60 days on arrival to Non O annual extension

[fulhamster]

My neighbour has been visiting Thailand over the last couple of years using tourist visas, and now the 60 days on arrival.

However, last week when he arrived the IO started asking questions, pointing out that he had been in Thailand for about 8 months of the last year on tourist visa.

 

As he intends to visit regularly, he feels it best to obtain a 1 year retirement extension.

He already has a bank account, but is not willing to deposit the 800K

He was hoping to extend the 60 days, but is worried this could invite more questions and potential refusal.

 

I have suggested using an agent, what is the time frame to convert from a 60 days on arrival to Non O and the 1 year extension ?

 

if there is an existing thread please advise, otherwise thanks for any advice.

 

[DrJack54]

33 minutes ago, fulhamster said:

As he intends to visit regularly, he feels it best to obtain a 1 year retirement extension.

Along with reentry permit definitely best option.

33 minutes ago, fulhamster said:

He already has a bank account, but is not willing to deposit the 800K

Then he would need to use agent.

 

34 minutes ago, fulhamster said:

He was hoping to extend the 60 days, but is worried this could invite more questions and potential refusal.

Extension to his visa exempt entry is only 30 days. 

It will be issued at his local immigration office if he applies

 

Regards last part of your question.

Agents needs couple of weeks.

Where is he located

[DaRoadrunner]

If he goes to Immigration with his 60 day on arrival visa and applies for Retirement Non O, they will extend 30 days while under consideration. But need to show 800K in bank or use an agent. I have done it for years without an agent, but this time IO said I should not be able to convert 60 day to Retirement. Took me four visits to immigration to get it. This paper chase is the biggest waste of time and has never improved. What you encounter also depends on the whim of the individual IO.

[DrJack54]

56 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

If he goes to Immigration with his 60 day on arrival visa and applies for Retirement Non O, they will extend 30 days while under consideration. But need to show 800K in bank or use an agent.

You using Jomitien? 

That's only office I'm aware of that is requiring 800k for 2 months for Non O application. 

Not applicable to most folk obtaining Non O + extension from visa exempt entry 

[pub2022]

1 hour ago, DaRoadrunner said:

 but this time IO said I should not be able to convert 60 day to Retirement. Took me four visits to immigration to get it.

 

Can you please elaborate?

Why not able to convert and which Immigration Office?

Thanks

[DrJack54]

53 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

Can you please elaborate?

Why not able to convert and which Immigration Office?

Almost certain he dealing with Jomitien. 

[fulhamster]

19 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Along with reentry permit definitely best option.

Then he would need to use agent.

 

Extension to his visa exempt entry is only 30 days. 

It will be issued at his local immigration office if he applies

 

Regards last part of your question.

Agents needs couple of weeks.

Where is he located

Pattaya

 

I have 3 agents in mind for him

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, fulhamster said:

Pattaya

 I have 3 agents in mind for him

Plenty of good agents in Pattaya.

One bonus is that Jomitien seem to require seasoning of 2 months for the Non O. Makes it difficult on visa exempt entry.

 

Since he wants to use an agent be aware that most will want him to have agent open a bank account.

 

He will need to obtain Jomitien immigration on day of application also agent can obtain a multi reentry permit at cost 4k.