.

The foreigner can construct a house on the land if the lease agreement permits. The construction permit must be applied for in the name of the foreigner and subsequently the foreigner will own the structure in his/her own name.

Most importantly, leases are valid even upon the demise of the lessor, or in the event that the land is sold. However, leases are only transferable to third parties in the event that the guarantor of the lease permits it.

The advantage of leasehold is a lower registration fee. The registration fee for registering such a lease is 1.1% of the rental value.

If you are considering buying land in Thailand, consult us about the complex process of buying land in Thailand. Most expatriates place the land in the name of their Thai girlfriend or spouse without any legal protection in the event of a divorce or dispute happens.

Always ensure that your rights are protected in Thailand and that you do not lose your investment.

Buying land in Thailand

Thailand Real Estate has taken off in the past decade or so with more and more foreigners wishing to live in Thailand and making Thailand their second home. Many wish to own land here but before taking this step it is important to inquire or engage the services of registered lawyers in Thailand and, secondly, reputable estate agents when buying land.

Preparations for Diligent Buyers

• Be aware that many of the problems that do arise from buying land in Thailand can be avoided early on in the property search.
• Thailand Real Estate Outlook - See the outlook for purchase and investment
• Real Estate pitfalls - Top 10 Mistakes people make when buying property in Thailand
• Glossary of Real Estate Terms and Real Estate FAQs - Familiarize yourself with terms and FAQs before diving into search for a specific property in Thailand be it a house, villa or condo in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket or Hua Hin.

Thailand does not use Western measurements for land. Use our online calculator to Convert Rai and Convert Rai to Square Meters

Option 1: Setting up Your Thai Company

Once you have decided which land you are going to purchase, always consult a lawyer before signing any documents.

Foreigners may not own land in their name; however their Thai registered company may own the land. There are different forms of business entities in Thailand;

• The most commonly used is a Thai Limited Company. There are certain business registration criteria which must be met when incorporating a limited company.
• The Thailand Amity Treaty is also permits Americans to do business in Thailand, however this type of structure cannot own land.

There are also tax considerations so check the Corporate Tax in Thailand if you are going to do more than own a house or need a Thai Work Permit.

Option 2: Leasehold Agreements

Buying Thai real estate under a leasehold interest is a very popular and preferred way for foreigners to acquire property in Thailand.

Why is it the favored alternative?

• It is simple and straightforward.
• Foreigners can obtain full interest on a lease in Thailand throughout the specified lease term.
• This is preferred over purchasing through a limited company where you have several shareholders who may have interests that are different from yours.
• You can transfer the leasehold interest or even sell it the same as you would for any other freehold title conveyance in Thailand.
• The maximum lease term is 30 years.

An option to renew will not be automatic and an additional 30 year periods will depend on careful drafting and discretion of the Registrar at the Land Office.

Option 3: Marrying a Thai

A foreigner can buy land in Thailand if he is married to a Thai however there are limitations as follows:

• As the non-Thai spouse, you need to state that you have no rights over the land; effectively waiving your rights to claim the property.
• The property, though purchased by you, cannot be in your name but will have to be in the Thai spouse.
• The married couple may be asked to sign declarations at the Land Department stating that the funds used are the separate property of the Thai spouse.
• Problems may still arise during a divorce case. Proving that the land is marital property will be difficult.

There are basic guidelines that the law provides in the management of matrimonial assets and in this case, a skilfully drafted prenuptial agreement may help to minimize your risks as the non-Thai spouse.

Do Property Services

For purchasers, we would do a title search and review the contracts before you sign it. For sellers, we can draft your contract and negotiate with the purchaser.

For our services, check the Property Services Section of our site

Buying a house or a villa in Thailand always requires the use of a property lawyer who can guide you through the process. Property in Thailand is complex and for the better part unregulated.

Buying a villa or house in Thailand - 3 steps

STEP 1: Finding a House in Thailand

Real Estate in Thailand has taken off in the past decade or so with more foreigners' wishing to live here or make this country their second home. While many wish to own a house in Thailand, it is important that you consider the following when purchasing a house:

• Always make use of registered lawyers in Thailand and reputable estate agents when taking advice on real estate in Thailand.
• Do some research. See the Thailand Real Estate Outlook, the glossary of Real Estate Terms and the Real Estate FAQs when you start your search for Real Estate in Thailand.
• Read through the Real Estate pitfalls in Thailand when going out on your search. Ask the right questions to avoid costly litigation.

Be aware that many of the problems that do arise when buying a house in Thailand can be avoided early on in the property search.

STEP 2: Setting up Your Thai Company

Once you have decided which house you are going to purchase, always consult a lawyer before signing any documents. Foreigners may not own a house in their name; however their Thai registered company may own the house. There are different forms of business entities in Thailand. The most commonly used is a Thai Limited Company. There are certain business registration criteria for the limited company. The Thailand Amity Treaty is also still in existence for Americans and there are also tax considerations so check Corporate Tax in Thailand if you are going to do more than own a house or need a Thai Work Permit.

STEP 3: Buying a House in Thailand

Once we registered your Thai Limited Company we do the following amongst other property services so consult our property lawyer today. They would do a title search and check the contracts before signing. Also note the type of Title Deeds in Thailand. If you are buying a house off plan, you would need legal advice as to buying in pre-construction projects. There is also the cost of transfer for your condominium and Thailand property taxes. Use the property transfer calculator to check your fees payable. Always consult a reputable firm of attorneys before you embark on the process of buying a house in Thailand. If you are looking at finance and obtaining a mortgage bond in Thailand then call us for more details.

Selling and buying a condo in Thailand has already been explained. The resale of the condo is also easy if you follow the following basic steps with regards to property rights and the process of property sales in Thailand.

Title Search

Similar to a title search for a new condominium project, this step is essential for a purpose of verification of status of the land where a building is located. Normally, as a used condominium, a land shall not be under mortgage, or, if it is, the buyer would acknowledge his position over such land.

Sale Agreement

If you buy a condominium from an individual, a sales agreement normally is a ready-to-use contract (An agreement which is not especially drafted for the sale between buyer and seller).

Payment

A norm is that a buyer shall pay a full price of property to a seller upon a transfer of ownership at the Land Department.

Registration of Ownership

To buy a condominium, a buyer (or a seller, or both parties, depending on an agreement between parties) shall be responsible for a registration fee, a stamp duty (in case of having owned the property for more than 5 years) or a special business tax (in case of having owned the property for less than 5%), and a withholding tax.

Buying a condominium in Thailand - 3 steps

STEP 1: Finding Real Estate in Thailand

Real Estate in Thailand has taken off in the past decade with more foreigners' wishing to retire in Thailand. You must consider the following:

• Always make use of registered lawyers in Thailand
• Always make use of reputable estate agents when taking advice on real estate in Thailand.
• See the Thailand Real Estate Outlook, the glossary of Real Estate Terms and the Real Estate FAQs when you start your search for Real Estate in Thailand,
• Be it in Bangkok, Pattaya or Hua Hin. Be aware that many of the problems that do arise from the purchase of a condo in Thailand can be avoided early on in the property search.
• Do they allow animals in the condo?
• You may also want to read up on Real Estate pitfalls in Thailand when going out on your search.
• Ask the right questions to avoid costly litigation.

STEP 2: Consulting a Lawyer in Thailand

Buying any Real Estate in Thailand be it a house or a condo requires the services of a reputable law firm. Once you have decided which real estate you are going to purchase, always consult a lawyer before signing any documents. The following would be checked amongst other property services:

• A title search over the property
• Note the type of Title Deeds in Thailand
• Review the contracts before signing

The considerations to bear in mind when you are buying a condo off plan:

• You would need legal advice as to buying in pre construction projects.
• There is also the cost of transfer or tax for your condominium.
• Thailand property taxes. Use the property transfer calculator to check your fees payable.

See the compressed version on buying real estate and the common property problems in Thailand.

STEP 3: Mortgages in Thailand for Foreigners

Each year many people come here to enjoy their holidays in the comfort of a second home or their most treasured property investment in Thailand. See the excellent articles on Financing for Foreigners in Thailand.

Obtaining a mortgage to finance your purchase of property in Thailand is possible.

• There are currently two banking institutions which provide mortgage bonds to foreigners. They are Bangkok Bank and United Overseas Bank (UOB). These mortgage bonds are concluded 'off-shore' at their Singapore branch.
• The home loans they provide to foreigners are based in foreign currencies. Your home loan/mortgage bond would be provided in either Japanese Yen, Euro or US Dollar. The interest rates also vary with each currency. See the section on Mortgage Bond for Foreigners in Thailand by UOB and Home Loans for Foreigners by Bangkok Bank. Also check their conditions set for their loans as to how to obtain a mortgage bond in Thailand for yourself.

You can read more about the Mortgage Bond for Foreigners on our website.

What are Thailand Villas?

Although they may be categorized as houses, villas are different in that they connote a sense of exclusivity and class. Villas are usually located in a gated complex and on a separate plot of their own; whereas houses are not.

Foreign Ownership of Immovable Property in Thailand

Under Thai law, foreigners cannot own land in Thailand. However, they are allowed to lease land under a land lease agreement registered with the Land Department and consequently build a structure or own a house on the leased land.

To expand their rights as land lessees, foreigners must acquire the correct legal ownership of the structure. The term of the land lease for foreigners invariably relates to the ownership by possession or the right given to them to use and possess the land. This could be established by obtaining either of the following from the local land office:

• A building permit, issued under the foreigner's name
• The Thai script sale agreement

Foreign ownership of the villa must also be made in writing and must be registered by the local land office. This is in accordance to the Civil Code Section 456 under the Thai Contract Law.

See Leases in Thailand for more information on property leases in Thailand.

Transfer of Ownership Process

The process of transferring the ownership of a villa to a foreigner involves the following:

• Announcement of the sale. This requires the presence of both the foreigner and the seller at the local land office.
• Issuance of notification form for the sale. This is a 30-day public notice by the local land office to see if anyone will contest ownership of the villa structure.
• Completion of the sale by the local land office.

Documents required for the transferring of ownership are as follows:

• Building permit or sale agreement
• Ta Bian Baan
• Passport
• Tor-Dor 21 or power of attorney form from the local land office (if applicable)

When a Thai villa sale agreement is offered, transfer fees and taxes are charged to the foreigner in the process as described above. Factors that determine the rates for property transfer fees and taxes include the actual sale price and the government appraised value of the house.

Property Rights in Thailand for Foreigners

• Beware of development companies who appoint their own managers as this might create problems later as everything might not be transparent.
• Also be aware of the Condominium Act in Thailand which sets down certain rules and regulations for condominiums. Check your rights in the Property Rights in Thailand section of this website.

Selling your Condominium

• A number of things can go wrong in a sale of your condominium, the worst being the failure of your buyer to complete. See our section on selling your condo in Thailand.
• There is an easy 4 step plan listed to guide you through the steps on selling your condo, called Condo Resale. A number of things can go wrong in a sale of your condominium.

Renting a Condo in Thailand

• Many were smart enough to have anticipated the immense benefits of property investments in Thailand perhaps in their first or second visit in the country.
• Ensure that you know your condominium rights in Thailand. There are no tenant protection schemes in Thailand like they would have in the UK.

Re-selling Your Condo in Thailand

Drafting your sale agreement is also important as one of the many pitfalls is that at times buyers do not complete the transaction.

• Things to also consider are the viability of using an estate agent, the costs of a non performing buyer and any potential financial losses in a worst case scenario. See also re-selling your condo in Thailand.

Your Property Rights

In you are considering or have already purchased a condominium unit in Thailand, consider what rights you have and which laws are applicable to you.

• Know your condominium rights in Thailand. If you wish you can either download the publication or view it online. See also the property rights in Thailand article.

Buying Off-plan in Thailand

It is always best to contact a reputable attorney in Thailand when wanting to buy into a pre-construction project so that the attorneys can provide you with legal advice and direction as to the development. See the article on buying off-plan in Thailand.

Thailand Your Second Home

Make sound investments in Thailand in the form of property and quickly reap rewards. This kind of investment acquires property for the purpose of affording you the same convenience that your first home provides but during a vacation or for retirement a home. Thinking about property investment in Thailand today.

Mortgage Bonds in Thailand

There are other options for obtaining local financing from domestic banks in Thailand but they are not usually available to non-residents and therefore are often more difficult to obtain. Consult our property lawyers about mortgage bonds in Thailand and who issues them.

Property Investments

Thai property can potentially yield strong rental returns particularly in main cities such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai and in well developed tourist destinations such as Hua Hin, Phuket and Pattaya. Consult our property lawyers about investing in property in Thailand today.

Escrows in Thailand

An escrow is designed particularly with consumer protection in mind safeguarding your rights should anything go wrong before the transfer of the property.

• Nevertheless, an escrow system does offer equal protection to all parties involved. Consult our property lawyers about Escrows in Thailand and its uses.

Under-declaring Your Property

A day before the transaction with the seller, your estate agent gives you a call and tells you that the money for the stamp duties and registration, which you are paying in equal shares with the seller, are just one-tenth of what you thought they were. Under-declaring your property has problems in its own right.

Wanting to buy a villa or condo in Thailand but not certain as to how this is done. Well here you will find the basic breakdown of what needs to be done and how to buy property or any real estate in Thailand.

Select a Property Agent

Since you will be looking for property in a foreign country you need expert local assistance. The agent knows how to communicate in Thai and they're familiar with the geographical area. The agent will save you valuable time in selecting and showing you the property in your price range that meets your needs.

Purchasing directly from the developer isn't going to save you money as compared to buying it from an agent. A quality property for sale in Thailand is generally offered at a fixed price by the Seller. The best benefit of using a property agent is that they will act as a liaison between you and the Seller. They will obtain a fair price for you and act on your behalf to represent your best interests throughout the entire process.

Legal Planning

Remember that you are spending part of your life savings to acquire this property and you must carefully plan your steps in the process. You need to know the correct legal process in Thailand for the foreigner to acquire property. Before you sign any deposit agreement or contract, you should sit down with a lawyer or solicitor to discuss the legal process.

Best Method of Ownership

In Thailand, a foreigner may only own a condominium in his/her own name. If the foreigner wishes to acquire land and build a house, he/she should obtain a long term lease on the land (for a period not exceeding 30 years each term). Read more about " Leases in Thailand".

The foreigner should apply for the construction permit to build the house in their own name. This way the foreigner owns the house and has a secured long term lease on the land.

The lease can be written with the option to reassign to another person (if you sell), ability to sublease and with a purchase option (should the law change in the future to allow freehold ownership by the foreigner). Therefore, a lease is the most common legal method for the foreigner to acquire property in Thailand.

Title Investigation

A comprehensive examination of title deed recorded at the Land Department should be done. You need to verify that the Seller has clear and legal title of the land before you enter into a contractual agreement.

The title search will trace the land to its first possession. It will reveal any registered interests on the land such as mortgage or liens. This investigation will also verify the right to access to your property; the residential zoning, environmental and planning codes applicable in the area It is a good idea to make sure that you can build a structure on the land.

Deposit

When you feel satisfied with the property, you will be asked to make a deposit to show your good faith to continue the process.

In return, the Seller will reserve the property for you and start the process by drafting the contracts for purchase. Unless you write specifically a "get-out" clause in the deposit agreement, for example "subject to clear title" or "subject to agreement on the contract terms," the money deposited is non-refundable.

Review of Contracts

The Seller will have the contracts prepared for you. Since the Seller will write the contracts, it is highly recommended that you have a lawyer or solicitor review the terms and conditions. You will want protection for your interests should there be a delay in the property being built. A proper remedy should be stated in the contract.

The contract will contain a clause for penalty if you are late with your payment. This should be fair and reasonable to both parties should the Seller default.

Your payment schedule and its ration should be reasonable and practical. Normally, a first payment is 25 percent. Thereafter payments are made on a progressive basis: 25 percent when the roof is on, 25 percent when the door and windows are secure; and 25 percent when the fixtures and fittings are completed for instance.

Buying a property in Thailand involves many factors. There are a number of considerations to make before committing into purchasing Thailand Real Estate. Some of these include:

1. The type of property
2. The price of the property
3. The location of the property
4. The reason for purchasing the property
5. The quality and workmanship of the property
6. The legal processes involved in acquiring the property

Buying a Condominium

Thailand condominium developments are booming in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. Many foreigners who decide to purchase real estate in Thailand look at purchasing a condominium. Here are the benefits of owning a condo in Thailand:

• Foreign buyers can own the condominium in their own name;
• The condominium is issued with a title deed similar to a strata title;
• Owners may use the title deed as collateral in Thailand;
• Maintenance fees are relatively lower compared to other countries;
• Can be a lot more affordable than houses with land;
• Easier to rent out due to its general size and location;
• Condo resale is faster and more straightforward compared to a land and house.

Many foreigners acquire Thailand Real Estate either for residential purposes, be it to work or to retire in Thailand, or as an investment in what is known as an extremely dynamic and robust economic region.

Buying a House or Villa

Here are some of the benefits of buying a house:

• Larger space for living
• Greater level of privacy
• Full control of maintenance of the house
• Able to enjoy appreciation on the house

Buying a house or Thai villa in Thailand is not as straight forward as buying other kinds of real estate in Thailand such as a condominium. Previously, some buyers have opted to register a Thai company in order to hold ownership. Once their Thai limited company has been registered, then they use the limited company to hold the land. However, our Thai property lawyer recommends the following legal structures:

• Lease
• Superficies
• Usufruct

Buying a Piece of Land

Thailand Real Estate can be broadly categorized into firstly condominiums, houses, villas and lastly, land. In Thailand, they do not use Western measurements for land. Use our online calculator to Convert Rai and Convert Rai to Square Meters when wanting to know the size of the land you are looking at. There are different ways in which to own land. One method is through a leasehold villa investment. It is a favored alternative because it is simple and straightforward. Foreigners can obtain full interest on a lease in Thailand for the registered period. This differs from purchasing through a Thai limited company where you have several shareholders who may have interests that may be different from yours. Also, a foreigner can marry a Thai and purchase land as a couple provided that certain legal provisions are observed.

Thailand Prenuptial Agreement

It is always a relief if both parties can easily agree on who-gets-what. However, this is not always the case. Almost always, there will be issues on how marital property shall be split between the spouses after the divorce is granted. Under Thai Law, properties during divorce may fall into two categories; Sin Suan Tua as separate property & Sin Somros as marital property.

Property Types in Thailand

These are the property types in Thailand when it comes to marital property. Thai courts view these two property types when you are getting divorced in Thailand. Speak to our lawyers online or in person if you are not certain about which property belongs in each.

SIN SUAN TUA - considered as separate property to a marriage are the following:

• Property belonging to either spouse before marriage;
• Property for personal use, clothes or ornaments;
• Property acquired by either spouse during marriage by will or gift;
• Khongman (dowry).

SIN SOMROS – considered as marital property are as follow:

• Property acquired during marriage;
• Property acquired by either spouse during marriage through a will or gift;
• Fruits of the Sin Suan Tua (fruits of the separate property);

In case of doubt as to whether a property is Sin Somros or not, it shall be presumed to be Sin Somros.

Sin somros is commonly the subject of marital property division in divorces. But sometimes, even Sin Suan Tua becomes the topic of argument. A 50-50 division of the Sin Somros is the most reasonable arrangement. If the couples investments during marriage include money or company shares, sharing becomes less difficult. However, houses and vehicles are the usual investments of couples during their marriage, and these cannot be physically split in half without altering or losing the use and value of the property. A compromise on who among the parties will enjoy the property has to be met in order for them to arrive at a divorce agreement. They may also opt to sell all the marital property and share the proceeds of the sale.

If you entered into a Thailand prenuptial agreement, make sure your Thai lawyer will take into consideration the provisions on property division therein specified.

Thailand child custody issue always arises when spouses having children are divorcing or when spouses decide to live separately.  Additionally, the child custody is often an issue for an unmarried couple who has children born out of marriage.

What are the Custodial Rights Under Thai Law?

Under the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (CCCT), the term of the rights of custody is called “parental power”. The parental power is exercised by the father, the mother, or a third person who is a legal guardian of the child until the child reaches the legal age (20 years old), and a person exercising parental power has the right as follows:

1. To determine the child’s place of residence
2. To discipline the child reasonably
3. To require the child to work, consistent with his or her abilities and status
4. To demand the return of the child from someone else, including another parent who does not have custody rights and unlawfully detains the child
5. To manage the property of the child with the restriction that selling, mortgaging, and exchange the property of the minor child must obtain the approval of the court

Child custody in Thailand can be obtained by two procedures as follows:

1. By the mutual consent of the parties
2. By the decision of the court

Two Procedures for Obtaining The Child Custody in Thailand

1. CHILD CUSTODY AGREED BY MUTUAL CONSENT
   • Thailand Child custody for married spouses

     If the parents divorce in Thailand by mutual consent or the uncontested divorce, and the divorce has the child custody in Thailand involves the parents can enter into a divorce agreement concerning how the custody shall be shared between them. In addition, the agreement can also include the visitation of the child and the child support. However, in order for the agreement on the child custody to be valid, it has to be signed by two witnesses and registered with the district office at the time of registering the divorce.

   • Thailand Child custody for an unmarried couple

     If the unmarried couple has a child born out of the marriage, the mother of the child only has the sole custody over the child. However, prior to considering whether the father should exercise the custody rights over the child, the child must be registered as a legitimate child of the father first. To legitimize a child, the father has to register a legimation of the child in Thailand with the local district office. If the mother and the child consent to such legitimation; then the registration allows the father to have the joint custody or sole custody over the child upon the agreement between the father and the mother of the child.

2. CHILD CUSTODY DECIDED BY THE COURT
   • Child custody in Thailandfor a married spouse

     If divorce is granted by the court’s judgment or contested divorce, the judge in the divorce case will decide who should be granted the child custody; otherwise, the judge can appoint a third person as a guardian in place of parents if such order is for the happiness and interest of the child. Nevertheless, the judge can also, at the time of divorce or later, takes away the custody if a parent given the rights of custody is incompetent, misconduct, or has abused his or her parental power. Either a parent without custody or the public prosecutor on the child’s behalf can file a petition to change the custody at any time.

   • Child custody in Thailand for an unmarried couple

     If the father of the child born out of the marriage files a legitimation of child in Thailand, the custody issue can be petitioned together with the legitimation case. The court in the same case will decide whether the father is suitable to exercise the partial or whole custody over the child.

Under Thai family law, both parents are bound to financially support or maintain their children until they reach the legal age (20 years old). When children live with both parents, there is rarely an issue concerning the child support. However, the child support in Thailand issue can arise when the parents are separated or divorcing, and when the child is born outside marriage. Generally, child support in Thailand along with child custody in Thailand issue can be decided in written agreement or by the court order.

The Use of Child Support Payments

Child support money should be used for the child's expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, and educational needs but not to be spent for the custodial parent’s own benefits.

Child Support by Court Order

Child Support by Mutual Consent

See also Spousal Support in Thailand.

Spousal Support in Thailand

Spousal support is not mandatory in Thailand. There is no law which obligates the giving of spousal support, or one which dictates the amount to be given after the divorce is granted.

However, recent jurisprudence supports the giving of spousal support if the erring spouse (and eventually the paying spouse) is the only reason of the collapse of the marriage. When spousal support is contemplated to be part of a divorce agreement or a court grant, the following are the usual guidelines or determinants on how much spousal support in Thailand can be given:

• the length of the marriage
• the age of the receiving spouse
• the probability of re-marriage of the receiving spouse
• the health of the receiving spouse
• the educational attainment of the receiving spouse
• the current employment of the receiving spouse, if any
• the receiving spouse’s possibility of being employed in the future
• the lifestyle that the receiving spouse has been accustomed to
• the present financial capacity of the paying spouse
• the future or expected financial condition of the paying spouse

(The above are simply guidelines on how much can be considered as reasonable spousal support)

Child Support in Thailand

Unlike spousal support, child support in Thailand is mandatory. Thai law even prohibits parties from drawing an agreement where one or both parties is exempted to pay child support in case of a divorce.

The following are determining factors on how much child support should be given after the divorce is granted:

• the age of the children;
• the education of the children;
• the health of the children;
• the lifestyle to which the children are accustomed to;
• the financial capacity of each parent.

See also Child Support in Thailand.

Thailand Divorce Agreement is a contract entered into between divorcing couples who wish to settle their issues on marital property division and/or child custody before a divorce is granted to them. In some countries, this is also known as the settlement agreement. Aside from the settlement of issues on the sharing of child custody and marital property, the divorce agreement may also contain provisions on spousal support or alimony, and more importantly, child support.

Purpose

The divorce agreement is a material representation the couple's arrangement on rights and privileges which each of them will enjoy after the grant of the divorce. It provides for the arrangements on the sharing of child custody and marital property. It may also provide for the amount of spousal support or alimony, as well as the amount of child support that shall be delivered after divorce.

Since this agreement is signed by the parties and two witnesses, and registered at the amphur, it ascends to become a public instrument and becomes a piece of evidence that will prove the parties' concurrence to vital after-marital issues, and thus may be brought to court for enforcement in case any provision is violated by one or both parties. It binds not just the divorcing couples but also their executors, administrators, assigns and heirs.

Advantages

Having a document to materially represent the agreement of parties is very important. Thailand divorce agreement becomes a valuable piece of evidence which can be relied on if any of the terms is violated by the parties. The court will foremostly consider what is provided in the agreement as reflecting the intent and covenant of the couple.

Uncontested divorce is the administrative form of divorce in Thailand. This is preferred by couples as this is swift and straightforward. However, not all couples may avail of this type of divorce. Only those who registered their marriage in Thailand may have this divorce as an option.

Uncontested Divorce

Divorcing couples need to personally appear before the local register (amphur, amphoe or khet) for the procedure. They may not be represented by a family member, lawyer, counsel or solicitor. Personal appearance is necessary because the parties are required to answer questions as regards their decision to sever the marriage. The officer must ascertain that the parties' decision to divorce was reached voluntarily and without duress.

Traditionally, couples were required to divorce at the same amphur where they registered their marriage but lately, couples had been permitted to get the uncontested divorce in an amphur different from where the marriage is registered. The amphur may require the submission of more documents before the divorce is processed.

The documents required for an uncontested divorce in Thailand are as follows:

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The amphur issues a divorce certificate in Thai once the divorce is granted. Foreigners may need to have the decree translated to English and legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand so that the divorce may be reported and the decree be registered with their Embassy or consulate in Bangkok.

On the other hand, Thais need to report their divorce in the amphur where their birth is registered. Additionally, Thai women divorcees need to revert back to the use of their maiden name. Their National ID and passport must be amended to reflect the maiden name again.

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Thailand Prenuptial Agreement

Thailand prenuptial agreement or "Thai prenup" is a written contract created by two people before they are married. A Thai prenup typically lists all of the property each person owns (as well as any debts) and specifies what each person's property rights will be after the marriage. In some jurisdictions, a prenuptial agreement is known as an "ante nuptial agreement" or in today’s terminology, as a "premarital agreement."

How do I get a prenuptial agreement in Thailand?

Thai Prenuptial Agreement is governed by the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. It is important that you seek counsel from a registered Thai family lawyer, attorney or solicitor familiar with the laws in your home country and in Thailand before preparing a prenuptial agreement with a Thai national fiancée.

Requirements

Under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, there are several requirements for making a Thailand prenuptial agreement:

• First, the contract must be in writing.
• Additionally, each party must receive separate legal counsel.
• Finally, the parties must sign the Thai prenuptial agreement in the presence of two witnesses prior to the marriage registration, and
• The Thai prenuptial agreement must be registered at the local district where the parties decide to register their marriage.

Who Needs a Prenuptial Agreement

US CITIZENS: Prenuptial agreements are valid in all 50 states. In fact, since 1983, at least 26 states have enacted a version of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which encourages enforcement of prenups. Case law is sufficiently developed that a well-drafted prenuptial agreement, properly prepared by counsel for both parties, can withstand the toughest scrutiny.

UK CITIZENS: Prenuptial Agreements are not recognized by law in the United Kingdom. However, some weight "may" be given by the court; it will nevertheless take the content of the agreement into account when reaching its decision. It is strongly recommended for British and UK Citizens to draft a Thailand prenuptial agreement for prior to marriage to Thai fiancé.

EU CITIZENS: Prenuptial agreements are generally upheld throughout continental Europe. For example, France, Germany and Belgium recognize premarital agreements that fall within the bounds of accepted contracts.

AUSTRALIA CITIZENS: In Australia, prenuptial agreements may be made under the Family Law Act of 1975. The typical topics are covered and the usual restrictions apply.

THAI CITIZENS: Thailand prenuptial agreement is valid and enforceable under Thailand Law

Process in Drafting Prenuptial Agreement

Our law firm specializes in family law such as marriage, prenuptial agreements, and divorce in Thailand with our well experience foreign and Thailand lawyers, attorneys and solicitors who can draft prenuptial agreements tailored to your specific needs.

Once authorized to perform the duty, a Notarial Service Attorney may execute the following functions:

• Verification to the authenticity of signatures in a document;
• Certification of identity of parties to an agreement;
• Administration of oaths and affirmations;
• Attestation and certification of certain classes of documents
• Be witness to the signing of parties to a document.

As Thailand is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, parties who have engaged notarial services in Thailand may need to have the notarized document authenticated or legalized further at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, or at the Embassy of the country to which the document is to be presented.

Registering Your Marriage in Thailand

Marriage in Thailand by non-Thai couples or Thai National and foreigner couple is easy to arrange and can be quickly accomplished. The legal Thailand marriage registration can be done at any district office in any province on any working day between 8AM and 3PM. To marry in Thailand you need original passports and proof that you are single. If you have previously been married which ended in divorce or death you need the original certificates. If never been married you need to show the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a statutory statement of non-attachment notarized by your home embassy in Bangkok. Your Embassy may require proof of evidence to this fact.

A statutory statement required by the Thai officials will cost 1,000 Thai Baht each (US$30). Your home embassy in Bangkok will normally charge a fee for notarizing it and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) charges a minor fee for registering it and issuing a certificate to enable you to legally marry at any location in Thailand. An additional fee will be necessary to have the Thai Marriage certificate officially translated into Thai after the ceremony.

Special attention should be made about pre marriage planning. Assets of the foreigner should be protected. A Thailand prenuptial agreement prepared by our licensed Thailand lawyer is highly recommended. Prenuptial Agreements in Thailand should be prepared in both the Thai and English languages. If, for example, the foreigner is a US Citizen with assets in USA and Thailand, the prenuptial agreement should be prepared in such a manner that it is recognized and legally binding in both USA and Thailand. Prenuptial Agreements are less likely to be contested when prepared and signed well in advance of the marriage date. We recommend you choose a Thailand law firm to assist you with your Marriage Registration in Thailand so that your marriage is properly registered to avoid having legal difficulties in the future.

Thailand is a civil law country. While most laws are codified, the general principles of equity are taken into account in some instances. Stare decisis or compliance with former decisions of the Supreme Court is not mandatory, but has a persuasive effect in the adjudication of controversies.

There is no jury system in Thailand. Cases are decided on the merits of the evidence submitted by the parties. Alternative dispute resolution is encouraged and settlements reached between the parties are respected by the court. Discovery procedures are still an unfamiliar concept in the system. Actual damages are awarded, but punitive or exemplary damages are rarely awarded.

Thai natural and juridical persons, as well as those domiciled in Thailand can bring suits against any defendant. Non-nationals and non-domiciled persons and entities can sue defendants domiciled in Thailand. Foreign persons or entities suing in Thailand need not be physically present in the country during the entire course of the suit. A lawyer in Thailand may file suit on the foreigner's behalf, and the foreign litigant may reserve personal appearance only when required by the court to give testimony against the contending party. Jurisdiction is determined by law alone. Venue may be waived, or may be subject to the agreement of parties.

The petitioning party is responsible for requesting the court to issue the summons against the respondent. A separate petition must be filed to request the court to serve the complaint and summons to the defendant. A reasonable amount of time is allowed for the service. If the defendant is not domiciled in Thailand, service of summons must be done through diplomatic channels. Foreign judgements are not enforceable in Thailand. A separate suit needs to be filed, and the foreign judgement is presented as evidence in the new case. In such cases, the court will necessarily examine whether the foreign court which decided the case had jurisdiction and whether the judgement was final.

Like in most countries, the burden of proof in criminal cases like murder or rape is proof beyond reasonable doubt. On the other hand, civil controversies like breach of contract or rescission require mere preponderance of evidence.

Litigation in Thailand

Foreign transactions in Thailand had rapidly risen in the recent years. Relations, both business and personal, have found its way into the system of Thailand. This, too, has inevitably resulted in the increase of litigations in the country.

Thais are known to be non-litiguous people. However, the influx of foreign residents and guests has swung the Thai judicial system to activity.

Whenever faced with a legal controversy, foreigners are advised to secure the services of a Thai lawyer. This is because all legal processes, including arbitration proceedings, are done in the native language. Pleadings for submission to judicial bodies are submitted in Thai as well. And similar to the rules in most countries, only lawyers who are members of the local bar are allowed to appear in court and other legal venues.

Siam Legal has a team of foreign legal professionals from the Americas, Europe and Asia who are committed to extend impeccable service to its foreign clientele. Hand in hand with their Thai counterparts, Siam Legal delivers litigation service in the following fields of practice:

1. Criminal Law - Fraud, Drugs, Imprudence, Negligence, Money Laundering
2. Civil Law - Breach of Contract, Debt Collection
3. Family Law - Divorce, Child Custody, Child Visitation, Child Repudiation
4. Personal Injury - Torts, Medical Malpractice
5. Labor Disputes
6. Extradition
7. Intellectual Property Disputes
8. Trade Disputes