Ext. Of Stay (retirement) Switch ---bkk To Chonburi

[purushanti]

After 5 years of extensions of stay (retirement) at BKK, I am switching to Chonburi (Jomtien/Pattaya).

Will this be as smooth as in past, i. e., I am wondering whether there will be a problem because, presumably, all my file will still be in Chaeng Wattana. Or perhaps it is all on computer, or maybe they do not need their back records.

Will also be filing change of address on 90 day adddress report. I am thnking to do this first , before I apply for retirement visa extension of stay for purposes of retirement. Thank you all!

[popshirt]

I just completed doing what you have proposed.

For years I have been renewing at Suan Plu as I live in both Bkk and Jomtien.

I had recently filed the 90 day report in Suan Plu with my Bangkok address.

I did not file another address report before applying for retirement visa renewal.

At Jomtien the renewal process went smoothly except for one thing, they asked for a bank letter verifying that I have a bank account in Thailand IN ADDITION to the embassy letter verifying my income.

The Thai bank letter verification had nothing to do with amounts in the account, simply "must have bank letter".

I got one from K Bank close by, delivered it to the officer and was given an extension.

Bear in mind that at Jomtien you have to leave your passport at the office and pick it up the next day unlike Suan Plu where it is finished in one day.

Also I used my Jomtien address with no questions asked.

[purushanti]

I just completed doing what you have proposed.

For years I have been renewing at Suan Plu as I live in both Bkk and Jomtien.

I had recently filed the 90 day report in Suan Plu with my Bangkok address.

I did not file another address report before applying for retirement visa renewal.

At Jomtien the renewal process went smoothly except for one thing, they asked for a bank letter verifying that I have a bank account in Thailand IN ADDITION to the embassy letter verifying my income.

The Thai bank letter verification had nothing to do with amounts in the account, simply "must have bank letter".

I got one from K Bank close by, delivered it to the officer and was given an extension.

Bear in mind that at Jomtien you have to leave your passport at the office and pick it up the next day unlike Suan Plu where it is finished in one day.

Also I used my Jomtien address with no questions asked.

Thanks so much , Popshirt.

[barryofthailand]

Did the same in korat a yr and a half ago after living in Pattaya for five yrs. no problem, and no bank letter required in Korat.

Barry

[allane]

Hi guys. I am presently working in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant "B" visa, but comtemplating switching to a retirement visa sometime soon. And, I am contemplating moving from Bangkok to Jomtien/Pattaya.

So, once I have made a decision whether to stay in Bkk., or move out there, should I move first, then switch visas, or vice versa ?

I already have medical clearance to be here, and have a bank account in both places. So, I have the luxury of taking my time and doing things in whatever order seems to make the most sense.

[barryofthailand]

I don't know. If you are working, you cannot switch to a retirement visa. If you are no lomger working, I believe you have to switch, as your work permit will expire. Best to ask immigration in Bangkok.

Barry

[allane]

If you are working, you cannot switch to a retirement visa. If you are no lomger working, I believe you have to switch, as your work permit will expire.

Barry

Yes, I am aware that I would not be entitled to work on a Retirement Visa. I am wondering if I am entitled to make the switch standing in the Immigration office, instead of having to leave the country, and apply for the Retirement Visa from outside, or re-enter Thailand as a tourist, etc.etc. Over the years, I have seen many enquiries and replies on this forum pertaining to retirement visas from people living outside of Thailand, but I have seen few, if any, from foreigners who have been living here for years.

[barryofthailand]

You do not have to leave the country to change types of visa extensions. Once you are no longer working, you can switch the type of visa extension either in Bangkok, or Pattaya. The thing I'm not sure on is how long you have after you are no longer working.

Barry

[allane]

I don't know. If you are working, you cannot switch to a retirement visa. If you are no lomger working, I believe you have to switch, as your work permit will expire. Best to ask immigration in Bangkok.

Barry

Yes, of course, there is nothing to stop any of us from walking into Immigration at any time and asking questions. But, the people who work there are bureaucrats, trained to look for reasons to say "no", rather than reasons to say "yes". And, being Thai, they are pedantic and slow-witted as well. I don't want to hand them Form B with Form A underneath it,if the rules require that Form A be on top. Few, if any of them, would pause to consider whether Form A was underneath, or look for themselves.

I once had to travel halfway across Bangkok after receiving an "urgent" message from someone at Immigration. I thought I was about to be deported, even if I couldn't imagine why. When I got there, all that they wanted was one additional copy of my passport. I guess it didn't occur to them to walk to the nearest photocopy machine and make one for themselves.

Coming back to the present, I do have the luxury of time, and I am not opposed to jumping through hoops in the prescribed order, as long as I know what the prescribed order is.

But, if possible, I prefer to avoid going in there "cold", and having to ask questions which might prejudice my eventual application.