Retirement

[Philip1]

A while ago I posted regarding which visa to get to ultimately retire in Thailand, firstly thanks to those who posted replies the info was most useful, now my wife (Thai) and I are residing in Bangkok, I have a non immigrant O multiple entry with its first 90 day stamp, and want to convert to a retirement visa but am unclear as to the process, i.e. information required and where to apply, I qualify on age, I’m 53, we also have 2 Thai bank accounts, one opened on the day we arrived and one some 18 months ago, both contain over the 800k and an English one also over 800k, so financially I think we should be ok, except that they are quite static at the moment where income is concerned, I shall be receiving income from a pension and from rent on our house in England, but unfortunately they are both paid monthly, the pension is paid in arrears and the first month’s rent was used on the setting up and I’m concerned only having 90 days from when we arrived it may be difficult to prove regular income. If I delayed until the next period of 90 days would I have to do a visa run or could I get stamped in Bangkok? Also I heard somewhere I had to get a certificate from a doctor to prove I’m not carrying the plague or worse! is this correct and if so would it be a one off or a regular 90 day visit? Apologies for so many questions but one last one I want to get health insurance, any advice would be greatly appreciated, many thanks

[Maestro]

With proof of 800k Baht in a Thai bank account you do not have to show evidence of income when you apply for your retirement extension. It’s one or the other, not both. See rule 7.21 of Royal Thai Police Order No. 606/2549

You do not need a medical certificate when you apply for your retirement extension.

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Maestro

[lopburi3]

1. Passport/copies and departure card/copies.

2. Passbook with the 800k in Thai account over 3 months and a letter from bank manager of account balance within the week (matching book).

3. TM.7 form with current (within six month) 4x6cm photo attached. Phone number on reverse side near top (no item on form but now required).

4. 1,900 baht in cash for fee.

Take above to Immigration during the last 30 days of your permitted to stay stamp and you should have one year extension of stay same day. They may like a map to home address on first trip so would have that available (just a sketch should be fine). I would also have proof of overseas origin of passbook money if not indicated in book itself - bank can provide copies of transfer receipts but may have to obtain from Hqs.

What you want is a one year extension of stay based on retirement - there is no visa change so don't even mention visa.

[dthomasss]

1. Passport/copies and departure card/copies.

2. Passbook with the 800k in Thai account over 3 months and a letter from bank manager of account balance within the week (matching book).

3. TM.7 form with current (within six month) 4x6cm photo attached. Phone number on reverse side near top (no item on form but now required).

4. 1,900 baht in cash for fee.

Take above to Immigration during the last 30 days of your permitted to stay stamp and you should have one year extension of stay same day. They may like a map to home address on first trip so would have that available (just a sketch should be fine). I would also have proof of overseas origin of passbook money if not indicated in book itself - bank can provide copies of transfer receipts but may have to obtain from Hqs.

What you want is a one year extension of stay based on retirement - there is no visa change so don't even mention visa.

In my case I have been working here for a number of years and am planning to retire soon. What is the most simple way to switch from my non-immigrant one year extension/work permit to retirement without having to leave the country etc.

[lopburi3]

Make the change at a normal extension of stay time. With the new immediate end of employment/end of extension not sure how they handle so best to ask Immigration office you plan to use directly. They might just do; or they might require the extra visa 2,000 baht step; or they might require you to cross border to obtain some type of entry first. In any case will not be too complex and retirement is easy if you meet the bank account for 3 months or income Embassy letter requirements.