Traveling to Thailand or taking a loved one back to the USA from Thailand are two endeavors which require preparation and patience.
In comparing and contrasting the Immigration systems in both the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand, it becomes immediately apparent that Thailand's immigration system is far less complex than that of the USA. Further, the Kingdom of Thailand allows much greater immigration access than does the United States. Currently, Thailand allows people from many different countries to enter the Kingdom visa free. Those entering the Kingdom without a visa are granted entry based upon a visa exemption. Most non-immigrants must depart the Kingdom within thirty days. However, should one enter Thailand using a visa exemption at an Immigration checkpoint on one of Thailand's land borders, then they will only be granted 15 days presence in the Kingdom.
Those who wish to remain within the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand for a longer duration can apply to obtain a Thai visa at a consular post outside of the Kingdom of Thailand. There are Thai Tourist Visas as well as Thai Business visas and the ubiquitous Thai "O" Visa which acts as a sort of miscellaneous Immigration category.
By comparing the Immigration process of Thailand with the USA, one can easily see that the methods of controlling immigrant activity are not similar. Where the Thai model is relatively permissive, the United States has been in the process of tightening Immigration regulations. At one time, it was possible to obtain a United States tourist visa without being subjected to a visa interview. Since September 11, 2001 it has become increasingly common for United States Consular posts to require tourist visa applicants to sit for an interview.
In Thailand, there is no such thing as a fiance(e) visa. Bi-national married couples wishing to reside in Thailand are permitted to apply for an "O" visa, if one of them is a Thai Citizen or resident in Thailand. However, a visa based upon an intention to marry a Thai citizen will not likely be approved. Conversely, many foreign fiancées of US Citizens travel to the United States of America each year. Thailand sees many fiancee visas processed through the American Embassy in Bangkok. US-Thai couples who are successful with obtaining the K1 fiancee visa often marry in the USA and the Thai citizen adjusts their status to lawful permanent residence. Unlike Thailand, US permanent residence is somewhat easy to obtain for those married to a US Citizen.
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Benjamin Hart is Director of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd. He is a licensed US Immigration lawyer. To Contact Integrity Legal please call Toll Free 1-877-231-7533 or email info@integrity-legal.com. Visit Integrity Legal on the world wide web at
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