After staying In Thailand for 6 months on a 2 entry Tourist Visa plus extension I went back to Sydney where I wanted to pick-up a Non-Imm O Visa in order to start the journey towards extension for retirement. However, the consulate in Sydney rejected my request, without 'supporting evidence'.

Consequently, I returned to Thailand and entered on a Visa Waiver. 1 week of the 4 weeks that I am allowed to stay have now passed. I am staying in the greater Udon Thani area.

Can you please help me charting the best way forward?

I guess my options include:

. Converting the Visa Waiver to a Non-IMM O which I remember to have read somewhere on this forum. Is this at all possible? If so which Imm Office would do this? Bangkok? Udon Thani

. Applying for a Non-IMM O Visa in one of the adjacent countries. Which Consulate/Embassy is most likely to issue this Visa? I am a bit hesitant now given the Sydney experience.

. Applying for a Tourist Visa in one of the adjacent countries and convert this to a Non-IMM O Visa in Thailand. Would Udon Thani Immigration do this?

What should I do?

Many thanks for your help, much appreciated.

You can convert your visa exempt entry to a Non-O for retirement purposes as long as you meet all of the requirements and have 15 days remaining on your visa exempt permission to stay. You will most likely have to do it in Bangkok. You must show at least 800000 baht in a Thai bank in your name only (does not have to be seasoned) or have a letter from your embassy stating that your monthly income from overseas is at least 65000 baht/month. They will issue you a 90 day Non-O visa and during the last 30 days, you can extend it for retirement purposes at Udon Thani. The cost of the visa exempt to Non-O is 2000 baht, the extension is 1900 baht.

Hi Wayned, thanks for your sound advice. I picked-up my Non Imm O today from Bangkok immigration, everything worked without a hitch.