Transfer Of Visa Stamps To New Passport

[mickba]

I wasn't sure if this warranted its own thread, but it might be of interest to others and I really would like to know the answers.

Here's what happened to me at Pattaya Immigration.

In August '09 I got a one year Retirement Extension.

Because my Passport Expiry Date was July '10, my RE could only be to the same date, but they said I would get the extra month added on when they transferred.

I bought a One Year Multi Re-Entry Permit at the same time. That also had to be dated to July '10.

In February '10, I decided to go out, but had less than 6 months remaining so I had to get a new Passport in a hurry.

With 2 days to go I received it and took it to Pattaya Immigration for transfer of Visa etc.

I collected it next day, but when I looked, they had t/f the old RE 'as is' and then given me another RE for the extra time - all good.

When I turned the page, however, there was no Re-Entry Permit.

I returned (a little annoyed/stressed) as I know that without it I was about to kill my Visa/Retirement Extension (the guy must have known this but he didn't point it out - I dream I know).

Helpful Farang said that I could try using the old REP to get back in, but he thought I would fail, because its expiry date did not match my RE.

He took it back to the man who'd done it (not) but he just said I'd have to buy a new one. I said that doesn't seem fair. He said no it doesn't - next!

I asked what happens when I get a new RE in August if I pay 3800 now for a new One Year Multi REP. He said it finishes with your visa - in August.

Although I anticipate going out more than once before August, on principle I filled in the form ticking the box for a Single Entry.

They closed 4 numbers before my ticket, so I had to return on my last day. The desk man had told me I needed copy of new Passport Photo and Visa Pages only.

The man doing my REP application asked to see my old PP, saw the old Multi REP and sent me to get a copy of that too.

When I offered him 2x1000 notes (I thought it was 1900) he returned one. I asked why and he said 'only copy'. My brain did not function well at that moment, probably because I was pleased at saving (?) 900 baht.

I have since discovered that Single REPs are indeed 1000, so maybe I misunderstood that bit, though if so, why did he need a copy of the old one?

My PP was duly returned with a REP until August - Single Entry (as ticked).

It was only as I rode away that it occurred to me that if I'd actually paid 1000 to have my old REP copied across, then I should have got a Multi Re-Entry.

Do you know what should have happened? Why couldn't they have done the same with my REP as my RE i.e. copied the old one across and then given me the extra month as a new stamp. Then everything would have matched.

Is there any point going back? It will probably cost me at least one more 1000 before August.

I hope you could follow my ABBs.

Thanks.

[lopburi3]

I have seen reports of RE being transferred and not being transferred. What must be transferred is the previous permission to stay and reference to what allowed that. It appears yours was not transferred and you bought a single re-entry. Expect copy of previous re-entry is likely standard for issue of a new one.

They may transfer if re-entry was used for the current stay and not if re-entry has not been used. But that is only a wild guess - it may be there is no standard procedure.

[Prajak]

In my new passport the IMM stamped all valid things on the first free pages. So my opinion is that they forgot it. Maybe better go back to the IMM and ask about it. Good luck.