Clarifying the utility of a 60 day extension to a non-O 1yr extension of stay

[Wyatt Urp]

Okay, first I want to express appreciation for the assistance that members here provide to others.

 

I am a US citizen, here in Thailand on a non-immigrant O based on retirement that I got from the LA consulate. The visa was granted back on 10 May, 2022. I have a one year extension of stay from Chonburi immigration until 23 August, 2023. I also have the multiple re-entry permit.

 

I have things I need to deal with in the US, and will depart Thailand in mid-April, with a plan to return in mid-October. I had thought I would have to simply apply for a new visa for my next entry, followed by getting another extension of stay. But I saw in this forum the possibility that I could add on 60 days to the one year, based on visiting my Thai wife here.

 

So, my questions:

 

1) Can I in fact add those 60 days onto the end of my one year extension of stay? If I could, then I would be able to return to Thailand while that extension is still in force, at least by several days or a week.

2) If the answer to 1) is yes, what actions would I need to take to get a new one year extension of stay upon my return to Thailand?

3) More generally, what are the pros and cons of trying to extend my stay so that I can return while it is still in force, vs. just repeating the process from last year, and getting a new non-immigrant O based on retirement while back in the US, then getting the one year extension of stay once here? Any recommendations?

 

Thanks in advance, as well as apologies for any ignorance I have displayed here.

[ubonjoe]

1. When do you plan to apply for the 60 day extension?

The earliest you could apply for it is 30 days before your current extension ends.

 

[Wyatt Urp]

1. When do you plan to apply for the 60 day extension?

The earliest you could apply for it is 30 days before your current extension ends.'

 

 

Aahh, thanks. I think in the previous situation I saw and referred to, the person was close to that 30 day figure, but I am not. So it appears that I cannot use this strategy. At least it's clear! Thanks again.

[rwill]

You can either start a new Non-O from scratch in the US or come back visa exempt and then apply for a non-O extension in Thailand.  There is lots of info on doing that if you search the forum here.