How To Tell Immigration They Might Not Be Right?

[tubber]

I have to go and renew my non-imm O visa extension but in previous years they have not been correct on a couple of points. They told me I needed 40,000B a month And 400,000B in a Thai bank, they also said I could not apply 1 month prior to the expiration of my extension. I did question it, but didn't push it, and in the end capitulated as not to offend them. How do I politely tell them that their points are questionable and get them to check without offending them. This was at Nakom Phanom Immigration office.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I have to go and renew my non-imm O visa extension but in previous years they have not been correct on a couple of points. They told me I needed 40,000B a month And 400,000B in a Thai bank, they also said I could not apply 1 month prior to the expiration of my extension. I did question it, but didn't push it, and in the end capitulated as not to offend them. How do I politely tell them that their points are questionable and get them to check without offending them. This was at Nakom Phanom Immigration office.

Ask for the boss and tell him that a farang acquaintance of yours had just that problem, and you are worried about your application, would he mind helping you. Dress well and wai politely.

[Samuian]

I have to go and renew my non-imm O visa extension but in previous years they have not been correct on a couple of points. They told me I needed 40,000B a month And 400,000B in a Thai bank, they also said I could not apply 1 month prior to the expiration of my extension. I did question it, but didn't push it, and in the end capitulated as not to offend them. How do I politely tell them that their points are questionable and get them to check without offending them. This was at Nakom Phanom Immigration office.

I can't make out in which of the 3 points they should be "wrong"?

My advice: do NOT offend them!

If you want to be 100% sure, get advice at the HQ in Bkk Soi Suan Plu!

Edited March 1, 2008 by Samuian

[tubber]

I have to go and renew my non-imm O visa extension but in previous years they have not been correct on a couple of points. They told me I needed 40,000B a month And 400,000B in a Thai bank, they also said I could not apply 1 month prior to the expiration of my extension. I did question it, but didn't push it, and in the end capitulated as not to offend them. How do I politely tell them that their points are questionable and get them to check without offending them. This was at Nakom Phanom Immigration office.

I can't make out in which of the 3 points they should be "wrong"?

My advice: do NOT offend them!

If you want to be 100% sure, get advice at the HQ in Bkk Soi Suan Plu!

As far as I am aware Immigration require to see 40,000B per month income OR 400,000B in a Thai bank account not both. I also thought you could apply for another yearly extension one month BEFORE the expiration of the current extension, not on the day it actually expires as they told me. Maybe I am wrong?

[Samuian]

Is there a reason to have the extension done that long before expiry date?

As to my knowledge they accept the extension application a couple a days before expiry date.

I am on a "Non-Imm. B" and holding a WP paying Taxes and have the appropriate income, first time this time a Bank statement wasn't required, but this was the FIRST time!

On the Date of expiry is fine, I have done it (unless its weekend) many times, the first extension they stamp into the passport will be 30 days... is it this what you get wrong?

[sweetchariot]

I have to go and renew my non-imm O visa extension but in previous years they have not been correct on a couple of points. They told me I needed 40,000B a month And 400,000B in a Thai bank, they also said I could not apply 1 month prior to the expiration of my extension. I did question it, but didn't push it, and in the end capitulated as not to offend them. How do I politely tell them that their points are questionable and get them to check without offending them. This was at Nakom Phanom Immigration office.

I can't make out in which of the 3 points they should be "wrong"?

My advice: do NOT offend them!

If you want to be 100% sure, get advice at the HQ in Bkk Soi Suan Plu!

As far as I am aware Immigration require to see 40,000B per month income OR 400,000B in a Thai bank account not both. I also thought you could apply for another yearly extension one month BEFORE the expiration of the current extension, not on the day it actually expires as they told me. Maybe I am wrong?

You can only use the 400k route now if you are grandfathered from the previous scheme. New applicants can only do it based on income, but you definitely don't need to prove both.

[prodriver]

You're right, Tubber....as you've been extending for several years you can still apply for your yearly extension with showing 400,000 baht in your bank a/c (Grandfather rights). You can also show an income of 40,000 baht per month. It's an either/or situation. You definitely don't need to have both.

As regards to how far in advance you can re-apply, I'm not sure but I tend to apply a few days before my extension is due to expire.

And, of course, as I'm sure you are aware....politeness at all times!!

[tubber]

I should be grandfathered as I have been getting an extension for a good few years. I need to extend it early this time as I have to go overseas 2 weeks after the expiry date and I will be away for 6 weeks maybe 2 months.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I should be grandfathered as I have been getting an extension for a good few years. I need to extend it early this time as I have to go overseas 2 weeks after the expiry date and I will be away for 6 weeks maybe 2 months.

Explain your travel situation to Immigration and take your ticket with you.

[lopburi3]

Application should be within the last 30 days - but normally they are happy to do it with about 3 weeks remaining in case of anything extra being required.

[tubber]

I should be grandfathered as I have been getting an extension for a good few years. I need to extend it early this time as I have to go overseas 2 weeks after the expiry date and I will be away for 6 weeks maybe 2 months.

Explain your travel situation to Immigration and take your ticket with you.

I don't buy the ticket and usually only get it 2 or 3 days before departure. Thank you Lopburi3, so I can apply 30 days or maybe 3 weeks before the expiry date.

[lopburi3]

That is what is normal. But if you have been told otherwise you will have to work it out. Usually best to ask if he can check to make sure (others have told you different and the wife agrees) and try to keep it gentle so that he can find the error; perhaps suggesting he could check with higher level to be sure. A local office could have a different policy in such matters.

[tubber]

That is what is normal. But if you have been told otherwise you will have to work it out. Usually best to ask if he can check to make sure (others have told you different and the wife agrees) and try to keep it gentle so that he can find the error; perhaps suggesting he could check with higher level to be sure. A local office could have a different policy in such matters.

Thanks Lopburi, I will see what happens next time I go.

[naka]

Is there a reason to have the extension done that long before expiry date?

As to my knowledge they accept the extension application a couple a days before expiry date.

I am on a "Non-Imm. B" and holding a WP paying Taxes and have the appropriate income, first time this time a Bank statement wasn't required, but this was the FIRST time!

On the Date of expiry is fine, I have done it (unless its weekend) many times, the first extension they stamp into the passport will be 30 days... is it this what you get wrong?

Yes, If you are refused (for whatever reason) then you have time to think about your alternatives.

Naka.