I am helping my friend who is American and 56 years old. He came with tourist visa and would like to have one year extension to stay. Here are questions He got a bank account with 800,000 baht. Can he apply for non-immigrant visa (90 days) at "local" immigration office? He plans to do that first in order to satisfy criteria of having a 60-days deposit first. Then he can apply for one year extension.

Can he do the first 90-days non-immigrant visa for extension purpose at a local office?

Thanks.

He may have to obtain the change of entry for non immigrant at Bangkok but should ask his local office first. Actual extension of stay would be done at local office. Cost will be 2,000 baht for first action and this requires a week or two remaining on current permitted to stay so best to do early.

Thanks, Lopburi. In fact, I did call twice and got different messages. However, I called Bangkok office and they said my friend can do it at his local office for both first non-immigrant (90 days) and the 1 year extension.

I think I will tell my friend just try it and see what happens.

Again, thank you very much for your infomation.

Yes. He will have to go and ask. Some will and some will not.

It strongly depends on his local office. Most won't do it and send him to Bangkok. Pattaya is a known exception, and Chiang Mai also seems to be willing to convert in case of retirement. Most other offices will send one to Bangkok.