I've just had a call from a friend in Australia. He was here previously on an extension based on retirement, but let the financial requirements slip. The Visa Run companies had told him the 30 day option was better. Well they would, better for them. Now he wishes to return, and has put money in his SCB account. This will be ok by mid August. However the consulate in Perth have told him he has to apply for the extension in Perth, as he let the visa lapse. He's quite sure after readung here that they are
wrong. I've posted this for him as he says he's having trouble signing in. Can someone please confirm one way or another what the current situation is please?

He should apply for a new visa in Perth.

I am pretty sure (tho stand to be corrected) that extensions of visa are only granted by Thai Immigration.

All he can get in Perth is a single entry non-o visa. They can't do an extension there.

maybe both are correct but a little unclear..

you can get a yearly extension on a 30 day entry but 1st must have this converted to a Non Imm '0' not all Immigration Offices will do the conversion, conversion = 2,000 baht for 90 days, some will add the 1 year extension at the same time another 1,900 baht, others you must go back within the last 30 days to get the 1 year stamp.. money will have to be seasoned in Thai Bank account.

Thai Consulate in Perth can issue a Single 90day Non Imm '0' so no need to mess about with the seasoning of the money in a Thai Bank, as will be seasoned by the time he needs to do the 1 year Extension.

Edited June 9, 201412 yr by ignis

maybe both are correct but a little unclear..

you can get a yearly extension on a 30 day entry but 1st must have this converted to a Non Imm '0' not all Immigration Offices will do the conversion, conversion = 2,000 baht for 90 days, some will add the 1 year extension at the same time another 1,900 baht, others you must go back within the last 30 days to get the 1 year stamp.. money will have to be seasoned in Thai Bank account.

Thai Consulate in Perth can issue a Single 90day Non Imm '0' so no need to mess about with the seasoning of the money in a Thai Bank, as will be seasoned by the time he needs to do the 1 year Extension.

Thanks, I'll pass it on.

For a conversion money does not need to be seasoned, but they will require proof that the money came form abroad.

For a conversion plus a 1 year extension in one go, the money does need to be seasoned.

Whether the conversion option is a good one or not also depends upon where he is living. It is not available at all immigration offices and could mean a trip or 2 to Bangkok to do it.

Also he needs to be made aware that on a 30 day exempt entry he would only have 15 days to do it.

He should try to get the non-o if at all possible. He can do a mail in to any of the honorary consulates to get it.