A friend of mine needs to do the retirement visa extension in the next few weeks. More specifically, the current one expires on November 20th. How soon before expiration date can it be renewed? Anytime within the last 30 days or the last week or...?

Anytime within the last 30 days.

He can apply for a extension of stay (visas are not extended) up to 30 days early or 45 days at some offices.

In Chiang Mai, just recently, the immigration officer told me that I can renew up to 45 days prior to expiration. You don't lose any days if you go early, i.e. the one-year extension starts when your current permission ends.

Thank you very much.

Just a quick question more, rather than opening a new thread for this ..does the immigration pension letter from the Enbassy have to be translated into Thai?

Edited October 20, 201411 yr by ShannonT

Thank you very much.

Just a quick question more, rather than opening a new thread for this ..does the immigration pension letter from the Enbassy have to be translated into Thai?

It only has to be translated to Thai if it is not in English.

I extended my retirement extension of stay in Sep approx 30 days early at Chaeng Wattana/Bangkok Immigration. While setting at the immigration officer's desk as she processed the extension I asked how early can I apply for the extension renewal? She said 45 days. So, next year I'll probably apply 45 days early...sooner the better since you don't lose any time by doing it early.