I entered the country on a 3 month single entry Non-Imm ED visa and have been doing extensions based on education. my course is now finished and I have transferred funds into thailand and now want to do extensions based on retirement.

do I have to change my visa type? eg at least 21 days before my current extension expires do I need to go Immigration in Bangkok with a TM86 and change visa class or do I just wait till the end of my current extension and apply for the next extension based on retirement with the proof of funds etc?

bkkguy

I entered the country on a 3 month single entry Non-Imm ED visa and have been doing extensions based on education. my course is now finished and I have transferred funds into thailand and now want to do extensions based on retirement.

do I have to change my visa type? eg at least 21 days before my current extension expires do I need to go Immigration in Bangkok with a TM86 and change visa class or do I just wait till the end of my current extension and apply for the next extension based on retirement with the proof of funds etc?

bkkguy

How often were you doing extensions on your ED visa ?

I expect you were getting the special 90 day extensions for language learning? Policy has not been made clear on that so would suggest you ask Immigration directly - at worst you will need the extra 2,000 baht visa issue but suspect they may do as for a normal one year extension of stay and just let you change the reason. When down to less than 30 days remaining give a TM.7 direct extension for retirement a try. Let us know how it goes.

I expect you were getting the special 90 day extensions for language learning?

yes

When down to less than 30 days remaining give a TM.7 direct extension for retirement a try. Let us know how it goes.

at 27 days remaining I tried a TM 86 change visa and was told at Suan Plu Rm 303 today that there was no provision for such a change from an ed visa, no provision for them to issue a new visa if I entered on an ed visa, and that a TM 7 extension for retirement would also not be accepted on such a visa - the only option is cross the border and return on an entry stamp and Suam Plu will issue a visa, or apply for a new visa in a neighboring country

bkkguy

I expect you were getting the special 90 day extensions for language learning?

yes

When down to less than 30 days remaining give a TM.7 direct extension for retirement a try. Let us know how it goes.

at 27 days remaining I tried a TM 86 change visa and was told at Suan Plu Rm 303 today that there was no provision for such a change from an ed visa, no provision for them to issue a new visa if I entered on an ed visa, and that a TM 7 extension for retirement would also not be accepted on such a visa - the only option is cross the border and return on an entry stamp and Suam Plu will issue a visa, or apply for a new visa in a neighboring country

bkkguy

Yes. Get a 30 day stamp and change it to a Non O and then get the retirement extension

OR

Get a Non O at a neighbouring consulate and get the extension with that,

Up to You