Retirment Visa from Savannaket

[Jip99]

I am considering getting a visa based on retirement/over 50 at Savannaket.

I have searched (the pinned link does not work for me) but I cannot find any recent first-hand reports.

I would appreciate an outline of what to expect and also any documentation I will need to take.

I am British and am looking for a multiple entry Non-Imm 'O' visa.

I can satisfy the financial requirements for an extension but quite like my perceived freedom of an 'O' visa.

[Mario2008]

You might not get a multiple non-O visa.

You are a ware that with a 1 year extension of stay in combinaioin with a (multiple) re-entry visa you are free to come and go as you like, as long as you are in Thailand every year to renew your extension of stay (and get a new re-entry permit).

[ubonjoe]

You will not get a multiple entry non-o based upon being over 50 for retirement at any nearby location.

[moe666]

With the extension of stay and reentry permit have all the freedom to come and go all you like, no perception needed.

[Jip99]

With the extension of stay and reentry permit have all the freedom to come and go all you like, no perception needed.

Up until this year I have obtained my Non-Imm 'O' in the UK.

Works well for me and I avoid address reporting and kowtowing to immigration every year.

I will not keep 800k Baht in a Thai bank and an income letter will cost me 2,620 Baht. Overall costs 6,420 Baht to include the extension and re-entry permits. Pretty neutral from a cost point of view.

[Mario2008]

As said, unlikely you will get a multiple non-O in the neighborhood. The cost for a ticket to Australia or Europe will be greater.

[OJAS]

In any event there now appears to be a clamp-down on multiple non-O's issued in the UK judging from various reports on here.

[Jip99]

In any event there now appears to be a clamp-down on multiple non-O's issued in the UK judging from various reports on here.

Indeed, but as I have no problem satisfying any financial criteria they wish to impose it is not an issue. Traveling back to the UK this year is an issue - and as Mario indicated, the costs of travel outweigh any considerations for an extension.

A friend obtained a Non-Imm 'O' multiple entry last year from Savannaket - my question is directed towards anyone who has recently obtained one.

If they are not being issued then I will have to take the retirement extension option.

[ubonjoe]

In any event there now appears to be a clamp-down on multiple non-O's issued in the UK judging from various reports on here.

Indeed, but as I have no problem satisfying any financial criteria they wish to impose it is not an issue. Traveling back to the UK this year is an issue - and as Mario indicated, the costs of travel outweigh any considerations for an extension.

A friend obtained a Non-Imm 'O' multiple entry last year from Savannaket - my question is directed towards anyone who has recently obtained one.

If they are not being issued then I will have to take the retirement extension option.

I suspect your friend is married to a Thai. The will do them in that case.

An extension of stay without traveling a long way is your only option.

If you are on a non-o entry now you can do it withing the last 30 days of your 90 days.

[ubonjoe]

Removed a off topic post about getting a non based upon marriage. Topic is about getting a non-o for being 50 or over.

[Jip99]

Just to close the circle on this one; I realised that my daughter has a graduation ceremony later this year so I will be travelingback to the UK.

I thought I would email the Thai embassy in London:-

Dear Sirs,

I am aged 58 and retired. I spend most of my time based in Thailand but travel a lot around Asia and usually return to the UK once or twice a year.

The Non-Immigrant 'O' visa has been very helpful in allowing me to keep my travel plans flexible.

I am planning to be in the UK around 3rd September and will be on the London area for a week to ten days.

Would it be possible to visit the embassy on, say, 3rd September with all the necessary documents ** and collect the visa the next day i.e. 4th September.

** Apart from the application, passport photographs and payment, I have 3 months bank statements showing pension income of gross £xxx (xxx Baht) per month and net £xxx. I will also have the latest pension statement from my former employer and their P60 as at April 2014. In addition I have rental income of £xxx per month - net after all costs £xxx per month (xxx Baht).

Thank you in anticipation of your guidance and consideration to my request.

Their reply was as follows:-

Dear Sir,

only Non-Immigrant O-A that you can apply. Please visit this web side http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

Royal Thai Embassy

[ubonjoe]

That is the policy of every embassy and official consulate in your home country. They will only do the OA visas.

You have to apply for the non-o through one of the honorary consulates.

[Jip99]

That is the policy of every embassy and official consulate in your home country. They will only do the OA visas.

You have to apply for the non-o through one of the honorary consulates.

Thanks UJ, your comments confirmed by the following (since 1.1.14) from the Hull website:-

4) Visiting Thailand as Pensioner aged 65 and over.

Evidence required:

a) Current “DWP Pension Statement” showing receipt of UK State Pension (no minimum necessary).

Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

5) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years

Evidence required:

a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.

OR

Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).

Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

I still defy anyone to explain the logic, or fairness, of 4) versus 5). A 65 year old will be granted a visa even with minimal income whilst a 50 year old needs to show retirement extension money. Crazy!

[ubonjoe]

I cannot explain the logic of 4 verses 5 unless there is some kind of agreement or understanding between Thailand and the UK government about.it. Also that it does apply for a OA visas or extensiona of stay is also important to note.

I know of no other location where there is a similar rule.