21 hours ago, lee1965 said:

I returned to the immigration office on may, the 14th and tried to apply again for an extension based on retirement. the same young helper staff recognised me and checked my documents and then asked if I am ok to pay the extra fee. I said I want to pay the normal fee of 1900 bahts. then, he checked with an IO, and told me it is not possible for me to have my visa extension. then, I asked to see the chief of the bureau. after that, I have to wait about 15 minutes. then, I met an immigration officer (male, about 35 years old). I think he was not the chief of the bureau. he told me the same story: I have to leave the country and apply for a new O visa based on retirement. when asking, he told me that this rule is active for about 2 or 3 years already. then, I left this office without applying. one day after, I returned to the immigration office, and apply for my (usual) extension based on marriage. I have to wait about nine hours to be served as there were only 2 IO on duty (instead of 5), on this day. the IO that served me was kind as he let me send with the Line app one missing document (the tabien baan of my landlord residence, as her name was not on the tabien baan of the house that I am renting). this IO asked me also to draw manually the map to get to my rented house, he did't like the google map that I have provided. now, I have to wait about one month to get my visa approved (I hope). my application is sent to Hat Yai to be processed. Note: there is a possibility to get a queue number remotely with an online app named QueQ (update the app if needed, choose the Bank/Service to find the phuket IO).

I understand you, and we are facing the same problem, with the difference that Immigration CM did not even offer me the chance to pay a "special fee" to change the reason for my extension. They simply said, "No, you must leave the country." What surprises me even more is that people on this forum (including moderators) keep insisting that we are wrong, claiming that we spoke to the wrong person and that the switch is always possible.

21 hours ago, pub2022 said:

What surprises me even more is that people on this forum (including moderators) keep insisting that we are wrong, claiming that we spoke to the wrong person and that the switch is always possible.

In another thread just started changing from Retirement to Marriage at KK immigration.

22 hours ago, pub2022 said:

I have to leave the country and apply for a new O visa based on retirement. when asking, he told me that this rule is active for about 2 or 3 years already

Ask for a print out of this 'new' regulation.

Obviously another scam to extort more money from foreigners.

On principal, regardless of costs, I'd exit and return on a new Non O rather than give in to there corrupt demands.

Seems a straight choice between OP paying b13k to the agent he spoke with or leaving and starting again with new visa.

3 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Seems a straight choice between OP paying b13k to the agent he spoke with or leaving and starting again with new visa.

I'd be more than happy to pay the 13k this year if next year Immigration allows me to do it myself without pushing me to use an agency again.

I find it stressful to travel to Vientiane (or wherever), apply for NON-O etc etc.

Do you think I'll be required to go through an agency next year as well?

22 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

Do you think I'll be required to go through an agency next year as well?

As has been suggested earlier.... go chat with an agent.

Explain that you plan to adhere to financial requirements (800k etc) however CM immigration is putting up road block to change from what extension is based on.

If successful in obtaining the extension you would not have to use agent for subsequent extensions