What happens if you are too sick or old to go to immigration office?

[NCC1701A]

What if you are unable to physically go to the immigration office to renew your retirement visa because you are too old or sick? Can someone else do it for you?

[mania]

I would think one of the Visa Assist type places could work it out for you.

But then again if I were too old or sick to leave home I probably wouldn't even worry about visa's anymore

[ubonjoe]

Provisions can be made for a family member or a close friend to do it for you.

It probably would require a letter from doctor saying you are unable to travel and power of attorney authorizing a person to do it for you.

Edited July 12, 2013 by ubonjoe

[garyk]

I have thought about this also. I agree with other that say a doctor could help in this matter.

Or at least I hope so.

[OJAS]

Provisions can be made for a family member or a close friend to do it for you.

It probably would require a letter from doctor saying you are unable to travel and power of attorney authorizing a person to do it for you.

How do you go about obtaining the necessary power of attorney here in LOS? Does this process have to involve lawyers, or can you download some template from the internet?

[Old Croc]

My wife did my last retirement extension in May.

She showed them a medical report from my last hospital visit a few days earlier. This was acceptable, although a couple of reds were needed to fix a few problems with the application form.

She also used the medical report to get the bank letter about funds.

[OJAS]

My wife did my last retirement extension in May.

She showed them a medical report from my last hospital visit a few days earlier. This was acceptable, although a couple of reds were needed to fix a few problems with the application form.

She also used the medical report to get the bank letter about funds.

Potentially useful info for me, too - thanks. Didn't unfortunately understand your point about a couple of reds being needed to fix a few problems with the application form - can you please clarify? (Hopefully this didn't mean having to press-gang 2 Liverpool FC fans with in-depth knowledge of immigration procedures )

Edited July 12, 2013 by OJAS

[Old Croc]

My wife did my last retirement extension in May.

She showed them a medical report from my last hospital visit a few days earlier. This was acceptable, although a couple of reds were needed to fix a few problems with the application form.

She also used the medical report to get the bank letter about funds.

Potentially useful info for me, too - thanks. Didn't unfortunately understand your point about a couple of reds being needed to fix a few problems with the application form - can you please clarify? (Hopefully this didn't mean having to press-gang 2 Liverpool FC fans with in-depth knowledge of immigration procedures )

Not everything is about the local English soccer competition.

It's to do with the colour of money. (I missed a signature on the second page)

[IMA_FARANG]

Yes it is possible to have someone accompany you if you are unable to do it yourself.

There are even agencies who will do this the whole thing for you ..... although I would expect you might need some kind of letter or power of attorney (I would think in Thai or at lest a Thai translation signed by you) politely requesting that due to your physical problems could your Thai agent please conduct the process for you.

In fact, I once saw a quite elderly foreign man with a cane at Chaengwattana who was escorted by a young Thai woman. The immigration officer (a woman as it happened) immediately simply sat him down and conducted all her immigration business through the Thai woman agent.

All the elderly foreigner had to do was to sign the forms where indicated.

At least at Chaengwattana they are used to retirement visas and 90 day reporting by people in their late 60;s or even early 70's.

[elgordo38]

My friend just performed this service for a wheelchair bound man and a new wrinkle was that he was given a form for the applicant to sign so he must return tomorrow

[gamini]

These replies are not quite correct. I went to immigration helped to walk in by a friend. And simply told them that I was 83 and that I could not sit or stand for very long and they processed my retirement visa straight away. There were a lot of people waiting and instead of smiles there were sour looks perhaps typical of the younger generation who have no respect for the elderly. The officer told me that i can send someone else to do my extension next time. I asked about a medical certificate and they said none is necessary since they will always accept someone else if the applicant is elderly.

I am just wondering if I really need to get any more extensions. I am forbidden to travel and I can hardy walk. I can't believe they would forcibly remove me from my bed if I did not renew my visa. And anyway in a few years time I might not have Bt800,000 to put in my bank account. Any ideas on this situation?

[Old Croc]

These replies are not quite correct. I went to immigration helped to walk in by a friend. And simply told them that I was 83 and that I could not sit or stand for very long and they processed my retirement visa straight away. There were a lot of people waiting and instead of smiles there were sour looks perhaps typical of the younger generation who have no respect for the elderly. The officer told me that i can send someone else to do my extension next time. I asked about a medical certificate and they said none is necessary since they will always accept someone else if the applicant is elderly.

I am just wondering if I really need to get any more extensions. I am forbidden to travel and I can hardy walk. I can't believe they would forcibly remove me from my bed if I did not renew my visa. And anyway in a few years time I might not have Bt800,000 to put in my bank account. Any ideas on this situation?

My reply wasn't incorrect, it happened as stated.

Perhaps they might've accepted my wife's assertion that I couldn't attend, without sighting a medical form, but it made things easier for her.

As far as your question goes, I think you know the answer.

Lie low and see what happens!

Edited July 12, 2013 by Old Croc

[harrry]

These replies are not quite correct. I went to immigration helped to walk in by a friend. And simply told them that I was 83 and that I could not sit or stand for very long and they processed my retirement visa straight away. There were a lot of people waiting and instead of smiles there were sour looks perhaps typical of the younger generation who have no respect for the elderly. The officer told me that i can send someone else to do my extension next time. I asked about a medical certificate and they said none is necessary since they will always accept someone else if the applicant is elderly.

I am just wondering if I really need to get any more extensions. I am forbidden to travel and I can hardy walk. I can't believe they would forcibly remove me from my bed if I did not renew my visa. And anyway in a few years time I might not have Bt800,000 to put in my bank account. Any ideas on this situation?

My reply wasn't incorrect, it happened as stated.

Perhaps they might've accepted my wife's assertion that I couldn't attend, without sighting a medical form, but it made things easier for her.

As far as your question goes, I think you know the answer.

Lie low and see what happens!

I think it will be better to keep legal as long as possible. I realise that money later may be a problem but if you can manage it you will be better off. They will almost certainly not try to make a problem for you but if someone reports you for overstay for any reason (or no reason) they have to take action..If you really cannot afford to I suggest you change to a medical visa which means a doctor certifying that you are under their car and uynable to travel and that way you get 3 monthly extensions for 1900 baht or so). If you are genuine they will treat you well and you do not need to have the money in the bank for that.

Edited July 12, 2013 by harrry

[iancnx]

Good thread. Reassuring our elders are generally well respected.

[Spaniel]

Here is what Bangkok immigration told my elderly friends wife when she went to Immigration to renew his retirement visa. My friend at the time was 82 y/o. He had a stroke when he was 79 but recovered enough to get around and was able with the aid of his wife to go to Immigration and renew his retirement visa. He got progressively worse and at 82 he was bedridden and couldn't even sit up. Come time to renew his visa his wife went to Immigration to try to do the renewal telling the officer that her husband was bedridden. She was told that he must report in person and told her to bring him to Immigration in a ambulance! When she told me this I told her to just forget about getting the visa renewal, which she did. He remained bedridden for about 18 months then passed away in 2009. She never bothered with the visa or 90 day reporting.

Edited July 12, 2013 by Spaniel

[mkmike]

My mother who is now 85, has been unable to go to immigration for her yearly renewal for the last 2 years. We asked them what we should do and they asked us to bring a letter from the hospital confirming her situation. We told them she was not in hospital but housebound and they said we could bring a letter from her normal local doctor instead.

This we did and the first time it went ok, but the second year they did not like it and said the letter must come from a hospital. After some heated exchanges they finally agreed to extend her retirement visa for another year. What will happen this year when we do it I don't know.

My wife says she will take her in an ambulance along with nurses etc and a Thai TV crew to record the indignity of it. As more people face this situation the Immigration Dept. need to come up with a better solution.

[Suradit69]

_{There is an old thread started by George in 2005 regarding Immigrations services available in hospital:}

_{Bumrungrad becomes the first hospital in the Bangkok area with such a unit on its premises. Immigration officers will be stationed there every Wednesday to receive visa-extension applications from in-patients, out-patients and any other foreigners wanting to extend their visa, said Dr Sinn Anuras, medical director for the Bumrungrad Group.}

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/42374-immigration-visa-unit-at-bumrungrad-hospital/

I have noticed an Immigrations booth at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Not sure if it's still there. Never saw any activity there, but presumably seriously ill and hospitalized patients or those coming regularly to see a doctor could use the service if it's still available.

And there was this thread as well about 8 months ago.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/590801-visa-for-the-old-or-too-sick-to-travelwhat-options/

I'm fairly certain anyone admitted to or receiving regular medical attention through one of the major hospitals could be assisted by the hospital patient services office in working something out.

Edited July 13, 2013 by Suradit69

[ezzra]

There are many lawyers come immigration agents who for a fee, will do most,

if not all, of the visa extensions requirements, you can find them advertising

in local news papers, websites, etc., etc.,

[sexy man]

my wife does my 90 days report as i had a letter from the hospital but they never ask for it. last time my mate did it along with his own reporting. when my yearly extension was due i went to immigration by taxi. my wife went inside and explained i was unable to walk unaided. an immigration assistant came outside to the taxi,took all the relevant docs and went back inside she came back after about ten minutes with my new extension in my passport. extremely helpful service and got my passport back immediatrly instead of having to return later as before

this happened in march 2013 at jontien immigration

[harrry]

my wife does my 90 days report as i had a letter from the hospital but they never ask for it. last time my mate did it along with his own reporting. when my yearly extension was due i went to immigration by taxi. my wife went inside and explained i was unable to walk unaided. an immigration assistant came outside to the taxi,took all the relevant docs and went back inside she came back after about ten minutes with my new extension in my passport. extremely helpful service and got my passport back immediatrly instead of having to return later as before

this happened in march 2013 at jontien immigration

90 day reporting can be done by anyone. Extensions need attendance but medical extensions are covered.

[BradinAsia]

Yes it is possible to have someone accompany you if you are unable to do it yourself.

There are even agencies who will do this the whole thing for you ..... although I would expect you might need some kind of letter or power of attorney (I would think in Thai or at lest a Thai translation signed by you) politely requesting that due to your physical problems could your Thai agent please conduct the process for you.

In fact, I once saw a quite elderly foreign man with a cane at Chaengwattana who was escorted by a young Thai woman. The immigration officer (a woman as it happened) immediately simply sat him down and conducted all her immigration business through the Thai woman agent.

All the elderly foreigner had to do was to sign the forms where indicated.

At least at Chaengwattana they are used to retirement visas and 90 day reporting by people in their late 60;s or even early 70's.

OMG!

Early 70's is really that old? Guess it depends on the person. I'm 72 and feel like 50.

Don't expect to need this kind of help for at least 15-20 years. But, it is good info to have.

[OJAS]

My wife did my last retirement extension in May.

She showed them a medical report from my last hospital visit a few days earlier. This was acceptable, although a couple of reds were needed to fix a few problems with the application form.

She also used the medical report to get the bank letter about funds.

Potentially useful info for me, too - thanks. Didn't unfortunately understand your point about a couple of reds being needed to fix a few problems with the application form - can you please clarify? (Hopefully this didn't mean having to press-gang 2 Liverpool FC fans with in-depth knowledge of immigration procedures )

Not everything is about the local English soccer competition.

It's to do with the colour of money. (I missed a signature on the second page)

A-ha, you can probably be thankful that it wasn't a couple of "browns", then!

The conclusion I've drawn from the subsequent posts is that, as with most immigration-related issues here in LOS, it all depends on (1) the immigration office in question, (2) the officer with whom you deal and (3) most importantly, the side of the bed which that officer got out of that morning.

Edited July 13, 2013 by OJAS

[belg]

good topic

but i guess most of us will either be dead anyway by the time we are too old to report

555

or gone back to home country to get a some of the retirement money we paid a few years into the system

[craigt3365]

I do the immigration visits for my 88 year old mother. Maybe since I have the same last name and use the same address they let me do this? But I've never had a problem. This is in Pattaya.

I have quite a few friends who use a company to handle this. One hasn't been to the immigration office in years.

[personchester]

Well, lets hope local "immi" offices will accept the renewal the the annual visa extension if the usual requested paper work is presented by the wife or a friend but they may perhaps request a hospital confirmation.

But, on the other hand, depending on the local "immi" office, they might reject this and the wife or friend will have to bring the farang in on a Wheel-chair.

However, If the farang chap is in a really bad health state, (confirmed by a Doctor) then they will probably accept it, be cause they don't want the farang to arrive into their office on a Stretcher. (depressing)

It might be known to some Forum-Members, and they will perhaps let us know.

[Just1Voice]

Just prior to my last renewal of my Retirement Visa I injured my back and could barely walk. When it was time to do the renewal, my wife was in BKK on business, so I hired a tuk-tuk to take me and my neighbor, a 16yr old tomboy who calls me "daddy" and is just a great kid. When we got there we only had to wait about 15 minutes before my number was called. I keep all forms and copies on my comp, so all I have to do is change dates, print and go. The woman I had this time was very nice, and engaged in a conversation with JJ, and while I couldn't understand all of it, I heard the word "Pah" come twice. The woman smiled and told me that she would go ahead and give me the new visa stamp today, instead of the usual 30 days stamp and then come back for the normal one.

When we got home I asked JJ about their conversation. He said he explained to her that I was like a father to him, and a couple of other kids, and how good a man I was. He said he asked her what would happen if I was too sick to come myself. He said she told him not to worry about it, that he could bring everything and make sure that she was the one he talked to for the renewal and she would do it, no problems.

Once when I did my 90 day, the man I always get never even bothered to look at my papers, but simply made a new extension and stapled it in the passport. When I asked why he didn't even look at the papers, he just smile and told me that mine are always printed neatly, with color copies of what is needed, they know it's correct, and if everyone did it the way I do, his job would be much easier.

This is at Chiang Mai Imm, where I've never had a problem with the people there, and have always been treated with respect. However, I do tend to agree with an above post about it could all depend on who you get and what kind of mood they happen to be in that day.

And, yes, there are agents who will do everyhing for you. I know a couple of people who use them.

Edited July 13, 2013 by Just1Voice

[Rimmer]

Not funny smart Alec posts removed, some people want actual information in a serious situation, if you want to make jokes suggest Pub Fun forum

[Rorri]

My wife did my last retirement extension in May.

She showed them a medical report from my last hospital visit a few days earlier. This was acceptable, although a couple of reds were needed to fix a few problems with the application form.

She also used the medical report to get the bank letter about funds.

Potentially useful info for me, too - thanks. Didn't unfortunately understand your point about a couple of reds being needed to fix a few problems with the application form - can you please clarify? (Hopefully this didn't mean having to press-gang 2 Liverpool FC fans with in-depth knowledge of immigration procedures )

Not everything is about the local English soccer competition.

It's to do with the colour of money. (I missed a signature on the second page)

A-ha, you can probably be thankful that it wasn't a couple of "browns", then!

The conclusion I've drawn from the subsequent posts is that, as with most immigration-related issues here in LOS, it all depends on (1) the immigration office in question, (2) the officer with whom you deal and (3) most importantly, the side of the bed which that officer got out of that morning.

555, you beat me to it, it seems that the only thing that changes it the department you are dealing with, and will it change, well I'm 59, and expect no change in my lifetime, even if I'm lucky enough to see out 100+.

[retell]

Yes it is possible to have someone accompany you if you are unable to do it yourself.

There are even agencies who will do this the whole thing for you ..... although I would expect you might need some kind of letter or power of attorney (I would think in Thai or at lest a Thai translation signed by you) politely requesting that due to your physical problems could your Thai agent please conduct the process for you.

In fact, I once saw a quite elderly foreign man with a cane at Chaengwattana who was escorted by a young Thai woman. The immigration officer (a woman as it happened) immediately simply sat him down and conducted all her immigration business through the Thai woman agent.

All the elderly foreigner had to do was to sign the forms where indicated.

At least at Chaengwattana they are used to retirement visas and 90 day reporting by people in their late 60;s or even early 70's.

OMG!

Early 70's is really that old? Guess it depends on the person. I'm 72 and feel like 50.

Don't expect to need this kind of help for at least 15-20 years. But, it is good info to have.

im 41 and feel like 50 (on a bad day) most of the time i feel like 25

[harrry]

To all the young ones who think it does not apply to them it may pay them to remember:

One motorcycle ride can put you in this situation.