hotandsticky

Such a rare event that it certainly doesn't prove anything.

No. These pals of yours:- "foreigners who are often in a KFC within a week"

I think that you are meeting the wrong foreigners.

Yes, I could see that a futile house visit would be irksome. Simplistically, there is no legal reason why the OP could not undertake his trip - it could easily be business/work related. However, commonsense, and courtesy, dictates that a discussion with the IO takes place - and maybe supply an accompanying note explaining the necessity of the trip.

I am sure he will/will have addressed that with the IO at the time of submitting the extension application.

VfS have also improved their service levels significantly over the last 5 years or so One failing (in my opinion) occurred this week when my missus went to submit biometrics. She had her IPad with her and was told that she couldn't go in with it. Unfortunately, they did not offer a storage facility so she had to leave floor 28 and find someone who was prepared to look after it for her. Nothing mentioned in the appointment letter and this was an (unusual) occasion where the staff were not helpful.

All their requests were perfectly reasonable. They have every right to seek evidence of the source of the income. As Brits we lose out with the 13 payments (if sent direct to Thailand) because the annual income is irrelevant, it is the regular MONTHLY amount that is calculated. I transfer 65k in on the first of every month via WISE. My pensions and investment income go into my main UK bank first.

It is not difficult for a first time use, the stages are straight forward. Obviously, they would not be as quick as we are because they will likely be unfamiliar with some of the required information. Parents details for example.... Your suggestion to have a couple of practice runs is a very good idea to get them familiar with what is needed Of much greater importance is understand what documents to upload to achieve approval for the application. The full guidance notes are wordy and complex; understanding what the 3 key criteria are is vital.

Yes you were. Immigration have no idea where I am on a day to day basis. They know where I am registered and when I am in the country.

I would have thought that you would be aware that Immigration often look to see money going in and out. It is not sufficient to stick 800k in a bank account and think that is it. The smarter IOs will look for evidence if how you support yourself. We went through a period of paranoia for a while when they were obsessed with Farangs working on retirement extensions.

Why the secrecy?

I find her very easy to listen to. Sounds like one of your old Aunts. A bit Godly but a lot of commonsense - I am now taking Cayenne pepper with lemon water.

My bad...... I wrongly assumed it was a wife who had been 'grilled' - not the condo receptionist.

I think that you, and your wife, need to acquaint yourselves with Immigration practices. That is not a 'grilling' it is a conversation - and the bank letter is standard practice. Being asked for a 12 month statement provides them with evidence of money going in and out.

Bugger! I completely forgot that I used to go to Kap Cheong. ....I also remember going to temporarily offices on the 24 near the Korat turn - and later at Dan Kwien? I think that a popular officer there was 'Dow'?. In my early days in Prakhonchai (2008) I still stayed in Thailand on a multiple entry Non O visa: leaving every 90 days was easy with Cambodia so close. My first couple of annual extensions must have been at KC, then Buriram after. My visit was definitely staff from Buriram (according to my missus).

Noted. Not so for me in Buriram and Chonburi.

You don't with a retirement extension. Still, they have our addresses and no doubt someone will be smart enough to use Google Maps!

Mine was Buriram.

Don't be - your time may come ???? Mine was just after the Erewan bombing and Immigration realised that that they had no idea where their Farangs really were.

I would also say that the process IS quite simple. The only irritation when doing these regularly is the repetitive data input that could be saved carrying forward this data from a previous application. Usually takes me 15 minutes to complete the online application for the missus and about 10 minutes to upload the 5 supporting documents. Another 5 minutes to printout the appointment confirmation, her passport copy and the VfS checklist.

I had a home visit and I am on a retirement extension.

The clue in the post was GBP ????and, no, of course they wouldn't give a flying fart about that.

You may need to re-read the OP. One of us has got it wrong? (I wouldn't exclude myself). The VfS part is online, no visit required . This where consistency comes in to it. Immigration 'simply' stamp the pre-approved extension.

In principle, I like this idea and processing by VfS will bring a consistency to document requirements. It should also remove corruption from that part of the system.

Didn't see marriage or retirement in the list