Retirement Visa in Ho Chi Minh / Vientiane / Savannakhet?

[blanes2007]

For some reason, I want to reset my retirement visa history and its extensions (previously handled by an agency, and immigration officers tend to view these stamps unfavorably). I’d like to get a new visa sticker and handle the subsequent extensions on my own. I’ve already had 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for four months.

 

Previously, the process required traveling to a consulate in a neighboring country, submitting documents in the morning, and receiving the passport with the sticker the next day. For example, I liked the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Now, as far as I understand, the system has changed. Applications for visas must be submitted online, but you must be outside Thailand while doing so.

 

So, what is the procedure now? Do you travel to Laos or Vietnam, stay at a hotel, scan your passport with the exit stamp from Thailand, submit the documents online, and wait in the hotel for 5 days for an email response?

[thai006]

laos say 10 15 working day for a visa , that a big problem really ; i would like to make a new non o there too but with that visa policy change don't  know 🙂

[zzzzz]

Phnom Pehn:
 

 use an agent ( Cina travel or call kim)  if u have ur thai bank book with 800,000 in it, 4 days
or do it urself
https://phnompenh.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/non-immigrant-o-visa-retirement?page=5d73b14415e39c46f40076a1&menu=5d73b14415e39c46f40076a2

[blanes2007]

I hate Embassy it Phnom Pehn as well as Cambodia at all

 

Vietnam 😍

[DrJack54]

26 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Now, as far as I understand, the system has changed. Applications for visas must be submitted online, but you must be outside Thailand while doing so.

That is one option.

 

You apply anywhere outside of Thailand using the e-Visa platform.

Don't use Laos at this stage.

Saigon is a good option.

 

The amount of time you stay depends on how long the process takes. 

 

The other alternative is to exit Thailand kill off current permission of stay and reenter visa exempt. 

That is border run with agent.

From the visa exempt you can obtain a Non O at local immigration office.

Where are you located. 

 

Usually you need to show the funds came from abroad, however if the money has been in bank "for some time" then that may be overlooked. 

 

[blanes2007]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

That is one option.

You apply anywhere outside of Thailand using the e-Visa platform.

Don't use Laos at this stage.

Saigon is a good option.

The amount of time you stay depends on how long the process takes. 

The other alternative is to exit Thailand kill off current permission of stay and reenter visa exempt. 

That is border run with agent.

Where are you located. 

Actually I've got many options including a marriage-based 3 month extension in my local immigration, or to contact the agency again

 

but I want to get a new Non-O sticker

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

but I want to get a new Non-O sticker

And I explained 2 options to obtain a Non O. 

1. Non O e-Visa from eg Saigon OR

2. Non O at local immigration office from visa exempt entry. 

 

Which part didn't you understand 

[blanes2007]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

From the visa exempt you can obtain a Non O at local immigration office.

Where are you located. 

 

Really? Is it possible (visa exempt > Non O)?

I'm in Chiang Mai

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Really? Is it possible (visa exempt > Non O)?

I'm in Chiang Mai

Yes

Here is thread visa exempt to Non O marriage 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/ 

 

Here is thread visa exempt to Non O retirement 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325238-procedures-for-non-imm-o-and-one-year-retirement-extension-from-a-visa-excempt-30-day-entry/

 

[blanes2007]

1 minute ago, blanes2007 said:

visa exempt > Non O

Thats interesting! Could you give me more details please (and links to the official website if possible, please, kob khun maak in advance 🙂  )

 

Many moons ago it wasn't possible. One with 1 month stamp should go out of Thailand for a visa (no changing)

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Thats interesting! Could you give me more details please (and links to the official website if possible, please, kob khun maak in advance

Go through the links to the threads I posted above. One for visa exempt to Non O marriage and the other to Retirement.

The threads also has links to additional threads.

If retirement you would need to find out from immigration if funds having been in country for some time proof came from abroad not required 

 

You after Non O marriage or Non O retirement? 

[blanes2007]

AI Overview

To switch from a visa-exempt entry to a Non-O visa in Thailand, you need to apply for the Non-O visa at the Thai Immigration Bureau, ensuring you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents, and that you haven't overstayed your visa-exempt entry. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Eligibility and Requirements:
Visa-Exempt Entry:
You must have entered Thailand using a visa-exempt stamp, not a visa on arrival. 
Non-O Visa Requirements:
You must meet the specific requirements for the Non-O visa, which can include age, financial status, and other factors depending on the specific Non-O visa category (e.g., retirement, other purposes). 
No Overstay:
You cannot have overstayed your visa-exempt entry, even by a single day, to be eligible to apply for a Non-O visa within Thailand. 
15 Days Validity:
You must have at least 15 days remaining on your current visa-exempt entry to apply for the change. 
2. Application Process:
Gather Required Documents:
Prepare all necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, application form (TM.86 or TM.87), passport photos, financial documentation, and proof of residence. 
Submit Application:
Submit your application and documents to the nearest Thai Immigration Department. 
Wait for Approval:
The process can take up to 3-4 weeks, so apply as soon as possible. 
If in Bangkok:
If you are in Bangkok and need assistance, you can contact Thai Visa Experts for a fast-track application, but you must be present at the Immigration office. 
3. Important Notes:
Visa-Exempt Entry vs. Visa on Arrival:
Entering Thailand with a visa-exempt stamp is different from entering with a visa on arrival. Only those with a visa-exempt stamp can apply for a Non-O visa inside Thailand. 
Non-O-X Visa:
Foreigners who enter Thailand with other types of visas/visa exemptions may apply for a Non-O-X visa (long-stay 10 years). 
Retirement Visa:
If applying for a retirement visa (Non-O), ensure you meet the age and financial requirements. 
Consult Immigration Office:
It's always best to consult the local immigration office for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements. 

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Prepare all necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, application form (TM.86 or TM.87),

Ignore all what you copied from AI.

Not that's it's incorrect more that extra woffle.

Again read the threads I posted.

The TM87 form mentioned in your cut/paste is for for change from visa exempt to Non O .

All that info and links to download is in the threads. 

Hit on link to take you there. 

[BrandonJT]

Instead of asking people here, you can just got to your immigration office and ask them for their handout of requirements to convert from visa exempt to non-o based on marriage.  They will give it to you and you'll know EXACTLY what you need since each immigration office can be different.

[thai006]

have some review about laos now ?? or no one make a visa there 😞 

[blanes2007]

How much has changed in recent years! both the Thai visa system and the overall atmosphere of the forum...

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, blanes2007 said:

How much has changed in recent years! both the Thai visa system and the overall atmosphere of the forum...

Strange.

You have been provided correct advice and the links posted to other threads and here is another. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1321855-visa-exempt-to-non-o-in-chiang-mai/

 

Cut/paste AI is not helpful.

For example the post of yours with AI states 15 days + remaining on permission of stay to apply for Non O.

That's true for most offices.

CM require 21. 

[blanes2007]

I just came back from Chiang Mai immigration office. They told me it was the first time they heard that one could change a visa-exempt stamp to a Non-O visa. According to them, the only thing you can get on a visa exemption is a 7-day extension. I insisted that user DrJack54 from AN forum said otherwise, but they looked at me like I was an idiot. They called other officers over, and they said the same thing.

[DrJack54]

31 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

They told me it was the first time they heard that one could change a visa-exempt stamp to a Non-O visa.

Here is a link (non immigration site) 

Explains clearly the process.

Scroll to TM87.

Perhaps if they saw the form they might wake up..

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-immigration-forms 

 

This site has most forms to download. Scroll down to TM87.

https://thaivisaexpert.com/download-forms/

 

Still better here is Chiang Mai own immigration site.

Scroll down to "change visa" 

Hit that and scroll down to #9

https://chiangmai.immigration.go.th/en/front-page-english/#onlineservice-2

 

There are so many threads on AseanNow reporting success in changing from visa exempt entry to Non O.

Here is snippet from ubonjoe post years back regarding that option.

 

"You could also enter visa exempt and then apply for 90 day non-o visa entry at immigration. And then apply for a one year extension of stay during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry"

 

[garygooner]

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Usually you need to show the funds came from abroad, however if the money has been in bank "for some time" then that may be overlooked. 

 

That's interesting. Has anyone been successful that you know? Possibly the money came from working in Thailand with a business visa & WP. 

[blanes2007]

I printed out the text and went back with it. I took form TM87 from the counter, went to the desk inside the building, and showed them both documents. They read them, looking completely astonished.

Them: "Okay, you can change a tourist visa to a retirement visa."
Me: "Not a tourist visa, the visa exemption stamp!"
Them: "It's the same!"
Me: "No, it’s not the same..."

And so it went on. They don’t even know the basics!

Eventually, they reluctantly (lost face) agreed that one could get a Non-O visa with just a stamp on the passport

 

😤

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Eventually, they reluctantly (lost face) agreed that one could get a Non-O visa with just a stamp on the passport

Amazing.

You would not be given a Non O with just the TM87 form and passport.

 

The threads I posted outline all the other docs required.

The main one being (for retirement) 800k in Thai bank account. 

Along with others such as proof of address etc 

The fee would be 2000b for the Non O and in 1900b for the subsequent extension obtained couple of months later. 

 

Perhaps time for the Monty Python cheese shop sketch. 

[blanes2007]

Returning to what was written at the beginning of the topic: I am over 50 and 800,000 have been in my account in a Thai bank for 4 months. The question was about the entry point to Non-O (stamp or e-visa?  - samaat chi satamp  dii...)

[DrJack54]

34 minutes ago, blanes2007 said:

Returning to what was written at the beginning of the topic:

Return for what.

You have been advised of pathway from visa exempt to Non O retirement via attached threads. AND 

Option of obtaining Non O e-Visa from outside of Thailand. 

 

What else do you need to know.

As pointed out earlier ...to obtain the Non O retirement in Thailand you need to show the 800k came from abroad. 

You have had the 800k in Thai bank for some months.

You need to check with immigration if this is acceptable.

For Non O retirement obtained outside of Thailand the funds do not need to be shown came from abroad. 

[zzzzz]

7 hours ago, blanes2007 said:

I just came back from Chiang Mai immigration office. They told me it was the first time they heard that one could change a visa-exempt stamp to a Non-O visa. According to them, the only thing you can get on a visa exemption is a 7-day extension. I insisted that user DrJack54 from AN forum said otherwise, but they looked at me like I was an idiot. They called other officers over, and they said the same thing.

HUH"
1st, u get a 30 day extension on a 60 ( or soon to be back to 30) day free visa exempt entry stamp
so i have no idea who you talked to
 

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

HUH"
1st, u get a 30 day extension on a 60 ( or soon to be back to 30) day free visa exempt entry stamp
so i have no idea who you talked to
 

The OP is after obtaining a Non O from visa exempt entry 

Not a 30 day extension.