scoutman360

In my case, I have rented from this condo owner for 17 years. Previously I lived in a different room and now 3 years at my current room. He gave me the Deed copies and I didn't know what to do with it. I am glad I brought it to Immigration today. Previously I was employed in Thailand for 19 years and that Immigration office wasn't requesting the same things.

The information provided by Lorry and DrJack54 are very eye opening and not documented anywhere. So, for anyone trying to navigate the extension process at CW, we thank you!

Thanks DrJack! This was my first experience at L1 counter for extensions, but last month I was at C1 counter for a re-entry permit and everything went smooth. My appointment number showed up on the LED screen exactly on appointment time. I was in and out in 15 minutes. If I understand you, at L1 counter, appointment customers must muzzle between the other Que numbers because appointment numbers won't show on the LED screens.

Thanks Lorry. Some of your replies didn't align with what others said, such as allowing fixed terms at CW and statements not needed, but I am giving it a good listen for next time. Perhaps others can confirm before I risk the attempt next year. As you said, I probably was subjected to the IO's mood for the day. I was surprised (because I couldn't believe the condo Deed request). I specifically repeated myself twice, "So, next year, I need to bring a copy of this document again?" In unison, they replied YES. As for Que numbers, I was expecting the Que number on my appointment printout to appear on the LED screens when it was my turn. My appointment printout said Counter 35.

Hope this helps someone. This was my first attempt at a retirement extension for a Non-O Retirement Visa (90 days). I will focus on the visit and my rookie mistakes, and not as much on the requirements since that is covered very much elsewhere. The Appointment – I booked the appointment from the Immigration website about 1 month in advance. Immigration releases appointment dates a few at a time, so you need to check the system regularly and book well in advance. Rookie Mistakes: (a) Not checking daily for new available time slots. (b) Thinking the system is down. The reality is, the booking system is turned off weekends and holidays. (c) From a PC, the calendar displays only 1 month at a time. But there is a tiny scroll bar, easy to miss, to display the next month. Additional dates could have been opened for the next month already and you missed them. The Immigration Visit – My appointment was for 1pm, L1 section, which handles extension of stays. I arrived 1 hour early, but the office was closed for lunch between 12pm-1pm. Once the doors opened, I was first through the doors and should have been 1st in line with my 1pm appointment and Que number already assigned. But…. My Que number never got called. I kept watch on the “Document Checking” counter #27, and my “Report to Counter #35” as was written on my reservation printout. After waiting 40 minutes, I jumped between people at the Document Check desk and asked for help. She kindly checked my docs, everything was fine, and then told me I was late and sent me over to Counter #35. Again, my Que number never called. Again, I jumped between people and the kind officers helped me and told me I was late. What the???? Rookie Mistakes: Perhaps some experienced members here can explain what went wrong? I was right on time. My number never got called on the board. My only guess is that, maybe, Counter #27 may have called my number before lunch closure (before I arrived). And that prevented my number from getting called at Counter #35. If anyone know how this works, please chime in. Documents – I created a checklist using input from others on this forum. As of today, it is accurate and correct for Chaengwattana office. Using “money in bank” method, 6-month bank statement was fine because the original Non-O VISA was only good for 90 days. (next year I will need to provide a 12-month statement). TM47 (90-day report) not asked for because I just re-entered the country last week. Non-O Extension Checklist for CW.pdf The only surprise I got was they rejected my condo owner’s Tambien Baan (blue book). They wanted a copy of the Deed to the condo showing his name matches the Rental Contract. Fortunately I had a copy of that with me and handed that over (note: Document Check lady didn’t ask). That is all. I got the 12-month extension stamp and sent on my way.

If I hear you right - don't file any 90 day reports. But just before your extension is due, leave the country, re-enter and a 90-day report would not be required. Brilliant.

Most foreigners like Pad Thai and always order it and talk about it in their home country. I have lived and worked in Thailand 20 years and never saw a Thai order it. They tell me it is children's food. Same as us westerner's ordering a hamburger. Whatever, I like it sometimes.

Thailand eggs are nearly impossible to peel. In the U.S. the shells falls off the egg with little effort. In Thailand, the shell sticks like glue while you slowly pick it off with half the egg going with it. Good luck.

My favorite always has been The Bacon Cheese Burger at The Bus Stop, Sukhumvit Soi 4. I appreciate the fact that it is a juicy mess, but still fits in my mouth and fits my wallet at ~115 bht. Those gourmet burgers just don't do it for me.

Some of the buses are free shuttles, some are normal city busses that go down the same road. Does anyone know which songteows and shuttles to look for? How often do they go? I once got a free shuttle from the soi entrance to the Convention Center (next to Gov. Complex), but then waited an hour and nothing appeared to take me back. I walked.

I have the Epson 3250. So far, so good. However, the color seems to print a little off. Scans have too much grey haze where it should be white. Perhaps my expectations are too high for a low price model. But it gets the job done.

Just last week I was talking to a smart Thai lady friend. She asked me why I don't use an agent. I said, "If I am not smart enough to do it myself, then I should not be here."

For those interested, today I got my re-entry permit at CW in Bangkok under a 90 day Non-0 for retirement. No questions, no issues. I had a booked appointment and was in and out in 15 minutes. Thanks for all your help!

I usually take EVA or China Airlines to the U.S., which every ticket was cheaper. I agree EVA was a better experience. Next I am trying the new Starlux Airlines business class. Looks amazing.

Good tip. Thanks. Went to see Dr. Nicha today for full skin examination. She did a good job.

Acknowledged. Thank you!

Thanks for that important point. I had been concerned about this as well and changed my return ticket to make sure I was back in Thailand earlier than 15 days before expiration.

Yes

I can't find anything online. But, two people said to me that for the first Non-O retirement VISA I cannot leave the country and get a re-entry permit until I get the extension? Meaning, in order to keep my Non-O Retirement 90 days, I cannot leave Thailand at all, and cannot apply for a re-entry permit until after the extension is granted. True or not for Bangkok CW? I need to get home for family reasons, and this really worries me. Thanks much for your help.

Back in the 90's I was fortunate to work with the most brilliant minds in the PC industry at that time, including the guy the authored the "plug & play" bios code. Unanimously, they said it is impossible for someone to gain access unless you click on an executable file, or you give them information. Opening an email will not do it, but if you click on an unknown link in that email it could launch a code into your computer. Today, I ignore all unknown call numbers (including the Lazada and Shopee people telling me my package arrived.).

After reading this. I can confirm. Following your instructions, I set up an international account in iBanking. That took 2 days for approval. Receiving account directly to Schwab CitiBank acct., (then forwarded to my name). Approved. I will test a small transfer first before sending the rest. While doing this, I discovered a previous international bank account I set up over 13 years ago to a small U.S. credit union (which only has ACH number). This acct. only has my name on it. So, now I have 2 approved accounts. In the BB mobile app, it appears you can do international transfers. Bottom right corner of the app "more services". International transfers are located there. However, the "personal expense" app limit says 1 million bht, while iBanking says 40,000USD which is about 1.4 million bht.

You are right this sounds like the best option for him, despite all the options provided from me and other posters.

Attached list of CW first NON-O requirements which I got from them. Bank book copy - Vientiane doesn't care. They only want certified letter from the bank. L.A. embassy wants to see bank records but doesn't ask for certified statement. Copy of rental agreement - Vientiane doesn't care. L.A. embassy doesn't care. Evidence of fund being transferred from overseas. Both Vientiane and L.A. embassy don't care. I was denied an extension based on retirement at CW after working here a long time on Non-B and told I must re-enter Thailand on "exempt" or VISA and start the process over. For an extension, the only option is to apply in Thailand, as far as I know. Non-O Chaeng Wattana Requirements.pdf

Vientiane only wanted a certified bank letter and copy of passbook. CW requirements were far more extensive. Even Los Angeles embassy only asks for local bank evidence. As someone who worked in Thailand for 20 years, I could not meet the CW requirements as my money was earned in Thailand. The OP is looking for solutions without a bank account. Just offering my experience. Vientiane appointment was easy and I was in and out of the embassy in 5 minutes.

Here is my checklist for Non-O extension of stay for Chaeng Wattana office. I recommend you get your first Non-O out of Thailand at an embassy. So much easier. Vientiane was a breeze. Non-O Extension of Stay Requirements.docx