Hi

 

Some weeks ago I attempted to convert my Tourist Visa to a 90 day non-immigrant visa with the ultimate aim of retirement visa extensions based on 800000 baht in a Thai bank. This was at Jomtien Immigration. I was unsuccessful at that time as the 800000 baht had not been in the account long enough. I did do the 30 day extension and I must now leave Thailand by September 2. The Immigration Officer told me to return to Jomtien on September 1 with all the required documentation and then there would be no problem converting to the 90 day non-immigrant. I pointed out to him that even by September 1 the funds would not have been in the account the required 60 days and there would only be 1 day remaining on my Tourist Visa extension. He said no problem again.

 

Any advice and opinion appreciated.

 

Thanks

sungam

The money does not have to be seasoned for two months to do the conversion.  It only has to be seasoned to do the extension, so if the money is in the bank in an account in your name only you should be able to do the conversion anytime between now and Sept 2.  Once you get the conversion, you the come back and apply for the 1 year extension during the last 30-45 days of the granted permission to stay.  If the money is seasoned on the day you do the conversion, some offices will do the extension at the same time, I think that Jomtiem is one that will do it that way.

You need to do the change of visa status before September 1st. You need to have 15 days remaining on your current permit to stay to apply for it.

You can go at any time now. The money just has to be in the bank on the date you apply there is non 60 day requirement to do the change.

The person that told you that you did not have the money in the bank long enough was wrong.

You will need a letter from your bank confirming you balance.

You will need to complete a TM86 form. Download: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/pdf/tm86.pdf

You will need to attach a photo to it. You will need copies of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamp, the 30 day extension stamp and your TM6 departure card. Plus copies of your bank book.