Retirement Extensions Phuket - Big Changes Since Last Year

[swissbie]

Last time in Nakhon Pathom, also done it in Samut Sakhorn and in Bangkok. And yes, it's not even everywhere, but everytime not the same. As I said, lucky too, no queue..

[pendingo]

I agree 100%......I just hate with a passion farangs dressed like slobs asking for tourist extensions, sloppy clothes, unshaven, real dirt bags!

I couldn't agree more.

So many farang guys go to the immigration office dressed like tramps so how do they expect they should be treated?

Even the Japanese, Burmese and Lao immigrants make an effort to dress accordingly.

[paz]

Even the Japanese, Burmese and Lao immigrants make an effort to dress accordingly.

Japanese immigrants ?

[smotherb]

My wife and I need to get our ninth retirement extension before March 20. I am going to BKK next week--and will be sure to visit the TV lounge--for our biggest retirement extension hassle, the US embassy acknowlegement of our income. I'll be sure to let you know how it works out.

[nzexpat]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

My wife and I need to get our ninth retirement extension before March 20. I am going to BKK next week--and will be sure to visit the TV lounge--for our biggest retirement extension hassle, the US embassy acknowlegement of our income. I'll be sure to let you know how it works out.

Why is the USA Embassy a problem ?

All you do is "swear" an affidavit of income which you hope that the Immigration officer will not ask you to prove.

[Maestro]

I suspect that "biggest hassle" refers to the length and hardship of his trip to Bankgok and back, some of which he hopes to assuage a little with his visit to the Thaivisa lounge, second building on the left as he enters Sukhumvit Soi 7. I gorged myself on chicken wings last time I was there, and I saw many other tempting items on their menue. 10% discount for Thisvisa members except for already discounted items during happy hours. Identify yourself by showing yourself logged into your Thaivisa account; free wifi available.

[CapeThai]

Could it be that most of the trashy tank top dressed farangs are Euroids or could some come from a small island English speaking nation. How did their parents teach them how to dress.

Perhaps the UK or Australia..... Yeah they do have a rather trashy way of dressing. Just go to the dumpster and shop for free....more beer and cheap Thai whiskey as a result...???

Oooh.... I hope I did not hurt any feelings here...what the hell this is TV after all. ??

[merijn]

Do you still have to provide a copy of a foreign credit card? I had to do this last November. I didn't have to show a rent recipt, utility bill or my landlord's ID card either. This new from January?

The copy of your (front side only and Thai card is also excepted) credit card is still required in case you use the pension income option.

If the bank statement option is no credit card copy is required.

If you don't have a credit card a normal bank card or name page of Thai bank book is also accepted.

[exppenang]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

[merijn]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

You could always send a email to the immigration volunteers (in the pinned topics) for the latest requirements before you make a new extension.

Lot of people are doing that and makes their live much easier.

[rawhod]

IN Chiang Mai,

The only requirement to renew my Retirement visa "0"

Front page of Passport, pages of

Date entered country

Application of Retirement via

2-pictures of myself.

Copy of old Retirement Visa

House blue book W/ wive's National ID

Thai Marriage Certificate.

Departure card.

1900 baht.

Waiting took 2-3 hours

After 20 minutes checking paper work

she stamped my Passport,

and I was on my way clicking my heals with joy.

I can't believe people pay 2,000-3,000 baht on top of

the 1900 baht to have some office staffer fill out the paperwork

for you and hand it all in. What a waste of money!

It's not that hard to do yourself!!!

I suspect you also need some income or some money in the bank...

[exppenang]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

You could always send a email the immigration volunteers (in the pinned topics) for the latest requirements before you make a new extension.

Lot of people are doing that and makes their live much easier.

Wow, I didn't know the volunteers had an email address that you could ask this type of question.

In my above rant, I should have also added that I have real RESPECT for the volunteers. They do a VERY DIFFICULT job day after day, and without them, the Phuket office couldn't function at all. They have my appreciation.

Do you have the email address for them - an email of thanks is in order from me.

[merijn]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

You could always send a email the immigration volunteers (in the pinned topics) for the latest requirements before you make a new extension.

Lot of people are doing that and makes their live much easier.

Wow, I didn't know the volunteers had an email address that you could ask this type of question.

In my above rant, I should have also added that I have real RESPECT for the volunteers. They do a VERY DIFFICULT job day after day, and without them, the Phuket office couldn't function at all. They have my appreciation.

Do you have the email address for them - an email of thanks is in order from me.

For any Phuket immigration information you can send a email to them at [email protected]

They have also a phone number for more urgent issues 090-1707360

Both email and phone number are ONLY for Phuket immigration.

[2fishin2]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

First wasnt making my post directly towards you. I was making it towards people not prepared. My first retirement visa I had an agency do for me as it was my first one. I paid for it and dont regret what I did. This time I did it for myself. The requirements have been posted countless times here on TV. Using that info, I went to Phuket Immigration with the paperwork requirements and got my extension to stay with no issues.

I agree the bottom floor is a madhouse, its just too small. But after you get your number its just another wait. As far as cueing outside in hot sun for hours thats a stretch. Of course when there is a line you have to wait a little to get your number but hours nah.

You werent prepared, and thats your fault and no one else's....

[phuketrichard]

Wow, I didn't know the volunteers had an email address that you could ask this type of question.

In my above rant, I should have also added that I have real RESPECT for the volunteers. They do a VERY DIFFICULT job day after day, and without them, the Phuket office couldn't function at all. They have my appreciation.

Do you have the email address for them - an email of thanks is in order from me.

For any Phuket immigration information you can send a email to them at [email protected]

They have also a phone number for more urgent issues 090-1707360

Both email and phone number are ONLY for Phuket immigration.

PHUKET

also this one phuketimmigrationvolunteers @ hotmail.com

076 221 905

I cant see why anyone would want to do what they do >

and it was much easier Pre vol days

June

In an out in 30 minutes with a new exten and re entry

now

in and out in 20 minutes ( if u get there at 8 am)

and than have to go back after 2:30

line up again and get another number

and hope u can get ur re entry permit that day as the lines for extensions downstairs are really bad

[merijn]

Wow, I didn't know the volunteers had an email address that you could ask this type of question.

In my above rant, I should have also added that I have real RESPECT for the volunteers. They do a VERY DIFFICULT job day after day, and without them, the Phuket office couldn't function at all. They have my appreciation.

Do you have the email address for them - an email of thanks is in order from me.

For any Phuket immigration information you can send a email to them at [email protected]

They have also a phone number for more urgent issues 090-1707360

Both email and phone number are ONLY for Phuket immigration.

PHUKET

also this one phuketimmigrationvolunteers @ hotmail.com

076 221 905

I cant see why anyone would want to do what they do >

and it was much easier Pre vol days

June

In an out in 30 minutes with a new exten and re entry

now

in and out in 20 minutes ( if u get there at 8 am)

and than have to go back after 2:30

line up again and get another number

and hope u can get ur re entry permit that day as the lines for extensions downstairs are really bad

Your provided email address is a old one and does not work anymore.

[exppenang]

Dont know why people complain? Got there about 0830 in morning, submitted my paperwork with zero problems, came back at 1430 after lunch and was out the door by 1500. Was easier and cheaper than paying an agency 30000 baht to do same thing. The only problem people experience at immigration are ones they cause themselves. Be prepared things go fine, unprepared and things wont. It aint rocket science.

Not sure what 'complaining people' you are referring to. I do my best to 'be prepared', indeed I had every bit of documentation that I needed last time (and more just in case). However, there is no definitive source of information on exactly what is needed from day to day and office to office. If there were, many of these posts here would be unnecessary.

In my case it took 3 hours on day one to find out what 'new documentation' was needed. I dont live close to the office, so day one was shot.

If there actually was a definitive, current list of what is needed, I think more people would 'be prepared' the first time.

Also, in Phuket there are all types of queue jumpers and @$$#0!#s pushing and shoving, facilities are way too small leaving retirees aged 60 and 70+ forced to queue in the hot sun for hours. Sure they want our money - they just don't want to be accountable for doing their job properly. Being rude, inefficient, and overall doing a poor job of being a public servant is the norm here.

Let's face it - Immigration in Thailand is decades behind the rest of the world, with few exceptions.

First wasnt making my post directly towards you. I was making it towards people not prepared. My first retirement visa I had an agency do for me as it was my first one. I paid for it and dont regret what I did. This time I did it for myself. The requirements have been posted countless times here on TV. Using that info, I went to Phuket Immigration with the paperwork requirements and got my extension to stay with no issues.

I agree the bottom floor is a madhouse, its just too small. But after you get your number its just another wait. As far as cueing outside in hot sun for hours thats a stretch. Of course when there is a line you have to wait a little to get your number but hours nah.

You werent prepared, and thats your fault and no one else's....

On the day I was there, those far behind me (some elderly), did indeed wait over an hour in the hot sun to get inside for the first time. After I finished, I saw some of them re-queued in the same place at 10:30 AM, with quite a few in front of them. These are my observations - I am not saying every day is like this (hopefully not).

'But hours nah'. Do you have anything more definitive than this? Are you saying it didn't happen on the day I was there?

As for your constructive comment about whose 'fault' it is, all I can say is that is why I take the time to post accurate information to the best of my ability according to my observation(s), so that my experience hopefully will help others avoid making the same mistake.

To me, this sharing of info is the REAL benefit of this forum, not bashing others.

[larsjohnsson]

In Cambodia, you just pay around B10,000 a year. No lines. No reporting.

I prefer to pay 1900 baht a year☺

[Baerboxer]

Try keeping that up, as you get older and lose your mobility and / or your mind. ...

I'd sooner retire somewhere else than to go through the crap that the poor retired folks have to go through.

It's the variability and inconsistency between different officers and offices. You never really know what's coming.

I went last week and some of the officers had swapped around from last time I was lucky to get the most professional, helpful and pragmatic one whose always been there. I arrived on the car park at 11.20 and by 12.10 was leaving with my new extension stamped in the passport and also having made a 90 day report,

The officers dealing with 90 days reporting cleared their queue before closing for lunch. They are usually pretty helpful.

Changes in the extension this year was more official notices to acknowledge and sign, such as the new proposed overstay rules; my photograph was taken by digital camera linked to the computer system after paying for extension but before the boss signed everything and interestingly I noticed the officer when checking now types your passport / visa details into a computers and prints something out which she attached to the documentation. Maybe something confirming when you arrived, that you're not black listed, or no problems. Never seen that before.

[evadgib]

A hard way of doing something easy; a bit like doing business with or working for the MOD

[merijn]

Try keeping that up, as you get older and lose your mobility and / or your mind. ...

I'd sooner retire somewhere else than to go through the crap that the poor retired folks have to go through.

It's the variability and inconsistency between different officers and offices. You never really know what's coming.

I went last week and some of the officers had swapped around from last time I was lucky to get the most professional, helpful and pragmatic one whose always been there. I arrived on the car park at 11.20 and by 12.10 was leaving with my new extension stamped in the passport and also having made a 90 day report,

The officers dealing with 90 days reporting cleared their queue before closing for lunch. They are usually pretty helpful.

Changes in the extension this year was more official notices to acknowledge and sign, such as the new proposed overstay rules; my photograph was taken by digital camera linked to the computer system after paying for extension but before the boss signed everything and interestingly I noticed the officer when checking now types your passport / visa details into a computers and prints something out which she attached to the documentation. Maybe something confirming when you arrived, that you're not black listed, or no problems. Never seen that before.

The first officer will check indeed the database for any blacklisting, address registration and 90 day reporting. After this she will print a confirmation paper so the officer who handles your extension doesn't have to do this anymore.

[smotherb]

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My wife and I need to get our ninth retirement extension before March 20. I am going to BKK next week--and will be sure to visit the TV lounge--for our biggest retirement extension hassle, the US embassy acknowlegement of our income. I'll be sure to let you know how it works out.

Why is the USA Embassy a problem ?

All you do is "swear" an affidavit of income which you hope that the Immigration officer will not ask you to prove.

Well, it is the "biggest" hassle in the retirement extension dance because I have to go to Bangkok, and that is a two day minimum. So, to assuage that hassle, I have to go bar-hopping and meet up with old friends. I could not do the social thing in a one-day round trip flight. Then the embassy has the audacity of requiring an appointment, which can only be made in the morning--you must remember, I just partied all night and am not in favor of getting up for a morning appointment. Yeah, I know you can go in and take chances in the afternoon, but that interferes with breakfast, the afternoon quaffing, and the flight back. So, either way, it is a hassle.

Going to immigration is easy and takes little time, maybe 30 minutes. As I said, I live where there are few farangs, never a long wait at immigration, and all we need are the income statement and the Thai translation of our marriage certificate, which is already done. The interns fill out our forms and make the copies, as we talk to the immigration officers; then we sign the forms and pay the B3,800 (B1,900each); done deal.

[smotherb]

I suspect that "biggest hassle" refers to the length and hardship of his trip to Bankgok and back, some of which he hopes to assuage a little with his visit to the Thaivisa lounge, second building on the left as he enters Sukhumvit Soi 7. I gorged myself on chicken wings last time I was there, and I saw many other tempting items on their menue. 10% discount for Thisvisa members except for already discounted items during happy hours. Identify yourself by showing yourself logged into your Thaivisa account; free wifi available.

I am impressed, not only were you right, but we used the same word, "assuage."

[evadgib]

A serial dyslexic might assume they're made of pork

[properperson]

Bloke down our way went to one of them visa shops doing "non status" retirement visas....

Dropped passport and 12,000b off at 10am and collected passport with new retirement extension and receipt for the 1900 b fee, at 3pm.....

Jobs a good 'un, he reccons....

[jpinx]

Bloke down our way went to one of them visa shops doing "non status" retirement visas....

Dropped passport and 12,000b off at 10am and collected passport with new retirement extension and receipt for the 1900 b fee, at 3pm.....

Jobs a good 'un, he reccons....

I hope you're kidding? 12,000 for something that costs 1,900 plus a bit of copying and legwork. Your "bloke" must have money to burn or a dodgy reason to stay in Thailand.

I wonder if the stamps in his passport are genuine and recorded on immigrations computer system? Maybe he'll find out one day ,,,,,,,

[paz]

Bloke down our way went to one of them visa shops doing "non status" retirement visas....

Dropped passport and 12,000b off at 10am and collected passport with new retirement extension and receipt for the 1900 b fee, at 3pm.....

Jobs a good 'un, he reccons....

I hope you're kidding? 12,000 for something that costs 1,900 plus a bit of copying and legwork. Your "bloke" must have money to burn or a dodgy reason to stay in Thailand.

I wonder if the stamps in his passport are genuine and recorded on immigrations computer system? Maybe he'll find out one day ,,,,,,,

Are you using sarcasm, or have you missed reading something of what properperson described concisely.

[OJAS]

Bloke down our way went to one of them visa shops doing "non status" retirement visas....

Dropped passport and 12,000b off at 10am and collected passport with new retirement extension and receipt for the 1900 b fee, at 3pm.....

Jobs a good 'un, he reccons....

I hope you're kidding? 12,000 for something that costs 1,900 plus a bit of copying and legwork. Your "bloke" must have money to burn or a dodgy reason to stay in Thailand.

I wonder if the stamps in his passport are genuine and recorded on immigrations computer system? Maybe he'll find out one day ,,,,,,,

Are you using sarcasm, or have you missed reading something of what properperson described concisely.

What's your problem with his comment then? It seems to me that he is merely pointing out the risks which suckers like the bloke down properperson's way run when parting with 12,000 THB to some spiv "agent" who might well then take his passport around to a mate of theirs who is an expert in forgery instead of to the local immigration office for the extension stamp to be affixed.

[paz]

What's your problem with his comment then? It seems to me that he is merely pointing out the risks which suckers like the bloke down properperson's way run when parting with 12,000 THB to some spiv "agent" who might well then take his passport around to a mate of theirs who is an expert in forgery instead of to the local immigration office for the extension stamp to be affixed.

No, that's not what happened, at least in my opinion. Rather than a corrupt officer was bribed to grant an extension without the financials needed. In this case the stamps are genuine and the extension is valid in immigration database.

[nzexpat]

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What's your problem with his comment then? It seems to me that he is merely pointing out the risks which suckers like the bloke down properperson's way run when parting with 12,000 THB to some spiv "agent" who might well then take his passport around to a mate of theirs who is an expert in forgery instead of to the local immigration office for the extension stamp to be affixed.

No, that's not what happened, at least in my opinion. Rather than a corrupt officer was bribed to grant an extension without the financials needed. In this case the stamps are genuine and the extension is valid in immigration database.

Some years ago (I forget the details) many people in Phuket were found to have fake stamps in their passports. That led to court appearances, fines and deportation.

Those who attempt to subvert the system are always walking on very thin ice.