Question Regarding Leaving Thailand

[John13]

hello, it's the slow and old guy again. i received my O-A retirement multi-entry visa. i am leaving for bangkok on sept 3, and returning to hawaii feb 17, 2009. this week, i made plans for a trip to beijing on november 10, returning to bangkok on january 22. after i return to hawaii in feb 2009, i may not be able to make it back to thailand before the sept 3, 2009, so i had planned to back a border run and get a re-entry permit before i leave on feb 17, 2009. my question is regarding my trip to beijing in november, since i have a multi-entry visa and will be returning to bangkok january 22, flying in, will my passport be stamped for another year? If so, then i could get a re-entry permit before i leave to return to hawaii, therefore i wouldn't need to back a border run in february? I am slow and old, and get want to get this straight, so if I don't make it back by Sept 2009 and return to Thailand January 2010 my O-A retirement multi-entry visa will remain valid. Let me know if I am on the right track and what is the best and safest route to proceed. thanks.

[JAS21]

Your first Retirement visas is valid for one year from date of issue, however you should be able to renew (extension) up to 30 days before expiry and you will get one year from the previous expiry date (due date).

You need to get a re-entry permit before you leave Thailand, get a multi-entry and it is valid for the term of your present visa only. If you leave Thailand without a Re-entry permit your Retirement visa is no longer valid. ie you don’t have a visa.

If you fail to renew your retirement visa by the due date (expiry date) you will have to start the application procedure all over again. ie you don’t have a visa.

Hopefully I have understood your question and the above covers.

[lopburi3]

1. Will assume you obtained OA visa in February or later as you did not say. Rather important for visa matters to know that.

2. January 22, 2009 entry will get you a new stamp until January 21, 2010 and no re-entry permit is required that that travel.

3. Buy a re-entry permit prior to leaving in February 2009 to Hawaii, single entry. That will keep your January 21, 2010 date alive and when you return from Hawaii you put the re-entry information into the visa area of the arrival card and get a new stamp to January 21, 2010. Any further travel will always require a re-entry permit.

4. Early January 2010 you make application at Immigration using TM.7 for one year extension of stay for retirement.