Teaching On A Retirement Visa

[beano2274]

Recently, I heard of people under 50 getting retirement visas ---- figure that out.

No disrespects intended at all but I find that very hard to believe. If you're under 50 you simply don't meet the criteria. I've asked on numerous occasions at numerous immigration offices ( me being 44 ) and the answer has always been a straightforward " No"

Sorry, but when I did my last extension based on marriage (am 45 btw), the Immigration officer suggested I apply for an extension based on Retirement, as the paperwork does not go to Chaengwattana, and the decision can be made there and then at the discretion of the Officer. If they stamp the extension with "Retirement" is another matter.

For info this was Nonthaburi.

Maybe you made the mistake of asking for it, I did not he recommended I do it!!!!!!!

Interesting beano. Thanks. Discretion of officer in complete contravention to the immigration law. Wonder how far that would cover somebody's arse should it be scrutinized by somebody else. It's not as if they're giving you slack for being one day over on a 90 day report or something minor like that.

Very true but I have known the staff there for a while, and I do not carry my passport around with me, so in reality who would actually see it, I use my Thai DL for everything I can, or my yellow book.

When you receive the extension there is no stamp from Chaengwattana just the one from your local office, so like I said who knows what they would stamp on it!!!!And the paperwork remains at the Local office and does never need to go to Chaengwattana

[Soutpeel]

Thanks Gingkas . .that is the kind of info I am looking for.

Worst case scenario then appears to be a big fine and the bother of leaving the country and getting a new visa.

This I can deal with.

My greatest fear is being deported and not being allowed back in.

What I may do is work this first year on the retirement visa and then change to the Non-Imm B when it comes due for renewal again. The problem with getting a non-Imm B now is one of timing. My retirement extension expires (mid-September) before any of the paperwork can be processed. I still haven't signed the contract or been vetted by the Higher Ed Council or even begun the work permit application process.

The problem I see with your cunning plan is that you are dealing with two different goverment departments....ie immigration and the labour dept and one may object, even if the other says its "ok" and if you do get caught out either one or both of your documents is invalid, and technically you would be working illegally....If all your paper work is straight an Non-imm B is very easy to get and it only costs you a 2 day turn around....

[thaisomchai]

Thanks Gingkas . .that is the kind of info I am looking for.

Worst case scenario then appears to be a big fine and the bother of leaving the country and getting a new visa.

This I can deal with.

My greatest fear is being deported and not being allowed back in.

What I may do is work this first year on the retirement visa and then change to the Non-Imm B when it comes due for renewal again. The problem with getting a non-Imm B now is one of timing. My retirement extension expires (mid-September) before any of the paperwork can be processed. I still haven't signed the contract or been vetted by the Higher Ed Council or even begun the work permit application process.

The problem I see with your cunning plan is that you are dealing with two different goverment departments....ie immigration and the labour dept and one may object, even if the other says its "ok" and if you do get caught out either one or both of your documents is invalid, and technically you would be working illegally....If all your paper work is straight an Non-imm B is very easy to get and it only costs you a 2 day turn around....

Not trying to be cunning . . .just trying to deal with this issue the best way I can.

My paperwork is fine . .but I need to renew my visa before anything else can be done to back it up. Best case scenario as presented to me ...work permit wont "arrive" (or be finalized) until sometime in October even if we file for it today.

But following your scenario . . exactly what is the penalty for working illegally? I would have a legal work permit after all.

Anyone have any real life examples of people who have been "caught" "working illegally"?

[Litlos]

Be very careful and do not work until the paperwork is in place. The penalty if caught may be banishment. I went though this a few years ago with a major international company with a sloppy Thai operation (overseen by an expat). I had a very nice lady on the border run explain to me that she was pretty sure I was working and as I obviously did not know what I was doing wrong would leave it a while before checking if I was still in country or had a valid work permit. I explained to the local manager how I would re arrange his kneecaps etc if I spent time in the Bangkok Hilton or similar and the work permit was done in 3 days.

I also have friend who has gone fron retirement to working twice and was told on the second occaision not to do again. If you look like changing status switch the visa types around, education, long holiday until ready to retire.

Cheers