Annual Renewal Of Retirement Visa

[triffid]

My visa runs out on the day following my arrival back in Thailand, and I wanted to spend a few days in BKK before going home to Chiangmai - unless I am forced to rush back on pain of incurring their (rather stiff) fine for going beyond the visa's validity/expiry date. I was wondering how long the grace period is (if there is a grace period) after the visa expiry before the fine is applied.

[lopburi3]

There is no grace period. You will be allowed entry (using a re-entry permit) for the date on that permit which will be the permitted to stay time you had when it was obtained.

[bob4you]

7 day extension at immigration B1900, must get before visa expires. Overstay 1 day no charge, 2 days B1000, and B500 for each additional day up to B20,000 maximum.

[lopburi3]

All overstay is 500 baht per day. The only time overstay is not charged is if only one day and exit from airport.

[triffid]

Thanks for that information. Looks like I'll have to get back and to Chiangmai Immigration promptly upon arrival at Bkk. My visa is valid to 5 march. Can I go for the renewal on the 6th (without incurring a fine) or must I go on the 5th?

[wayned]

Don't forget you either have to get a letter from the bank if you are using bank deposit as proof of income or a letter from your embassy if you are using monthy income.

[lopburi3]

And it should be the 5th but have seen recent reports of some offices letting it slide a bit if overstay is paid. In worst case you just start again and same paperwork so not much other than a new 2,000 baht visa cost.

[wayned]

Don't forget to make an appointment at CM immigration on their website, reports indicate that they are very important!

[NancyL]

Currently there are just two slots open for appointments on March 5, so the OP better log in quickly (be sure to read the pinned thread on the CM forum if you've never used the system before -- there are a few "tricks" to get it to work correclty)

The OP could still get a visa extension without an appointment, but should plan to arrive before 6 am to get on the "pre-queue" list. The gates open at 4:30 am and people are arriving that early. This week a friend showed up at 6 am and was No. 8 on the "pre-queue" list. She considered herself lucky that she got her retirement visa extension done by lunch time.

[lopburi3]

All in all you might be better just using visa exempt entry to Bangkok and getting 30 days, take your time in Bangkok and then make conversion to non immigrant and extension in Chiang Mai later. Will cost 2k for the conversion but no threat of overstay and no rush.

[tombkk]

All in all you might be better just using visa exempt entry to Bangkok and getting 30 days, take your time in Bangkok and then make conversion to non immigrant and extension in Chiang Mai later. Will cost 2k for the conversion but no threat of overstay and no rush.

I was on an almost expiring re-entry permit once (1 week left) and the immigration officer said he had to stamp me in according to the re-entry permit. He said could not ignore it and stamp me in for 30 days visa-exempt.

Don't know whether this would apply for retirement visas too, but I would think the OP will enter on a re-entry permit as well.

[lopburi3]

He could insist on using a visa (re-entry) but most will be reasonable when it is obvious disadvantage. I would not put re-entry information on card and if asked tell them why you would prefer 30 day stamp. It might be a no-go but believe chance is better than even it will be granted.

[triffid]

Thanks again. Lots of sophisticated and good advice.

Re the appointment - instead of tackling the online process can I get the appointment by just going to Immigration on Monday and asking for the it? Am daunted by the prospect of reading through and getting the hang of the online process - had no clue of this being set up until now! (I do have the time since I'm leaving Chiangmai on Wednesday).

Appreciate the reminder about the bank letter. Based on prior experience I believe I can push them to issue it the same day if I go to them in the morning. I might even go there on Monday and see if I can order it in advance effective for and for pick up on the 5th March!

I'll just skip the Bkk stay, get back on the 4th, get the bank letter on the 5th and go for the visa on the 6th - and pay for the one-day delay.

[NancyL]

Thanks again. Lots of sophisticated and good advice.

Re the appointment - instead of tackling the online process can I get the appointment by just going to Immigration on Monday and asking for the it? Am daunted by the prospect of reading through and getting the hang of the online process - had no clue of this being set up until now! (I do have the time since I'm leaving Chiangmai on Wednesday).

Appreciate the reminder about the bank letter. Based on prior experience I believe I can push them to issue it the same day if I go to them in the morning. I might even go there on Monday and see if I can order it in advance effective for and for pick up on the 5th March!

I'll just skip the Bkk stay, get back on the 4th, get the bank letter on the 5th and go for the visa on the 6th - and pay for the one-day delay.

I don't know of anyone who has asked for appointments in person at CM Immigration. Most people I know who are clueless about how to use the appointment system either ask a friend to help them book the appointment or plan to get out to immigration before dawn. It would be interesting to know what they say if you go out to Immigration and ask.

If you're going to go out and ask about an appointment, you might want to ask how they'd respond to a one-day delay in extending your retirement visa. They may want you to start the entire process over again if you're late by a day.