Yesterday I renewed my Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Nan. I went there anticipating hassels due to the many "technicalities" discussed in this forum.

I arrived on a Wednesday at 10 am, there was no waiting. The entire process took under one hour, I was not asked any questions about any documents, I was not interviewed and was not asked for any additional documentation. The staff was cordial. They simply reviewed everything and processed the visa promptly. I was very relieved.

Here is the documentation I provided:

-Application form-original only

-1 passport size photo

-Passport with 1 copy of each of these pages: Photo page, my four previous visa issues and renewals, most recent re-entry stamp and

stamped (used) renetry permit, departure card, and 90 day letter. They do make copies upstairs if you forget anything, but it is 2 baht

per copy.

-Medical certificate-original only

YES they require this. I called in advance. You can download form at http://www2.thaiembdc.org/form/1a004.pdf Any hospital will

complete the form for about 100 baht. Take your own form to the hospital as it is unlikely they will have it. My certificate was 10 days

old.I know that CM and BKK do not require this any longer but it appears to be an idiosynchrosy of Nan-just do it!.

-Bank letter-original only

My bank will ONLY provide date of account opening and current balance. They will not provide information about origin of funds or state

that the funds have been in account over the required 3 months. My letter was completely acceptible and it was 3 days old. I do have

in excess of the required 800,000 baht in a fixed account and a smaller amount in a savings account.( For your information only

fixed deposit and savings accounts are acceptible, an investment unit type account (even though the bank gives you a bank book and

its liquid), is not acceptible).

-Bank books-original book and 1 copy.

I have read concerns about the timeliness of having your book updated. I was very worried because to my dismay, my new banks

(UOB) computer can only show an update for date of activity. They cannot show the date of update and balance for that day if no

activity. My Fixed accounts last balance and date was for term renewal in JUly and my savings showed last balance date of Aug. 25.

The book did not show current entry date to correspond with the letter. This was NOT questioned-no problem!.

-Fee of 1,900 baht (not including any re-entry permits)

It probably did not hurt that my Thai lady friend joked with the staff about my anxieties and created an atmosphere of "sanuk"

I was fortunate that I was the only one there. The staff said that occaissionaly they get a busload of Japanese toruists seeking visa extentions and that can involve a significant wait.

I asked about the possibility of an office in Phitsanulok. They spoke confidently that it should open this month (September).

You can call them in advance if you have concerns, I called about Medical certificate and spoke with a man who spoke very good

English and was quite helpful. 05477 1075

On the downside, weeks ago I sent them (EMS) a stamped return envelope with a request for medical form but they did not send it back. I also emailed them with questions and got no response.

Hopefully everybody will have an easy straight forward experience like me, but never forget T.I.T. (This is Thailand)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN THAILAND!!!

M. Hortig-Phitsanulok

Price for a medical certificate is 20 Baht from this town's Polyclinic!. Same price and certificate for when you apply for Thai driving license's.

Required at NAN in May for my retirement extension.

Note on 90 Day reporting at Nan by post, they keep all your photo copies of passport pages.

Suan Plu Bangkok used to send them back.

Golly gosh, more expenditure!