Extension For A Retirement Visa. My Experience From Yesterday's Visit To Chaengwattana Tor Mor

[pisico]

SOMETHING NEW:It appears that now there is a bus number 166 that runs from Victory Monument to the very front steps of Immigration in the Government building and back to Anusawari. That is good because it simplifies getting there and returning to the BTS station.

I brought with me 1- my new passport valid for 10 years, 2- my old passport with the retirement stamp valid until October 24 of 2012, 3- my 4 year old passbook at Kasikorn Bank, 5- the filled out form requesting a new extension, 6- a copy of the original letter from the Embassy attesting to the amount of my pension and 7- 1 passport picture.

The lady who took care of me, was on the cellular phone and at the same time trading banter with another officer in the same cubicle. She looked at my documents and after stamping both passports several times handed them to me and instructed me to go show them to her boss in cubicle 29.

The lady in cubicle 29 was likewise busy maintaining 2 live chats while looking at my passports and 2 other passports. When she handed them to me I noticed that the extension had been granted to November 22 of this year. I politely asked why I could not get the one year extension in the new passport. She dryly directed me back to the original clerk. After all, she was the boss and knew better.

Back to the clerk she tells me that I need to go to the Embassy and get another letter stating the amounts of my retirement. Also a letter from the bank.

After I showed my passbook with funds for the past 2 years never below 200,000 Baht, she said, just copy of the passbook. But the letter from embassy you bring new one every year. I pointed out that retirement amounts if anything, can be higher each year, not lower. She insisted that I had plenty of time to go to the Embassy and get the letter. Get letter, come back.

The gentleman who dealt with my retirement the first time said that the letter was necessary only the first time to make sure the total amounts required would be met. That he looked at the passbook and could see that I had the funds for 3 years and that no other proof was needed. He stamped the passport allowing me to stay one more year. He was informative and efficient and sent me to the re-entry permit section where everything went smoothly.

It seems that Laws and procedures when it comes to Immigration in Thailand are applied somewhat erratically and can vary from district office to district office and therein from clerk to clerk.

So, after making an appointment at my embassy I will get yet another letter stating the same amounts that qualified me the first time for my retirement.

I am posting this information not to rant or criticize. It is my personal experience and I hope that others can benefit from it.

Any new light on the topic of visas will always be welcome.

[glegolo]

Extension of stay based on retirement - That is so easy!!!! Just learn the rules and than follow them.

In your case, you are not aware of what is needed.

Pension or money in the bank or a combination. Copy of your passport signed and dated, and letter from your embassy if needed. letter from the bank if needed. A photo of yourself.

This is what you do EVERY YEAR...... there is NOT something called "I just have to do that the first time,,, same thing every year......

Follow this and you will probably have no problem as long as you dress well and behave well and respect the people at the immigration.

Glegolo

Edited October 23, 2012 by glegolo

[lopburi3]

If using income of 65k for retirement only the Embassy letter is required and it needs to be new every year and that was as true last year as it is true this year. If using bank account both the passbook/copies and a new letter from bank would be required every year. If using a combination both will be required.

[ccarbaugh]

Thanks - it answered my question abut whether I have to waste another $50 for the silly "notary-stamp" on my letter at the embassy.

[wayned]

Obviously an American, $50 or 1600 baht. Don't forget to make an appointment, they are now checking before they let you in the front door. My office requires a new letter every year that has been issued within 30 days of application. Did mine last week, letter, stamps transferred to new passport and 1 year extension. With petrol,. I don't live in Bangkok, and fees around 12k baht!

[Mrjustice]

If using income of 65k for retirement only the Embassy letter is required and it needs to be new every year and that was as true last year as it is true this year. If using bank account both the passbook/copies and a new letter from bank would be required every year. If using a combination both will be required.

As I recently posted under another Topic Thread, this may not be true anymore in CM Immigration.

In no uncertain terms, I was admonished by the Officers all the way up thru the Chain of Command,

that US Consulate Income Letter alone would NOT be satisfactory, and that supporting documentation

of "Pension" Income would be required (i.e. they also indicated ONLY "Pension" Income would satisfy).

Of course, this does not affect the alternative Money-in-Thai Bank Method.

Edited October 24, 2012 by Mrjustice

[lopburi3]

This is not about Chiang Mai (and your report is the first such posted about everyone needing there). But yes supporting documents can always be asked for any Embassy/Consulate letter.

[Mrjustice]

This is not about Chiang Mai (and your report is the first such posted about everyone needing there). But yes supporting documents can always be asked for any Embassy/Consulate letter.

Not reporting about whether it "can be asked for", but that I have been informed it is now Policy!

[elektrified]

This is not about Chiang Mai (and your report is the first such posted about everyone needing there). But yes supporting documents can always be asked for any Embassy/Consulate letter.

Not reporting about whether it "can be asked for", but that I have been informed it is now Policy!

It is not policy. Stop posting all this nonsense in all the different forums. Fear mongering.

[Mrjustice]

This is not about Chiang Mai (and your report is the first such posted about everyone needing there). But yes supporting documents can always be asked for any Embassy/Consulate letter.

Not reporting about whether it "can be asked for", but that I have been informed it is now Policy!

It is not policy. Stop posting all this nonsense in all the different forums. Fear mongering.

You're right; I'm just a "Fear Mongerer"; and ignorant 'newbie'.

Lot's to gain from that.

And, of course, I'm just fabricating that I heard it direct from the Captain and head Inspector of the CM Office.

By the way, Where does your information come from; and how recent?

[NancyL]

This is not about Chiang Mai (and your report is the first such posted about everyone needing there). But yes supporting documents can always be asked for any Embassy/Consulate letter.

Not reporting about whether it "can be asked for", but that I have been informed it is now Policy!

It is not policy. Stop posting all this nonsense in all the different forums. Fear mongering.

You're right; I'm just a "Fear Mongerer"; and ignorant 'newbie'.

Lot's to gain from that.

And, of course, I'm just fabricating that I heard it direct from the Captain and head Inspector of the CM Office.

By the way, Where does your information come from; and how recent?

Mr. Justice, did it ever occur to you that you might just be wrong and that you got the "Captain's Special" performance that he reserves for ignorant, know-it-all newbies who create too many waves with the staff and are escorted to see the Big Guy.

I'm surprised your ears aren't burning. We're talking about you on the Chiang Mai forum:

http://www.thaivisa....income-letters/

Oh, and to answer your question about "where does you information come from, and how recent?" How about yesterday and from my husband's first-hand experience at CM Immigration.

Seriously, don't you think every American retiree in CM would be talking about this by now if it were true? Hasn't it been a week since your private meeting with the Captain? Don't you think dozens of Americans have presented Income Letters at CM Immigration since your News Flash?

Edited October 26, 2012 by NancyL

[pisico]

1 year extension: retirement. Follow up and end of story.

I returned to the government building complex in Changwattana Bangkok armed with the new letter stating the amount of money I get from pension and other sources, copies of the new passport, copies of the updated passbook account and an extra photo of me, just in case.

I was lucky to get again the lady who had seen me days earlier. I was given yet another form (similar to TM7) only this is drafted as an oath.

Paid 1,900 Baht to the lady. got my 1 year extension. Went to the other side (the C section) where after filling out the re-entry form, I gave the clerk my passport and yet another photo and copy of my passport, paid the fee and waited again for the re-entry permit. I did not have an appointment and the whole process from 10 AM ended at 2:30. Photos can be made in the basement at the copy places: 4 for 100 Baht.

I have read in this forum advises such as go well dressed, behave politely, etc. At least in Bangkok all this seems immaterial. I saw people dressed like refuges from a war torn country, others as if they had just stepped out from a hip-hop commune (Mohawk haircuts, tattoos, piercings, etc.) and others behaving like jerks and yet they were all treated reasonably well.

What I noticed was the fact that the clerks in general do not take a close look at the documents you are bringing with you and from the get go ask you for letter from the bank (to attest to the length of time the money has been in the bank) for instance. In my case, I did not get the bank from the bank. I brought the passbook (and copies of it) showing that I had the money in the bank for almost 4 years and that there was a long series of transactions. But I insisted that the passbook and the copies of it contained more factual information than a form letter issued by the bank. Copies were accepted. No proof of residency was asked of me.

I will never drive/take a taxi to Immigration as long as the bus 166 provides the same route. Take it in Anusawari (Victory Monument) and it will take you all the way to the front steps of the building where Immigration is. Back to Victory Monument is the same. Some buses are nice and air conditioned and go on the expressway. Cheap and fast: 18 Baht.

I post this info for all others who may need benefit from it.

[MikeWill]

Dear pisico,

Thank you

Edited November 9, 2012 by MikeWill

[snooky]

I renewed my passport while in the US and returned this month using the reentry permit in my old passport with my retirement extension until Feb 2013. Must I go to Immigration to have any info transferred into the new PP before my renewal of the extension?

[Mario2008]

It doesn't have to be done right when you come back and there doesn't seem to be a time frame in which you must do so, but waiting a few months does seem long. In addition, if you need to travel abroad again youare again with 2 passports and immirgaiton might ask you why you didn't transfer.

I would transfer the stamps to the new passport before the extension is due.

[lopburi3]

Yes. Take original and copies of both passports/data/visa/extension/re-entry/departure card.

[moe666]

I renewed my passport while in the US and returned this month using the reentry permit in my old passport with my retirement extension until Feb 2013. Must I go to Immigration to have any info transferred into the new PP before my renewal of the extension?

Edited November 13, 2012 by moe666

[lopburi3]

An extension of stay must be transferred by the original immigration office. We are not talking about a valid visa in an old passport here but about an immigration extension of stay.

[snooky]

OK - appreciate the replies - guess I will be spending a day going to Chaengwattana quite soon!

[snooky]

1 year extension: retirement. Follow up and end of story.

I returned to the government building complex in Changwattana Bangkok armed with the new letter stating the amount of money I get from pension and other sources, copies of the new passport, copies of the updated passbook account and an extra photo of me, just in case.

I was lucky to get again the lady who had seen me days earlier. I was given yet another form (similar to TM7) only this is drafted as an oath.

Paid 1,900 Baht to the lady. got my 1 year extension. Went to the other side (the C section) where after filling out the re-entry form, I gave the clerk my passport and yet another photo and copy of my passport, paid the fee and waited again for the re-entry permit. I did not have an appointment and the whole process from 10 AM ended at 2:30. Photos can be made in the basement at the copy places: 4 for 100 Baht.

I have read in this forum advises such as go well dressed, behave politely, etc. At least in Bangkok all this seems immaterial. I saw people dressed like refuges from a war torn country, others as if they had just stepped out from a hip-hop commune (Mohawk haircuts, tattoos, piercings, etc.) and others behaving like jerks and yet they were all treated reasonably well.

What I noticed was the fact that the clerks in general do not take a close look at the documents you are bringing with you and from the get go ask you for letter from the bank (to attest to the length of time the money has been in the bank) for instance. In my case, I did not get the bank from the bank. I brought the passbook (and copies of it) showing that I had the money in the bank for almost 4 years and that there was a long series of transactions. But I insisted that the passbook and the copies of it contained more factual information than a form letter issued by the bank. Copies were accepted. No proof of residency was asked of me.

I will never drive/take a taxi to Immigration as long as the bus 166 provides the same route. Take it in Anusawari (Victory Monument) and it will take you all the way to the front steps of the building where Immigration is. Back to Victory Monument is the same. Some buses are nice and air conditioned and go on the expressway. Cheap and fast: 18 Baht.

I post this info for all others who may need benefit from it.

Thanks for that info - does the bus go directly onto an expressway or can I catch it in Saphan Kwai. Also any details about frequency, length of travel time, bus color etc would be greatly appreciated. I am an old fart with plenty of time on my hands (yes, I can afford a taxi for those of you tempted to remark about it) but standing all the way would not be an option

[pisico]

1 year extension: retirement. Follow up and end of story.

I returned to the government building complex in Changwattana Bangkok armed with the new letter stating the amount of money I get from pension and other sources, copies of the new passport, copies of the updated passbook account and an extra photo of me, just in case.

I was lucky to get again the lady who had seen me days earlier. I was given yet another form (similar to TM7) only this is drafted as an oath.

Paid 1,900 Baht to the lady. got my 1 year extension. Went to the other side (the C section) where after filling out the re-entry form, I gave the clerk my passport and yet another photo and copy of my passport, paid the fee and waited again for the re-entry permit. I did not have an appointment and the whole process from 10 AM ended at 2:30. Photos can be made in the basement at the copy places: 4 for 100 Baht.

I have read in this forum advises such as go well dressed, behave politely, etc. At least in Bangkok all this seems immaterial. I saw people dressed like refuges from a war torn country, others as if they had just stepped out from a hip-hop commune (Mohawk haircuts, tattoos, piercings, etc.) and others behaving like jerks and yet they were all treated reasonably well.

What I noticed was the fact that the clerks in general do not take a close look at the documents you are bringing with you and from the get go ask you for letter from the bank (to attest to the length of time the money has been in the bank) for instance. In my case, I did not get the bank from the bank. I brought the passbook (and copies of it) showing that I had the money in the bank for almost 4 years and that there was a long series of transactions. But I insisted that the passbook and the copies of it contained more factual information than a form letter issued by the bank. Copies were accepted. No proof of residency was asked of me.

I will never drive/take a taxi to Immigration as long as the bus 166 provides the same route. Take it in Anusawari (Victory Monument) and it will take you all the way to the front steps of the building where Immigration is. Back to Victory Monument is the same. Some buses are nice and air conditioned and go on the expressway. Cheap and fast: 18 Baht.

I post this info for all others who may need benefit from it.

Thanks for that info - does the bus go directly onto an expressway or can I catch it in Saphan Kwai. Also any details about frequency, length of travel time, bus color etc would be greatly appreciated. I am an old fart with plenty of time on my hands (yes, I can afford a taxi for those of you tempted to remark about it) but standing all the way would not be an option

The route is as stated: from Victory Monument to Changwattana government building and back to Anusawari. Buses without A/C are the usual blue of old buses. The buses I've seen with A/C are white or Yellow. TIT. The trick is to find the stop in that maelstrom of people that is Anusawari but, if you can muster a few words in Thai and ask one of the inspectors, you should be pointed in the right direction of the bus stop. It sounds daunting but it is not. The waiting time at the Government building has been around 10 minutes. Same applies to waiting for it at Anusawari. The A/C bus goes on the expressway: a long ride but fast. A taxi will set you back around 100 (or more) plus the toll. This bus for 18 Baht is a bargain.