Criminal conviction

[Ron]

My Thai partner (whom I met on the internet) wants me to move to Thailand, but I am not sure that the Thai authorities will allow me to do this because I have a conviction for perjury.

I am almost 60, and my girlfriend is 46. Presently she is on holiday with me in England for 1 month. Previously I visited her in Bangkok for 2 weeks in April 2008. My girlfriend is a civil servant in Bkk and she loves her job, and is not keen to relocate to Europe. She is pressuring me to move to Thailand, but I am reluctant to move so far away from my children and grandchildren. Then there is the added complication of the conviction, imposed only 5 months ago. I would be happy for my girlfriend to live here with me, but she puts obstacles in the way (too cold, shy, English not good enough etc). Her English reading and writing are very good but her spoken English is poor - my Thai is non existent. I feel it would be much easier for her to adapt than it would be for me, and she has no convictions.

Can anyone give me a definitive answer on this topic - am I likely to be refused residency in Thailand because of my conviction? I realise that I can go there for short term periods, but this is not really satisfactory for either of us.

Ron

[SteinKR]

Originally Posted by Ron

My Thai partner (whom I met on the internet) wants me to move to Thailand, but I am not sure that the Thai authorities will allow me to do this because I have a conviction for perjury.

I am almost 60, and my girlfriend is 46. Presently she is on holiday with me in England for 1 month. Previously I visited her in Bangkok for 2 weeks in April 2008. My girlfriend is a civil servant in Bkk and she loves her job, and is not keen to relocate to Europe. She is pressuring me to move to Thailand, but I am reluctant to move so far away from my children and grandchildren. Then there is the added complication of the conviction, imposed only 5 months ago. I would be happy for my girlfriend to live here with me, but she puts obstacles in the way (too cold, shy, English not good enough etc). Her English reading and writing are very good but her spoken English is poor - my Thai is non existent. I feel it would be much easier for her to adapt than it would be for me, and she has no convictions.

Can anyone give me a definitive answer on this topic - am I likely to be refused residency in Thailand because of my conviction? I realise that I can go there for short term periods, but this is not really satisfactory for either of us.

Ron

Hi there Ron

Since noone else could reply your questions, I would advice you contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Cousulate. They would hopefully be in a better position to consult/answer your questions regarding the conviction issues.

You would probably have to apply for a retirement visa if you plan to stay in Thailand for a longer period.

Personally I would not think any conviction should be an obstacle getting a VISA to Thailand. This country is (unfortunately) like a safe haven for criminals of all kinds.

Hope this at least could help a little bit on the way.


SKR

[singto]

I can't remember if it's the retirement visa or residency permit in which a paper is asked for verifying whether or not you've ever been convicted of a crime. I'm not sure about this but I do remember something about a paper being required from your home country. Perhaps the nature of the offense is important, I don't know, it would seem so...but like was suggested, you should contact your home embasy or Thai immigration.

[Ron]

Many thanks for the replies to this thread. I will email the Thai Consulate in Hull and see what they come back with.

Ron

[Artie]

Hello Ron,
I think there won't be a problem if you ask for a non-immigrant "O" visa, based on a relation. You should only have 400.000 Baht in a Thai bank and have to go every 3 months to Immigration for a new stamp. The Thai embassy can give you all information about that. I am also married to a Thai woman and I got my permit to stap here for the 4th year. Besides living in Thailand is like being in paradise.

With kind regards,

Aart van Wijngaarden (Dutch)
Khon Buri / Thailand