Forgot The Re-Entry Permit - Retirement Extension Kaput Kaput.

[mickba]

Don't ask me how I did it and to be fair they did warn me at the border what I was about to do.

With my Cambodia First Timer standing looking confused, I let the taxi go and 9 months of my Extension with it.

I came back into Thailand on a 60 day Visa, which I've since extended by 30 days (expires 28th February).

I've now topped the bank balance up over the 800k again last week and I need to plan what Visa I require/can get to see me through.

My Question is, do the bank funds have to be seeded for 3 months (as was the case for previous applications based on a One Year Multi Entry) or does this count as a new Application based on a new Tourist Visa, in which case it should only be 2 months - I think.

Thanks in anticipation.

[lopburi3]

You can not extend a tourist visa for retirement directly. First step will be obtaining a non immigrant entry (change of entry) at Immigration for 2,000 baht with a week or two (at least) remaining on your current permitted to stay. You then can apply for retirement extension if meeting the time in account requirement. I do not know if they will want 2 or 3 months in your situation as they could look at it from different angles. But for now get the change of status taken care of (now). Or you will have to exit country again.

[mickba]

You can not extend a tourist visa for retirement directly. First step will be obtaining a non immigrant entry (change of entry) at Immigration for 2,000 baht with a week or two (at least) remaining on your current permitted to stay. You then can apply for retirement extension if meeting the time in account requirement. I do not know if they will want 2 or 3 months in your situation as they could look at it from different angles. But for now get the change of status taken care of (now). Or you will have to exit country again.

Thank you Sir.

So, with my current Tourist Visa (extended 30 days) expiring in13 days, if I apply for a non immigrant entry (change of entry) do I get more time or will that still expire 28th February?

The cash has only been in the bank a week, so I've got to cover 2/3 months yet.

[lopburi3]

If they accept only 13 days remaining they will provide a 90 day entry so that would allow time for the required account stay.

[Semper]

You can not extend a tourist visa for retirement directly. First step will be obtaining a non immigrant entry (change of entry) at Immigration for 2,000 baht with a week or two (at least) remaining on your current permitted to stay. You then can apply for retirement extension if meeting the time in account requirement. I do not know if they will want 2 or 3 months in your situation as they could look at it from different angles. But for now get the change of status taken care of (now). Or you will have to exit country again.

I did try that acouple of years ago, and they said "can not". They recommended Vientiane,for a non O. (this was at CM Immi)

[Mario2008]

That is the easier way and nowadays many immigration offices will not convert but send you to Bangkok to do it there. But believe from some reports CM-immigration now does convert based on retirement, but not for example on volunteering or marriage.

[lopburi3]

If the local office will not do Bangkok will. There is no need to exit country to obtain the non immigrant O entry if you have 3 weeks (and recently less) remaining on your current entry.

But if upcountry and local office will not do it might make sense to visit Vientiane or other Consulate.

[mickba]

If they accept only 13 days remaining they will provide a 90 day entry so that would allow time for the required account stay.

Thanks for the information which put me on the right track.

I went to Jomtien yesterday and despite several attempts, the Officer would not discuss my option to change my Tourist Visa to a Non O.

His first answer after looking at my Passport was that I must leave the country.

His second answer after looking at my Bank Book was that I would have to leave, get a new Visa and wait 3 months.

His final answer was that I needed a Bank letter, 2 photos and all the copies plus a significant donation to the tea fund and I could be all sorted by the afternoon.

I didn't do it that way but suffice to say I am back in the system on Address Reporting with no need to go anywhere for quite a while.

Hopefully I'll remember to get that Re-entry Permit next time I want to go out..

My thanks also to Paul at Thaivisa Express.

[lopburi3]

Bangkok will do when a local office says no - you would still have to do the actual extension of stay at the local office. As for leave, get visa, and wait three months that is nonsense. You can apply at any office with 30 days remaining on entry and Jomtien normally allows at least 60 days early.

[mickba]

Bangkok will do when a local office says no - you would still have to do the actual extension of stay at the local office. As for leave, get visa, and wait three months that is nonsense. You can apply at any office with 30 days remaining on entry and Jomtien normally allows at least 60 days early.

He meant wait 3 months for the money in the bank to be seeded. Is that what you understood?

Anyway, it became academic once he got to the third option, as 7 days was apparently plenty.

[lopburi3]

I understood wait three month for application as did not know how long you might have had the money in account - sorry for the mix up.