Lancelot

LRimmler, Roger & Dr Pat,

One additional note about the 90 day tourist Visa I received in Penang. When I crossed the border by van (from Malaysia) back into Thailand, Immigration stamped my Visa for 60 days. At the time I didn't notice it, but later, at Immigration I asked about it and was told: "Pay 500 baht and extend Visa for 30 days." I tried explaiing that Penang gave me a full 90 days, but (BKK) Immigration wouldn't budge.

Immigration made me extend my 90 day Toursit Visa (stamped for 60 days at the border) before they would process my 90 day type "O" Non-IMM Visa. My GF asked around and it seems that stamping one's Visa for 60 days (at the border) is standard practise.

If/when I go abroad, I am currious if Immigration will try to screw with the date on my Retirement Visa (Feb 19, 2004.)

Any one have any experience with this? (How Don Muang Immigration stamps one's passport upon re-entry to Thailand, if one holds a one year Non-IMM or Retirement Visa.)  

All the best,

Lance

So my question was where did you - "change my Visa to a 90 day, type O Non Immiggrant. "

Did they do that for you in Bangkok Immigration?

Which part of the Building/Room?

You seem to have made some kind of break-through here ...

Roger 13,

I changed my Tourist Visa to a 90 day Type "O" at the Bangkok Immigration office on Soi Suanplu. I forget the room number, but it was located on the third floor, the officer I spoke with is Khun Pallop.

I received my Retirement Visa at the same office (Bkk Imm on Soi Suanplu) Room 102.

All the best,

Lance

Are you sure that the visa from Penang wasn't a Non Immigrant O Visa. There is no such thing as a 90 day

Tourist Visa.  A Non Immigrant Visa is a 90 day stay.

Dr Pat,

I am looking at my passport and the Vias 'sticker" I received at Penang. It says:

Type of Visa - Tourist

Category - TR

Fee - 33 RM

Issued at - PENANG

Date of Issue - 19 Feb, 2003

Date of Expiry - 18 May, 2003

All the best,

Lance

Hi Lancelot

In terms of the other documents you  needed:

Did you go to your local police station to get a document stating you had no criminal record?

What sort of check-up did you receive from your doctor to satisfy your medical exam?

Did you transfer your 800,00 baht to a thai bank outside Thailand?

Thanks.

TC

Did you go to your local police station to get a document stating you had no criminal record?

What sort of check-up did you receive from your doctor to satisfy your medical exam?

Did you transfer your 800,00 baht to a thai bank outside Thailand?

TC,

About your questions:

1) No, I did not have (and was not asked) for a letter from the police.

2) No physical exam or health documentation.

3) Yes, they made me transfer 800k into Thailand (from my home country) My first transfer was when I received my 90 day Non-Imm Type "O" Visa; the second (smaller) transfer was to bring my Thai Bank account balance back up to 800k (and I received my Retirmement Visa)

Hi Roger,

I received my Retirement Visa at the Bangkok Immigration Office.

I think it is better if one can obtian a Non-Immigrant Type "O" Visa abroad, but it is possible to get one in Thailand (I know because I did it that way.)

Anyway, good luck to you. Let me know how it goes, ok?

Lance

George,

Thanks for the information! Hopefully my second year renewal will be easier!

Again, thanks for your reply.

Lance

Hi Board

I am a 50 year old American and on June 19, 2003; I received my One Year Thai Retirement Visa. Finally!

But I think I did everything the hard way.

First, I arrived in Thailand on January 25, 2003 and received a 30 day tourist Visa at Don Muang. On February 19, 2003 I received a 90 day Tourist Visa at Penang, Malaysia.

On April 23, I took my documentation and (letter to certify transfer of 800,000 baht to a Thai bank account) went to the Bangkok Imigration office to apply for my Retirment Visa. They told me that I had to change my Visa to a 90 day, type O Non Immiggrant. Did that. Next I was told to return to Imigration on or about June 23 to receive my Retirement Visa.

Fast forward to June 19, 2003.

I arrived with financial document (balance og 800k baht) and after waiting in line for about one hour, I received my Visa. BUT, the Immigration officer started my year on FEBRUARY 19, 2003 (Date of Penang Toursit Visa.) Huh!?! I couldn't figure this one out, but I didn't argue.

My questions for the board are:

1) Has anyone else had the first year of their Retirement Visa started on the date they first arrived in The Kingdom?

2) At the second year renewal, did anyone have to transfer another 800k Baht to their account or can you just "top up" your account to 800k? I really don't think that I will spend 800k per year.

3) Has anyone successfully applied for the one year Retirement Visa from abroad?

4) About the 90 day reporting requirement, is there a fee? Do they mark your passport to certify that one has reported? If not, how does Immigration know that the farang has dutifuly reported?

Thanks for your feedback!

Lance