My friend in Kanchanaburi has Hong Kong passport.

 

He has lived here many years ...origionally on  Non 'O'  and extending on basis of married to a Thai.

 

The local Imm Office has told him that he needs to go back to HK to sort this ...

 

I don't understand this as it should be easy to do .... he is not exactly poor so maybe an agent is the way to go as Kanch are making it a problem it seems.

 

I wonder if there can be some other problem ..he hasn't spoken directly to an IO just the 'lady' at the door ...thanks

There should be no problem to change the reason for his extension from marriage to retirement. Most offices are more than happy to do it since it less paperwork for them.

Perhaps a misunderstanding  when he asked at immigration or just bad info.

He cannot change until his current extension is due. He will of course have to meet the financial requirements for retirement. If using the 800k baht in the bank option it will need to be in the bank for 3 months.

 

Be aware that immigration may want to talk with wife however so if he was alone that might have been the issue.  They use the "joint property" of Thai marriage as a reason to question such an extension change (that the foreigner may be planning a marriage exit) and want to be sure the spouse is aware of the change in status.  As said it is easier for them so they really want to do it.