My retirement extension was completed in record time. I went yesterday (38 days in advance) and documents were checked by the friendly man outside. It was all good and I went inside where the supervisor looked at the pages again, I paid my 1900 baht, had my photo taken, got a receipt and was on my way. There were no extra forms besides what is listed on the immigration volunteers website. I had been at a hotel in Bangkok last week so I updated my TM30 online, but there was no mention of it. Today at 1 PM it took 15 seconds to pick up my passport. 

 

I then went to get my re-entry permit in hopes I might one day be able to travel. I had a copy of my new extension made (the copy place has now moved to a small restaurant behind the building) and walked in to an empty room. The volunteer checked my papers, I then went to the counter, and 10 minutes later walked out with my re-entry. 

 

No fuss, no bribes, no surprises - and no people. If you have any need to go to immigration, now is a great time to go. 

"Today at 1 PM it took 15 seconds to pick up my passport. "

 

What was the problem?  Why did it take so long?

Was your retirement extension based on a Non-OA or Non-O?  There were previous reports of Non-OA extensions did NOT require health insurance.

12 hours ago, ProbPossConf said:

Was your retirement extension based on a Non-OA or Non-O?  There were previous reports of Non-OA extensions did NOT require health insurance.

Currently Phuket Immigration does not require a health insurance for a extension based on retirement regardless if you started on a Non-O or Non-OA visa.

They will evaluate this policy again around September / October.

 

 

12 hours ago, ProbPossConf said:

Was your retirement extension based on a Non-OA or Non-O?  There were previous reports of Non-OA extensions did NOT require health insurance.

One year ago I converted from a Non-B (work) to an extension based upon retirement so my original visa was a Non-B. There was no mention of proof of insurance.

 

FYI for the required hand drawn map, I printed a Google map and on the back of it traced the roads to draw a map in pencil. That seemed to be fine. Dumb, but fine. 

18 minutes ago, DFPhuket said:

One year ago I converted from a Non-B (work) to an extension based upon retirement so my original visa was a Non-B. There was no mention of proof of insurance.

 

FYI for the required hand drawn map, I printed a Google map and on the back of it traced the roads to draw a map in pencil. That seemed to be fine. Dumb, but fine. 

As your original visa was based on work (Non-B) the health insurance is not required and therefore not mentioned ????

In Phuket maps are back in again are they? I've never been asked for one in 8 years there. I'll draw one up though just in case.

 

Maybe they know I am a <deleted> artist so I get a bye. ????

20 minutes ago, Psimbo said:

In Phuket maps are back in again are they? I've never been asked for one in 8 years there. I'll draw one up though just in case.

 

Maybe they know I am a <deleted> artist so I get a bye. ????

The map is in the requirements but most of the time they are not interested in the map and pictures.

But you will see that in case you don't have one they will ask for it ????

They only use it when they are planning to do a home visit.

I did my extension at the end of May (in Jomtien) and had a similar result (posted elsewhere) - except I was done in 12 minutes.  ????

 

I did the application for the Extension on day 1 (took about 5 minutes total). Day 2 I picked up my passport, did my 90 Day report as it was due at the same time and then did my Re-Entry permit (about 7 minutes total).

Kind of hoping this covid thing keeps all the "tourists" away even longer ! I kind of like the way things are going now (as far as Immigration is concerned) !

Holy guacamole! I am planning to come to Thailand as a retiree with my wife, but after I read all this postings, I am scared. So, not only you have to renew every year, but you must show an ungodly amount of money in the bank, then you must apply for re-entry every time you leave Thailand AND you have to fill out a TM-90 (sorry if it's the wrong symbol) every time you move around IN Thailand and you have to do this every few months? How can you guys keep truck of all of this? Do you even speak Thai? How do you deal with the immigration officers? Do they speak English (I don't think so)?

5 hours ago, Claudio54 said:

Holy guacamole! I am planning to come to Thailand as a retiree with my wife, but after I read all this postings, I am scared. So, not only you have to renew every year, but you must show an ungodly amount of money in the bank, then you must apply for re-entry every time you leave Thailand AND you have to fill out a TM-90 (sorry if it's the wrong symbol) every time you move around IN Thailand and you have to do this every few months? How can you guys keep truck of all of this? Do you even speak Thai? How do you deal with the immigration officers? Do they speak English (I don't think so)?

From your other posts it appears you wont be coming with your wife, apparently she is Thai and you are looking for a reunion.

Exactly when that will be possible is unknown at this stage. Being a citizen of a country where "freedoms" have translated into the worst outbreaks and death toll from the virus, you may remain persona-non-gratis for entry to many other more responsible nations for some time.

All countries retain the right to legislate conditions of entry and stay of foreigners within their borders. If you are unable to meet these conditions (financial?) you would find it difficult, or impossible, to reside in that country.

You would appear to be eligible to apply for either a marriage or the retirement visa once having gained entry. They have different criteria particularly with the funds requirement, but both are extended for only 12 months at a time. This does entail a scary (for some) visit to Immigration every 12 months.  You don't need to speak Thai to deal with this department. If travelling out and in again after gaining this status you will require a visa or similar to reenter, This is standard in nearly all countries. You can obtain a single, or multiple, reentry permit  from Immigration when you extend your stay, or at any other time before departure.

There are several (annoying) address reporting requirements when you reside here. The 90 day report (see the myriad of threads and posts all over this forum about how that works) and the TM28/TM30  report.  The latter has recently been amended to make it less onerous. Again, read this forum for extensive discussion.

If you are unable to "keep truck" of visa requirements when living in a foreign country you could find yourself fined or worse. Use an agent if personally incapable.

20 hours ago, Kerryd said:

I did my extension at the end of May (in Jomtien) and had a similar result (posted elsewhere) - except I was done in 12 minutes.  ????

 

I did the application for the Extension on day 1 (took about 5 minutes total). Day 2 I picked up my passport, did my 90 Day report as it was due at the same time and then did my Re-Entry permit (about 7 minutes total).

Kind of hoping this covid thing keeps all the "tourists" away even longer ! I kind of like the way things are going now (as far as Immigration is concerned) !

last year did mine around this time and only took 10 minutes in Phuket town>
So whats the difference? Tourists don't use room 103 nor get re entry permits

 

PS: never been asked for a map to my house but for the past 3-4 years been asked for a pic showing me outside the house with the house number visible

37 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

PS: never been asked for a map to my house but for the past 3-4 years been asked for a pic showing me outside the house with the house number visible

That's why I always tell people to check with their local Immigration Office as the requirements are often different at each one. In Jomtien for example, I've never had to draw a map or provide a photo of my residence either (on a Retirement Extension).

They also have not required people to submit a TM.30 for years now, as long as they were on a long term "visa" and returning to the same address. (Which is now standard everywhere I believe - or is supposed to be at least.)

On 6/24/2020 at 11:30 PM, ProbPossConf said:

Was your retirement extension based on a Non-OA or Non-O?  There were previous reports of Non-OA extensions did NOT require health insurance.

My O-A extension did not require the insurance 

 

30 minutes ago, Huckenfell said:

My O-A extension did not require the insurance 

 

That would be correct as Phuket immigration currently not request a health insurance for extension based on Non-OA visa holders.

This policy will be reviewed around September/October.

I heard from some bloke sitting on a bar stool, that the insurance is for the first time application for an O-A visa.

4 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

I heard from some bloke sitting on a bar stool, that the insurance is for the first time application for an O-A visa.

555 Some bloke sitting on a barstool in some bar heard from somebody.

If and when the insurance will be enforced it will be applicable for all extensions based on a original Non-OA visa, not only the first year.

10 hours ago, KarenBravo said:

I heard from some bloke sitting on a bar stool, that the insurance is for the first time application for an O-A visa.

Sure it wasn't a "restaurant" stool!