Embassy Closures

[thetefldon]

With the closure of the UK Embassy last Friday I wondered if anyone else is in the same situation as me regarding annual renewal of retirement extension. Since I use the combined method for income purposes I need a letter from the UK Embassy to certify my income from pensions.

Hopefully the closure is only temporary and matters in BKK resolve themselves sooner rather than later.

But what if they don't?

Personally I have just over five weeks before I need to renew, but others may not be so lucky.

I doubt Immigration will be sympathetic (perhaps a 7 day extension). Does anyone have an opinion of whether they might accept UK bank statements as proof of pensions if the wheel really does come off in BKK? Or indeed could George or someone with Immigration contacts sound them out?

Your thoughts as always appreciated.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

You might check the UK honorary folks down in Pattaya, make a day trip out of it. IF, however, they'd do such for an out-of-towner.

Mac

[gotlost]

You might check the UK honorary folks down in Pattaya, make a day trip out of it. IF, however, they'd do such for an out-of-towner.

Mac

And Chiang Mai they probably will under the circumstance.

[thetefldon]

Thanks for the two positive responses. I hadn't considered the honorary bods, I take it from your replies that they can indeed provide this facility?

[doctormann]

Thanks for the two positive responses. I hadn't considered the honorary bods, I take it from your replies that they can indeed provide this facility?

The Honorary Consulate in Jompthien / Pattaya can certainly provide a letter. I have used them before and the cost is just the same as if you get one from Bangkok.

I don't know if the facility is intended to be used for 'out-of-towners' but under the circumstances I don't see why not. I believe that their phone number is 0817827363 so why not give them a call. Also check on their business hours as I think that they only open for a couple of hours in the morning.

DM

[lopburi3]

Actually I believe the UK Embassy is one of the few that can do this by mail - as they are doing most things currently.

[thetefldon]

Thanks for the two positive responses. I hadn't considered the honorary bods, I take it from your replies that they can indeed provide this facility?

The Honorary Consulate in Jompthien / Pattaya can certainly provide a letter. I have used them before and the cost is just the same as if you get one from Bangkok.

I don't know if the facility is intended to be used for 'out-of-towners' but under the circumstances I don't see why not. I believe that their phone number is 0817827363 so why not give them a call. Also check on their business hours as I think that they only open for a couple of hours in the morning.

DM

Many thanks and I will certainly explore this.

[thetefldon]

Actually I believe the UK Embassy is one of the few that can do this by mail - as they are doing most things currently.

Thanks for your response. Regarding the mail service, yes, they do. I usually use the mail service however I am assuming that my letter won't get there or if it does no one will be available to action it.

I note with interest that the Japanese Embassy has relocated and resumed business-lets hope the dear old UK does the same or the troubles get resolved. I also assume that US citizens wanting Embassy certification are in a similar boat?

[phutoie2]

In the same boat too !!, I sent off my income letter request on the 4th May along with postal order and proof of UK income. To date I have not received the embassy letter for my annual retirement extension which runs out on 26th May.

I am registered with the Brit embassy and they are sending out frequent e-mail advice on the situation in Bangkok.

They have given out the normal tel number but say it is for emergencies only??

One thing I was thinking of is the marriage extension route.

I have just over 400k Baht in my Thai bank account and have been married to a Thai national for 4 years now.A lot of messing about with pics/maps and the docs from Amphur etc.

Does anyone know if you can get a 60 day extension based on Thai wife etc!

I would prefer to stay on retirement extension.

Also I have telephoned Phitsanulok immigration office, a little unhelpful, "you come here for extension now!" was about the best I could get out of them.

Its a 430 km round trip from this town to Phits so I want to try and get all my ducks in a row before going.

[lopburi3]

I would take what you have and visit Immigration with wife and marriage proof so you can fall back on that if required - they may be saying they will give you approval for the retirement but will ask you supply letter of income later. But having the wife/marriage proof would cover you for two more months if that is not the case.

[bdenner]

A friend had a technical problem with his 'OA' extension. Sakhon Nakon immigration were sympathetic and gave him a 90 day extension. The problem was sorted and his 12 month 'OA' granted. Maybe they can do it in this case as well.

[thetefldon]

In the same boat too !!, I sent off my income letter request on the 4th May along with postal order and proof of UK income. To date I have not received the embassy letter for my annual retirement extension which runs out on 26th May.

I am registered with the Brit embassy and they are sending out frequent e-mail advice on the situation in Bangkok.

They have given out the normal tel number but say it is for emergencies only??

So I am not the only one(hope you are successful). Interested your quote re email, I am registered with LOCATE but have not received any email updates(I checked to see if still registered and thats OK).

My local Immigration at Singkhon are pretty user friendly so if the situation doesn't change within the next week I'm off to see them and see if we can do a deal regarding the letter. Mind you if the Pound/Baht rate falls much further it will all be irrelevant since I won't hit the combined income requirement anyway!! Although I live with a Thai we are not married so unfortunately short of a shotgun wedding I can't take that route.

Please let us know how things pan out. I will do the same.

[tropo]

Although I live with a Thai we are not married so unfortunately short of a shotgun wedding I can't take that route.

Didn't you mention you have 5 weeks up your sleeve? You have plenty time to get married.