I am currently working in Thailand and my work permit is due to expire shortly. What steps would I need to take to successfully apply for a Retirement Visa allowing multiple entries?

I live and work in Bangkok, and have savings here, but I am not married to a Thai national. Ideally, I would like to change from one visa to the next without leaving the country.

Thanks for your help.

You don't need to change your visa, you need to apply for a one year extension of permission to stay based on retirement, then apply for a multi-entry, re-entry permit, neither one is a visa.

Financial requirements for the Retirement stay extension are 800K in a bank, or 65K per month income, or a combination of the two. 1900 Baht for the extension application, and 3800 Baht for the multi re-entry permit.

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by beechguy

Thanks for your advice, Beechguy. Does my current employer need to be involved in the process (i.e. do they need to cancel my work permit) or do I just go to Immigration myself with the required forms, photos and proof of savings?

P.S. Do you, by any chance, have a link to a list of documents needed by someone in my position? I have looked on various Thai embassy websites but I get confused by the number of different reasons there are for granting a Non Imm O visa (I'm assuming this is what I should be applying for, not a Non Imm O-A visa?). Different subcategories seem to have different requirements but I am not sure which would apply to me (for example, do I need a medical certificate and a police check?).

There is no such thing as a "retirement visa"

If you wish to apply for an extension of stay based on retirement you must apply with the necessary financials -------800k in the bank or 65,00/month income as evidenced by your embassy. A combination of money in the bank +income amounting to 800K is also permitted.

You will need copies of your passport, etc.

No medical or criminal record check is required.

Best of luck

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by olddoc

Thanks for your advice, Beechguy. Does my current employer need to be involved in the process (i.e. do they need to cancel my work permit) or do I just go to Immigration myself with the required forms, photos and proof of savings?

P.S. Do you, by any chance, have a link to a list of documents needed by someone in my position? I have looked on various Thai embassy websites but I get confused by the number of different reasons there are for granting a Non Imm O visa (I'm assuming this is what I should be applying for, not a Non Imm O-A visa?). Different subcategories seem to have different requirements but I am not sure which would apply to me (for example, do I need a medical certificate and a police check?).

Ignore the links mentioning medical certificate and background check, that is for obtaining and "O-A" outside of Thailand. You would be applying to have your permission to stay, extended based on Retirement at your local immigration office. There are numerous threads about proper documentation, but expect them to request, copies of passport information page, Visa and entry information, updated bank account information, or income verification from your Embassy, and sometimes lease agreements.

As to your employer, if you are on an extension based on employment, your permission to stay will terminate the last day of employment. You will need to complete the Retirement extension process at that time, or apply for a 7 day extension to complete the process.

Your searches for a visa caused you to get the wrong info.

What have now is an extension of stay based upon working (it is not a visa) you obtained at immigration.

If you have the financial proof you just need to change the reason for your extension from working to retirement. You need your financial proof and a letter from the company you are working for stating that your employment has ended on the date you apply for the extension of stay based upon retirement.

You or the company will need to cancel the work permit.

Thanks, Beechguy, UbonJoe and OldDoc - I think I have a far better understanding now.

Your searches for a visa caused you to get the wrong info.

What have now is an extension of stay based upon working (it is not a visa) you obtained at immigration.

If you have the financial proof you just need to change the reason for your extension from working to retirement. You need your financial proof and a letter from the company you are working for stating that your employment has ended on the date you apply for the extension of stay based upon retirement.

You or the company will need to cancel the work permit.