Non-Imm 'O' - State Pension - Extension -

[umphangman]

For the past 3, maybe 4, years my stays in Thailand have been covered by the (multi-entry) Non-Immigrant ‘O’ Visa as someone receiving a UK state pension. Only proof of receipt is required, not the amount, at the application stage.. The visa is valid for one year, although every 90 days one must leave and re-enter Thailand. No problem.

I understand the rules have now changed. The Non-Imm ‘O’ Visa for someone on a state pension is now only issued on a single entry basis and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. To extend the visa for a further 90 days,  one must visit the Provincial Immigration Office.

Next month I will be returning to the UK and will be applying for a new Non-Imm ‘O’ visa, under the new rule.

MY QUESTION: What is the process for applying for an extension at the end of 90 days ? Is it straightforward ?  (Note - I do not have sufficient income or savings to qualify for a retirement visa.)

[elviajero]

9 minutes ago, umphangman said:

I understand the rules have now changed. The Non-Imm ‘O’ Visa for someone on a state pension is now only issued on a single entry basis and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. To extend the visa for a further 90 days,  one must visit the Provincial Immigration Office.

Who told you the rules have changed?

 

You cannot extend for a further 90 days at any immigration office. You would have to leave the country and get a new visa before re-entering. The only extension available (unless you are the spouse/parent of a Thai) is a full 1 year, which requires proof of financials.

 

11 minutes ago, umphangman said:

MY QUESTION: What is the process for applying for an extension at the end of 90 days ? Is it straightforward ?  (Note - I do not have sufficient income or savings to qualify for a retirement visa.)

As said, no 90 day extension is available. For 1 year you need an income certified by the British Embassy in Bangkok of at least 65K baht pm, or 800K in a Thai bank for 60 days, or a combination of income/cash in the bank.

[umphangman]

It doesn't look at all promising ! Thanks for the info.

The rules have changed insofar as it is not now possible to get a multiple entry Non-Imm 'O' if on state pension - valid for one year. This is what I have been used to obtaining leaving and re-entering Thailand every 90 days.

I was informed of the change by the Hull Consulate in the UK.

[ubonjoe]

6 minutes ago, umphangman said:

I was informed of the change by the Hull Consulate in the UK.

They are saying that because they cannot issue any multiple entry non immigrant visa. Only the embassy can do them.

The embassy in London is still issuing multiple entry non-0 visas for those 65 or over who are receiving a state pension.

[elviajero]

11 minutes ago, umphangman said:

I was informed of the change by the Hull Consulate in the UK.

The Embassy stopped the Consulates issuing multi entry visas some time ago, but you can still get one from the London Embassy, which can easily be applied for by post. 

[umphangman]

Very many thanks ubonjoe and elviajero.

I do usually get my visa from the Embassy, so no change.