Not sure if I should put this in the Pattaya forum, anyway here goes.

Is it possible to change a 30 day VOA to a non immigrant (for retirement) at Pattaya (Jomtien) office? I realize it has to be done with 21 days left. Thanks.

Yes if you qualify

Yes it can be done from visa exempt entry, which is what I suspect you mean (VOA is something different) if you meet the requirements. But if flying in you may have problems boarding the flight without either a visa or air ticket out of the country within 30 days of arrival (and guess unlikely to have the latter as planning to stay). Most people therefore obtain single entry Non-O visa before travelling, and also means do not have to go through (and pay for) the conversion process to Non-O visa before applying for extension of stay based on retirement.

Yes it can be done from visa exempt entry, which is what I suspect you mean

Yes, that's what I meant.

So I went in today with all the documents which were all in order. Except they didn't like the fact I was staying in a hotel so they just granted me a Non O and told me I have 3 months to find a house/apt to rent/buy then I can apply for retirement extension. I always thought any address was sufficient. Anyone know if this is a new requirement or is it something peculiar to this office or if it's one of those things which are on paper but not required in practice by some???

Thanks for your help.

Supposedly retired and living in a hotel full time, I can see there point! You are always subject to the whims of the immigration officer, nothing new there. Pattaya routinely inquires about my residence and how much condo rent I pay before checking my bank book when I make my annual retirement extensions.

Some immigration offices do ask for a map to you residence together with some proof such as rent receipt/lease. The requirements vary between immigration offices (and sometimes case by case). Expect they want to see 'more permanent' living arrangements.

I think that what happened is this - you cannot get an extension of stay for any reason without holding a visa. You entered with 30 day visa exempt. Therefore, you needed a visa, and they have changed your arrival status from visa - free to non-immigrant O. Now you can legally seek an extension of stay ( within the last 30 days of your current permission).

You are lucky as I made the same enquiry at Jomtien Immigration Office and was told that it is only possible to convert from 30 day exempt entry to non-immigrant O at Bangkok Immigration.

You are lucky as I made the same enquiry at Jomtien Immigration Office and was told that it is only possible to convert from 30 day exempt entry to non-immigrant O at Bangkok Immigration.

Chonburi immigration will usually do the conversion from visa exempt entry to Non-O visa to extension of stay in one go if paperwork in order. In this particular case they did not as they required sight of more papers to issue the extension of stay.

Who told you this could not be done - immigration officer or information staff, as seems to contradict recent reports?

I think that what happened is this - you cannot get an extension of stay for any reason without holding a visa. You entered with 30 day visa exempt. Therefore, you needed a visa, and they have changed your arrival status from visa - free to non-immigrant O. Now you can legally seek an extension of stay ( within the last 30 days of your current permission).

You are lucky as I made the same enquiry at Jomtien Immigration Office and was told that it is only possible to convert from 30 day exempt entry to non-immigrant O at Bangkok Immigration.

I got an retirement extension from a tourist visa on one visit but it seems they are trying to confirm the permanent residence arrangements now because on my renewal I was asked for a copy of my rental agreement which I was not asked for when I first got my extension a TOT bill was enough then

Edited February 27, 201016 yr by offset

Reported a couple of weeks ago on a Pattaya board that a first time applicant for a retirement extension was denied based on his living in a hotel. Immigration wanted to see a lease from a condo or apt. to grant the extension.

-redwood

Supposedly retired and living in a hotel full time, I can see there point!

It was because of circumstances. I'd only be back in Thailand 4 days and had no time to find an apartment and the rush was on to get in to get the 30 day stamp changed.

Some immigration offices do ask for a map to you residence together with some proof such as rent receipt/lease. The requirements vary between immigration offices (and sometimes case by case). Expect they want to see 'more permanent' living arrangements.

Ok, thanks.

They also said that when I report back (or any other office) with proof of permanent digs I'd need a new bank letter. I suppose that's to be expected.

Edited February 27, 201016 yr by mike_rad

Yes. Make sure you keep the account balance above 800k in the period leading up to your application for extension of stay based on retirement.

You are lucky as I made the same enquiry at Jomtien Immigration Office and was told that it is only possible to convert from 30 day exempt entry to non-immigrant O at Bangkok Immigration.

Was your conversion leading to a an extension based on marriage? Some Immigration Offices (CM, anyway) won't convert if subsequent extension request is based on marriage. But will, if subsequent extension request is based on retirement.

Jomtien has (or has had) an excellent record of converting 30-day exempt entries to Non Imm O visas, then same-day extensions based on retirement. For extensions based on marriage, they may be going on 'big boss' instructions, as seen at CM -- and maybe other Immigration offices.

Some immigration offices do ask for a map to you residence together with some proof such as rent receipt/lease. The requirements vary between immigration offices (and sometimes case by case). Expect they want to see 'more permanent' living arrangements.

What about for the 90 days reporting? Is a hotel/guest house OK? If not, what about if you're on holiday somewhere? Surely they don't expect you to work your trips around the 90 day date, or do they?

--

At most immigration offices 90 day reports can be done by mail, not sure about Pattaya. If they accpet the adress for the extension of stay, it is fine for the 90 day report.