Retirement Visa

[iamariva1957]

Seems that I have to do a Visa Run into Laos to get a new visa. Going to use the Savannakhet crossing as it seems to be the easiest these days as per folks here in TV. So:

Plan:

• Traveling March 1 from Thai into Laos.
• On last extension on a Double Entry 60-Day Visa (issued in the US) which expires on March 1.
• I want to stay longer and get a Retirement Visa (I am over 50, have the financials, etc see below).
• Told to get a new Tourist Visa (?) by immigration here in Thai and apply upon return.
• I want a Retirement Visa though.

Questions:

• Do I get a new Single of Double Entry 60-day or what?
• Can I get the above without any trouble?
• I know I can change Tourist Visa when I am here in Thai (upon return, for the 15-day requirement) in CM (do NOT want to do the BKK immigration office as it is a mad house usually).
• I have financial affidavit from US Consulate in CM already (1 week old now), Health Certificate (from Hospital), Form from my Landlord, Pics, Passport info, TM Card, visa page, etc already.
• Do I have everything that I will need?
• Will I have difficulties doing this?
• Any suggestions as to how to make it an even easier process (use agent there or not)?
• Will I get another Tourist Visa ...Single or Double... even though I have had one that just expired and other than one trip into Cam is all that I have in this passport as it is a new one (June 2014)?
• Or can one come in on a Visa Exempt and then change that into a Retirement. Though this idea sort of does not make sense to me on the face of it. But this is Thailand after all! LOL!

I ask these questions only because I find myself confused by it all. So any and all help, information, and/or suggestions will be more than welcome!

Thanks everyone!

[Lite Beer]

Better if you can get a single entry Non Imm O Visa.

You can then apply for the 12 months extension in CM after 60 days.

A Tourist Visa would mean you have to travel to Bangkok to change to a Non O Visa.

You don't need the medical certificate.

[ubonjoe]

It would best to go to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o visa. Just show your passport and your income affidavit with copies attached to the visa application.

Savannakhet would want to see 800k baht in the bank along with the income letter. Savannakhet is next service now not same day as before.

You certainly do no want to get a tourist visa. The only place you can do the change to a non immigrant visa is Bangkok and it takes 2 trips 15 days apart.

If you get to the consular section in Vientiane early on Monday the 2nd you will beat the crowds that will show up later.

You will be able to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry you get from the non-o visa. The income affidavit you have now will be accepted then (one up to 6 months old will be accepted).

[iamariva1957]

It would best to go to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o visa. Just show your passport and your income affidavit with copies attached to the visa application.

Savannakhet would want to see 800k baht in the bank along with the income letter. Savannakhet is next service now not same day as before.

You certainly do no want to get a tourist visa. The only place you can do the change to a non immigrant visa is Bangkok and it takes 2 trips 15 days apart.

If you get to the consular section in Vientiane early on Monday the 2nd you will beat the crowds that will show up later.

You will be able to apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry you get from the non-o visa. The income affidavit you have now will be accepted then (one up to 6 months old will be accepted).

As always thank you for you insight. But I seem to have not read what you wrote and have already got my tickets to Savannakhet. I have hotel there as well. So all set for March 1. So maybe I will just get 1 new Double Entry and deal with the BKK change over and mark it down as my own stupidity.

But I have also been told here and from people at this end that a Non Imm O is not as difficult as you seem to have stated. I am told that they do not need a Thai bank account with 800K just the financial affidavit from the US Consulate in CM. But what do I know. Was also told to use an agent there and they will get everything done and this person used one and had no problems. But I wonder about this action... for you hear stories of fake visa being issued... well you know.

What do you think. I would hate to change all the arrangements I have made at this point. I have just not heard any good stories about VTE recently here... I know, I know... not always good information (except from you). So what you think?

[nzexpat]

As they say in Thailand "up to you"

The options have been laid out and explained.

[OJAS]

Apply for another tourist visa at Savannakhet as a fall-back option if they won't give you a non-O, and then make plans for a trip to Vientiane to obtain a non-O for retirement there in due course.

[TerryLH]

Don't give the consulate the original income letter from your embassy or you'll have to get a new one when you do the extension at immigration.

The letter is only good for 6 months, so plan on doing the extension with that in mind.

[ToddinChonburi]

I would apply for Non O first if they want 800,000 baht just hand them new application for tourist visa. Maybe officer will accept income letter only, make sure you give them a copy , show original if you have to . Good luck .