Today's Retirement Visa Endurance

[samtam]

I thought some of you might be interested in my experience today at Suan Plu, Bangkok. Went to get the "extension of stay" for another year, (my second), and arrived at Suan Plu at 14.09. Finally saw the Immigration officer at 18.10, and was out by 18.40. Much longer than last year, but I noticed the office had been closed from 9-11 May, and perhaps there was a build up of applications. Anyway, happily in receipt of the extension of stay, but of course now have to go tomorrow or soonish to obtain the re-entry permit, because missed the cut-off time to get it, (the last tickets at 4.30pm). Was required to sign three additional forms, one stating (again) my name and address, one that I would not work, and one that I had deposited the requisite THB800k, (which was evident from the bank letter, deposit forms, and inward remittance receipt). Seems a bit of overkill. Placing funds on 3 months' fixed deposit was again an acceptable form of monies, and I volunteered the information about funds being transferred from overseas, although it was not asked, nor was there any comment about it.

Question for Lopburi....: my partner also received his retirement visa, but because his passport expires on 28 April 2009, his extension of stay was only until that date, versus mine until 22 May 2009. Will I be able to apply that far in advance (nearly one month) before the expiry of my own, (as it's easier for us to do both together)? Apologies if this has been asked and answered a thousand times.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

I thought some of you might be interested in my experience today at Suan Plu, Bangkok. Went to get the "extension of stay" for another year, (my second), and arrived at Suan Plu at 14.09. Finally saw the Immigration officer at 18.10, and was out by 18.40. Much longer than last year, but I noticed the office had been closed from 9-11 May, and perhaps there was a build up of applications. Anyway, happily in receipt of the extension of stay, but of course now have to go tomorrow or soonish to obtain the re-entry permit, because missed the cut-off time to get it, (the last tickets at 4.30pm). Was required to sign three additional forms, one stating (again) my name and address, one that I would not work, and one that I had deposited the requisite THB800k, (which was evident from the bank letter, deposit forms, and inward remittance receipt). Seems a bit of overkill. Placing funds on 3 months' fixed deposit was again an acceptable form of monies, and I volunteered the information about funds being transferred from overseas, although it was not asked, nor was there any comment about it.

Question for Lopburi....: my partner also received his retirement visa, but because his passport expires on 28 April 2009, his extension of stay was only until that date, versus mine until 22 May 2009. Will I be able to apply that far in advance (nearly one month) before the expiry of my own, (as it's easier for us to do both together)? Apologies if this has been asked and answered a thousand times.

As has been mentioned before, best to go EARLY.

An American friend hit Suan Plu at about 0745 hrs this morning, doors opened at 0800 and he got his queue ticket.  Sat down in the "retirement" section and was able to see one of the Immigration gals in 45 minutes.  Delay caused by some agents dropping off their packages, jumping the Q.

Only 15 minutes and he walked out with the one year extension.

Re-entry permit process took another 10 minutes.

I had a bit longer process last February as there was a line of about 20+ people outside the door before 0800 hrs but I was still out by 0930 or so.

Mac

[samtam]

Thanks Mac, and noted. Unfortunately wild horses wouldn't get my partner out of bed to be there at 07.45. We pay the price!!

[lopburi3]

Believe immigration will extend his stay to full year when he obtains new passport (which he should do early) and it will be the same as yours. Believe they will normally allow up to one month early application.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Thanks Mac, and noted. Unfortunately wild horses wouldn't get my partner out of bed to be there at 07.45. We pay the price!!

\

Well, I'm sort of a morning person, no problem out of the sack at 0430, check email, on the road by 0500, hit Pat Pong at 0615 when parking is available, breakfast at the Madrid, read the paper, then walk over to Sathorn and catch the 62 bus to Suan Plu.

Mac

[PeaceBlondie]

I am amazed that you walked in after 2 pm and got an extension in the same day. Go early! Or as they always said in Chicago and Louisiana, vote early and vote often!