Narlee has been with him for two years. "The novelty of bringing up a daughter/wife has not worn off," Patterson said rather thoughtfully.  "She is from Laos and can not own anything in Thailand, so I have to include her in my Pty. Ltd. company." Patterson says that he has run across every issue possible in conducting any kind of business venture in Thailand.  He says he has all the information one needs to set up a business or to own land, and he backs up exapts. Escape from America Magazine believes it.

VISA SERVICE

The Meeting Place Expat Visa Service has been helping residents of Thailand  to  obtain  the Thailand Visa best suited to their needs without the usual  associated hassles. Their office, Thai Laos Expat Services Co. Ltd., is also situated  in Nong Khai.

They also help in clearing up big overstays, sometimes up to 6 years, in the most economic and hassle-free manner.  For example, according to Patterson there is talk that the ceiling overstay fine of 20,000 Bt  may be scrapped, and the daily overstay fine of 200 Bt per day could apply for the whole period of your overstay.  That can mount up to a considerable sum of money, or jail, and/or deportation, according to Patterson.  Also, to make matters worse, if the overstay is over three years you may be refused permission to re-enter Thailand  for a period of one year.

Patterson says, "We have heard of charges of around 50,000 Bt being charged by some Thai lawyers, rather con men for overstays of only 2 years.  Don't do business with the first 'expert' that comes along, stay out of trouble and check around."

Patterson and his group know the ins and outs of immigration.  His website can tell you the latest regulations and give you the best advice on getting tourist visas, one year visas, multiple entry immigrant visas, and marriage visas - Click Here - 

On his website, Patterson outlines the three basic types of visas that are available to most of us.  All have guidelines pertaining to the qualifications required. Basically it depends on your financial situation, ". . . as in  how much money you have in a Thailand Bank, and do you  have sufficient funds coming from another country to support yourself and maybe your Thai wife." 

Patterson says, "A marriage visa for one year would require around 200,000 Bt in a Thailand Bank and 25,000 to 30,000 Bt per month coming into Thailand, such as pension or interest .

"For a single person you would need 800,000 Bt in a Thailand bank, then  you can make application.  It all depends on your situation and how you conduct yourself during the interview.

"A one year multiple entry visa requires the applicant to obtain this visa in another country. The requirements are usually less demanding than in Thailand. You simply need a copy of a Thai Marriage Certificate or a letter from a company stating that you have work to go to or are investing in Thailand.

"Keeping up with continual policy changes at the various Thai Consulates in adjoining countries is impossible," says Patterson.  "Adjoining country Consulates, such as Penang and Phnom Phen and Vientiane in Laos, basically  have the same rules but are applied if and when needed.  Expatriates living in Thailand for long periods of time have found more than often that it simply, but sadly, depends on the mood of the officer in charge.

"If you have company papers, a work permit, a Thai wife, money, clean clothes, are courteous and don't look like some dipstick from another planet," says Patterson, "you can expect to be treated fairly.  However, if you lack some of these qualifications, then don't be disappointed if you do not receive the visa you asked for you.  When this happens, you should give us a call, because it usually means have inadvertently done something wrong.

"The good news is you can have the visa you want.  You can have anything from a single tourist visa to a multiple entry non-immigrant "O" or "B" visa valid  for 12 months and extendable to 15 months.

"You can clear up your overstay and not go to jail.  You can form a Limited Partnership or Company Ltd. and be 100% sure that you will not be kicked out of your own house.  You can, without too much trouble, learn how to enjoy living in Thailand as you should."

GUEST HOUSE

When you want to visit Thailand and/or Laos and check things out, The Meeting Place on the Mekong Riviera also has a Guest House.

Patterson says, "We have four large rooms upstairs, one with two dbl beds, one with three dbl beds , and two with a small sgl bed, all with fans for 200Bt per night.

"At one time a 'victim' of ours wrote a lovely story about our dog named Joey and some mosquitoes that had snuck into the room at night.  We would like to assure future 'victims' that we have employed environment friendly measures to combat most natural predators that love to inhabit old wooden teak houses.  What mossies do sneak in are eaten by the spiders and lizards, which in turn are eaten by the snakes, and they don't stay long cause they're (explicative deleted) scared of the ghosts, and sadly, my future ex-wife stole my dog Joey."

While at The Meeting Place, feel free to read posted traveler's reports for up to date information on Laos. We also offer free local maps of Nong Khai and Vientiane, Laos, and a few recommended guesthouses and hotels.

"We provide an instant visa to Laos; supply and help fill out Thai and Laos Immigration documents; and suggest the most suitable accommodation and travel arrangements to meet your requirements in both Laos and Thailand," says Patterson.  "This includes information about hotels and guesthouses.  We can advise on Mekong River tours and have current news, information updates, and maps of Laos and Northern Thailand.

"Everything you could ever want (within reason) is available either at The Meeting Place or just around the corner," assures Patterson.

LOCATION

The Meeting Place is located just two streets from the magnificent Mekong River.  Their establishment is in the center of Nong Khai Town right across from Vientiane, the capitol of Laos.  They're close to photo shops, supermarkets, banks, the post office, pharmacy, massage parlors (traditional of course), and other useful services for the traveling public.

Escape from America Magazine encourages anyone interested in Thailand and Laos to contact Alan Patterson through is website on the Mekong Riviera.  He is your man in Northern Thailand and in Laos.

FINAL NOTE

Patterson has a final note of warning for Escape Artists:

"There are many so called 'visa agents' advertising their wares and confusing their victims with pages of useless information all designed to confuse you even more. Most are blatant thieves, more than often supplying suspect visa and re/entry stamps and preying on the ignorant and unfortunate.  Check out their track record, ask around the 'Expat Haunts' and don't take their word as final. Give us a call. If we can help, we will. If we can't, we will tell you, and  maybe we can point you in the right direction, and it won't cost you a cent. However, if you're here in Nong Khai and come to the Meeting Place and drive me mad with a lot of stupid questions, it will cost you a beer, or two!!"

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