Non O Multi - Changed To 1 Yr Extension Retirement

[CharlieH]

I thought i would inform people on my experience today.

I have had a Non O multi entry Visa based on marriage which was issued in Kuala Lumpur. I basically got fed up with 90 day border runs coupled with the fact that the whole page visas from border runs was eating through my passport pages rapidly.

So, i decided to change to a 1 yr extension based on retirement. (I am 52)

I went to my area office at Phitsanulok and provided:

Passport + signed copy of all pages including departure card.

Yellow Tabien bahn book. + signed copy

Letter from UK Embassy to meet monthly income requirements.(original)

1 passport sized photograph.

completed application form.

1900 baht.

I also applied for a 1 yr Multi re-entry permit.

For this I supplied:

Passport + signed copy of all pages

copy of departure card (signed)

copy of tabien bahn (signed)

completed application form

1 passport sized photograph.

3800 baht.

The other interesting point here is that whilst it may not have been a "requirement" they did insist on me providng a signed copy of my wifes ID card to go with both applications. They also speak very little to almost no English.

The pain in the butt was that they dealt with the extension then sent me off to get a copy of what they had just entered into the passport page to go with the application for the re-entry permit. Even though there was a photocopier right beside the desk I had to leave to go get a copy. On returning the re-entry permit was given and the whole process completed.

The Immigration Office seemed very relaxed, not a uniform in sight anywhere, very informal and relaxed approach. The office itself is very small and any forms etc have to be completed outside on the covered porch. When the Officer is free you are called into the Office for processing. The completion of the forms, getting photocopies etc, being processed and clearing the office was about an hour and a half. It would have been slightly quicker had I got everything copied before hand but given this is Thailand and how much offices can vary with what they will want I decided to go see what exactly they wanted first and then comply.

The Officer I dealt with was a Lady, very pleasant although NO English, (good job I took the wife). I had heard reports of problems at this office and i was very wary, although I must say it was actually easy and pleasant. This I put down to just rolling with it, dont object dont get loud or confrontational if something arises that you may not agree with.

I saw two ferangs there today get sent off quickly when they objected to some aspect or other of their application and were promptly dismissed.

I couldnt understand why my wifes ID card was needed for a reitement extension but I said nothing, smiled and just gave it and I never encountered any problems at all.

1 year extension based on retirement and 1 yr Multi Re-entry permit succesfully achieved.

Whilst this account may be different from others and may not meet requirements or standards set elsewhere by other area offices this what THIS office wanted and what was required for a succesful application.

If anyone wants directions or any further info about this office or where to get photo-copies near the office etc then send me a message and I'll help if I can.

Hope this has been informative and may prove useful to anyone considering doing the same.

[phutoie2]

A detailed report I agree and of some value for folk who have never been to the floating house museum on the River Nan.

A yellow book ( Tabian baan) is not a requirement for a retirement extension at the Phitsanulok office and you will worry the vast majority of long term residents who use this office and do not have such a document.

It has been done to death here on TV but I see no purpose in going through all that tosh at the Amphur to get one.

You are mistaken if you think they do not have any English (speaking or written) skills, they certainly have. I have spoken to the 'lady' you mention on the telephone and they are helpful with enquiries.

Taking your wife up there is not essential either for the retirement extension, I went on my own and was in and out in 30 minutes.

Finally as for the photocopier, grow a pair and look em in the eyes!

They too tried that BS with me, maybe it had run out of toner, 20 Baht in the tea box and sorted.

Edited December 28, 2010 by phutoie2

[CharlieH]

A detailed report I agree and of some value for folk who have never been to the floating house museum on the River Nan.

A yellow book ( Tabian baan) is not a requirement for a retirement extension at the Phitsanulok office and you will worry the vast majority of long term residents who use this office and do not have such a document.

It has been done to death here on TV but I see no purpose in going through all that tosh at the Amphur to get one.

You are mistaken if you think they do not have any English (speaking or written) skills, they certainly have. I have spoken to the 'lady' you mention on the telephone and they are helpful with enquiries.

Taking your wife up there is not essential either for the retirement extension, I went on my own and was in and out in 30 minutes.

Finally as for the photocopier, grow a pair and look em in the eyes!

They too tried that BS with me, maybe it had run out of toner, 20 Baht in the tea box and sorted.

phutoie2 ..........Are you always this rude and obnoxious or is it just a good day for you ......

I never encountered ANY English from the Immigration Officer I dealt with, and this after all was MY experience...NOT YOURS !

No one said anything was essential............I stated what I provided and what I was asked to provide on the day.

If you want to make YOUR report then obviously you are free to do so, along with your BS and macho tactics that clearly work for you but certainly dont impress me.

[lopburi3]

Your wife was with you so in my experience, and most other reporters here, they will talk with wife rather than using second language with applicant. I expect alone more English would have been available. This is a normal occurrence. The good news is all went well with minimal issues.

As for signing ID card that was likely also because she was there and that your reason for stay was changing from wife to retirement. I had to have wife come to sign paperwork here in Bangkok when doing a "Thai Wife" to "Retirement" extension of stay change and it was explained as a requirement of Thai marriage laws that the wife be aware of the change. They want the wife to know marriage is not you reason for stay now.

[CharlieH]

Your wife was with you so in my experience, and most other reporters here, they will talk with wife rather than using second language with applicant. I expect alone more English would have been available. This is a normal occurrence. The good news is all went well with minimal issues.

As for signing ID card that was likely also because she was there and that your reason for stay was changing from wife to retirement. I had to have wife come to sign paperwork here in Bangkok when doing a "Thai Wife" to "Retirement" extension of stay change and it was explained as a requirement of Thai marriage laws that the wife be aware of the change. They want the wife to know marriage is not you reason for stay now.

Thanks Lop for that insight, that certainly does explain things about the wife's ID etc, cheers :jap:

[glegolo]

I can see that some people expect to have MORE english knowledge at the different immigration officies. For me, I dont expect it at all... I am just happy if I meet some knowledge. This is Thailand and we cant really EXPECT or DEMAND anything languagewise here. Thailand is the only country that speaks thai... So why should we demand that any other country besides the englishspoken countries speak english????

[Kwasaki]

Your wife was with you so in my experience, and most other reporters here, they will talk with wife rather than using second language with applicant. I expect alone more English would have been available. This is a normal occurrence. The good news is all went well with minimal issues.

As for signing ID card that was likely also because she was there and that your reason for stay was changing from wife to retirement. I had to have wife come to sign paperwork here in Bangkok when doing a "Thai Wife" to "Retirement" extension of stay change and it was explained as a requirement of Thai marriage laws that the wife be aware of the change. They want the wife to know marriage is not you reason for stay now.

Changed to a 1 yr extension based on retirement is good it is easier than 1 yr extention based on marriage and if your able to show the income or amount required it's the better option.

[Headgame]

Charlie H

I am curious as to whether you supplied a criminal report from your country of residence as well as the health certificate?

I am about to make a similar application and understood those items were required.

Thanks, Headgame

[Lite Beer]

Charlie H

I am curious as to whether you supplied a criminal report from your country of residence as well as the health certificate?

I am about to make a similar application and understood those items were required.

Thanks, Headgame

Neither of those items are required.

[lopburi3]

They are required for a non immigrant O-A visa issued outside of Thailand. They are not required for extension of stay inside Thailand.

[CharlieH]

Charlie H

I am curious as to whether you supplied a criminal report from your country of residence as well as the health certificate?

I am about to make a similar application and understood those items were required.

Thanks, Headgame

No, i was not asked to produce either of those documents.

I was applying for and received the "1 yr extension" based on retirement NOT a Retirement O-A visa which does ask for those documents as I understand it.

Lopburi and Litebeer are far more knowledgable and you can rely on their advice above.

Edited December 29, 2010 by CharlieH

[Headgame]

Clarification now required.

Can I apply for a 1 year extension of my tourist visa based on similar scenario - over 50 and meeting the income requirements which I presume are cash on hand or income being 800,000 baht, etc.

[lopburi3]

No and Yes. You must first obtain a non immigrant entry stamp; which will cost 2,000 baht from immigration before you can proceed to the actual 1,900 baht one year extension of stay. To qualify for the entry you need to have one or two weeks (or more remaining on your permitted to stay stamp and proof of meeting financial requirements/age. You may have to do the first stamp in Bangkok if your local office can not do.

[itishothere]

In the coming year I shall be applying for an extension of stay based upon retirement. I have followed this, and a few other threads recently, and have found the experience of posters and the advice of the Moderators invaluable.

Thank you.:jap:

[Headgame]

No and Yes. You must first obtain a non immigrant entry stamp; which will cost 2,000 baht from immigration before you can proceed to the actual 1,900 baht one year extension of stay. To qualify for the entry you need to have one or two weeks (or more remaining on your permitted to stay stamp and proof of meeting financial requirements/age. You may have to do the first stamp in Bangkok if your local office can not do.

Apologies in advance if this is an often answered question but do I simply ask ask for the non immigrant entry stamp and pay the fee? Are there specific requirements to qualify for getting the non immigrant entry stamp? My local office is in Phuket Town.

[lopburi3]

\The requirement is meeting the conditions, other than non immigrant visa entry, for retirement extension of stay.

You fill our a TM.87 or TM.86 requesting the change/issue of non immigrant entry (exact form depends if you have a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry). The published rule was at least 21 days remaining on permitted to stay stamp but recent reports have them doing at 14 and even 7 days - but best to do early. If local office can not do they will send you to Bangkok for first step.

You also have the option to obtain a single entry non immigrant visa from any Thai Consulate and returning on that. If over age 50 most will issue such a visa.