Change Non-Imm To Retirement Visa

[mikek]

I am a 64 year old, British national, who has been working in Thailand since 1995. I have a non-imm B visa and work permit, which have been renewed each year. My current visa expires on 2 May.

I plan to leave my job on 30 April and apply for an extension of stay based on retirement (non-imm O-A).

However, banks are closed on I May for Labour Day holiday, so I cannot get a letter from them verifying the 800k in my Thai bank account, until 2 May.

I got conflicting information from Immigration Dept, too, so I really want to know what I need to do to change my visa to retirement visa, and when I need to do it. My employer has said they will change my date of leaving to either 1 or 2 May to facilitate getting the visa.

Immigration told me I need to void my current visa, then complete a TM86 (Visa Status Alteration form) for the retirement visa. Is this correct?

They also said I need a letter from my employer stating the date of leaving.

If I leave my job on 2 May (the date my visa expires) can I make an application for a retirement visa on the same day?

As regards the 800k, this money has been in Bangkok Bank since the end of last year, but the bank have given me a form (all in Thai) รหัสงาน 4002 (copy attached) to complete, which they will then sign. They say this is acceptable to immigration. Is this correct?

Grateful for any help for what I thought would be a straightforward process.

[Mario2008]

Are you on a visa (do you get a new visa ech year outisde of Thailand) or on an extension of stay (from immirgation inside Thailand). They are two different things, and of importance is which one it is.

[lopburi3]

You obviously have a non immigrant visa entry now so there should be no change of visa required. You should just need the TM.7 extension of stay for retirement and proof of the bank deposit. But Immigration will not be open on a holiday so should not be a problem getting letter - most will accept income letter from a day before (or more in case of holiday) but may require an ATM slip on the day. You should be able to extend on same day employment ends. That letter looks right (although have not used in a decade).

[mikek]

Sorry, extension of stay from Immigration Dept

[Mario2008]

Per Lopburi's post you should be OK, otherwise have your employement end on the 2nd.

[mikek]

Thanks Lopburi 3 and Mario; from your comments it would seem easiest to make my last day 2 May, get the letter from the bank on 30 April, ATM slip from 2 May, letter from employer stating 2 May last day of employment and head on the Chaeng Wattana! Thanks again for your help and advice.

[JAS21]

Thanks Lopburi 3 and Mario; from your comments it would seem easiest to make my last day 2 May, get the letter from the bank on 30 April, ATM slip from 2 May, letter from employer stating 2 May last day of employment and head on the Chaeng Wattana! Thanks again for your help and advice.

Even though you have your BB letter you will still need to take your bank book, also best to update it on the day if possible ,,, but I guess you know that. Immigration will also want a copy of the last page and the ID page of your bank book ... well they did when I went that route a couple of weeks ago.

Be aware that not all branches of BB can issue you that letter on the day ... best to ask ASAP ... if they can't do that letter on the day then ask them where the nearest branch is that can. I got a surprise when my branch, which is not that small couldn't issue the letter on the same day... something to do with computer access. That form is the request form for them to issue you with a letter.

Hope this helps a little.

[mikek]

JAS21 - Thanks for your advice, much appreciated, I'll check with my branch to make sure.