Retirement Visa By Obtaining In Thailand

[gdhm]

Hello All,

I have been given wonderful and excellent assistance under the heading "Medical For Retirement Visa (and Notarization)" by several kind members.

I particularly wish to thank Lopburi3 for the step-by-step "game plan' which I am following to the letter. Since I found this site in late 2005 Lopburi3 especially, has consistently helped and advised me on MANY different subjects and thanks to Lopburi3 and other members I have avoided pitfalls and I have a much clearer understanding on various important subjects.

The thread moved on from my original heading and consequently I am asking this additional question under a more appropriate new heading.

I tend to be a belt and braces man when it comes to beaurocracy (having lived in England and Spain). Thailand is very different because I am finding with Thailand that the rules are more "these are the rules which EACH area/dept. can interpret for themselves and they can ask for more (or less) documents if they so wish. Very helpful for when you appear at a Consulate -You have NO IDEA if you have what they want and as the Consulates need to be in different countries then you cannot just "pop home" for the extra changed requirements.

I have been advised to get a single entry 90 day Visa (I assume Tourist - please advise IF it has a different title) based on "I am married to a Thai National and am applying for my Retirement Visa". I will take my wife with me for supportive reasons (she can show her Thai ID and answer questions I may not understand or know the answers to, ALSO I find Farangs are often not treated as fairly as Thai Nationals asking for the same things.

IF the Thai Consulate, Ventienne Laos, (by far the nearest to Khon Kaen and still not that nearby) refuse me the requested 90 day Visa, Is there another easier Visa I can ask for instead OR, if every visa request fails, then I will have to accept the 30 days pass for leaving and returning Thailand at the Friendship Bridge Border crossing (as usual).

If I end up with the worst case scenario, namely my usual 30 day leave and return permission to live in Thailand, CAN I still apply for the Retirement O Visa in Thailand as suggested by Lopburi3 OR does that not count as a Visa, thus making the O Visa request not acceptable without a proper Visa being held by me first.

Regards

Dave

[vinny]

The single entry 90 day visa referred to is a non-immigrant O visa, not a tourist visa, which is for stay of up to 60 days.

The 30 day leave without a visa is a tourist visa exemption and may only be extended under exceptional circumstances for a very limited period (10 days?)

Edited July 30, 2006 by vinny

[lopburi3]

Do as outlined and request a single entry non immigrant O visa on the basis of your marriage (you do not have to mention retirement at all). This should be issued with your wife there having an ID card to show - be sure to take marriage certificate and a copy with you as well as photos. This allows a 90 day stamp on entry.

If there is any problem you can obtain a tourist visa (60 day entry) and as long as you apply before it is below 21 days stay remaining in country you can change category to non immigrant O at immigration and then start the extension process from that.

You will make the decision to use "support Thai wife" or "retirement" at the extension of stay stage.

[gdhm]

Thank you Lopburi3 and also Vinny. I understand.

Do as outlined and request a single entry non immigrant O visa on the basis of your marriage (you do not have to mention retirement at all). This should be issued with your wife there having an ID card to show - be sure to take marriage certificate and a copy with you as well as photos. This allows a 90 day stamp on entry.

If there is any problem you can obtain a tourist visa (60 day entry) and as long as you apply before it is below 21 days stay remaining in country you can change category to non immigrant O at immigration and then start the extension process from that.

You will make the decision to use "support Thai wife" or "retirement" at the extension of stay stage.

I am already working on getting my 800,000 baht transferred to my Thai Saving Account (to keep things simple and avoid needing to prove my pension income as well, which I prefer continues to be paid into my UK Nationwide B\S account as it is more flexible, and online banking access is also good. (I cannot have a Thai current Account or Internet online banking with Bangkok Bank until I have a more "permanent" Visa so having my pension paid into a Saving Account is much to restrictive).

I am due to visit Laos in 2 weeks as my 30 days will expire then and I will attempt getting my single entry non immigrant O visa on the basis of my marriage.

If I get that OK I will go FULL STEAM AHEAD with my Retirement Visa application as I wish to commit and move forward with my life here on a permanent basis rather these 30 day passes (which have been necessary whilst I collect info and find the "correct road ahead" which you and others on this subject have kindly shown me with great clarity).

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

There is no need to pay your pension into a Thai account if you use your pension as certified by your Embassy paperwork. Although you will have to have an account the amount in it can be much lower than 800k (someone was told 44k but I would try to keep 200k myself just for emergency reasons).

Another thing to remember is to have your wife with you for the first extension of stay for retirement application as immigration may want her to sign off that she understands your extension status.

[gdhm]

.....Another thing to remember is to have your wife with you for the first extension of stay for retirement application as immigration may want her to sign off that she understands your extension status.

You mentioned similar words in a previous message. Please can I ask you to elaborate as to why my wife needs to sign off that she understands my intended Visa (retirement) route/status.

My understanding was that the Retirement route is an option open to me with or without a Thai wife. So I am confused as to why there is a need for her involvement - which I am very happy to accept anyway - I am just curious.

Retirement Visa or Visa based on marriage, it has been my understanding (maybe mistaken) that my wife has and will have ALL the same protections of a married Thai Lady whatever type of Visa I have to live in Thailand. IF I am not correct, please can you tell me Lopburi3, where she would be weaker by me getting a Retirement Visa as denying her rights or protection is the LAST thing I intend.

Many thanks

Dave

[lopburi3]

All I can say is that it was explained as part of Thai marriage law by Immigration Officer I talked with. The wife must have knowledge of your visa status. This is only required one time and can not be sure it will be required for a first time extension of stay (I had previous support Thai wife extensions) but it might save another trip if she is with you the first time in case they ask. I suspect that some anticipating divorce, or doing a runner, may have switched without the wife knowing - but that is just a guess.

[gdhm]

All I can say is that it was explained as part of Thai marriage law by Immigration Officer I talked with. The wife must have knowledge of your visa status. This is only required one time and can not be sure it will be required for a first time extension of stay (I had previous support Thai wife extensions) but it might save another trip if she is with you the first time in case they ask. I suspect that some anticipating divorce, or doing a runner, may have switched without the wife knowing - but that is just a guess.

Thanks Lopburi3, I had every intention of my wife being with me anyway. I have nothing to hide from either Thai Immigration or my wife. I had already told her of your comments and my curiosity as to the reasons.

I think your guess makes logical sense. I would expect Thai immigration to be interested in protecting a Thai National if they felt concerned a Foreigner may try to take secretive actions which could place a Thai National in an unfair weakened position (especially in a wife husband scenario where you would expect and assume mutual trust and openness.)

I will be doing as you suggest. I also found your pension answer interesting and may follow that line as I have already asked my pension company to write a letter advising that they are paying a pension to me for life and where it is being paid into, and all the basic details.

They have agreed and already sent me one addressed for the Thai Consulate in Hull UK.

As my direction has changed to trying to process my Visa in Thailand I have asked them to send another more loosely addressed to "Thailand Immigration, Bangkok" which should cover whatever Dept. actually needs to see it.

I am sure the UK Embassy will have no worries declaring that they have no reason to question its authenticity and I can easily get it translated in to Thai.

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

What immigration needs is just the letter from your Embassy. What your Embassy may require to issue that letter I don't know. I always have a yearly statement with me but it is not asked for. Immigration has no problem with such a letter being in English.

[gdhm]

Wonderful news about the English as I seem to always be paying for translations and Authentications at the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for various things I am dealing with.

I can easily check out what the UK Embassy will need.

You mention a yearly statement Lopburi3. Does this mean you have to go to Thai Immigration in Bangkok each year for renewal? I ask because I ws under the impression with Retirment Visas all I would need to do for renewal each year is essentially apply, prove continued income at a Senior Police Station (or similar autrhority) nearest to my home (Khon Kaen) which has been authorized to process such renewals.

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

It has to be done yearly at an Immigration Office. Believe the closest to Khon Kaen is Udorn (once a week visit) or Nong Khai (normal office). You never have to use Bangkok if there is a closer office.

Permanent Residence (PR) is what you are probably thinking about being done at a normal police station.

[gdhm]

It has to be done yearly at an Immigration Office. Believe the closest to Khon Kaen is Udorn (once a week visit) or Nong Khai (normal office). You never have to use Bangkok if there is a closer office.

Permanent Residence (PR) is what you are probably thinking about being done at a normal police station.

Ah, probably so Lopburi3. Never mind, a yearly visit to Udon or Nong Khai is a lot better than every 30 days

Thanks

Dave

[gdhm]

Hi Lopburi3,

Just found on http://www.thaiimmigration.com/ that it appears the Udon Thani extension immigration office was closed on 10th June 2005.

As the copyright dates at the bottem of the pager are up to 2006 inclusive I am assuming this is the current situation.

I would have copied the message in full from that page to here, but was concerned not to risk breaching their copyright or risking the Forum by doing so.

Regards

Dave

[JohnC]

I think Lopburi3, is refering to my earlier comments on the 44000baht in the bank which is what I was told by Pattaya Immigration. T o reiterate, I had my uk pension letter which I had to give to the Pattaya Consulate who then wrote me a letter saying I had sufficient Income and had no criminal past or terroist connections. When I returned to immigration this was accepted and I was given my retirement visa with no problems. Two points to add, they told me to keep the original letter from the consulate and use it next year although my pension will have increased by then and secondly prior to retirement I followed this forum closely and its only with the advice here malnly from Lopburi3, that I had a trouble free settlement. I do not have a Thai wife or any wife now for that matter) so I cannot comment on the different procedures. Again if anyone wants to question me on my very recent experience (two weeks) I am happy to oblige but I think the advice from Lopburi3, is always spot on.

[gdhm]

..... T o reiterate, I had my uk pension letter which I had to give to the Pattaya Consulate who then wrote me a letter saying I had sufficient Income and had no criminal past or terroist connections.....

Thank you John,

I assume you are not a UK citizen as I am unaware of a UK Consulate in Pattaya (but I do not know that part of Thailand well).

Please may I ask about your comments saying the Consulate letter included that you had "no criminal past terrorist connections".

Did you provide Police evidence for them to be able to say this, or did they do their own search and include these comments?. I only ask because Lopburi3 says police records are not necessary when applying for an extension AND change to a Retirement Visa from within Thailand.

Like you, I am confident Lopburi3's advice and information are 100% spot-on, hence my question regarding the inclusion of this additional information (which of course are helpful and reassuring to Thai Immigration. I am personally astonished Thailand Immigration does not demand this information because it seems to me a big loophole that a "criminal could use" where application from outside Thailand would surely fail.

Regarding UK Embassy Letters: In my experience, UK authorities and Embassies are always very guarded in what they say. They use wording like. "We have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this letter or the facts contained within it. Our Police are the same. They do not say you have no criminal record, they say "We can find no records on the Police criminal records database"

Luckily these cautious letters seem 100% acceptable (and should be because the UK is just being 100% exact in what it is declaring and can be sure of).

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

Hi Lopburi3,

Just found on http://www.thaiimmigration.com/ that it appears the Udon Thani extension immigration office was closed on 10th June 2005.

As the copyright dates at the bottem of the pager are up to 2006 inclusive I am assuming this is the current situation.

I would have copied the message in full from that page to here, but was concerned not to risk breaching their copyright or risking the Forum by doing so.

Regards

Dave

That was true when writted but believe Udorn re-opened in March of this year and believe it is Monday and Friday operation. The official Nong Khai immigration web site in only in Thai but has this item in current banner reporting that office will be closed on 14 Aug 2006 for official holiday:

18 ??????? 2549

Nong-khai immigration Aek Udon branch is close

on Mon, 14, Aug 2006; Official holiday

[JohnC]

Hi Dave, Yes I am a UK citizen, there is an honary consul in Pattaya and they are currently looking at opening a full time consulate. I had with me a letter from my local county constabulary saying their search on convictions and cautions revealed no information relating to me, in addition they also sent me one from New Scotalnad Yard saying there is no information about me on the Police National Computer. These were notorized by the Thai Embassy at Hull prior to my departure, I then gave them to the consul who provided a letter on embassy paper that said "xMr JohnC passport number xxxxx date of birth xxxxxxx has indicated he wishes to apply for a long stay visa in Thailand. He says he lives at xxxxxxx and there is nothing in my consular records to his detriement. I have seen evidence he is in receipt of pension income worth £££££££ on a regular monthly basis. Any assistance you can offer Mr C in his application for a long stay visa will be appreciated>" Signed and stamped British Embassy Bangkok. The terorist bit was something he said to me, I presume they have access to a computer system which he checked.

I trust this helps!

John

[gdhm]

Hi Dave, Yes I am a UK citizen, there is an honary consul in Pattaya and they are currently looking at opening a full time consulate. I had with me a letter from my local county constabulary saying their search on convictions and cautions revealed no information relating to me, in addition they also sent me one from New Scotalnad Yard saying there is no information about me on the Police National Computer. These were notorized by the Thai Embassy at Hull prior to my departure, I then gave them to the consul who provided a letter on embassy paper that said "xMr JohnC passport number xxxxx date of birth xxxxxxx has indicated he wishes to apply for a long stay visa in Thailand. He says he lives at xxxxxxx and there is nothing in my consular records to his detriement. I have seen evidence he is in receipt of pension income worth £££££££ on a regular monthly basis. Any assistance you can offer Mr C in his application for a long stay visa will be appreciated>" Signed and stamped British Embassy Bangkok. The terorist bit was something he said to me, I presume they have access to a computer system which he checked.

I trust this helps!

John

Very helpful John.

I will not be bothering with a Police report as Lopburi3 confirmed this is unnecessary if the process is being done from within Thailand on an extension and change to Retirement Visa basis.

I see you started your process in the UK (as I did) but you were much more advanced than myself. I was about to apply for my Police NON records, having done quite a bit of communication with the UK Police about how I could prove my Thai address for them to be happy to send the document to me here in Thailand. They decided they would accept 2 letters from 2 Lawyers in am in contact with) addressed and sent to me at my current Thai address. Now it will not be necessary (saves me the problem of how to send UK pounds to UK from Thailand )

Your comments about the terrorist wording AND the gist of how the UK Consulate worded your letter is especially interesting as obviously it was acceptable.

Thank you

Dave

[gdhm]

That was true when writted but believe Udorn re-opened in March of this year and believe it is Monday and Friday operation. The official Nong Khai immigration web site in only in Thai but has this item in current banner reporting that office will be closed on 14 Aug 2006 for official holiday:

18 ??????? 2549

Nong-khai immigration Aek Udon branch is close

on Mon, 14, Aug 2006; Official holiday

Thanks yet again Lopburi3.

This is good news as Udon is closer to Khon Kaen and I am fed up seeing Nong-khai on my Visa runs.

Now all I need is a Khon Kaen office on a similar basis to Udon (no such luck, I am sure)

Regards

Dave

[gdhm]

Hi,

My promised update (and further questions please):

I followed Lopburi3's step-by-step advice (to the letter) on how to try and get my Non-Immigrant O 90 day Visa:

Result: 100% success and NO problems.

I previously tried for a 90 day Visa only 2 months ago but was advised by one of the Agencies (name is only in Thai so I cannot give it to you) just inside the Thai border at the Nong Khai/Laos Friendship Bridge border that ALL Visas were impossible unless I had multiple letters, proof of money etc. etc. (even for a tourist Visa). They told me all I could get is the normal 30 Days "Arrival on Entry". This Agency ALSO spoke virtually no English. I had always used them for my "30 Day on Entry" stamps.

This time I allowed the Tuk Tuk to take me to another Agency “Nongkhai Miracle Travel, 114/Moo 3, Midthaphab Thai – Laos Road, Meechai Nongkhai 43000” which is the one EVERY Tuk, Tuk tries to take you to (no idea if reason is commission or they know it is the best - I suspect the former, but who cares).

This Agency spoke good English, filled out my Forms for me, ticked the Non Immigrant Visa box and wrote on application that my purpose of application was "Visit my Family" - nothing more)

They needed:

THREE passport size photos of me,

and 1 signed photocopies of

of my wife and my Marriage Certificate,

of my wife's passport and Thai ID card

of my wife's House registration

of my Passport

AND

unexpectedly they also wanted to photocopy my UK Consulate "Freedom to Marry" document together with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on it. They understood that all I had was a photocopy myself because the Amphur Offices keep the original at time of marriage. I asked why this was needed as possession of the Marriage Certificate was PROOF this document existed and had been acceptable, otherwise we would not have allowed me to marry my wife. I was told a photocopy of this document would be helpful.

I was nervous about handing this letter to the Thai Consulate because it had my Divorce Certificate with it showing I had 1st married in 12/05, divorced 4/06 and remarried 5/06/ I did not think it would be helpful, as they may doubt my 2nd marriage being genuine.

I will NOT go into details of the often typical nightmare sad story of a stupid loving, trusting Farang and the nightmare few months of marriage my, lying, violent, evil 1st wife put me through. But I will say (despite the speed of the 2nd marriage) THERE WAS NOTHING going on BEFORE I divorced my 1st wife AND that I have now married a wonderful 42 year old Thai Lady. I have also "inherited" a lovely 4 year old Stepson (product of betrayal by a previous (1 and ONLY) relationship, with an an Englishman. I had known my 2nd wife as long as I had known my 1st. My second marriage is the marriage I thought I was going to have with my 1st. SECOND TIME HAPPY AND LUCKY

The Agency did say to me that did not think the Thai Consulate were granting 90 Day Non Immigrant O Visas at the present time and I would probably end up with a Tourist 60 day Visa.

The Agency charged me 1900 baht for document work, Laos Visa entry etc. They arranged a air conditioned car to take us to Vientiane from the Laos side of the Friendship Bridge for 300 baht. Also arranged a hotel for 800 baht a night. I specifically asked that Hotel was near centre of Vientiane (as NOTHING to do there -I personally do not like the city) and Thai Consulate. The hotel we were taken to was near the Airport some 5 kms from EVERYTHING (except the airport). HOWEVER, the Agency had said ring them if there were any problems. Not expecting much, I did. They were true to their word. Advised me the Hotel had said it was only about 200 metres from Centre. They got the driver to collect us and take us to another hotel where we wanted to be. To be honest not a great hotel but clean and OK for 800 baht. Next time (if ever) I will decide the Hotel for myself and pay double.

We visited the Thai Consulate the next morning (opens 8:30am for Visa applications and as Lopburi3 said you must apply BETWEEN 8:30am and 12 noon).

No questions were asked at all.

No original documents were viewed (but I think not taking them with me would be have been silly)

They wanted and retained my ORIGINAL passport. They DID look at the photocopied documents of my wife and could see she was the same person with me (so I suspect her being with me was definitely helpful)

I had to pay the Visa Fee of 2000 baht in a second different area (whole process including queueing (30 mins). I was told to come back to collect my Visa (if accepted) between 1pm and 3pm the NEXT day. Whole process is 2 days and cannot be done in 1 day.

The next day I returned at 1pm on the dot and was given my 90 Non Immigrant O Visa and my passport within 15 mins (without questions, concerns or restrictions).

Mission Accomplished, and very relieved, as now I can go full steam ahead for my Retirement Visa

(I did note SOME people ahead of me in the queue were being informed that they were receiving their LAST permitted TOURIST VISAs and that their passports had been stamped to that effect. I do not know the reason for the restriction (maybe other members or Lopburi3 can enlighten me -just out of curiosity).

OK, NOW my Retirement Visa Application process begins and I have a few further questions which Lopburi3 or other members may be able and kind to advise me on.

1) I assume with my Single entry Non Immigrant O Visa that if I needed to leave the country (ONLY possible reason would be to sign papers to sell my Spanish house if a buyer is ever found ) that I would have to start the Visa process ALL over again and that I would not be allowed to leave Thailand for 2 or 3 days under the existing one.

2) When I get my Retirement Visa (hopefully) what is the position regarding leaving Thailand for holidays or visiting family or friends?

3) When I go for my Local Medical Certificate in Thailand for my Retirement Visa application, do I need to go to a Clinic or hospital for this OR can I go to ANY registered Local Doctor (willing to complete the form)?

4) What is the situation AFTER I have applied for my Retirement Visa in Bangkok. I understand it will take around 2 months to process. What do I need to do IF the procedure takes longer than the validity of my current 90 Non-Immigrant Visa. Do I need to get another one? Can I apply for an extension from within Thailand on the basis I am waiting for a result to my Retirement Visa application?.

I hope my experience helps other applicants. I got my Visa yesterday 18th August (so you cannot get more up-to-date than that on current requirements)

Kindest regards to all

Dave

[lopburi3]

Happy to hear of the good start and better relationship.

1. As long as you can return before your current permitted to stay is valid you should obtain a re entry permit either from Immigration office or at airport prior to departure. Cost is 1,000 baht and photo but will keep your permitted to stay period alive so when you return you will receive a new stamp with the same allowed to stay until date as you currently have.

2. Same re-entry permit required. Single 1,000 baht or multi 3,800 baht. Always valid until your permitted to stay date. You must get before exit Thailand.

3. Doctors all seem to work at hospital or clinic here - clinic may be one doctor but still called a clinic.

4. Retirement extension of stay takes about 20 minutes. There is no wait period. Although you may have to wait in queue longer than that. If you apply on last day and forgot something they could give you a few days extension to obtain I am sure.

[gdhm]

Happy to hear of the good start and better relationship.

1. As long as you can return before your current permitted to stay is valid you should obtain a re entry permit either from Immigration office or at airport prior to departure. Cost is 1,000 baht and photo but will keep your permitted to stay period alive so when you return you will receive a new stamp with the same allowed to stay until date as you currently have.

2. Same re-entry permit required. Single 1,000 baht or multi 3,800 baht. Always valid until your permitted to stay date. You must get before exit Thailand.

3. Doctors all seem to work at hospital or clinic here - clinic may be one doctor but still called a clinic.

4. Retirement extension of stay takes about 20 minutes. There is no wait period. Although you may have to wait in queue longer than that. If you apply on last day and forgot something they could give you a few days extension to obtain I am sure.

Well Lopburi3 that was quick and I could not have hoped for better replies. Excellent news.

1) During the next week I intend to send a SWIFT instruction to my bank telling them to send some 200,000 to 300,000 bahts worth of money from my Nationwide UK current account to my Bangkok Bank Saving Account.

2) I will then ask the Bangkok bank to write the letter (you mention) confirming the amount of money in my account and how much of it was received from my Nationwide form the UK

3) I already have in my possession, my Pension Company's headed note paper letter giving full details of my pension (sent to me but addressed "Thailand Immigration Office" which I suggested should be suitable as I did not know exact official name).

Now I will send an email copy of the letter to the UK Embassy and ask if on presentation of the original it is suitable for them to be able to write their supporting letter confirming they have no reason to doubt its accuracy or whatever they usually say for retirement Visas.

I will ask them if they will be willing to quote my pension in THEIR letter as the GROSS of tax amount as this will mean I will need less money tied up in Thai banks to make up the difference to 800,000 baht (seems fair as the Nett is Nett of UK tax and soon I will be subject to Thai tax NOT UK)

I will ask the UK Embassy if I can send my original Pension Company letter by post to them and have their letter returned to me by post, or, IF NOT if my Lawyer can present and collect the letters on my behalf, or IF NOT if I have to present and collect them in person.

3) I will ask my wife's Doctor if he can and is willing to complete the medical form for me. Apart from being very obese I am free from diseases or illness and am healthy.

Lopburi3, if I am correct, apart from the photos and MY filling in of the various official Visa forms forms and statements and paying the application money I should need no further documents. I will as you strongly recommend take my wife with me when I file the application at Bangkok Immigration.

If I have missed any point I would appreciate you telling me.

Kindest Regards and thanks for ALL your help Lopburi3.

The security and protection of my new family is much more sound already thanks to your guidance.

Dave

[lopburi3]

Sounds good and they do require you to inform if married so best she is with you in case they want her to sign off (as was required on my change from support to retirement). You can download the TM.7 form from the immigration web site (print front/back on A4) and you can fill that out/attach the 4x6cm photo before you visit office. At office have that plus copies of passport pages/TM.6 arrival card and sign each; have bank passbook and copies of pages and sign each; have bank letter of account balance; have letter of pension from your Embassy (and copy to submit - understand you can reuse original if passport number remains the same); have medical certificate (which says you do not have the handful of disease (it is not general medical condition but TB type conditions). And the 1,900 baht for the filing fee.

[gdhm]

.......have letter of pension from your Embassy (and copy to submit - understand you can reuse original if passport number remains the same)....

Thanks again Lopburi3. I would have made a mistake and probably forgotten to take my Saving book -thinking bank letter was enough. Thanks for putting me straight.

Probably being really thick, but not sure what you are referring to above when you say "reuse original". Are you meaning that my Embassy letter about my pension will be OK for future yearly Visa renewals UNTIL I have to change my passport in 2012 (or when my Visa pages are all filled up (thanks to Laos using a whole page at a time with their HUGE stamp ) OR do you mean something else?

Dave

[lopburi3]

That is what others have reported - I have used a new one as my pension changes each year and Immigration has not mentioned that original was not required, but from a number of reports it seems they will accept a copy and you can indeed keep using the same original.

[gdhm]

That is what others have reported - I have used a new one as my pension changes each year and Immigration has not mentioned that original was not required, but from a number of reports it seems they will accept a copy and you can indeed keep using the same original.

Thanks Lopburi3,

My pension also changes each year in line with UK RPI (up to maximum of 5%).

However, I will try to use original as many times as possible because the difference should be a small increase each year, and the amount in my Thailand Bank Savings Account will maintain the 800,000 baht threshold (assuming that does not increase as well). Additionally by using the original as many times as possible I will not be bothering my Pension Company each year.

Regards

Dave

[gdhm]

Hi,

1) The Thailand Immigration Bureau website says I need to have a Health Certificate completed in Thailand.

Whilst they have a TM7 application for extension Visa form for download, they do not have a copy of the necessary Health Certificate for download.

I know the Thai Consulate in the UK has a blank medical certificate form for download, but the wording is obviously geared to completion by UK doctors.

Can anybody advise if there is a specific form to be used when applying in Thailand, and if so, do you know where I can download a copy so I can take it with me to a doctor's clinic for completion

2) The required 4 x 6cm photo. Is this a head and shoulders (like passport photos but larger) or is it a full body length photo

3) I know I need a Thailand Bank letter confirming I am holding specific funds in my Thailand Bank account AND that the monies came from outside Thailand. However can anybody tell me how close to my Extension Visa application date the bank Letter needs to be dated

4) How close to my Initial Extension Visa application date does my UK Embassy letter about my pension, AND the Health Certificate need to be dated to be valid and acceptable?

5) Is it necessary for me to go to the MAIN Bangkok Immigration Office for submission of my INITIAL Extension and change to Retirement Visa application (and immediate collection of the retirement Visa if application accepted) OR are there other offices I can go to in the North East that can equally, process and grant a Retirement Visa immediately if satisfied with documents. (I know I can apply for yearly renewals at regional offices BUT not if initial applications can be made at these office as well).

6) If answer to 6 is that there ARE offices in North East I can go to, then are they equally as strict/lenient in their granting and interpretation of the rules for Extension Retirement Visa as other offices or, do some offices have a good/bad reputation for being particularly over fussy or demanding for additional documentation.

Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

1. All larger clinics/hospitals here will have the form in Thai. I have not seen any download.

2. Full face passport type photo taken within last six months.

3. Bank letter should be within 7 days and agree with passbook last entry.

4. No time requirement for Embassy letter that I am aware of.

5. Any full service Immigration office can issue - Nong Khai in NorthEast.

6. Nong Khai has required specific format for bank letter from some so if used you may want to check with them first if bank not in there area.

[gdhm]

1. All larger clinics/hospitals here will have the form in Thai. I have not seen any download.

2. Full face passport type photo taken within last six months.

3. Bank letter should be within 7 days and agree with passbook last entry.

4. No time requirement for Embassy letter that I am aware of.

5. Any full service Immigration office can issue - Nong Khai in NorthEast.

6. Nong Khai has required specific format for bank letter from some so if used you may want to check with them first if bank not in there area.

Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH Lopburi3,

Couldn't have done this without your guidance and help.

My wife and I really appreciate your time, effort and assistance

Kindest regards

Dave