Retirement Visa Renewal

[Lancelot]

On February 13 I renewed my Retirement Visa for the sixth time at Suan Plu Immigration, piece of cake

I began the process at about 0900 at the US Embassy on Wireless Road for the infamous "Affidavit of Income" letter. I paid my $30 USD (B1,020) filled out the form, affirmed, notarized and out the door in about 35 minutes.

Next stop was Bangkok Bank on Silom for a certified copy of my bank statement. I used the 800k in the bank for my first Retirement Visa; however, I had never topped the balance up since the original 2003 wire transfer. Each renewal I always provided a bank letter. This year I decided to have the letter in my documents, but not provide it unless Immigration requested it (they didn't.)

A B45 taxi ride from BKK Bank to Immigration on Suan Plu and I got my que ticket at 1145. Staff started to stroll of to lunch, but by 1240 they were returning and at 1350 my number flashed on the screen. I greeted the Immigration officer with a "Swasdee krap" and she responded with a perfunctory "krup." I knew I was in for a cake walk She reviewed my documents, did a penciled $USD/baht calculation on the Affidavit of Income letter and mumbled something. I gave her the style style quick nod of the head in reply. Another mumble; anohter nod... Finally she looked me square in the eye, grinned and said "pay money!" "Khoo tood! Sorry" I appologized and she chuckled again. She relayed the story to a few nearby office colleagues and they had a laugh as well. My mom always told me "girls like the boys that make them laugh.." I had forgotten the copy of my first Tourist Visa that I originally changed to an "O" then Retirement Extension, but she cheerfully bounced out of her chair and made the copy for me.

She stamped me out and refered me to the boss lady for the final review. After a quick review she started to add my extension to the pile on her desk. I then boldly asked for the original "Affidavit of Income" letter. She gave me a big smile and said "money your government." "Money me!" I replied. I laughed, she laughed but she kept the original. Oh well, I tried.

Next stop to get a Multiple Re-entry Permit, then at about 1500 hours I strolled up Suan Plu for a well deserved coffee.

Not a bad day and not a bad renewal

Lance

[dr_Pat_Pong]

On February 13 I renewed my Retirement Visa for the sixth time at Suan Plu Immigration, piece of cake

I began the process at about 0900 at the US Embassy on Wireless Road for the infamous "Affidavit of Income" letter. I paid my $30 USD (B1,020) filled out the form, affirmed, notarized and out the door in about 35 minutes.

Next stop was Bangkok Bank on Silom for a certified copy of my bank statement. I used the 800k in the bank for my first Retirement Visa; however, I had never topped the balance up since the original 2003 wire transfer. Each renewal I always provided a bank letter. This year I decided to have the letter in my documents, but not provide it unless Immigration requested it (they didn't.)

A B45 taxi ride from BKK Bank to Immigration on Suan Plu and I got my que ticket at 1145. Staff started to stroll of to lunch, but by 1240 they were returning and at 1350 my number flashed on the screen. I greeted the Immigration officer with a "Swasdee krap" and she responded with a perfunctory "krup." I knew I was in for a cake walk She reviewed my documents, did a penciled $USD/baht calculation on the Affidavit of Income letter and mumbled something. I gave her the style style quick nod of the head in reply. Another mumble; anohter nod... Finally she looked me square in the eye, grinned and said "pay money!" "Khoo tood! Sorry" I appologized and she chuckled again. She relayed the story to a few nearby office colleagues and they had a laugh as well. My mom always told me "girls like the boys that make them laugh.." I had forgotten the copy of my first Tourist Visa that I originally changed to an "O" then Retirement Extension, but she cheerfully bounced out of her chair and made the copy for me.

She stamped me out and refered me to the boss lady for the final review. After a quick review she started to add my extension to the pile on her desk. I then boldly asked for the original "Affidavit of Income" letter. She gave me a big smile and said "money your government." "Money me!" I replied. I laughed, she laughed but she kept the original. Oh well, I tried.

Next stop to get a Multiple Re-entry Permit, then at about 1500 hours I strolled up Suan Plu for a well deserved coffee.

Not a bad day and not a bad renewal

Lance

Well done Lance. It is all in ones approach.

[naka]

When she walked into my ofice I just knew this broad was trouble.

Ok ... You're the guy who writes the 50's American detective stories ... Right ?

Naka.

[Lancelot]

When she walked into my ofice I just knew this broad was trouble.

Ok ... You're the guy who writes the 50's American detective stories ... Right ?

Naka.

Na, thats not me. But I did make the Immigration officer laugh