Having went to collect letter confirming my pension from British Consul at Thai Immigration in Jomtien this morning, I was informed that the letter would have to be verified at Dept of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok.

This is in force immediately for those extending Non O visa to support Thai wife, if you are under 50 years old and not working but receiving a pension.

It will also be applicable to all over 50 years old on retirement visas with effect 1 Oct 2007 applying for extensions.

I went in person today to Bangkok and paid 400 Baht to receive the verified and stamped letter today. You have to go to the 3rd floor and go to information desk, complete a Application for Legalization form and give it back to the lady at the desk with a copy of your personal details page and visa page from your passport. The letter does not have to be translated into Thai. You do not need any other supporting documents.

Forgot to mention that all they did was attach a label, officially stamped by the Dept of Consular Affairs which stated "Certified Genuine Signature of Barry Kenyon" who is the Honorary Consul Pattaya.

Makes me wonder if some applicants faked the signature of the Honorary British Consul in Pattaya, or if this is a new requirement that will apply to income certification letters signed by the consulates of all countries and implemented by all Immigration offices.

--

Maestro

Makes me wonder if some applicants faked the signature of the Honorary British Consul in Pattaya, or if this is a new requirement that will apply to income certification letters signed by the consulates of all countries and implemented by all Immigration offices.

--

Maestro

The British Consul stated that this is a new directive which applies to all consulates of all countries. A bit of a nuisance but you could always post the documents if you trusted the system well enough.

They are going to be busy with all the retirees I guess.

Strange that Suan Plu is not telling people about it when they process if that is the case and they will have to follow different procedures next time.

Strange that Suan Plu is not telling people about it when they process if that is the case and they will have to follow different procedures next time.

I was with Brit Consul yesterday. Then this morning he had the letter from Immigration, he new nothing about it and took me into immigration to check it out.

Took verified letter by MFA to immigration this morning which was accepted along with all my other documents for extension. The officer at the desk kept the original and told me that I will have to follow the same procedure again next year.

Well if I get the extension it beats going to Penang for non 'O' multiple entry and going out every 90 days.

As for those on retirement it will take effect on 1 Oct 2007 also, but they may only have to do it once as I believe they can keep the original letter from Embassy confirming pension.