Update / Report - Successful Extension of Stay App - Retirement - Krabi

[JDGRUEN]

My Extension of Stay based on Retirement was approved yesterday - for one year of course.

The only questions I got was 'What is your phone number? And when the I/O ask about my previous employment, I told him my first career was in health and medicine... he immediately got out his phone - showed me a photo of an ad for Human Growth Hormone and asked was it safe to take it and does it work?

Nothing about the U.S. Embassy Affidavit Letter was questioned... The I/O said a not single word about wanting other proof of meeting financial requirements. I have the equivalent of 800,000 Baht and more in the Bank and swore that I did have it on the Affidavit -- just not where I have it ... Which is not asked on the form.

Of course as you all know -- reporting to local immigration is a lot easier than exiting the country every 90 days. But I am glad I took that route with the 'O' Visa that I had. It got got me to move around a bit - see Thailand and do something every 90 days. Okay activity for the first year. And over this past year (actually 15 months) I have learned a lot about the Extension and Visa processes - so I have felt more confident about what to do and how to do it.

Sure is nice to get that out of the way.

The staff at the Krabi Immigration office were pleasant from the front desk back to the I/O desk area - everyone was cordial. I had 'over prepared' my paperwork as I am really into contingencies - better have that document or extra copy than not. Being a computer guy I have software that turns PDF files like the TM.7 into computer data entry forms which allows typing the information into data blocks. Thus my application was neatly typed. And it made it easy to print the 2nd page on the back of the first page.

I had my current and past residences in Krabi Province fully documented with rental agreement, water bill, Krabi Cable bill and Google Map photo and contact phone numbers for my landlords. Plus I wrote a 3 short paragraphs outlining my recent places of residence over six months as finding a good deal in a resort area required moving several times.

I also typed two very short paragraphs of my travels in Thailand since arriving 15 months ago (cities and towns and regions visited - about 16 places). I also added a short paragraph describing my first visit to Thailand with the U.S. Army long ago.

The I/O actually read over these descriptive paragraphs briefly.

I used a tactic I felt would work to get them to think well of me and become relaxed about dealing with my application. I enclosed three color photo printouts of me 47 years ago in the Phu Phan - Changwat Sakon Nakhon working with the Hill Tribe people in a makeshift medical clinic in Ban Lup Lao (my TVF Avatar), plus two more - one with an orphan girl we took care of at our remote Special Forces Camp on Nam Phung Dam and another off me. The Chief I/O showed the photos to all his female assistants... They remarked back and forth about the photos smiling and talking with me ...I was able to reply in well rehearsed Thai concerning that period of my life in Thailand.

Nothing better than working with the Chief I/O and all his assistants while they are smiling and in a good mood.

After that few minutes it was all a done deal. The entire application time frame took 45 minutes - arrived at 10:00 a.m. - waited 20 minutes (no real queue - just two guys ahead of me). This office separates Extension Applicants and those with urgent need for extension and places them in a special seating area in the I/O desk area. Those seeking Tourist Visa and Exemption Extensions are queued up with numbered tickets.

The actual application process took about 25 minutes. I left the office with stamps in my passport at about 10:45 a.m.

My efforts at making a neat and thorough application while being a little overdone worked well. The extra documents and narrative I supplied was received well. The I/O would glance at them for a little while - kept some and gave me back others.

My style of approach at dealing with the application process worked well for me -- but your experience may vary

[WhizBang]

Gotta admit the 90 day border runs tend to get old after a while. I have been doing it for over 10 years, so now I am really tired of them. Although, I do enjoy making a short holiday out of them, having to do it every 90 days gets a bit much. Tried the bus/minivan border runs, but enjoyed them even less, although much cheaper.

So this year, when I renew my visa, I have decided to go for the 5 year TE visa. I did the math, it will actually be cheaper (for me) than what the 90 day 'holidays' have been costing me.

[JDGRUEN]

Gotta admit the 90 day border runs tend to get old after a while. I have been doing it for over 10 years, so now I am really tired of them. Although, I do enjoy making a short holiday out of them, having to do it every 90 days gets a bit much. Tried the bus/minivan border runs, but enjoyed them even less, although much cheaper.

So this year, when I renew my visa, I have decided to go for the 5 year TE visa. I did the math, it will actually be cheaper (for me) than what the 90 day 'holidays' have been costing me.

I think the Elite Card, as it is sometimes called, is a great idea for those who have made their minds up to stay. I would do that too but admittedly 500,000 in one shot is not in my finances.

My method of applying for the Extension of Stay - Retirement worked well for me this time and when I renew at the same office next year - I feel it will be just as easy.

Good Luck on your solution -- sounds good.

[ovenman]

Thanks for the detailed report.

One point to clarify, when you obtained the US Embassy declaration letter, did you swear to a certain amount of monthly income or having a certain amount of money in the bank? You posts makes it sound like the latter, something that I have never heard of doing.

[JDGRUEN]

Thanks for the detailed report.

One point to clarify, when you obtained the US Embassy declaration letter, did you swear to a certain amount of monthly income or having a certain amount of money in the bank? You posts makes it sound like the latter, something that I have never heard of doing.

This issue has been debated for years and there are many different points of view interpretations. The 800,000 Baht required is supposed to be in a bank when that declaration of financial requirements is used. When the income method is used bank statements and letters are required and perhaps other evidence. My monthly income goes though the bank. But It was best and easiest for me to use this method.

**********************************************************

The online link to the blank form for fill in and printing ...

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/231771/acs/income_affidavit_template.pdf

Excerpt:

"I also affirm that I receive USD $ ________________ every month from the United States Government and/or other sources. I am applying for a Thai visa/ or extension of a current Thai visa and any assistance you can provide in this request will be greatly appreciated."

********************************************************************

This what I swore to and what I swore to is true, and it was found to be satisfactory to the I/O Officer. Thai Immigration allows this form and the sworn statement contained therein to be used 'stand alone' in lieu of bank statements and bank letters verifying income and is accepted at the discretion of the chief I/O officer/administrator that runs a particular Immigration Office.

This form allowing the sworn statement 'Is What It Is'. The number of dollars I inserted into the blank was a true statement. I am quite pleased that this easy and straight forward method is allowed.

[gamini]

rather an off topic thread. Getting a retirement visa is very easy. Most immigration offices are very quick (Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes.) and you only need to produce what is claealy stated by immigration. You make it sound as if getting a retirement visa was a big achievement

[nzexpat]

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rather an off topic thread. Getting a retirement visa is very easy. Most immigration offices are very quick (Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes.) and you only need to produce what is claealy stated by immigration. You make it sound as if getting a retirement visa was a big achievement

It must be a massive achievement because there is no such thing as a "retirement visa" which can be obtained in Thailand!

[JDGRUEN]

rather an off topic thread. Getting a retirement visa is very easy. Most immigration offices are very quick (Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes.) and you only need to produce what is claealy stated by immigration. You make it sound as if getting a retirement visa was a big achievement

I guess you do not read too much on TVF... many people over time - because they were not prepared have had lots of problems - on their first time out... Or the local Thai Immigration office invokes its own rules, or the Applicant just had little idea what he/she is doing.

Calling what I posted 'Off Topic' is juvenile ... go have another 3-4 Leo's and sleep well.

[Si Thea01]

Here is my experience at Udon Thani today. Arrived at 9.30am with all necessary documents. All over red rover in 40 minutes. However, here is the news, Not issued with the extension of stay based on retirement. Given a stamp in the passport, which reads:

RETIREMENT

Udon Thani Immigration.

Application of stay is under consideration of

the Immigration Bureau. Applicant must

contact this office again in person on the

28th March 2015.

Signed and dated.

Was told by the Officer, who has always processed my application, that this is the new rule being implemented and the applicant has to undergo new checks by the Bureau. Unfortunately, he was not able to state why, all he could tell me was that this Is the new rule implemented by the current government and will apply to all future persons seeking an extension of stay based on retirement. No increase in fee, still 1900 Baht. Oh, also got my phone number as well.

Also, in general chit chat, he told me that foreign tourism was well down on previous years and they had very little work in relation to visas and had to find things to do on some days. Never seen it so quiet, 5 foreigners and a few from Cambodia.

It would be interesting to know why this has been applied, in particular when one adheres to the rules and submits all relevant documents required. I was told that I could attend as early as the 21st, is this a concession? 55. Just another inconvenience thought up by someone with nothing to do, that is unless the system is being abused, who knows.

[ubonjoe]

Here is my experience at Udon Thani today. Arrived at 9.30am with all necessary documents. All over red rover in 40 minutes. However, here is the news, Not issued with the extension of stay based on retirement. Given a stamp in the passport, which reads:

RETIREMENT

Udon Thani Immigration.

Application of stay is under consideration of

the Immigration Bureau. Applicant must

contact this office again in person on the

28th March 2015.

Signed and dated.

Was told by the Officer, who has always processed my application, that this is the new rule being implemented and the applicant has to undergo new checks by the Bureau. Unfortunately, he was not able to state why, all he could tell me was that this Is the new rule implemented by the current government and will apply to all future persons seeking an extension of stay based on retirement. No increase in fee, still 1900 Baht. Oh, also got my phone number as well.

Also, in general chit chat, he told me that foreign tourism was well down on previous years and they had very little work in relation to visas and had to find things to do on some days. Never seen it so quiet, 5 foreigners and a few from Cambodia.

It would be interesting to know why this has been applied, in particular when one adheres to the rules and submits all relevant documents required. I was told that I could attend as early as the 21st, is this a concession? 55. Just another inconvenience thought up by someone with nothing to do, that is unless the system is being abused, who knows.

That is only happening at Udon immigration. Apparently their ability to approve them was pulled or they don't have an officer that can do it.

[Si Thea01]

Here is my experience at Udon Thani today. Arrived at 9.30am with all necessary documents. All over red rover in 40 minutes. However, here is the news, Not issued with the extension of stay based on retirement. Given a stamp in the passport, which reads:

RETIREMENT

Udon Thani Immigration.

Application of stay is under consideration of

the Immigration Bureau. Applicant must

contact this office again in person on the

28th March 2015.

Signed and dated.

Was told by the Officer, who has always processed my application, that this is the new rule being implemented and the applicant has to undergo new checks by the Bureau. Unfortunately, he was not able to state why, all he could tell me was that this Is the new rule implemented by the current government and will apply to all future persons seeking an extension of stay based on retirement. No increase in fee, still 1900 Baht. Oh, also got my phone number as well.

Also, in general chit chat, he told me that foreign tourism was well down on previous years and they had very little work in relation to visas and had to find things to do on some days. Never seen it so quiet, 5 foreigners and a few from Cambodia.

It would be interesting to know why this has been applied, in particular when one adheres to the rules and submits all relevant documents required. I was told that I could attend as early as the 21st, is this a concession? 55. Just another inconvenience thought up by someone with nothing to do, that is unless the system is being abused, who knows.

That is only happening at Udon immigration. Apparently their ability to approve them was pulled or they don't have an officer that can do it.

Thanks for the insight, still an inconvenience but then, it we want, we have to wait and grin and bear it. At least they were still smiling and gave great service.

[JDGRUEN]

Here is my experience at Udon Thani today. Arrived at 9.30am with all necessary documents. All over red rover in 40 minutes. However, here is the news, Not issued with the extension of stay based on retirement. Given a stamp in the passport, which reads:

RETIREMENT

Udon Thani Immigration.

Application of stay is under consideration of

the Immigration Bureau. Applicant must

contact this office again in person on the

28th March 2015.

Signed and dated.

Was told by the Officer, who has always processed my application, that this is the new rule being implemented and the applicant has to undergo new checks by the Bureau. Unfortunately, he was not able to state why, all he could tell me was that this Is the new rule implemented by the current government and will apply to all future persons seeking an extension of stay based on retirement. No increase in fee, still 1900 Baht. Oh, also got my phone number as well.

Also, in general chit chat, he told me that foreign tourism was well down on previous years and they had very little work in relation to visas and had to find things to do on some days. Never seen it so quiet, 5 foreigners and a few from Cambodia.

It would be interesting to know why this has been applied, in particular when one adheres to the rules and submits all relevant documents required. I was told that I could attend as early as the 21st, is this a concession? 55. Just another inconvenience thought up by someone with nothing to do, that is unless the system is being abused, who knows.

Thank you for sharing this... Damn - what crap ... I see UbonJoe's response... so hopefully it is just an inconvenience. Good Luck ... JD

[Naam]

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rather an off topic thread. Getting a retirement visa is very easy. Most immigration offices are very quick (Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes.) and you only need to produce what is claealy stated by immigration. You make it sound as if getting a retirement visa was a big achievement

It must be a massive achievement because there is no such thing as a "retirement visa" which can be obtained in Thailand!

you are right of course. those immigration stamps "RETIREMENT" are put just for fun

[luckyluke]

Ask an immigration officer :

"I should like to apply for a Non-O Visa Extension based on retirement"

or ask him :

" I should like to apply for a retirement visa"

Reactions will be very different.

[Si Thea01]

Here is my experience at Udon Thani today. Arrived at 9.30am with all necessary documents. All over red rover in 40 minutes. However, here is the news, Not issued with the extension of stay based on retirement. Given a stamp in the passport, which reads:

RETIREMENT

Udon Thani Immigration.

Application of stay is under consideration of

the Immigration Bureau. Applicant must

contact this office again in person on the

28th March 2015.

Signed and dated.

Was told by the Officer, who has always processed my application, that this is the new rule being implemented and the applicant has to undergo new checks by the Bureau. Unfortunately, he was not able to state why, all he could tell me was that this Is the new rule implemented by the current government and will apply to all future persons seeking an extension of stay based on retirement. No increase in fee, still 1900 Baht. Oh, also got my phone number as well.

Also, in general chit chat, he told me that foreign tourism was well down on previous years and they had very little work in relation to visas and had to find things to do on some days. Never seen it so quiet, 5 foreigners and a few from Cambodia.

It would be interesting to know why this has been applied, in particular when one adheres to the rules and submits all relevant documents required. I was told that I could attend as early as the 21st, is this a concession? 55. Just another inconvenience thought up by someone with nothing to do, that is unless the system is being abused, who knows.

Thank you for sharing this... Damn - what crap ... I see UbonJoe's response... so hopefully it is just an inconvenience. Good Luck ... JD

Yes JD, me too. Thanks. If anything occurs next month I will give an update.

Regards.

Si

[ubonjoe]

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rather an off topic thread. Getting a retirement visa is very easy. Most immigration offices are very quick (Hua Hin takes about 20 minutes.) and you only need to produce what is claealy stated by immigration. You make it sound as if getting a retirement visa was a big achievement

It must be a massive achievement because there is no such thing as a "retirement visa" which can be obtained in Thailand!

you are right of course. those immigration stamps "RETIREMENT" are put just for fun

But no where on the stamps does it say it is a visa.

[lopburi3]

1. The "retirement" refers to the type of extension of stay. The fact it is placed on a passport visa page does not make it a visa.

2. Immigration forms are available in Word format (.doc) as well as PDF. Much easier to download the Word format and fill in on computer before printing - no need for any special PDF data entry software. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

[JDGRUEN]

1. The "retirement" refers to the type of extension of stay. The fact it is placed on a passport visa page does not make it a visa.

2. Immigration forms are available in Word format (.doc) as well as PDF. Much easier to download the Word format and fill in on computer before printing - no need for any special PDF data entry software. http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm7.doc

The words 'Non 'O' often appear on the passport page where the Extension of Stay is applied as that is most often the Visa status of the person prior to the time of changing to an Extension of Stay. And the Visa Status was what was used to Enter Thailand - once one has Entered, the status becomes a 'Permission to Stay' based on that Visa Category.

I know you know this lopburi ... But I posted this as general clarification for those readers who are not aware of the nuances of the terms Visa - Permission to Stay and Extension of Stay.

These concepts are not easy to grasp for the causal reader - took me a lot of time to get it down. I think I am correct. Please advise if you think I missed the mark some way.

My Extension of Stay Stamp(s) made no reference to Category 'O'... as can been seen on the attached image.

[Naam]

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It must be a massive achievement because there is no such thing as a "retirement visa" which can be obtained in Thailand!

you are right of course. those immigration stamps "RETIREMENT" are put just for fun

But no where on the stamps does it say it is a visa.

it does. look at the "non O" left of the retirement stamp which clearly refers to a "visa". but we are back to square one with the argument "what is a visa" and stuck with the silly Thai version "extension of stay".

here's an internationally acknowledged definition of the expression "visa":

visa/ˈviːzə/

noun

• an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&as_q=visa+definition&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=not+filtered+by+licence

[nzexpat]

• an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.

Suggest you leave and then re-enter Thailand with the assistance of your "retirement visa" and nothing else

What could possibly go wrong ?

[JDGRUEN]

@ Naam # 19 .... This is my take on the subject.

Thailand's definition seems to run along these lines. An issued Visa - a document which can be presented upon arriving that may be honored by Thai I/Os to allow your entry into Thailand. Once entered that period of time becomes a Permission to/of Stay. Extending that Permission to/of Stay becomes an Extension of Stay.

A perfectly legitimate Visa may be denied - not allowed entry because of information that shows up on the Thai Immigration computer upon attempting to enter

And of course when Allowed to Enter on a Visa... the person is given a Departure Card which obviously must be presented on Departure....

If one is on a Extension of Stay - then one must buy a Re-entry Permit when exiting Thailand to keep the implied Permission to Stay alive while gone temporarily.

If Thailand had tried they might have been able to make it more complicated - not sure though.

[nzexpat]

Many countries operate their visa systems in a similar manner.

But try extending a UK or Australian tourist visa for example !

[luckyluke]

Reactions will be very different.

I mean the immigration officer won't understand very well if you tell him : "Non - O visa extension based on retirement", but will understand immediately if you tell him "retirement visa".

This based on 15 years experience.

But theoretically all what's written here is right.

[nzexpat]

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Reactions will be very different.

I mean the immigration officer won't understand very well if you tell him : "Non - O visa extension based on retirement", but will understand immediately if you tell him "retirement visa".

This based on 15 years experience.

But theoretically all what's written here is right.

The immigration officers opt for an easy life !

They know the ignorant Farang likes to call an extension a "visa" so why argue !

I do though know one immigration officer (a Sen.Sgt. Major) who if asked for a retirement or marriage visa will say "not available here"

I have said to him that he should not "tease" and he replied "why not,it is their passport and they should know what they are asking to be placed in it ! )

[Naam]

some Farangs will side with Thai immigration which calls an extension of a visa an extension of stay. there's nothing wrong with that but that doesn't change the fact that the extension of stay is a visa!

my message to all "extensioners": "either eat your hearts out or don't worry and be happy."