TaoNow

For me, the main reason to do the retirement extension (versus the marriage ext) is the ability to be totally self-reliant. Processing the retirement extension requires only you, the ex-pat, and your Thai bank account. No one else needs to be involved, and that reduces potential complications or mishaps. In general, I think successful, retired ex-pats -- wherever they settle, should be able to do all the necessary administrative procedures required by the adoptive country. If, having mastered those procedures, the ex-pat may then wish to use the services of an agent or other helper to save time in preparing the documentation, standing in line, or other nuisance. But, in sum, Rule #1 of a successful overseas retirement is this: Know the local rules, and be able to fully comply with those rules on your own, with no help or involvement of anyone else.

Nothing in OP's post indicated that the Immo officers were shaking him down for a bribe. Unless you have some objective proof of the graft racket at Thai airports, then you should stop rumor-mongering.

It still amazes me that people who post on this forum still do not understand that, no matter what visa you may have obtained outside the county, it is up to the Immo officer at the border you cross to decide whether to let you in or not. Thai Immo officers are gatekeepers -- not a welcoming committee. Entry is not a right. It is a privilege. Act accordingly.

Then it would appear that you are not a legitimate retiree in Thailand. People who choose Thailand to end their life in should be willing to post a "bond" of 21,000 euro to show the honesty of their intentions and ability to be financially independent of the state.

OP should have told the Immo officer that he was a student in a Thai boxing course -- and could demonstrate the basics right there and then.

I agree with all the advice about transfer of Immo stamps for extension of stay from old to new passport. But, just a historical note about where to file the 90-day address reports (since it came up in a few of the posts): During 2008-2011, I lived in Phuket, but did my annual extensions (retirement) in Bangkok, since that is where I had always done them, and where my "permanent" address was registered. However, during the year, Iived in Phuket, and I did my quarterly 90-day address reports to the local Immo office there, giving my apartment in Phuket town as my (temporary) residence. That seemed to be fine with Immo/Phuket as well as Immo/CW (since they never checked the TM47 in those days). Not sure if that would work these days, however.

Yes, DrJack, I provided photocopies of my latest TM47 and TM30, and she seemed to expect it, and kept the docs.

DrJack: I also use an FD account (SCB), and did my annual extension (retirement) at Immo/CW this past Tuesday. While the annual statement may not be required, the officer reviewing my paperwork went over that statement with a fine-toothed comb, and used a highlighter pen to single out balances in about 6 places. So, if it isn't required, they certainly seem to use it. That has been my experience each year, for about the last 5 years.

Just a side note: It is a problem for me to do a same-day transaction that appears in my fixed savings account book, since that has to be done over-the-counter -- can't be done through an ATM. Thus, on the day of my appointment with IMMO/CW for an annual extension of retirement (money in the bank) I need to go to the SCB bank in the morning and update my bank book, even thiough the letter authorizing the bank account can be done several days before hand (as Dr. Jack noted). Ever since SCB closed their branch at the Government Complex, I have to go to the next-nearest branch to do the pass book update on the day of my extension appointment. Thus, I (and many others I suspect) would greatly appreciate it if IMMO would allow bank account statements and passbook up-dates to be dated one or two days before submitting the application to extend. I think that is a reasonable proposition. But, a la Bernard the Trink, TIT.

And that may be the last one you ever receive, the way things are going in the USG.

I didn't see OP state his nationality. One caveat to consider if a US citizen abroad: If the Trump administration starts arresting, detaining, and deporting Thais who are in the US illegally, then it is possible that the Thai government might consider some retaliatory measures -- but probably aimed at the back-pack and nomadic clusters, at least initially. Though they could move on to target other groups of US ex-pats here.

Many posters on the Forum seem to think that Thai Immo officers should be more welcoming to VE types. Understand that Immo are all police officers, and have no connection to the Ministry of Tourism... As such. Immo police are gatekeepers - whose primary function is to keep bad folk out, or those who might become a burden to society. Being allowed entry is a privilege - not a right.

I agree with big3116: Mainstream Thai society would be very happy to say good-bye to the long-term Western ex-pats in Thailand, and give preference to the genuine tourists who come once or twice a year for a couple of weeks. The average Thai tolerates the long-stay Western expats -- but do not kid yourself that they want us here.

To OP: In October this year, I did the TM30 for the first time at Immo/CW. I told the officer that I was going out of the country for ten days at the end of October. I asked if I would have to come in to do another TM30 report. She said that I would only have to do a new TM30 if my address in Bangkok changed or the type of visa/extension changed.

@richard_smith Lite Beer was referring to the type of agent who arranges a retirement extension for ex-pats who don't have the 800K baht in a Thai bank or want to avoid that requirement. There is no ambiuity about this requirement, and every Immo office has to follow the terms of the extension -- unless they are bent, and accept a bribe from the agent to sign off on the extension, despite lack of proof of financials.