Extension based on retirement - original visa is M visa (media)

[kilt]

Hello,

Wondering if anyone knows. I currently have an extension based on retirement on a B visa.

I know you can get extensions on B, O, and O-A visas.

How about an M visa?

 

Thanks!

[ubonjoe]

Not sure about a non-m visa that is issued for the media. It is a totally different visa than others.

You could ask immigration about it.

[kilt]

Chiang Mai immigration has no idea ???? They have never seen a Non-M visa. They said once we have the visa show it to them...

But it doesn't look likely they'll do an extension.

[ubonjoe]

46 minutes ago, kilt said:

Chiang Mai immigration has no idea ???? They have never seen a Non-M visa. They said once we have the visa show it to them...

But it doesn't look likely they'll do an extension.

Info for the non-m visa is here on the MFA website. https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/information-for-foreign-press?menu=5f227e672a1f733b7f6f9d2a

It appears you will have to apply for the extension online there.

 

[kilt]

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Info for the non-m visa is here on the MFA website. https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/information-for-foreign-press?menu=5f227e672a1f733b7f6f9d2a

It appears you will have to apply for the extension online there.

 

 

Thank you. All that info is for extending the visa for working purposes. Once this gig is finished the person wants to retire in Thailand. So looking for a 1 year extension based on retirement. Immigration officials and even visa agents seem to freeze up like deer in the headlights at the mention of that ???? They just don't know...

Edited June 23, 2021 by kilt

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, kilt said:

Thank you. All that info is for extending the visa for working purposes. Once this gig is finished the person wants to retire in Thailand. So looking for a 1 year extension based on retirement. Immigration officials and even visa agents seem to freeze up like deer in the headlights at the mention of that ???? They just don't know...

You call the immigration helpline at 1178 and ask them. They can check about it if they do not know.

[BritTim]

3 hours ago, kilt said:

 

Thank you. All that info is for extending the visa for working purposes. Once this gig is finished the person wants to retire in Thailand. So looking for a 1 year extension based on retirement. Immigration officials and even visa agents seem to freeze up like deer in the headlights at the mention of that ???? They just don't know...

Any time foreign media is involved, officials become very nervous. They will not want to do anything without guidance from headquarters. The published rules on extensions suggest that you are fine with any Non Immigrant entry. However, that does not apply in practice with an entry on a Non M visa.

[skatewash]

If not able to get an extension of stay on the Non-M visa, then he should be able to apply for a Non-O Visa at the Immigration Office based on retirement.  At least this is possible in Phuket.

http://piv-phuket.com/long-stay-extensions/non-o-visa/

[skatewash]

For what it's worth, from the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC (emphasis added):

https://thaiembdc.org/consular-services/non-immigrant-visas/non-immigrant-category-m/

 

 

Quote

 

Non-Immigrant Visa Category “M”

Purpose of Visit: This type of visa is issued to who wish to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter

Extension of stay: Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their type of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel (662) 287-3101 to 10 or at http://www.immigration.go.th The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

13 minutes ago, skatewash said:

If not able to get an extension of stay on the Non-M visa, then he should be able to apply for a Non-O Visa at the Immigration Office based on retirement.

A non-o visa cannot be applied for at immigration unless your are on tourist visa or transit visa or a visa exempt entry.

If on a extension of stay you change the reason for your extension of stay.

[kilt]

19 hours ago, BritTim said:

Any time foreign media is involved, officials become very nervous. They will not want to do anything without guidance from headquarters. The published rules on extensions suggest that you are fine with any Non Immigrant entry. However, that does not apply in practice with an entry on a Non M visa.

Makes sense... this person will be working on a TV series in the accounting department.

Apparently the M visa covers all things TV and movies.