I purchased a multiple entry Retirement visa, and went to the States to finish up my move to Thailand. When I returned the Immigration said I had 30 days. I went to Immigration this morning and was told that I did not get a re-entry permit, so I have to go thru the entire process again. I thought that I was buying permission to exit and leave the country. I guess ignorance is no excuse but I had no information as to this requirement. Anyone have any knowege about this or a way not to have to go thru the whole thing again?

Based on what you wrote I am guessing that you obtained a one year extension based on retirement IN Thailand. There is no such thing as purchasing a multiple entry Retirement visa IN Thailand. Rather here it involves two steps, getting the extension and then a second "purchase" of either single or multiple reentry permits. (Its two separate applications and fees.) When you buy the permits, they will stamp your passport with an item with the word PERMIT on it.

People who obtain O-A retirement visas in their home country have the option of asking for a multiple entry O-A visa (from your home country). Maybe that's what you thought you had. Again, based on what you wrote, you implied you got your retirement extension IN Thailand.

Edited October 12, 200916 yr by Jingthing

There is no such thing as a multiple entry retirement visa. Sounds like you were on extension of stay and left the country without a re-entry permit. That unfortunately terminates your extension of stay and you will have to start the process again.

Suspect you are currently on 30 day visa exempt entry. Converting from visa exempt entry to extension of stay based on retirement is a two step process. First you will have to convert visa exempt entry to Non-O (fee 2,000 baht). You must have at least 21 days left on your permission to stay to do that. Then apply for extension of stay based on retirement, as long you can meet the financial requirements (800k in Thai bank for 2 months prior to application or 65k income per month or a combination). If using the income option you will need to obtain an income letter from your embassy. If using the bank balance option you will need to obtain a bank letter confirming the balance. Note if using the combination method there is no seasoning period.

When completed, if planning to travel later, obtain a re-entry permit from immigration (1000 baht single entry, 3800 baht multiple entry) to keep your permission to stay alive.

If you have less than 21 days remaining on your current permission to stay, obtain single entry Non-O visa from neighbouring consulate. That will give you 90 day permission to stay on entry. Then do straight application for extension of stay during the last 30 days.

Edited October 12, 200916 yr by thaiphoon

The O-A visa, obtained from home countries, is typically labeled a retirement visa. I think even the embassies offering them typically call them that, so I cannot agree that there is "no such thing" as a retirement visa. However, the extensions based on retirement (to ANY kind of O visa including O-As) that people get IN Thailand are not retirement visas.

Edited October 12, 200916 yr by Jingthing

The O-A visa, obtained from home countries, is typically labeled a retirement visa. I think even the embassies offering them typically call them that, so I cannot agree that there is "no such thing" as a retirement visa. However, the extensions based on retirement (to ANY kind of O visa including O-As) that people get IN Thailand are not retirement visas.

Misread the post. Yes, you are correct, O-A visa is also sometimes labelled retirement visa.

The O-A visa, obtained from home countries, is typically labeled a retirement visa. I think even the embassies offering them typically call them that, so I cannot agree that there is "no such thing" as a retirement visa. However, the extensions based on retirement (to ANY kind of O visa including O-As) that people get IN Thailand are not retirement visas.

Misread the post. Yes, you are correct, O-A visa is also sometimes labelled retirement visa.

Thanks to all. I will just do it again and learn my lesson