My experience at Jomtien for extention and rejection

[maxcorrigan]

Monday 10.30pm i rolled up at soi 5 emigration Jomtien,armed with (i thought) all necessary paperwork and copies of everything outlined by the helpful people on TV,for first extension to my non-o visa based on marriage to Thai national,as you can imagine the place was banged out!

Without the help of my wife, i think i would have been still there when the place closed,Thais seem to be able to connect via eye contact and get beckoned to the front desk easily,was then given a scribbled out number on a piece of paper 510 i think was the number, never got to realise what this number was for, as there was no digital board coming up with numbers and desk to go to, as in banks etc. i think the 5 meant the Thai family desk, but cannot be sure, after the interviewing officer scrutinized everything my wife had carefully listed and planned, we got rejected on two counts!

1/ The letter from the bank was six days old, even though book bank was updated the same morning, the maximum days allowed being two days for the bank letter

2/ The photos required was for more people than just me and my peesed ning (special one) in the house picture, one of whom will be willing to accompany me and wife to emigration office, and be quizzed at the office.

So duly took new photos "the old git" me sitting in the middle with kid on my lap intent on sticking his finger up my nose flanked my wife and her auntie (our witness) uncle taking pictures

Another picture of all of us outside, with house number in view ( house number being made of metal and perched on top of wall did not show clearly in first picture) had to press-gang a passing builder to stoop behind wall holding a piece of poly-styrene behind number to make it stand out better!

Next day Tuesday arrived at emigration again complete with Auntie (our witness) new bank letter 150 bht, and book bank updated again plus new copies and photos printed out.

Got to the desk, same young non-smiling women police officer again scrutinized all paper work, got me to sign name about a dozen times,asked me for 1900 bht. while this was going on another young women at right angles to where we were at the desk, took a photo of me and wife with cheap skype type camera over her left shoulder with picture coming up on her monitor, at the same time our witness was at the next desk being asked how long she had known us and relationship etc. and how long we had been married plus copies of her i/d and house book, she was then asked to sit back down and we took her place, this was the next desk, joined to one we had just vacated, went through the same scrutiny as before sign a few more papers wife questioned about her job she a retired government school teacher attitude changed a bit at the mention of government.

Then suddenly the interviewer looked at me handed me my passport and startled me in English (up to this time everyone had seemed to completely ignore me) to tell me i needed to come back in a month to get stamp having (hopefully) got the ok from Bangkok.

Hopefully this long winded posting give help to anyone going to Jomtien for extension based on marriage,next year i am seriously thinking about going down the retirement route doubling money in savings account an all, it might be less of a hassle!

Max......

[KittenKong]

A retirement extension is several hundred times simpler ..... currently.

Last year it took me about 15 minutes in total to get mine, spread over two days, and cost me just 1900B + 100B for the bank letter.

[ubonjoe]

1. Many offices want the bank letter no more than a day old. Two is also common. I think you went by people saying 7 days is ok at Jomtien.

2. Probably lack of info abut wanting the photo of the witness.

The rest is probably normal.

The under consideration stamp with a report back date 30 days later is normal. I have 7 between 2 passports.

All you have left to do now is go back to get the one year stamp done. Just you and your passport will be needed.

You shouldn't need the witness next year.

[Jip99]

Remember that you can use a mix of income and bank savings for the retirement option - if you don't want to tie up 800k.

[OJAS]

I assume that you were given a 30-day "under consideration" stamp in your passport? Such stamps and the requirement to return after 4 weeks for your passport to be stamped in for the remaining extension period are normal practices in the case of marriage extensions. They are not unique to Jomtien.

In theory your passport should be stamped for the whole year on the spot for retirement extensions since these don't need to be referred up the line for final approval as in the case of marriage extensions. In the case of Jomtien, however, I gather that your passport is retained overnight for stamping purposes.

Edited February 18, 2015 by OJAS

[maxcorrigan]

I assume that you were given a 30-day "under consideration" stamp in your passport? Such stamps and the requirement to return after 4 weeks for your passport to be stamped in for the remaining extension period are normal practices in the case of marriage extensions. They are not unique to Jomtien.

In theory your passport should be stamped for the whole year on the spot for retirement extensions since these don't need to be referred up the line for final approval as in the case of marriage extensions. In the case of Jomtien, however, I gather that your passport is retained overnight for stamping purposes.

Yes i have a stamp under consideration the passport though was handed back to me there and then, i then return in 30 days for final stamp

Max...

[yankee99]

Everything is normal for jomtien. You only need a pic of you and the wife in front with the house number. Save everything in a pdf for next year as its like groundhog day.

[craigt3365]

In my limited experience here, never go on a Monday. Even Fridays can be bad.

[Muhendis]

I've never heard of a "witness" being required in the 'photo's before.

Is this new?

[Just1Voice]

Thank God for Chiang Mai. Originally I did the marriage, with one renewal a year later, at which time the woman officer told me I should switch to Retirement, as it was easier. On both my original and 1st Extension, it took over an hour sitting at the desk, with tons of paperwork, questions, pictures, and all the other crap. My last 5 Extensions for Retirement have been over in less than 10 minutes each, with only 7 pieces of paper and 1 small photo. And I've never been asked to show 800k in the bank. My "Income Verification" (which is well over the 800k) from Consulate has always sufficed.

My advice - CHANGE to Retirement.

[yankee99]

I've never heard of a "witness" being required in the 'photo's before.

Is this new?

I did mine January 20th and no witness needed

[yankee99]

With a marriage extension you still have the option of getting a work permit and working. Retirement extension its not possible. Also age is not a issue

[colinneil]

If you have the funds, go for retirement extention, so much easier. In/out 15/20 minutes, no wife witnesses nothing , so easy.

[Chicken George]

If you can do the reason for extension as Retirement. You will find you are treated as being near human. As others have said. Proof of 65k per month or 800k here in the bank of you have it is the way to go.I call it the Independent extension !! You are not beholden to anyone to get it. Or the Freedom visa.

[Eff1n2ret]

In theory your passport should be stamped for the whole year on the spot for retirement extensions

That has certainly been my experience of the two previous retirement extensions I've had at Rayong Immigration, but when I went there yesterday they gave me just a one-month stamp and said they would phone me to come back next week. The officer said "Boss have to sign for you". I asked if there was a problem, they said "No problem". They didn't ask for any documents to support the Embassy income letter.

I can't think of anything different from my previous applications, my income is well above the required minimum. They also said that when I come back I can do the 90-day report (scheduled for mid-March) at the same time. It seems to me like some in-house job-creation scheme, but I was a bit surprised.

[vogie]

I've never heard of a "witness" being required in the 'photo's before.

Is this new?

I did mine January 20th and no witness needed

Just returned from Jomtien within the hour, went well thanks to my efficient Thai wife. Witness was needed. Don't think I'd like 800000฿ Tied up in the bank, 400000฿ Is bad enough. Will try the monthly income route next year.

[OJAS]

In theory your passport should be stamped for the whole year on the spot for retirement extensions

That has certainly been my experience of the two previous retirement extensions I've had at Rayong Immigration, but when I went there yesterday they gave me just a one-month stamp and said they would phone me to come back next week. The officer said "Boss have to sign for you". I asked if there was a problem, they said "No problem". They didn't ask for any documents to support the Embassy income letter.

I can't think of anything different from my previous applications, my income is well above the required minimum. They also said that when I come back I can do the 90-day report (scheduled for mid-March) at the same time. It seems to me like some in-house job-creation scheme, but I was a bit surprised.

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. Fingers crossed that the same thing doesn't happen to me when I apply for my next retirement extension there in July. I could well do without a second 2-hour return trip in a week.

[finnomick]

• As Yankee99 said, situation normal then.....

[yankee99]

In theory your passport should be stamped for the whole year on the spot for retirement extensions

That has certainly been my experience of the two previous retirement extensions I've had at Rayong Immigration, but when I went there yesterday they gave me just a one-month stamp and said they would phone me to come back next week. The officer said "Boss have to sign for you". I asked if there was a problem, they said "No problem". They didn't ask for any documents to support the Embassy income letter.

I can't think of anything different from my previous applications, my income is well above the required minimum. They also said that when I come back I can do the 90-day report (scheduled for mid-March) at the same time. It seems to me like some in-house job-creation scheme, but I was a bit surprised.

Marriage extensions get approved in bkk. This is the reason for 30 days. The paperwork is scrutinized because they dont want bkk kicking it back.

[ggt]

I always looked forward to going to Jomtien immigration...it made the first drink of the day...oh so sweet...and necessary...to reduce my stress level...

[Ker]

how much does a retirement visa cost each year and what all do you need for a retirement visa is am 62 years old and have a retirement income of $3,200.00

thank you

[Muhendis]

how much does a retirement visa cost each year and what all do you need for a retirement visa is am 62 years old and have a retirement income of $3,200.00

thank you

Assuming you are in the 'States' you first need a 90 day non-immigrant 'O' visa to get into Thailand. During that first 90 days you need to get your bank and paperwork organised for your first extension based on retirement which will cost 1,900 ThB.

[ubonjoe]

how much does a retirement visa cost each year and what all do you need for a retirement visa is am 62 years old and have a retirement income of $3,200.00

thank you

Assuming you are in the 'States' you first need a 90 day non-immigrant 'O' visa to get into Thailand. During that first 90 days you need to get your bank and paperwork organised for your first extension based on retirement which will cost 1,900 ThB.

With that amount of income there is not thing needed from a bank. All that is needed is a letter from his embassy to prove his income.

[Muhendis]

how much does a retirement visa cost each year and what all do you need for a retirement visa is am 62 years old and have a retirement income of $3,200.00

thank you

Assuming you are in the 'States' you first need a 90 day non-immigrant 'O' visa to get into Thailand. During that first 90 days you need to get your bank and paperwork organised for your first extension based on retirement which will cost 1,900 ThB.

With that amount of income there is not thing needed from a bank. All that is needed is a letter from his embassy to prove his income.

Yes Joe you are right if the money mentioned refers to a monthly income. If it is an annual income then he will need his 800k savings in the bank or the combined income/savings. His post asks specifically about the cost. The other information Ker needs is available from his local consulate web site which I thought about but forgot to include in my reply.

[roobaa01]

gdaya folks,

i had my first marriage extension done at joimtiens in august last year, being exposed to the document pllight 3 x copies each neatly prepared in

a folder. then the papers arranged in the order as advised on the immi sheet ( 3 separated sets). moreover had to present 12 photos : 4 with the spouse inside

house, 4 outside, also 4 with a person together outside and inside the residence. then stuck the photos on sheet of paper. obviously the immi

officers seemed to be likiing this documentary layout, got through in 30 minutes iincl. 30 day stamp.

this year i will try the combination saving acc. and monthly income for the marriage extension but i will make sure to have a second bank book

with 400 k in it and a second bank letter in case being rejected.

of course they recommend the retirement visa less work for them.

wbr

roobaa01

[ubonjoe]

gdaya folks,

i had my first marriage extension done at joimtiens in august last year, being exposed to the document pllight 3 x copies each neatly prepared in

a folder. then the papers arranged in the order as advised on the immi sheet ( 3 separated sets). moreover had to present 12 photos : 4 with the spouse inside

house, 4 outside, also 4 with a person together outside and inside the residence. then stuck the photos on sheet of paper. obviously the immi

officers seemed to be likiing this documentary layout, got through in 30 minutes iincl. 30 day stamp.

this year i will try the combination saving acc. and monthly income for the marriage extension but i will make sure to have a second bank book

with 400 k in it and a second bank letter in case being rejected.

of course they recommend the retirement visa less work for them.

wbr

roobaa01

Only 2 TM7 forms with attached documents are needed to apply for the extension.

I think you went a bit overboard the photos.

Their is no combination of income and money in the bank allowed for an extension of stay based upon marriage. It is income or money in the bank only.

[yankee99]

gdaya folks,

i had my first marriage extension done at joimtiens in august last year, being exposed to the document pllight 3 x copies each neatly prepared in

a folder. then the papers arranged in the order as advised on the immi sheet ( 3 separated sets). moreover had to present 12 photos : 4 with the spouse inside

house, 4 outside, also 4 with a person together outside and inside the residence. then stuck the photos on sheet of paper. obviously the immi

officers seemed to be likiing this documentary layout, got through in 30 minutes iincl. 30 day stamp.

this year i will try the combination saving acc. and monthly income for the marriage extension but i will make sure to have a second bank book

with 400 k in it and a second bank letter in case being rejected.

of course they recommend the retirement visa less work for them.

wbr

roobaa01

Only 2 TM7 forms with attached documents are needed to apply for the extension.

I think you went a bit overboard the photos.

Their is no combination of income and money in the bank allowed for an extension of stay based upon marriage. It is income or money in the bank only.

I can assure you jomtien requires 2 sets of every document. Only one photo in front of the house with numbers although 2 copies of this one photo

[roobaa01]

tha folks for yr advice it was my 1rst application, hence i did like im being by the immi officer before i filed my docus. next time i m goin

to present 2 copied sets as u wrote . is it written anywhere 2 copies and photo qtys ????

wbr

roobaa01

[nzexpat]

"this year i will try the combination saving acc. and monthly income for the marriage extension but i will make sure to have a second bank book"

The "combo" method is not permitted for extensions based on marriage.

[roobaa01]

yes folks im aware of yr objections , it is appreciated but nevertheless try it out. the reason being, read not that it is officially not acceptable, however

will make sure that i will be carrying on the next time a second bank book with 400k add. to be not rejected.

wbr

roobaa01