What visa's are extendable for reason of retirement?

[bentarm44]

I know an "O" non-imm multiple entry visa is extendable in Thailand for 1 year for reason of retirement; as long as applicant over 50, and the 800k TB in for 90 days.

My, simple?, question is; and this is particularly to people in Korat;

If I arrive in Thailand with a triple entry tourist visa; would I be able to apply to extend that for 1 year for reason of retirement, under the same conditions of over 60 and the 800k TB ?

At the Korat imm office I've twice experienced being ordered by staff there to follow their instructions; despite Thai Imm law stating other requirements.

The same as many other people I guess.

[ubonjoe]

There is no difference between over 50 or over 60.

You cannot apply for an extension of stay with a tourist visa you need a non immigrant visa entry of some type.

You can apply for a change of visa status with a tourist visa that will change it to a non immigrant visa entry by showing the 800k baht in the bank.

Not sure if Korat immigration does this or not.

[thaiexpat21]

What "requirements" are you being asked to follow ?

In your case it would be necessary to apply for the tourist visa to be converted to a "non O " visa as a pre-requisite prior to asking for an extension of stay. It will be necessary for you to have the financials in place before these two steps an be undertaken.

NB

You may have to go to Bangkok for the "O" visa conversion

[wayned]

Unfortunately each area immigration office has the discretion to interpret the regulations and enforce them as they see fit. There is no clear cut definition of the requirements from office to office.

If you come on a triple entry tourist visa any entry can be converted to a Non-O to be later extended for retirement purposes. Most offices will not do the conversion and will send you to Bangkok. I don't know about the Korat office. If you are using the 800k bank method, the money must be in a Thai Bank in your name only. It normally does not have to be seasoned to do the conversion, During the last 30 days of the permission to stay you then apply for the retirement extension. The money has to be seasoned for two months for the first extension and three thereafter. If you live in the area that Korat is responsible for you must use the Korat office for the extension.

It would be easier if you obtained a single entry Non-O visa to investigate retirement before you come so you avoid the conversion process. The costs are the same, 2000 baht for the Non-O and 1900 baht for the conversion.

The problem arise with the interpretation of the regulations, money seasoning time, number of copies required, etc. It would be best to check with the Korat immigration office and speak to an officer, not the reception clerk.. I did a retirement extension there a few years ago and took one copy of everything and when I went to the desk the receptionist said that I needed two, so I spent some time getting new pictures and the second copy of eveything. When I finally saw an officer she handed back one copy and told me that I only needed one! This was just after they opened the office in Choc Chai and the office ws staffed by the Surin mob.

Good luck!

[lopburi3]

Actually believe most offices will do the conversion when for retirement these days I believe - it is marriage that most will send to Bangkok. But if they will not do Bangkok can always be used.

[bentarm44]

OK, looks like I'm starting to see the big picture at last.

No point in me even bothering with any sort of tourist visa.

I'm going to try for any kind of non imm; at London.

For the record, the 2 instances I referred to at the Korat Imm office were:

The FIRST time I applied (2011) for extension of non-Imm 1 year "O" visa for reasons of retirement, I did so after the 800k TB had been on deposit for 60 days; as stated by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Consular Services. I was told to go away, and come back after 90 days. When I pointed out this was my FIRST application (60 days only required), I was told that I wasn't an immigration officer, she was. and to go away.

When I returned after 90 days, I was told to go away and return in a week. I didn't think it worthwhile asking why; 1 week later I was issued with a 1 year extension of stay for reason of retirement.

I have recently seen on the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Consular Services web site this;

3. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA 1. REQUIREMENT This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes: - to perform official duties (Category "F") - to conduct business / to work (Category "B") - to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned (Category "IM") - to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion (Category "IB") - to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars , to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED") - to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M") - to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R") - to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS") - to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX") - other activities (Category "O") as follows:
to stay with the family, to perfrom duties for the state enterprise or social welfare organizations, to stay after retirement for the elderly, to receive medical treatment, to be a sport coach as required by Thai Government, to be a contestant or witness for the judicial process.

I've highlighted the medical bit, because for the last year I've been receiving treatment in Thailand for cancer, Scans, surgery, chemo etc. I have a full file record, and the treatment is on-going.

Neither Hull or London seem to mention this reason for applying for a non-imm visa.

I kind of hope no one can answerer this, but do London entertain requests for issuing non-imm visas to receive medical treatment in Thailand?

This may be an easier option for me than any/all the others.

[lopburi3]

I would apply for the single non immigrant O from a Consulate other than Hull or Embassy London. Hull seems to be in lala land for retirement related visa issue and Embassy likely will only issue O-A (but if easy to get the police report/medical that is actually a good option for many).

[Colabamumbai]

Actually believe most offices will do the conversion when for retirement these days I believe - it is marriage that most will send to Bangkok. But if they will not do Bangkok can always be used.

Sakhon Nakhon says they will not do the conversion from TV to Retirement. Udon says bring the paperwork and we will see, and Nong Khai says go to Laos to apply. I have been calling some of the offices in my area, or offices that I have dealt with.

[ubonjoe]

I think very few offices can do the conversion. The office here does not do them.

If up here in Isaan it would be best to make a trip to Vientiane for a single entry non-o.

[lopburi3]

Which is why Nong Khai says cross the border. But the offices serving the major populations of foreigners I believe will do the conversion.