parallaxtech

Just pay the 5000 bht they want for the extension.

End of problem.

This thread makes me believe it's not worth the hassle to ask for a receipt.

My extensions take 5 min.

90 day reporting 2 min.

Never asked for 5K or anything else, just refused the extension. I even saw him outside and asked what I could do to get my extension and he simply said to go home!

Thanks, JS, correct. I never raised my voice, followed all the rules, had much more money than they required, and they were as mean to me as a policeman would be if I had killed his partner. I pleaded with them, "What do you suggest or what can I do?" They said get out of the office and go home! I am really I just don't understand all the high drama in this situation. I understand that the op got himself into a situation where his visa-extension is about to expire and this was caused by a local "interpretation" of the rules by the immigration folks in Samui. The first lesson in all this is to not wait till the last minute to renew a "retirement" extension. Should always be done at least a week to 10 days before expiry...in case some hick-up like this develops.

But back to the issue of funds...again, the easiest solution is to just go to Bangkok and get a pension/monthly funds letter. Present this, along with a few hundred thousand (or in this fellow's case, a few million [silly]) baht in the bank and get the extension. This can be done as long as the visa-extension is still good. If not, pop down to Penang, get a single-entry non-imm O (for purposes of retirement [showing Thai bank statements if necessary]) and then along with the embassy letter start the extension process anew (and keep doing this year to year).

Or, again, if necessary, get a new visa and just deposit the minimum required money in a bank savings account and after "seasoning" apply for your extensions.

Really, I've been doing this for 10 years without a hitch...you all can too

Thanks, I will probably go to KL on Tuesday, but I want Herbert to at least try on Monday to see if it is a matter of a few thousand baht.

Said previously, I went last year one week before expiration and was refused -- told to come back two days before. Again, I do as I'm told and don't argue with Imm officials. I don't have a pension, so don't think Embassy will give me a letter. In ten years I will qualify for a pension (SS).

I have also received extensions for the last five years w/o a hitch until now and I actually have more money in the Thai banks than I did previously.

What concerns me is Herbert said they might refuse me every year for no reason, so we need to try and find out what the problem is. So far no money has been mentioned, so just have to wait until Monday morning. I will follow up on Monday.

One bit of advice for all farangs out there with 800KTHB in the bank. Make sure you have a straight savings acct. If you are with SCB make sure you do not have a "fund book" account (savings account with interest). I still think this was an excuse they used, but they might use it on you and refuse your extension.

A good point raised earlier.

Never wait until the last minute.

I always apply a month early . If there is a problem you then have some time to sort it out.

I reported a week earlier last year and was refused. They told me to come back within two days of the expiration. I always do what they tell me -- six months early is no problem for me. I think the crux of the matter is that it depends on which officer you see. For the last five years I saw the same officer, but he is not there anymore, nor is any of the other staff.

Actually you did not have 800k in such an account but tried to use another account you described as a "fund book" but later say was a fixed deposit account and the combination was not accepted. What will happen with a normal 800k in passbook account for the required period is not known from your experience.

Lop, in 2006 I went in with only my fund book account (800K) and they said I must show them all my bank accounts in Thailand. I have three bank accounts with SCB, all cash accounts from my US banks. One account is a no interest account with 400KTHB in it (800KTHB as of Monday morning); the other accounts are called "fund book" accounts, which means they accrue interest. Fund book one gets .75% interest and funds can be withdrawn with a one-day notice. Fund book 2 gets 2.5% interest, but if you withdraw the funds within one year you lose the interest. The law says 800KTHB in a Thai bank, which I far exceed, nothing about interest or it must be in SCB, not Bangkok Bank, or that it has to be deposited only on Monday. Once again, they have never questioned these accounts for the last five years, so why now?

I find it sad when reading a thread such as this that when someone follows all the rules and does everything exactly as the Thai rules require them to do, that it comes down to a government officials interpretation of the Law as they see it that day, or just how they feel that day !

I can understand and agree with the governments wish to get rid of “Inappropriate Guests” that reside and stay here in Thailand, but all the rules they make, and apply, catch others who reside here legally and beneficially to the economy of Thailand, but as always, we are second class citizens not wanted here in this country by many Thais who look down on us.

If only they could see themselves as the rest of the world see them!! They can never move forward and achieve anything until they get rid of the corruption and bias that continues to be rooted within all legal departments.

You only have to look at daily happenings here in Thailand to see how just about everything is so screwed up.

I don’t want to get into any debate about living here in Thailand, you make your own choices, and it works for me at the moment, but it is far from ideal on so many different levels.

I just find it very Sad.

Well said, P, and thankyou for your sentiments. I follow all rules, requirements, laws, as I have my entire life, not that I'm a saint, just never like to be questioned by police for any reason. I did not march into Samui Imm with my lawyer demanding action, as Samuian indicated. I carried all the proper documentation and more and was firmly told "no, get out and go home w/o a visa." I then politely asked if my lawyer could interpret for me as I obviously lost something in translation. They told me to get the PM if I wanted but the answer was still no. I then got my lawyer to come over and they told him to get out. So, this is not a case of a cowboy American demanding action or perish. If you knew me you would understand. I am a retired physician who also worked in overseas hospitals that were funded by the US Government, so I've been around government officials all my life. The more someone shouts at me the calmer I get. This is simply a case of a very corrupt and sadistic government official.

Do need help on something, though. Herbert has agreed to go on Monday morning and speak to them on my behalf to find out what the real problem is. He suspects it's just a matter of money. I'm concerned that if he does get an extension stamp, how do I know it's legitimate? If they are taking money under the table they probably can't record it as an official stamp. Look at Samui Express this month about arresting farangs with visa stamps issued by travel agencies. So, perhaps the solution is to ask for at least an invoice for 1900THB with the extension number on it. Any ideas from people who know Herbert?

then they said I needed proof of the money having been transferred into my account.

There is no requirement to show source of funds from abroad, but used to be. Only that 800k has to be in Thai bank account for 3 months before renewal of retirement extension. You should of asked to speak to a senior officer to resolve.

You can see my predicament on another thread "Nightmare at Samui Immigration." Yesterday, Samui Imm refused my extension because my savings account was drawing interest at .75%. I indicated that the extensions for the last five years had been approved based on this same savings account. I politely asked to see the supervisor. After that I was just rudely told to "go back to America." When someone tells you no visa because your shirt is blue, are you supposed to smile and say thanks? They offered me no advice or options, just get out. I asked a visa fixer for help and he wanted 25KTHB up front. This sounds outrageous to me.

It beats going to Malaysia, but why not call Bangkok Immigration before you go and ask them if it's ok.

What I don't get is why bother having 2.5 mill in an account earning .75% p.a ???

I did call them and some clerk said to go only to Koh Samui. My lawyer said they say that to everyone but it's different when you show up there.

The savings account here was giving 3.5% interest up until the economy sank in 2008. I brought an extra 1MB over this year to make improvements on my home, but if you've tried to get a Samui builder to do anything on your house lately, well, that's another story. I decided to put that money in a savings account that was drawing 2.5%, but can't be withdrawn w/o penalty. The other money is at .75% and 0%. Again, the bank mgr assured me that since it was cash, Immigration would have no problem with any of it. I'm sure that this is just a power trip for them, as in no document does it say that the 800K can't be drawing interest. He could have just as easily said no visa for anyone wearing a blue shirt. I have held this savings account since 2005 and Samui Imm has never questioned it. Also, when a government official refuses to give you his name, it is obvious he is hiding something. What bothers me beyond the dishonesty is the rudeness and the unhelpfulness. Never once did I raise my voice. I simply asked what I could do since he was refusing my visa and he said, "Yeah, go back to America" with a smirk on his face. I am writing letters now to the US Embassy and Thai Immigration to ask them for clarification on the 800KB.

Lop: Interesting last minute development: Nadeem at Thai Visa Experts advised that I should go to Bangkok Imm on Monday and they would give me the extension. My extension expires Sunday, but they will surely allow me one day. I mentioned to him that I thought they passed a law last year that you must go to the Imm office where you live. Both Nadeem and my lawyer say it won't be a problem. Do you think this sounds feasible?

OP´s posting from 28-2-2010:

.... Three hundred will become three thousand if stupid farangs continue to pay bribes. Each year KS Immigration tries to get 3-4K extra from me on a retirement visa. I just smile and say,"No problem, where is the receipt.?.......

so now you paid your lawyer already 2000, and thats not the end.

maybe you wanted to play the game with your rules, now they are playing with you......

BTW , Herbert´s office is opposite Samui Immigration.

Thanks for the advice on Herbert! No, I still stick by my code -- "Don't pay a bribe when you've done nothing wrong." Paying a lawyer is not the same as paying a bribe. Lawyers don't work for free even though sometimes they are worthless as in this case. Paying a corrupt government official is a different story. I had a policeman try to extort money from me years ago on a setup scam. I told him I wouldn't give him one baht, but I'd pay my lawyer 1mb to defend me. Everyone has to live with their selves and hopefully follow some code. For all the people out there paying bribes, I'm glad you can live with it. I, however, would not forgive myself. Now, on the other hand, for a simple traffic violation or where I've done something wrong, I wouldn't have a problem paying something small to get out of it. This was a case of me following all the rules to the letter and they just wanted to make my life miserable.

The OP's problem has nothing to do with his original OA visa - which has been pointed out, expired several years ago. His problem is to do with the inexplicable thinking of the IO in Samui when processing his extension.

Thanks, JS, correct. I never raised my voice, followed all the rules, had much more money than they required, and they were as mean to me as a policeman would be if I had killed his partner. I pleaded with them, "What do you suggest or what can I do?" They said get out of the office and go home! I am really surprised that there is nobody to contact in Bangkok to report this. My lawyer asked for his name, but he refused to give it. When I asked him why they had changed the rules about the 800KB not having interest, he just said it was his rule. My lawyer said he wouldn't have given me an extension no matter how much I had in the account. I emailed bangkok IMM last year, no reply. I called them today and they just said I have to work with the rules in KS since I live here.

Roo: How do I get in touch with Herbert so he can handle my next visa problem?

You just fill out a normal visa application but check non immigrant and reason for retirement. It will cost twice the price of a tourist visa. What you see on web site is the long stay OA visa like you got in the US and that is only available to residents of the country. I do not believe you will have any problem getting in KL but have your bank book just in case. In the worst case you could get a tourist visa and convert at Immigration inside Thailand but that would probably require a trip to Bangkok for the conversion stage.

Thanks again, I will do as you say. I gave my lawyer 2K for 10 min and no advice. How much do I owe you?

All he needs is a single entry non immigrant O visa and that he can easily obtain without any 400k in a bank account (although he has well over that).

Thanks! I went to the Thai Embassy site in Kuala Lumpur http://mfa.go.th and under the O visa for retirement it looks like the same requirements as the O-A (800K, medical, police report), and it says you must be a resident of Malaysia. They don't show a category for a single O visa. Maybe I need to go to the Embassy and just ask, but I don't want to waste a trip. The O-A is very simple and fast via FEDEX if I go to the US, even though I hate going back there!

Lopburi & Litebeer are more au fait with this then me. So what they are saying that this works only on your first visa & not after 4 extensions.

Your current multiple entry only as good as your extension, goes no further. So just get the O & just convert to OA , easiest way.

Thanks, mucho, I will do as you say!

You have told us you obtained extensions of stay for the last few years so you do not have a valid non immigrant OA visa. Such a visa expires one year from date of issue in your home country.

Thanks, L, I didn't know that. So, I need to start all over with a new visa. I guess leaving w/o a re-entry permit cancels your extension?

I have a multi-entry non imm o-a. I guess Bangkok Airport would not issue a re-entry permit before leaving to keep my visa alive and then I could return on Sunday and get my 12-mos extension?

It would appear that you do not.

You have an extension of stay that expires on Sunday.

You need a Visa.

Apply Monday morning and collect Tuesday afternoon.

Roo, someone said previously that my multi-entry O-A allows me to leave before the extension is up and come back in to receive another 12mos extension. The only problem is I don't have a re-entry permit to keep my visa alive. True?

Also, are you saying that (Samui) Immigration will not issue extensions if your bank account accrues interest no matter how small (.75%)?

I would guess that 99.9% of people who extend (either for marriage or retirement) have accounts which get interest every month or year!!

This is getting scary!!

Correct, make sure you have 800K in a normal no-interest account that you can access with your Thai ATM.

Why are you (or anyone else) bothering with these crap O-A visas? As you seem to have plenty of the folding stuff, why not just put the minimum necessary in an ordinary Thai bank savings account (I guess it's still 800k like most other retired expats who use the bank deposit scheme) and couple that with an ordinary Non-Imm O visa from Penang or back in USA? Seems much easier than keeping over 2.5M baht in your various bank accounts and still getting the stiff-arm from the immigration folks. [As an aside, the fact that you even had that much money to begin with probably pisses off the lowly paid civil servants at immigration to no end and they either figure by making it difficult for you will earn them a "donation" to make it all go smoothly or they just want to give you a hard time because you've got so much more money than they do.]

Of course, the other super easy way is to just get the pension letter from the US Embassy in Bangkok (about B1000) and use that (along with a few hundred thousand baht in a local bank) to extend your "retirement" visa

I guess you're correct but previous years I went in with just an 800K passbook and they refused my visa, because they said they must see all my Thai accounts. What was I living on in other words -- the 800K just sat there. So, now when I show them all three accounts they refuse the visa because 2MB draws interest and 400KB does not. I have transferred another 400K into the non-interest acct, anyway. I don't have a pension, so no letter.

What if I fly out today or tomorrow and return tomorrow -- extension expires Sunday. Would this give me another year? Will the airport give me a re-entry permit or do I have to go back to the devils at Samui Imm?

Only works on your original visa with a multiple entry, not on extensions.

I have a multi-entry non imm o-a. I guess Bangkok Airport would not issue a re-entry permit before leaving to keep my visa alive and then I could return on Sunday and get my 12-mos extension?

Thanks, everyone. You did a good deed for the day and their are some kind hearts on TV.. I will do as several suggested and go on a visa run tomorrow and apply for the O visa. I did go back to my bank and told the bank mgr to advise all farangs that accounts drawing interest would not be acceptable at Immigration. I think they have an obligation to do this as I specifically asked the bank mgr if this account was ok for Immigration

Just being over age 50 should allow a local Consulate to issue a single entry non immigrant O visa. But few will issue a multi entry anymore unless married. The US will only issue non immigrant OA visa (no O types) if your reason is retirement - but the multi entry non immigrant OA covers you for almost two years stay in Thailand as you get one year on every entry so if you enter just before it expires you have another year. You would have to obtain re-entry permit for travel during that second year to keep it alive (just as with any extension of stay).

What if I fly out today or tomorrow and return tomorrow -- extension expires Sunday. Would this give me another year? Will the airport give me a re-entry permit or do I have to go back to the devils at Samui Imm?

You do not have an OA visa and what you get from immigration is never an OA visa - so yes you can just leave at any time before your current extension of stay expires and apply for a single entry non immigrant O visa at a nearby Consulate and return for a 90 day stay on that and extend at the end of that for a normal one year for retirement.

I would take 400k out now and put with your passbook account (or more if you need to use) and keep that over 800k for 2 (or 3 if they will not treat as first extension) and apply for new extension near end of new 90 day entry. If you do transfer before your current extension ends you should be safe for both 2 or 3 month requirement. And expect having a lawyer is not a good idea as retirement is a very simple process and policy often do not appreciate, or suspect something amiss, when a lawyer appears.

Thanks, I think I will take this option. So, let me see if this is correct. My extension expires this Sunday so I will leave tomorrow for Malaysia and request an O visa that should be good for three months. I have already transferred the 800KB into a non-interest account so that will be no problem. At the end of three months do I go to Samui Imm and ask them to extend to a normal one year retirement visa?

I took my lawyer with me because each year they ask for a bribe and I don't like dealing under the table when I've done nothing wrong. This year they were just plain mean!

[As LB & Lopburi said, yes you have to go to home country for OA . But O is different, I can stand corrected, but it is also for 12 months, but you have to a border run every 3 months & can be obtained from one of the neighbouring consulates.

Thanks, Roo. So my options are as follows:

1. Go back to the US and apply for a new o-a visa and then face the hassle with Samui Imm again next year when they come up with a new rule.

2. Do a border run and get an o visa. What is required for an o visa?

[LB: Yes, fixed interest and they have accepted it for the last five years, but now they won't.

I got my o-A visa at the Thai Embassy in Washington, DC in 2005. I have renewed it each year in Nathon showing the same bank books. I want to avoid Samui Imm if possible in the future as I've never seen a nastier group of people in my life!