bangkok8

Well......everything.  I was married to an American woman.  Whats not to like about a petite, slim and chocolate issan lady

Does anyone have any experience or expertise in changing a NON-O Visa (Married to a Thai National) to a NON-O-A (Retirement Visa) within Thailand?

I have had a NON-O Visa (Married to a Thai National) for the last 5 years, of which I have made dual trips to procure each year (1 trip to make the application...the 2nd to get the acceptance stamp)....Now that the immigration offices have changed and the distance is even further than the 175 kilometers I previously traveled (twice for each renewal anniversary date), I am pondering the option of a change to a RETIREMENT VISA as it requires only 1 short visit to the immigration office each year.

It is my understanding that the requirements (printed in Thai and English from my immigration office) state: NEEDED:

1. Application Form TM-7 with one photograph (4x6 cm)

2. Passport and a certified true copy of such.

3. Application Fee of 1900 Baht

4. Account Deposit in a Thailand Bank of not less than 800,000 Baht (for 3 months or longer)

(OR):

Income from Pension/Social Welfare or combination of not less than 65,000 Baht per Month (certified letter of income required from applicants embassy)

(OR)

A combination of Account Deposit and Pension/Social Welfare payment equal 800,000 Baht annually.

Can this change be made within Thailand as opposed to traveling back my home country?

A retirement visa requires that you check in with immigration and show proof of address 4 times a year. It is not a one time a year event. It is four visits to immigration