RaveBlond

I was under the impression that we do not need a health insurance for the extension of stay - now I hear conflicting rumors.  Is the health insurance mandatory at CW in BKK? (German citizen, OA based on retirement, first extension of stay and renewal)

16 hours ago, AjarnMartin said:

Thank you. There was no mention of the OP having had Re-Entry permits to main his “permission of stay” and I thought I was ‘missing a trick’.

This is the first year of my visa (non-O, based on retirement).  During this first year - the validity of the original visa - you can leave and come back to Thailand multiple times (if the visa is a multi-entry visa).  Once you extend this visa with an "extension of stay", you need a re-entry permit (single or multi-entry) for a not-so-small fee to be allowed back in. Total cost: 1900 THB for the extension + 1000 THB for SE, or 3800 THB for ME.

I'll make sure I get my TM30 to submit with the extension request.  And the request needs to be filed between 30 and 15 days before the expiration day of the visa, I hear, right?  That's a narrow window!.  Is that so in BKK at CW?  Any alternative ways, in case I am gone during this fortnight?

Thank you for your replies.  I may have confused some of you saying that I never did a 90 day report as I never had to, because I never stayed here for even 30 days.  I was afraid I needed such report to get the extension which I just learned I don't.  Am glad to hear that.  My fear was caused by the requirement for a 90-day report for obtaining a drivers license (different topic).

I have a soon expiring first-time Non-O visa based on retirement.  I have never stayed in Thailand for more than 90 days. I come and go about once very month, give or take.  I could have gotten by with continuous visa-exempt entries, I realize that, but I thought, it's better to be officially allowed as a non-tourist.  I have a yellow book and pink card for my condo in BKK.  I am over 50 years old and from Europe.

My visa expires in December and I would like to renew it.  Can I file for an extension of stay (+ ME re-entry-permit) shortly after I come back next time with no 90 day report under my belt? I am planning to stay longer than 30 days this coming year, but still less than 90 every time I come. Or do I need to apply for a new visa at an embassy outside of Thailand?  The problem is, no embassy or consulate applies as my official residence is in Thailand now - am not registered anywhere else.  When I leave Thailand I am staying in hotels while working.

I am not sure I understand your post.  This procedure would require 75 days in the country - otherwise the TM47 would not be processed, right?  It helps me to get the RC at the same time. How does it take two weeks? 

Thank you, Dr. Jack.  Crazy requirement. I have a Pink Card, Yellow Book, and an expired DL. All not good enough.  I may have to go to another province if I want to drive. Would I get the DL in the other province as well, or will DLT in BKK accept the RC from the other province?

When can I do a 90 day report at the earliest? After 90 days or earlier?

Is there a way to get a residence certificate without a TM47 in BKK?  I am on a Non-O retirement, but I never stay 90 days in the country because of work (outside the country).  Come and go every month.  I cannot get my Drivers License as DLT (Bang Chak) requires a Residence Certificate and Chang Wattana requires a TM47.  My (German) embassy does not issue residence letters any longer either.  Any ideas?

1 hour ago, tomazbodner said:

No slide on over-wing exits, only in the doors (front/back), but still need to refit the doors and verify that it's safely locked which takes time and involves costs. Also causes delays and inconvenience to passengers on this flight and those using same plane later. Regardless, there's probably a law and prescribed penalty for such offense and I'm quite certain this fella will be learning the details soon.

On the A320 there are slides on the overwing exits. Need to be refolded, stowed, and certified.  It's expensive.  But plane can be dispatched below max capacity and window seats unoccupied.  

28 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

The doors are designed so that the air pressure differential keeps them pushed shut. 

 

Er, in-flight at cruise the pressure inside the cabin is greater than the pressure outside the cabin. If the door is unlocked it will blow off. I think what you mean is that a sensor detects the pressure differential and mechanically locks the door to prevent opening?

This overwing exit / emergency door opens to the inside.  It is a C (plug) type door.  The differential pressure at altitude makes it impossible to open the door.  The high relative pressure inside the airplane pushes the door into its seat.

14 minutes ago, Huckenfell said:

Then why did the sign say EXIT    ?

The correct term is overwing exit.  It is an emergency door.

On 2/2/2019 at 7:11 PM, SuperTed said:

You must have had a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years prior to the submission of your application. Holders of multiple NON-Immigrant visas can not apply. You must have 3 consecutive yearly extensions in order to qualify.

What are these "extensions" exactly?  What is the process to get them?  My first non-b / work permit are coming up for their first anniversary and I want to do it the right way. My company is pushing for a new visa, but I guess that's exactly what would disqualify me.  How difficult is it to get the visa extended? Is there even a chance?

I would say, though, that there are significant benefits with availing yourself with a local ATM card.  You can pay with it at the POS, in restaurants, supermarkets, etc. removing the need to always carry enough cash. Also, buying stuff online, having groceries delivered, a local ATM card offers more options.  Then, when your bank in the UK goes belly up, you have an emergency fund locally.

Could someone please reiterate the test and translation requirements based on nationality of the existing drivers license?

It appears if you have a US license: no IDP needed, no translation needed, no written, no driving test needed?

If you have a European license, no IDP needed?, translation needed (signed by embassy) unless it's from the UK?, no written and no driving test?

Verification of address: does a condo deed do the trick or do I have to go to my embassy? 

Work permit is acceptable as address verification, although it only has my work address on it, not my residence address?

Does your drivers license have to match your nationality?

I suggest you get a multiple entry non immigrant O visa. This visa would be valid for as many 90 day entries you want to make for a period of one year and can do an entry up to date the visa expires.

I suggest you apply for the visa at an honorary consulate in Germany listed here. http://www.guidetoth...ncon-europe.php

After one year (or 15 months) I have to do the same thing over again? I.e. medical and police report to an embassy outside the kingdom?

Not really complicated, you can try for a one year multi-entry "O" Visa, but just as easy to apply for a one year "Extension of Stay" based on retirement, and get a multi re-entry permit, the extension would be for one year and the re-entry permit would keep it valid upon departure. Also, not complicated, the 90 day reports are for people staying here 90 days or more, if you're not here, no report.

But in case, he isn't here, for the next extension, he has to start over with the process.

Doesn't save anything, really, not even space in the passport. And need a multiple re-entry permit

A multiple Non-Imm O gets him what he wants: driving license, bank accounts, ....

Only not sure about a 'tax home', with both visas. That would need a work permit, i think.

That is a consideration. How many days is the extension window? Some posters here mention that whenever I re-enter the country, the entry stamp extends my ability to stay for a year (with 90 days reporting if I really stay, I think). If that is so, why would I need an extension? When does this visa expire? After one year? If that is so, what does a re-entry stamp do? This visa requires a medical and police report and can only be obtained outside of Thailand, correct?

German passport

Age above 50+

Thai Bank Account with 800k (bank account is 4+ years old, funds less than 2 months old - I can wait 2 months if I have to)

Goal: Establishing legal long(er) term presence for the purpose of renting or purchasing an apartment, opening (more) bank accounts, obtaining driver's license, and establishing tax home. Eventually retire in Thailand.

I am traveling extensively, am in Thailand for 1-3 weeks at a time and return every 6-8 weeks. I realize I am fine with the entry stamp on arrival, but for the above reasons I want something more permanent. I am semi-retired.

Reading all the posts here, I am confused with physical reporting requirements (do they apply when I am outside the country?).

Let's say I enter with a simple entry stamp. I then go to the immigration office the next day (can I?) and get an extension of stay for 90 days and a multiple entry visa? What if I travel within the 90 days and come back before the 90 days are up? What if I come back after the 90 days? When will my status be one year? It is so confusing....