Koratjohn77

On February 13, 2018 at 11:19 PM, wealthychef said:

 

Well at 45 you just haven't learned the deeper lessons of life.  And the Thai government does not yet feel you are seasoned enough to merit.  They are well positioned to judge on such matters as merit.  ;-)

 

Uh yeah you have absolutely no idea what I've been through and learned in life.  More than what most people see and learn in a lifetime.  If you knew me you'd be quite surprised.  

On February 8, 2018 at 4:03 PM, wealthychef said:

 

Roger that, thanks for the help man, sorry if I sound a bit grumpy after hours of chasing this down.  I should mention the price they quoted was 12,000 baht.  Plus the application fees. 

Yeah I think that's what I paid if I remember right for them to get all of our documents such as transferring our U.S. Marriage Certificate to a Thai Marriage Certificate and all the rest of the stuff they did for me the first year.  I believe I paid more than that total for everything but I'm on a marriage visa.  I'm definitely switching to a retirement visa when I turn 50 because I am in fact retired I just retired young I'm only 45.   If I were 50 years old I would qualify for the retirement visa now I wish they would make the age requirement lower.  I'm just lucky that my wife is a Thai citizen otherwise I probably wouldn't be living here.  

5 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

Woa  what?  You do realize I've been asking about a retirement visa right?  Ugh. 

Yes I figured.  I even told you earlier that maybe their procedures are different for that but I don't know.  If it's a retirement visa it sounds like you'd be better off just doing it yourself.  When I switch to a retirement visa in 5 years I'm going to start doing it myself.  I'm on a marriage visa but I am actually retired I'm just a few years to young to qualify for a retirement visa.  My wife is a Thai citizen so we retired here.  If you need an agent TSL should be able to help you regardless of whether or not it's a retirement or a marriage visa. Either way you said that you were looking for an agent.  

Just now, wealthychef said:

 

They don't answer their phone.   :-(  

That's the cell phone number for the guy who actually does the work he's probably busy call him back later or Google them and call the number on Google.  They are located in the Sindhorn building across the street from the U.S. Embassy by the Starbucks.  I don't know how much better I can tell you I don't have the boss's phone number in my contacts.  The guy who runs the place is David Lam you should talk to him.  They have another office in Bangkok that I've never been to before their number is 02-168-7734.  They will definitely answer if you call that number I just tried it.  Last time I was in their office it was in the Sindhorn building by the embassy unless they have moved.  I do know that they have 2 offices.  These guys are the best.   

21 minutes ago, Mattd said:

There is no downtown immigration office in Bangkok, this closed years ago, everybody in the Bangkok catchment area must go to Chaengwattana immigration office.

I don't know I googled that city and it says that it's way north of Bangkok maybe I'm googling the wrong place.  I don't know the name of the immigration office in Bangkok I just like show up for about 5 minutes a year.  

19 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

Hmm, I don't understand "main immigration office."  The only office in Bangkok that handles these matters is Chaengwattana that I know of.  The service I contacted was called TSL and I found it by googling "TSL visa".  http://tslthailand.com  

I'm not sure how to contact the one you use, can you give me a pointer?  Thanks.  

Just call 089-819-9930

9 minutes ago, SpokaneAl said:

 

I also live in a Korat and by most accounts the Korat immigration office is one of the more customer service oriented, least busy immigration offices in Thailand. I suspect that you are not saving nearly the amount of time that you think you are.


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Yes I agree Korat immigration is awesome but I am saving a month because it normally takes 30 days to complete the marriage visa extension process.  When I use the agent in Bangkok I get it done in only 2 days.  I'm on a marriage visa not a retirement visa.  Although when I turn 50 I'm going to switch to a retirement visa because I am in fact retired and then I'll probably just do it myself when I'm 50.  I just learned that you can get a retirement visa extension done in only one day so I'm switching from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in 5 years as soon as I can.  

If I was on a retirement visa now then you would be right I would actually be waisting time and money.  On a marriage visa I'm saving myself 30 days so it's worth it.  

2 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

I posted the entire conversation with Bryan Baker in post #71 above.  Here's a link.  

 

 

Yeah I read that and that's not them.  What was the name of the person you spoke with.  I'm pretty sure you're not talking to TSL at least not the people who I deal with anyway try calling 089-819-9930 and they're a lot more helpful in person than what they sound on the phone trust me they're awesome.  Keep in mind that they only deal with the main immigration office in downtown Bangkok as far as I know anyway.  If they do deal with any other immigration offices I'm not aware of it but it's possible maybe they do.  I'm pretty sure they only deal with the main immigration office in downtown Bangkok only.  That maybe why you're having an issue but I don't know.  I know that every time I've dealt with them it's been absolutely wonderful I didn't have to do anything except show up for a few minutes one day.  

22 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

Interesting.  I chatted with an agent on their web page.  Here is how it went.  Judge for yourself.  Perhaps the agent just didn't like me.  One thing is they claimed it would take me 3 days, very cagy and vague about how they would actually help me.  So I gave up, perhaps too easily.  

 

 

Yeah that doesn't sound like the same TSL.  Are you actually in downtown Bangkok actually using the main Bangkok immigration office?  They only communicate via email or phone.  

I just posted this below when I read your exact location:

Wait you're using the Chaengwattana immigration office no wonder that's not the right office they only handle Bangkok immigration downtown only.  You can still use TSL at Bangkok immigration I live in Korat and I do it and Korat immigration is okay with it.  I do my 90 day report in Korat with no issues and I get my extensions in Bangkok through TSL.  I got asked about that once at Korat immigration but it wasn't a problem I just called my agent and had him talk to them about it.  The TSL agents are only going to do it all for you only if you're actually using the immigration office in downtown Bangkok only.  I'm sorry I forgot to tell you that part, it has to be at the main immigration office only for them to walk you through the process.  They won't go outside of Bangkok downtown but they're totally worth it if you're using them in downtown Bangkok at the main immigration office.  I just read your location I thought you were in downtown Bangkok.  Just do it downtown at the main immigration office it'll be fine I live in Korat and I've been doing it for 4 years.  

8 minutes ago, Koratjohn77 said:

I don't know who you spoke with but TSL does everything you said and more at least they always have for me anyway over the past 4 years.  My first year here they even got our Thai marriage certificate for us.  I didn't wait at all I only spent 5 minutes at immigration and it's been like that every year.  Talk to David or Korn.  

Wait you're using the Chaengwattana immigration office no wonder that's not the right office they only handle Bangkok immigration downtown only.  You can still use TSL at Bangkok immigration I live in Korat and I do it and Korat immigration is okay with it.  I do my 90 day report in Korat with no issues and I get my extensions in Bangkok through TSL.  I got asked about that once at Korat immigration but it wasn't a problem I just called my agent and had him talk to them about it.  The TSL agents are only going to do it all for you only if you're actually using the immigration office in downtown Bangkok only.  I'm sorry I forgot to tell you that part, it has to be at the main immigration office only for them to walk you through the process.  They won't go outside of Bangkok downtown but they're totally worth it if you're using them in downtown Bangkok at the main immigration office.  I just read your location I thought you were in downtown Bangkok.  Just do it downtown at the main immigration office it'll be fine I live in Korat and I've been doing it for 4 years.  

8 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

I had a different experience.  After contacting them and asking them specifically what service they provide, I was told basically that what they do is fill in the required forms and take me to ChiangWattana where I wait around just like normal.  I don't feel like they are worth paying for.  Thanks for the lead though.  What I would like is what someone else mentioned here, a full time agent that will wait in line for me, fill in the forms, do everything possible to minimize my own effort in the process.  Most services look like businesses just profiting off of the massive confusion this process causes for many expats here.  You can blame people for not paying attention, but I have spent many hours on this now.  I think I might just go put up a web page explaining the process in clear detail to save people hassle and expense.  

I don't know who you spoke with but TSL does everything you said and more at least they always have for me anyway over the past 4 years.  My first year here they even got our Thai marriage certificate for us.  I didn't wait at all I only spent 5 minutes at immigration and it's been like that every year.  Talk to David or Korn.  

2 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

I had a different experience.  After contacting them and asking them specifically what service they provide, I was told basically that what they do is fill in the required forms and take me to ChiangWattana where I wait around just like normal.  I don't feel like they are worth paying for.  Thanks for the lead though.  What I would like is what someone else mentioned here, a full time agent that will wait in line for me, fill in the forms, do everything possible to minimize my own effort in the process.  Most services look like businesses just profiting off of the massive confusion this process causes for many expats here.  You can blame people for not paying attention, but I have spent many hours on this now.  I think I might just go put up a web page explaining the process in clear detail to save people hassle and expense.  

That doesn't sound like TSL at all they always walk me through the whole process.  I spend less than 5 minutes at immigration and they do it all for me and I have my passport back in only a few days.  Maybe it's different if you're on a retirement visa.  I'm on a marriage visa but I am in fact retired I'm just a few years to young for a retirement visa.  That doesn't sound like the service I get from them at all they're really great when I use them.  Did you actually contact TSL?  That really doesn't sound right at all.  If that was the case I would be doing it myself.   

11 minutes ago, Mattd said:

Retirement is 65,000 per month or 800,000 in the bank OR a combination of both.

Okay awesome!  65,000 baht per month is only half of what I make in a month!  That's only like 2 grand I make close to 4 grand a month so I would definitely go with a Proof of Income Affidavit for the monthly income.  So far I still haven't found a down side to it and income is no problem.  Makes me wish I was 50 years old now.  I feel like I'm 60 years old I wish that counted. 

3 minutes ago, CharlesSwann said:

Is that what the agent told you? You've been duped.
 

You just turn up with your passport and photo and the relevant photocopies. Pick up and fill in the form at the first desk (or prepare one earlier to save time), get a ticket from the second desk, wait around (never less than 90 minutes in my experience). When your number is shown someone checks your documents are all in order (takes a minute or two) and you sit back down.  After another wait you will be called by number (listen out) to an adjacent desk who processes the stuff and takes the payment. You then wait again a short while (maybe 10-15 minutes) and they will call you by name to give you your passport all done and dusted.

 

The only hassle is the bank thing. They want photocopies of your bank book(s) showing the current date, and a same-day letter from the bank, so you have to deposit/withdraw something from the account, update the book in the machine, then get the photocopes made. Fortunately at Chaeng Wattana the bank and the photocopy shops are close by, so there's no problem other than 15 minutes hassle.

 

 

I'm on a marriage visa and it's 30 days for that so it has actually been worth it because I get it done in only 2 days.  I think you're referring to a retirement visa which I just learned only does take one day to extend so as soon as I turn 50 I'm switching to a retirement visa and never using an agent again.  As long as I'm on a marriage visa I'll continue to use the agent because I like having my passport back in only 2 days.  You are referring to a retirement visa right?  Because I confirmed that it does take 30 days to get the extension done for a marriage visa if you're doing it yourself.  So no I wasn't duped unless you know a faster way of doing a marriage visa extension.  Also I don't bring in anything from my bank I don't even have a Thai bank I use my US bank account I only have to show my Proof of Income Affidavit from the embassy.  I have letters verifying my pension income but no one ever wants to see them all they care about is that Proof of Income Affidavit from the embassy.  I have no plans on opening a bank account here.  

4 minutes ago, SpokaneAl said:

 

The age requirement for an extension of stay based on retirement is 50 years old.

 

The financial requirements for an extension of stay based on retirement are higher than those for an extension of stay based on marriage.

 

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Isn't either income or savings?  A minimum of 40,000 baht a month or 400,000 baht in the bank?  For me the monthly income requirements is no problem at all I make a lot per month but my account balance fluctuates so I'm only using my monthly income.  Can you go by monthly income for a retirement visa?  What is the monthly income requirement if so?  

26 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

For a retirement extension you can get it all done in one day. There are a couple of offices that may have you come back the next day to pick up your passport.

For an extension of stay  based upon marriage there is a under consideration period. Some offices start the 30 days on the date your application is accepted and others start it from the date your current permit to stay ends. The extension has to be approved by the division headquarters for the region where you apply.

Sorry just read the last message I sent I sent another message before I read your reply I apologize.  

17 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

For a retirement extension you can get it all done in one day. There are a couple of offices that may have you come back the next day to pick up your passport.

For an extension of stay  based upon marriage there is a under consideration period. Some offices start the 30 days on the date your application is accepted and others start it from the date your current permit to stay ends. The extension has to be approved by the division headquarters for the region where you apply.

Okay I didn't know that about the retirement visa that's awesome.  Is it possible to get a retirement visa if you're only 45?  I'm on a marriage visa and my extension always expires the same day every year.  I actually just got my last extension last month.  Can you get a retirement visa under the age of 50?  I actually am retired but I'm just not quite 50 years old.  I'm definitely going to switch to a retirement visa now that I know that as soon as they'll let me.  

13 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

AI replied to your previous post asking the same thing. My reply is at 3 posts before yours.

So if you are getting an extension on a retirement visa is it true that you can actually complete the whole process in only one day?  As in actually have your passport back with the extension stamp all finished in only one day?  Is that true?  If so I never knew that in 4 years of living here.  

I'm on a marriage visa but I am in fact retired.  You have to be at least 50 years old to qualify for a retirement visa right?  Is there any exception to that?  Can you get a retirement visa younger than 50 years old?  I'm only 45 but I'd love to switch to a retirement visa now that I know that.  I'd never use a visa agent again if I were on a retirement visa if it's true that you can get the extension all done in only one day that would be awesome.  Do I have to wait till I'm 50 to switch to a retirement visa?  I'm actually retired military I'm a 100% disabled veteran so my monthly pension is maxed out plus I'm 20 years retired.  If that's true about extensions for retirement visas man I want to switch visas as soon as I can!  That would be awesome.  Can you please confirm that because I honestly never knew that being on a marriage visa.  I always thought marriage and retirement visas were pretty much the same I know that they are very similar.  Lol maybe they'll make an exception for me since I have a prosthetic hip and part of my right foot is gone.  

3 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

I feel like I get it now: 

1. Visa:  permission to enter Thailand, issued from a location outside of Thailand.
2. Extension of permission to stay:  issued from inside Thailand, does what it says.  
3. Re-entry permit:  issued from inside Thailand, granting permission to re-enter after leaving.  

And #2 is often called "renewing a visa" by laymen.  If you do confuse the two, you might forget to get #3 and end up getting screwed.  

Personally, I don't see why the pedantists don't just accept the common usage.  

That's exactly right 

11 minutes ago, SooKee said:

Errr, no?  I've been doing it myself for a few years now but retirement only.  Timing varies by office with Phuket (last time I did it) being a pick up the next day.  Bangkok and Chiang May - same day, with Bangkok took all of 30 minutes for the passport to come back with the extension in once seen by the IO. 

Well I'm on a marriage visa although I am in fact retired but I'm not 50 years old.  As soon as I turn 50 I'm definitely switching to a retirement visa I didn't know it was that easy for retirement visas.  I wish I could get a retirement visa now but I'm only 45.  

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Not if you are applying for an extension based upon retirement. If applying for an extension based upon marriage you get a under consideration stamp with a report back date 30 days from the date it was done and get passport back on the date your apply. Immigration never holds passports after the application done.

The home visit is only for the first extension application based upon marriage. No hoops that i am aware of.

So with a retirement visa you actually get your extension for the entire year done the same day?  And for marriage visas it's always a 30 day wait?  

2 minutes ago, partington said:

It's not a waste of time, your view is just wrong, and so it is like arguing the world is flat.
 

Of course you'll find it hard to convince people when you are incorrect.

You know what I'm going to do next year I'm going to "renew my visa" AGAIN just like I did last month and just like I've been doing for the last 4 years. ?

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

They stop at 3:30 pm.

Doesn't it take like 30 days to get your passport with the extension stamp back if you do it yourself?  I've been using an agent for 4 years and I always have my passport with the extension done within two days and I've never had a problem with reporting or anything at all.  How long does the entire process take if you do it yourself till you actually get your passport back with the extension stamp?  

I heard that you have to wait for a home visit from immigration and all kinds of hoops you have to jump through.  With the agent I never have to do anything except go to immigration for 5 minutes a year and of course report every 90 days which is easy.  Other than that they do it all for me.  I'm considering doing it myself next year or maybe the year after but I don't know.  Is it really as difficult as I've heard to do it yourself?  

Also the other person said something about "Applicants for this type of visa must be Indonesian citizens" what was he referring to?  Maybe I misread that.  

4 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

Thanks for the tip, I'll message you.  I have more money than most here and don't mind paying for the convenience.  A few baht to avoid hours of sitting around might be worth it.  

 

Yep, I feel the same way, but this particular "grammar teacher" was so very clear, kind and helpful I didn't feel right pushing back against what I agree seems like a bit of excessive pedantry.  And as you point out he has the advantage of being correct.  :-)  In my mind, I'm secretly still just renewing my visa for a year, but don't tell him I said so...  :-)  I've always heard that you cannot really fairly criticize an argument unless you can restate it in terms that the originator agrees with first.  Would be good if everyone followed that process.  

I don't bother arguing with people on here anymore it's a waste of time.  I once had a debate with someone regarding the same terminology "renewing my visa vrs. getting an extension".  Turned out we were talking about the same thing I just simply refer to it as renewing my visa once a year big deal.  Although it is good to know exactly what everything means. 

14 minutes ago, CharlesSwann said:

I never go first thing in the morning - seems like a neurotic strategy - you have to get up at an unearthly hour, fight your way there in the rush hour, and it's the busiest time of the day when you get there - there's a long queue even to get your ticket - and you are lucky to get done by lunchtime. I always go in the afternoon when it is quieter and gets done much quicker, within a couple of hours, as I did a couple of weeks ago.

Waste of money to use an agent.

Doesn't it take like 30 days to get your passport with the extension stamp back if you do it yourself?  I've been using an agent for 4 years and I always have my passport with the extension done within two days and I've never had a problem with reporting or anything at all.  How long does the entire process take if you do it yourself till you actually get your passport back with the extension stamp?  

I heard that you have to wait for a home visit from immigration and all kinds of hoops you have to jump through.  With the agent I never have to do anything except go to immigration for 5 minutes a year and of course report every 90 days which is easy.  Other than that they do it all for me.  I'm considering doing it myself next year or maybe the year after but I don't know.  Is it really as difficult as I've heard to do it yourself?