Oa Multiple Entry "Retirement" Visa Rules

[NavaJauvana]

I am sure this has been a topic many times here before, but please indulge me with the rules for those holding OA Multiple Entry One Year Visas-- after they are in Thailand. This is my 2nd entry on the Visa. The first time i stayed only 2 months...i inquired at Suan Phlu and they told me i did not need to do anything before leaving and re-entering Thailand at that time. This time i am here almost 3 months on the same visa-- the 90 days are fast approaching. I am not sure if i stay without exiting the country for 90 days, do i need to report somewhere or not? If so, where do i report, and what do i need to do? Will this be necessary every 90 days on the OA Visa?

Finally, when the current year from my last entry to Thailand is nearly over, what is the procedure for getting it extended for another year? Can i do it myself, or should i hire a local lawyer?

My desire is to remain in Thailand indefinitely. I am retired, over 50, and this OA Visa is a "retirement visa." I have already transferred the majority of my savings from the US to a Thai bank via wire transfers, so i can show that i brought my money here legally.

In summary, what do i need to do now, for the 90 days rule? And what do i need when i reach the end of the one year OA Visa that was issued to me in the US?

Thanking all of you in advance for your kind sharing of knowledge. Your experiences are much appreciated.

[Mario2008]

If you have a multiple O-A, visa you can stay in thailand for 1 year upon entry. if you stay more than 90 days, you have to report to immigration. This is just a simple form and can also be done by mail.

procedure: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days

Form: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm47.doc

Your visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue, the visa says something like: "must be used before". Any time you leave and re-enter before that date, you will get a new permission to stay in Thailand for 1 year. So leave one or two days before the VISA expires (and not your permission to stay!) and you will gte a full new year to stay in Thailand. After the visa is expired you will need a re-entry permit to keep your permission to stay in Thailand alive.

Once the extra yer is almost up you can apply for an extension of stay based on retirement, from 30 days before it expires at your local immirgation office. No lawyer is needed, it is very simple and only cost money.

For the one year extension you just need to show:

800,000 baht in a Thai bankaccount for at least 2 months

OR

an incoem of 65,000 baht a month (if from abroad certified by your embassy)

OR

a combination of money in the bank and yearly income totaling 800,000 baht

You might also need to show some proof of your address, like a rental contract or utillity bill.

Basicly that is it.

[Murgatroyd]

You need to report to your local Immigration office every 90 days. you'll need to bring your passport and your current address. This is something that you'll have to do every 90 days for as long as you stay in Thailand. As you have a multi entry O/A visa, you will be able to get a further year on this visa by leaving and re-entering Thailand just before the 1 year validity expires. (Each time you leave and re-enter Thailand within the validity dates of the original visa you will get a passport stamp for one year). When the final passport stamp is about to expire (30 days before) you will have to extend your permission to stay in Thailand at your local immigration office. There are several threads on this forum board that will explain the requirements that you will have to meet, and the paperwork that you will have to provide... Each year thereafter you will have to extend your permission to stay in the same way.

I hope this helps.

[NavaJauvana]

Thank you very much, Mario. As this is my first "90 Days" and i am a bit apprehensive, do you think it's better i go in person? Or is the registered mail route without any problems? If i do go in person, where do i go? I heard that Suan Phlu no longer handles these transactions.

[Murgatroyd]

Where you have to go to depends on exactly where you are living in Thailand. Each Province in Thailand has it's own immigration office, and you must use the one that has responsibility for your province. I think that it would be best to attend in person for your first report, and enquire about postal reporting when you're there.

[Mario2008]

If living in Bangkok the registered mail route is without any problems. In other provinces better to check first if they accept mail applications, but only a few don't.

[lopburi3]

In Bangkok you would go to the huge new facility at the end of Soi 7 off Chiang Watanna Road (Soi is next to CAT Hqs). Immigration is just inside the South 1st floor entrance (end of soi 7 turn right and use the ramp to door about 200 meters down from turn). Ground floor has many banks/eating places/shops and more of a mall than an office building.

[NavaJauvana]

Can i get to Chiang Watanna Road in Bangkok with BTS or MRT? If not, what is the best way to get to the Immigration Office and from where in the city do i get there?

In Bangkok you would go to the huge new facility at the end of Soi 7 off Chiang Watanna Road (Soi is next to CAT Hqs). Immigration is just inside the South 1st floor entrance (end of soi 7 turn right and use the ramp to door about 200 meters down from turn). Ground floor has many banks/eating places/shops and more of a mall than an office building.

[lopburi3]

Chattachak Park/Morchitt bus station area is about as close as anything but train to Laksi get. There is bus or taxi service from there or from downtown.

[NavaJauvana]

I see..sounds like almost one day's time to go and come. Do you have experience that the registered mail option in BKK works fine? it seems a lot more efficient. i just send them a copy of all my passport pages and the form, and a stamped envelope, and i keep the receipt from the post office in case of any problem later on?

Chattachak Park/Morchitt bus station area is about as close as anything but train to Laksi get. There is bus or taxi service from there or from downtown.

[lopburi3]

No as Bangkok always said it was not available if living in Bangkok (this was before the change to local offices). Also I find standing in line to mail registered more of a drag than the 2-3 hours I spend for travel/doing in person. There is another option and that is to have someone do for you. Believe some tour agencies and hospitals offer such service for a fee if nobody else is available.

That said it should not be a problem doing by mail but be sure to mail at least a week early with a stamped return addressed envelope and all the required paperwork.

[NavaJauvana]

Thanks to everyone for the advice here! I will probably do the 90 day reporting by registered post since the Immigration Office seems pretty far from Sukhumvit. Thanks again to all of you and have a healthy, happy 2011!

If you have a multiple O-A, visa you can stay in thailand for 1 year upon entry. if you stay more than 90 days, you have to report to immigration. This is just a simple form and can also be done by mail.

procedure: http://www.immigrati...php?page=90days

Form: http://www.immigrati...wnload/tm47.doc

Your visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue, the visa says something like: "must be used before". Any time you leave and re-enter before that date, you will get a new permission to stay in Thailand for 1 year. So leave one or two days before the VISA expires (and not your permission to stay!) and you will gte a full new year to stay in Thailand. After the visa is expired you will need a re-entry permit to keep your permission to stay in Thailand alive.

Once the extra yer is almost up you can apply for an extension of stay based on retirement, from 30 days before it expires at your local immirgation office. No lawyer is needed, it is very simple and only cost money.

For the one year extension you just need to show:

800,000 baht in a Thai bankaccount for at least 2 months

OR

an incoem of 65,000 baht a month (if from abroad certified by your embassy)

OR

a combination of money in the bank and yearly income totaling 800,000 baht

You might also need to show some proof of your address, like a rental contract or utillity bill.

Basicly that is it.