Liquorice

I usually agree with your opinions, but beg to differ in this case. Exactly which part of 5.3 in the above attached procedure for converting to Non Imm do you fail to understand. What do you think "Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand" refers to. The 800K funds requirement is listed at 5.2 and Embassy Income letters are also listed. I submit extension applications on behalf of some disabled expats, and have done so for a number of years. Since certain Embassies stopped issuing Income letters, some using the income method were forced to change to monthly 65K overseas transfers as a result. Two of the above expats are of Australian nationality and returned to Aus for free medical surgery, missing their extension renewal dates, but maintained their 65K monthly overseas transfers. The Thai Embassy in Aus never offered the Non O based on retirement, only the Non Imm O-A being available. They both returned VE and I submitted their application to convert to Non Imm using evidence of 12 x 65K monthly overseas transfers, with a pension statement as proof the transfer came from a pension. Non Imm stamps were issued without question in both cases, and I subsequently then applied for their 1-year extension using the same evidence, and that's fact, not an opinion. I read it and dismissed it having a different experience. It's rather vague and doesn't state the reason for refusal. Perhaps his overseas monthly transfers were irregular, perhaps he didn't provide evidence the transfers came from overseas, or could provide a pension statement/letter as to the source of the transferred funds being from a pension, or his documents weren't in order. Or perhaps CW interpret 5.3 differently to other Immigration offices. The jury is out on that one.

If using the funds in the bank method, for annual extensions based on retirement it's 800K THB deposited in a Thai bank for 2 months prior to the date of submitting the application, maintained for 3 months after the extension is granted. You may then withdraw up to 400K THB, but must maintain a minimum balance of 400K in the account. Repeat for the following extension application. 35-2561 (2019 (changed clause 2.22 of 327-2557 ENG.pdf In the case of your friend (assuming he married in Thailand) for annual extensions based on Thai spouse, the fund's requirement are different. He would need to deposit 400K THB in a Thai bank account in his sole name for 2 months prior to the date of application and whilst awaiting approval, at which point he can withdraw the full amount if he so desires. Repeat for the following year's extension. 327-2557 (2014) - Criteria for extension ENG.pdf Scroll down to section 2.18

The only visa that allows you to stay in Thailand for 12 months is the Non Immigrant 0-A visa. Requirements listed here; https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/retirement-visa Your plan to use the income method for a 1-year extension of stay, is thwarted by the fact Immigration require 12 x 65,000K THB overseas transfers into a Thai bank account and request proof of the source of income, such as a pension statement. Correct, your friend could first apply for the Non Imm O visa based on Thai spouse, which grants a stay of 90 days, then apply to extend that 90 day stay for a further year based on Thai spouse (you don't and cannot extend a visa.) The financial requirements are different based on Thai spouse, but again if he wanted to use the income method, he would require 12 x 40K THB overseas transfers into a Thai bank account in his sole name. Have a look at this Immigration order for 1 year extension requirements based on using the Income method. It lists the financial options and requirements both based on Thai spouse/family, section 2.18, then scroll down for the options and requirements based on retirement, section 2.22 Amend 138-2557 (2018 ) clause 2.18-2.22 for Thai bank income ENG.pdf Note that the option of the Income certification certified by the embassy is not available for UK, USA and Australian nationals.

Where's the red herring, it's perfectly applicable to the topic at hand. For example, you arrive VE, via Emirates at BKK, with an outbound flight ticket from DMK to KL and you're refused entry. You can't use the outbound flight ticket because you can't enter Thailand, you're stuck at BKK. Emirates are now responsible for your wellbeing. Your option is to book a flight to Vietnam instead, rather than return to your previous point of departure. Vietnam airlines are happy to take your booking. Emirates are happy to offload you to someone else. It makes no difference to the IO, as long as you depart to somewhere else. It's a perfectly logical solution to the problem. You're not a pawn, as an airline passenger you also have rights if refused entry. You also have the right to appeal the refusal of entry.

You have the right to book an alternative flight to a different destination and sign a waiver with the arriving airline which dissolves them of any responsibility of the passenger. Some expats will choose to fly to Lao for example and try to enter via a border, or a different airport. This is outlined by Trat Immigration. https://www.tratimmigration.com/denial-of-entry-into-thailand/#:~:text=What to do After Being,a Thai consulate or Embassy. What Happens When You are Denied Entry? If this happens to you, firstly realise that you are not being deported from Thailand. You are being denied entry. ( In order to be deported you first have to be allowed to enter.) When you’re denied entry the Immigration officer has the choice to do one of three things. They can: 1 – Send you back to where you just flew in from 2 – Send you back to any country you can buy a ticket for 3 – Send you back to the country of passport origin. 1 and 2 are by far the most common. Denied at an Airport If you are denied entry then it is your responsibility to pay for your ticket to another country. You will be taken to a holding cell at the airport where you will stay until you have arranged your flight out. There’s wifi and the staff can order food for you (at your expense) What to do After Being Refused Entry? Almost everyone denied entry just tries to enter again, either at another border, another airport, some get tourist visas from Thai consulates and enter by land, and most people will find a way to legally get in. If in doubt get a Tourist Visa from a Thai consulate or Embassy.

On the same subject, sorry but again a good friend. He's regularly visited Thailand for years, entering VE then extending, typical staying for around 6 weeks each trip. He always booked a return ticket within 30 days, then changed the return date after entering Thailand. In 2022, he married his long term Thai girlfriend, meaning he could now apply for the 60-day extension. He questioned the airline policy on the 30-day outbound ticket requirement, as they were fully aware he could apply for a 30-day extension, and now 60 day extensions. He was informed the policy was for 'outbound' tickets and not 'return' tickets returning to the original departure point. (Which makes sense). He has since provided return tickets for stays of between 6 weeks to 12 weeks, entering VE (3 times a year) and never been questioned, or refused boarding. It appears there is a clear distinction between a 'return' ticket, where if refused entry, the return flight has already been pre-paid and from the same airport, and the same airline, just requiring the airline to change the return date, and an 'outbound' ticket, usually with a different airline and airport, where the airline from the point of departure is then responsible for your return at their expense. The point being, many entering VE may intend staying for short periods of 4 - 8 weeks and with a 'return' ticket returning to their point of departure. In such cases it may be worthwhile question the airline '30 day' policy in such situations.

If you have a valid outbound ticket from the same airport, that absolves the airline you used to arrive with of any responsibility to return you at their expense. The airline informed him they'd been informed to be very diligent checking the departing airport of outbound tickets due to 3 passengers already refused entry in the month of November, and they found themselves responsible to return them to their point of departure, although the customer will always have the option to book and pay for an alternative flight elsewhere, but only from the airport they arrived at.

Entering VE, then applying for Non Immigrant status (Non O) they accept 800K funds, overseas transfers and Embassy Income letters. The only method they don't accept is the combination method. If @Red Phoenix friend has proof of 12 x 65K monthly overseas transfers, as he states, then that would be accepted for the conversion to Non O. VE-TV to Non O Retirement.pdf

The answer has already been given. As your friend did not comply with the conditions of being issued his current extension, that is, he did not maintain 800K in his Thai bank account for the required 3 months, then a further extension application is likely to be denied, although the final decision will be at the IO's discretion.

You both completely miss the point. I'm fully aware it's a requirement of the airline and not Immigration to have an outbound flight within 30 days when entering VE. The reason for this is simple. If, for any reason, you were denied entry, the airline, at their own expense and inconvenience, are responsible for returning you to your point of departure. As I understand, they are also subject to a separate fine. Most simply recommend purchasing a cheap throw away ticket from any Thai airport, without any forethought. My question (thinking outside the box) was simply if your outbound ticket was from any Thai airport other than the one at which you arrived, if refused entry, it would be impossible to travel to any other airport. At the very least, to avoid a refusal or complication to board at the original point of departure, make sure your outbound ticket is from the same airport you'll be arriving at. Yes, I'm aware that the chances of being denied entry is minimal, but it's the airline that's responsible for you if you were to be refused, hence their policy. Last year, a good friend had to return to the UK due to a family bereavement and was unable to renew his retirement extension. Returning VE in November with the intention of applying Non O > 1 year extension at local Immigration and aware of airline policy, booked a cheap outbound ticket from Don Mueang to Kuala Lumpur. His International flight was from London to Suvarnabhumi. Checking in at London, the check in assistant noticed his outbound ticket was DMK to KL. "Sir, if refused entry, how will you travel to DMK". Answer - he couldn't! He then scurried around to book an outbound ticket from BKK to KL, before being allowed to board.

Ah, but they never notified what time the system would come online today. 4 meal breaks and an afternoon nap first is the priority.

Where is he confused. He knows he can travel on both passports, but as a frequent flyer would prefer to use a single passport, However, he has no plans to depart at DMK, where the re-entry desk that issued his permit, is beyond Immigration and seeking a solution.

@DrJack54 Personally, I'd just present both passports for your upcoming journey, but when returning to DMK enquire at Immigration arrivals. They can escort you through to departures and the desk issuing re-entry permits. They may just advise you use both passports, which is a PITA, but TIT.

If you entered Thailand via air, landing at Suvarnabhumi and refused entry, how would you then travel to a different Thai airport to use your outbound flight. That's thinking outside the box!

He'll require the aid of a trustworthy solicitor and even with a POA, the bank will require a Court Order to release funds, which a solicitor will help obtain.

So if I was flying from the UK to Suvarnabhumi in Thailand, a cheap throw away flight from Hat Yai to KL within 30 days would fit the criteria?

Absolutely correct. I know of a person with a Thai wife, arrested, charged with fraud, deception, and overstay, held in IDC for 4 weeks and appeared in court. He was fined 10K for fraud and 20K for overstay. That was 4 years ago. His stamp indicated he was deported under section 12.7 He states he received nothing from the Court, nor any indication as to how long he had been banned from re-entry. As the overstay was for more than 1 year, he wrongly assumed it was a 3-year ban. Last year he booked a flight to Thailand, but at check-in was informed he was blacklisted and would be refused entry, therefore he was denied boarding. His wife has since approached Immigration, without reply, so they employed a lawyer. The lawyer initially assumed he'd been banned for 10 years as he was arrested before deportation, but Immigration advised he was banned under section 16. Section 16 : In the instance where for reason of national welfare or safeguarding the public peace , culture , morality , or welfare , or when the Minister considers it improper to allow any alien or any group of alien to enter into the Kingdom , the Minister shall have power to exclude said alien or group aliens from entering into the Kingdom He was merely referred to as being 'undesirable'. He and his wife are trying to appeal the decision.

Thinking outside the box here, Jack - from which Thai airport?

What's acceptable as an onward ticket. By bus, train, flight, from where, to where?

MJCM is listing documents for an extension based on Thai spouse, but he and OJAS are correct in that when changing the reason of stay, the new extension will be dated from the date of submitting the new application. When I applied for an extension based on Thai spouse (from retirement) 14 days prior to my extension expiring, I was informed if I submitted it that day, the new extension, once approved would be dated from the date of submission due to changing the reason of the extension. He said I could come back in 14 days, but I wasn't messing around obtaining an updated KR2 and bank letter/statement, so proceeded.

@Topprofile Assuming you're 50+ years of age. You need to complete the application form TM7 and state the reason as 'retirement TM 7 Application for Extension of Stay.pdf You must meet the financial requirements for an extension permit based on retirement, of which there are 3/4 options dependent on nationality. 327-2557 (2014) - Criteria for extension ENG.pdf 35-2561 (2019 (changed clause 2.22 of 327-2557 ENG.pdf 1. Minimum of 65K income per month via two methods: a) 12 x 65K monthly overseas transfers to a Thai bank account. b) Embassy Income letter (not available to nationals of the UK, USA, or Australians). 2. 800K deposited in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the date of application. 3. A combination of funds and annual income totalling, 800K on the date of application. This is a universal list of documents required for an extension application based on retirement, and not specific to any individual Immigration office. Docs Extension of Stay based on Retirement.pdf @DrJack54 may be able to comment on my document checklist specifically for use at CW.

Try it and let us know how you get on!

Check price comparison sites for the year and model as a guide to what you should be paying. Check the vehicle's history, was it regularly serviced at the recommended intervals. Avoid vehicles that have had multiple owners.

The question is, how many Tourist visas have you used to enter Thailand within the last 12 months. If just the one, then applying for a further TV shouldn't be a problem.

That advice was correct. The limitation to entering via land borders to 2 per calendar year only applies when entering visa exempt (without a visa). There is no written limitation to entering via a land border with a valid visa. However, local Thai Embassies/Consulates used to limit the number of Tourist visa they'd issue in a year to 3, before putting a stamp in your passport basically stating this was the last issue of a TV.