An elderly friend wants to change from Tourist to Retirement Visa. He doesn't want to leave Thailand unless necessary. I know that he has to go to the main Immigration office in Bangkok firstly to change to a Non Imm Visa - I say this as I had to do the same myself last year. We realise that if the transfer is succesful and he gets 3 months then he needs to apply for the 1 year Non Imm 'O' (Retirement) at his local immigration office.

I've tried calling and emailing the immigration office, but no response. What we would like to know is how much time does he need to have left on his Tourist Visa when he goes to Bangkok to apply for the transfer?

It used to be 21 days, but there are recent reports that immigration accepts15 or even 10 days. If your friend didn't get an extension on his tourist visa already, he can first get the 30 day extension.<br><br>(Unless he doesn't have a visa, but just got 30 days at the airport, which is called a visa exempt entry).<br>

Edit: He would need to comply with the criteria for a 1 year extension of stay right away.

It used to be 21 days, but there are recent reports that immigration accepts15 or even 10 days. If your friend didn't get an extension on his tourist visa already, he can first get the 30 day extension.<br><br>(Unless he doesn't have a visa, but just got 30 days at the airport, which is called a visa exempt entry).<br>

My friend's present Tourist Visa ends early August and will be looking for the 30 day extension. I"m hoping he will try and transfer shortly afterwards.

I'm very grateful for your help.

Many thanks

He would need to indicate the reason for the visa change, i.e.retirement extension of stay, and demonstrate that he can meet the financial requirements for the extension..

Edited July 20, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver