Visa On Arrival 30 Day Stamp / Change To Retirement Visa?

[royaljenny]

Hi All

British Passport Holder, currently on last 90 days of Non O Multi Entry (visiting Family) Admitted To Date 1/1/12

Sorry I have two questions, but they are VERY closely linked.

Question 1: Looking at the possibility of doing 3 x Phuket - Kuala Lumpur return flights over a 2 month period and obtaining the 30 day VOA (Visa Exempt? Sorry not sure what is the correct term here?) each time. Is this possible, or am I likely to encounter problems doing this many?

Question 2: After the 3rd trip, I will be applying for a Retirement Visa - I have been advised that I can change from a VOA (VE) 30 to Retirement Visa as long as there are at least 2 days left and no overstay (need to complete a TM7 and TM87 form). Is this correct and if so, would I likely encounter problems having had 3 back to back VOA (VE)?

I was planning on visiting KL and obtaining a single entry tourist visa - but the above option is working out far cheaper (Mrs RoyalJenny wants to go shopping also!) - but with flights and a nice hotel looking quite expensive. So if the above option is doable, would like to try that way. However, if there is any risk of it not working I won't!

(Please note, I will meet the criteria for Retirement Visa regarding the financials).

If anybody can help / advise with the above two questions I would very much appreciate it. If you need me to clarify anything, please let me know.

Many thanks and kind regards,

RoyalJenny

[lopburi3]

1. Should not be a problem.

2. 2 days is extremely short period for conversion - normal requirement was 21 days but recently most (not all provide and people have to go to Bangkok if not) seem to allow 7-15 days. Have not seen any report of 2 days being acceptable as a norm but if you have that direct from officer doing great. Is that short 2 days a consideration because of your age (turning 50 with two days remaining)? If not best to do a bit earlier I would think.

The previous visa exempt entries are not a problem.

[royaljenny]

lopburi3 - very many thanks for such a quick reply, much appreciated.

Ref Question 2 - I was given this information on a handout from the Immigration Volunteers that help in Phuket Immigration. However, I will have 20 + days spare when I apply to change visa

Kind regards,

RoyalJenny

[CharlieH]

When you say last 90 days, is that the last 90 of an original 12 months ?...... if so you can leave / re-enter a day or so before and get another 90 days. (making 15 months in total)

If the above doesnt apply, you talk about multiple flights, if your wife is Thai, why not just get another Multi O in KL and take your time and pressure off you and change to Retirement whenever you want at a later date.

This would seem the most cost effective option than making multiple flights.

[royaljenny]

CharlieH - sorry I should have explained in my original post - my Multi O has now expired - so into my last 90 days. My wife is not Thai so don't have the option you mention. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply

[JimGant]

After the 3rd trip, I will be applying for a Retirement Visa - I have been advised that I can change from a VOA (VE) 30 to Retirement Visa as long as there are at least 2 days left and no overstay

Just a few tidbits that may be helpful.

On conversion day, you'll receive a Non Imm O visa. However, you most likely won't receive your one-year retirement extension, but, instead, a 90-day permit of stay, and will be told to come back in 60 days to apply for your retirement extension. This seems to be true, even if you're going the money-in-the-bank route, and it's been in the bank the required two months (only two months required for initial extension application). Off the top of my head, Jomtien seems to be the only Immigration office giving same-day service (but others may have better recollection).

If using a statement of income from your embassy, there have been several reports on this forum of needing two such statements -- one to give to the officer doing the conversion, and the other 60 days hence to the officer doing the extension (apparently, they both require originals -- and don't talk to each other ).

Anyway, that's something I'd check on with Immigration, should you be going the income statement route. One chap got two identical income statements from his embassy -- and saved himself a second, long trip. As both statements were less than 3 months old when utilized, no problem.

Your one-year extension will come up for renewal 15 months from date of conversion. So, if your normal travel plans put you out of the country at that time (with only 30 days playtime prior to that date), you might want to juggle the date you do your conversion.

If told to come back in 60 days after you do your conversion -- and you plan to travel in the interim -- don't forget to get a re-entry permit ('cause that Non Imm visa you get becomes "used" same day issued).

Good luck.

[royaljenny]

Hello JimGant - thanks very much for the all the extra info - very much appreciated. Kind regards, RoyalJenny