Non Immigrant Visa

[route8]

I was recently surprised to learn from HuaHin Immigration,that if I return to Thailand,after my current Retirement Visa expires, I will get on arrival a 30 Day EXEMPTION,and then be able to apply,within 30 days, for a NON IMMIGRANT VISA at HUAHIN IMMIGRATION ,FEE:2000 THB.and the new one year retirement visa will be issued in the normal way,subject to the usual requirements (Bank letter,showing 800000,etc,etc).

I say that I was surprised,as I have lived here for more than 8 years,and have always thought that NON IMMIGRANT VISAS could only be obtained

outside of Thailand as I did at theThai consulate in London,before arriving here 8 years ago.

The fact that NON IMMIGRANT VISAS can now be issued locally is good news,if correct,as the regulations may have changed,without my knowledge.

I would be grateful if any TV members could confirm that this is the current situation,applicable in my case.

Many thanks.

[lopburi3]

For the last few years immigration can issue a conversion/single non immigrant visa entry for those qualified for extension of stay only. Cost is 2,000 baht (normal visa fee) and not all offices can do this but if local office can not you can do at Bangkok and then make the actual extension at home office. You need to do with at least a week or two remaining on permitted to stay stamp.

[beano2274]

It is not a visa, the language is incorrect, it would be an extension based on retirement. A visa is only obtainable outside of Thailand.

[lopburi3]

The visa is obtained from immigration in the process of extension of stay - it is a valid non immigrant visa entry and is marked as such

[NancyL]

Some have reported on this forum that not every Immigration office will do this so-called "two-step process", but it can be done in Bangkok for those with local offices not willing/able to do so. Chiang Mai does it, which is good since there are so many retirees in Chiang Mai. Apparently, Hua Hin is equally co-operative.

[beano2274]

The visa is obtained from immigration in the process of extension of stay - it is a valid non immigrant visa entry and is marked as such

Then this defies the rules that Visas are obtained outside of the country where you want to go to, and extensions are done inside the country.

Seems to make a mockery of Immigration rules.

Surely to make the terminology correct it should be called a "Visa in the process of" or a "Processing Visa" or something else. As terminology seems to be a big problem on this forum.

[Jingthing]

No need. It is a visa. Granted in these special cases IN Thailand. It doesn't make a mockery of immigration rules at all.

[beano2274]

Special cases, sorry but when I had a tourist visa and wanted to start work I had to leave the country, so why Should I and the many others that follow this process not have the same considerations as a person on a visa exemption changing to a visa/extension based on Retirement.

And I think that as a person paying taxes and working I have more to offer than someone on retirement, so why not a special case as well.

N.B - I am not digging at those on retirement, am just trying to get a point across.

[Jingthing]

Well my belief is and was that a visa is obtainable to enter a country. And an extension to a visa was granted in the country where the applicant is.

This is an exception, here in Thailand. People doing it this way get BOTH a visa AND an extension ... in Thailand. Loosen up. It's their rules. All we have to do is play by them.

[beano2274]

Well my belief is and was that a visa is obtainable to enter a country. And an extension to a visa was granted in the country where the applicant is.

This is an exception, here in Thailand. People doing it this way get BOTH a visa AND an extension ... in Thailand. Loosen up. It's their rules. All we have to do is play by them.

yes, you are right coffee time I think.....

[steve187]

op anyone trying this may have trouble boarding a plane to fly to thailand unless they have a visa or a ticket out within 30 days.