Retirement Visa Extension

[xerostar]

Apologies if this has been covered lately.

I live near Sawang Arom in Uthai Thani, married to a Thai lady for 5 years

I have the 800K Baht in the Bangkok Bank (since I arrived late last year).

I had my third visit to Mae Sot last week (90 day border run).

The stamp says I can stay until 08 December 2009.

I want to apply for a 12 month extension.

My passport expires in April next year.

Can anyone please explain:

1. What do I need to prepare

2. What do I need to take with me

3. Where should I go

to obtain that extension?

Thanks

[thaiphoon]

You have 2 options:

(1) Apply for extension of stay based on retirement (if you are aged 50 or more)

Financial requirements are 800k in Thai bank for 2 months prior to application OR 65k income/pension a month OR a combination of the two

For the 800k in bank option you need bank passbook/copies showing money in account for two months and a letter from bank of account balance (current to match passbook).

For 65k income option you would need to obtain income letter from your embassy.

Application form, passport sized photo less than six months old and 1,900 baht fee.

A map to you residence might be required.

(2) Apply for extension of stay based on marriage to Thai

Financial requirements are 400k in Thai bank for 2 months prior to application OR 40k income a month

If using the savings method you need a letter from your bank verifying the balance plus an up to date bank book showing the same balance.

If you using the income method you need a letter from your Embassy if the income is from abroad. Or tax payment receipts and work permit if inside Thailand.

Marriage Certificate. (Some offices also want the Kor Sor 2 record from the registar where you were married)

Wife's ID Card and House Registration.

Application form, passport, passport sized photo less than 6 months old. 1,900 Baht Fee.

Photo's of you and you Wife in and around the house.

A map showing the way to your house.

Take your Wife with you to be interviewed.

You will be given a 30 day Under Consideration stamp during which time the local police will check out the validity of your relationship. Go back in a month and get the remaining days.

Under both options you would need to apply for extension of stay during last 30 days of permission to stay. Ulthai Thani falls under Tak immigration which is where you would need to apply. You can download and preprint TM7 or obtain from immigration office and fill out there. The paperwork is less for the retirement extension and your extension will be approved the same day if you have the correct paperwork.

Once you have your extension of stay you would need to obtain a re-entry permit from immigration (1000 baht single entry, 3800 baht multi entry) should you decide to travel abroad to keep your permission to stay alive.

[TerryLH]

It might be best to get a new passport prior to doing your extension.

[thaiphoon]

The Op can apply for extension of stay as long as passport is valid.

[JohnC]

The extension however will only be granted for the life of the passport, in this case until April 2010, if the Op gets a new passport the unexpired time will be added to his new passport and he can then get a full twelve month permission to remain.

[thaiphoon]

The extension of stay will be granted for 12 months. You then transfer your permission to stay/re-entry permit to your new passport at the appropriate time

[thaiphoon]

JC: Sorry, I misread your post. Extension will be given for 12 months but as you say will only be marked in passport until April 2010. Yes when Op has his new passport he should return to immigration to have his stamps transferred and they will also give him the extra months to make it a full year extension.

[xerostar]

I'll feel confident when I go to Tuk in late November, now that I have all the facts!

Yes I might just get my passport renewed first.

I need an excuse to visit BKK and pay my respects to our reps at the Oz Embassy!

Thanks to you guys for your valuable advice!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I'll feel confident when I go to Tuk in late November, now that I have all the facts!

Yes I might just get my passport renewed first.

I need an excuse to visit BKK and pay my respects to our reps at the Oz Embassy!

Thanks to you guys for your valuable advice!

That's if security will let you in without an appointment with one of those "reps". Chok dee na.