I entered Thailand in 2009 on a Non-immigrant O visa based on marriage. In March 2010 I received a one year extension of stay. My current extension of stay expires March 17. My next report to immigration is February 21 which will give me another 90 days stamp (or is it only until March 17?).

#1 - When do I need to apply for another extension of stay? Before the current extension of stay expires on March 17 or before the next stamp expires which will be about May 22?

#2 - Are the requirements the same as last year or are they different for a 2nd extension? Last year I showed proof of at least 40,000/month income using the income verification document from the U.S. Embassy.

#3 - I occasionally do some volunteer sports coaching for the province. I requested a work permit to be safe but they insist I don't need one since they aren't paying me. But according to the translated law I read on TV, even volunteers need a work permit. Can you link me to a Thai document that explains the requirements of a work permit I could show them? Thank you!:jap:

1. I don't know what you are calling a "stamp" but your extension of stay ends on the 17th of March if that is your permitted to stay until date; so you should apply for a new one on about 21 Feb and you can take care of 90 day address report at the same time.

2. The same if using income. For bank deposit they might want 3 months instead of 2.

3. There is no such document that I am aware of so it becomes a case of selective enforcement and who you know. Definition of work does not include any requirement for payment which makes it a real unknown.

I meant to say 90 day address report.

Yes, my permitted to stay date is until March 17. I just called Phibun Immigration and they said 2 weeks before March 17 is the earliest I can apply. Hopefully I can talk them into doing it sooner.

1. I don't know what you are calling a "stamp"

As said around Feb. 21st would be a good time to do it as you can take care of both tasks at the same time. Immigration Offices like you to apply within the final 30 days of your permision to stay in case of any problems.

The procedure will be the same as last year if using income.

As for working illegally? That would be your choice.

Any foreigner who works in Thailand in any capacity, whether in paid or voluntary work must have a work permit from the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour.

Link

1. Definition

“Alien” means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality; “ Work ” means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

Ministry of Labour

Normally you can apply from 30 days before your current permission to stay ends.

The Englishi version of the labour law can be found here: http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0366.pdf

I visited Phibun Immigration to see if we could apply for an extension earlier since my wife is due to have a baby the day my visa expires and we plan to be in Bangkok for that and having a home interview would be difficult. They said I can come in 1 month before my current extension expires, apply for a 2 month extension, have the baby, and come back to apply for the 1 year extension of stay. They said the extension process is much easier after having a baby too. I have never heard of a 2 month extension though. I specifically asked if it was an extension, not a different visa, and he said it was an extension. Is this normal?

There is a 60 day extension to visit family which is often being issued now, as it requires no financials, but was seldom used until recently. So you should be fine. Having the child helps to confirm the marriage is real so likely means they don't have to check your status with neighbors or local police.

That would be what he was talking about. Thank you!

There is a 60 day extension to visit family which is often being issued now, as it requires no financials, but was seldom used until recently. So you should be fine. Having the child helps to confirm the marriage is real so likely means they don't have to check your status with neighbors or local police.

What do I show immigration to prove 400,000 baht has been in an account 2 months?

Your bank passbook with copies and a letter from bank to immigration of your account balance.

Letter and updated bank book must show the same balance.

Before applying for the year extension, immigration recommended I do 60 days first to get me through the birth of our child.

The requirements in Phibun for a 60 day extension were one copy of the following:

my passport (signed and dated)

wife's ID (signed and dated by her)

wife's household registration (signed and dated by her)

picture of me (signed and dated)

marriage certificate

My wife was not required to be there and they didn't want to see any originals. Just FYI for anyone going to Phibun.

Edited February 20, 201115 yr by ubonrthai

Is this normal?

Only for crooks who like to see you ante-up 1900 baht *twice* per year.

(He's already on a marriage extension -- so why should a home visit for a renewal be needed? Presumably this was done with his original marriage extension application.....)

Edited February 21, 201115 yr by JimGant

A second home visit is normally not required. Having a child together makes it indeed easier to proof that there is a real marriage, but suspect that is more the case for the immigration officers doing the paperwork.

Given the fact that the wife is expecting and won't be abvaileble for the required interview for an etension of stay I think that the Op is well served with the 60 day extension without the need of his wife showing up.

Given the fact that the wife is expecting and won't be abvaileble for the required interview for an etension of stay I think that the Op is well served with the 60 day extension without the need of his wife showing up

Yes, if last week (when the 30-day renewal window opened) she was unable to accompany the OP to Immigration. She's expecting around March 17th, so my only question is, could the wife have gone to Immigration last week (or even this week) and thus save 1900 baht -- and the OP having to visit Immigration twice? I know absolutely nothing about pregnancies....which is probably apparent.

But, yes, if the wife wasn't available to accompany the OP, the 60-day option works out. But it would have been even nicer if Immigration allowed him to do his annual renewal in late Jan, when he first enquired.... (That a baby would have facilitated this renewal is nice, but not necessary. And presumably we're talking about having baby paperwork, otherwise a protruding stomach should do...)

Is 400,000 baht in an account for 2 months still the requirement?

For Thai Wife extension of stay that is the requirement.

Thank you.

Does the letter from the bank need to be dated the same day I apply for a new extension or can it be dated the day before?

The day before should be OK. Make sure your bank book is updated and shows the same balance.

Next extension coming up in May. How soon before the current extension expiration date should I apply for the new one? I'm on a Non-O based on marriage to Thai citizen.

No longer have 400,000b in the bank. Can I still get a 40,000b/month proof of income document from the US Embassy?

Apply within the last 30 days or your current permission to stay.

Yes you can use the monthly income

Be sure you make an appointment before going to embassy. You will not get past the front door without it.

Info and download of affidavit here:http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/notarial-services.html

Be sure you make an appointment before going to embassy. You will not get past the front door without it.

Info and download of affidavit here:http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/notarial-services.html

Thanks for the link. Will it need to be translated?

Immigration accept documents in Thai and English

I went to Nakohn Si Thammarat Immigration 2 years ago for my type 'O ' retirement Visa. The bank letter was dated the day before. They made me drive the 1.5 hours back to my home village bank, get a new lettter and drive back again - all before they closed for the day. My advice is, do not risk it, by obtaining a bank letter dated even one day earlier than the date you are going to the Immigration Office. Now, off topic, where can I find the answer to how many days earlier than the expiry date can I apply for a new O retirement visa? tia.

If you are asking about immigration extension of stay the normal allowance is up to 30 days prior to expiration of current stay.

A visa or an extension of stay?

For the extension of stay you can apply up to 30 days before the expiry date. You are advised always to extend early, so you have time in case a docuemnt is missing etc. The extension starts on the day the current permisison ends, so no days are lost by applying early.