Nong Khai Or Udon Thani Immigration Bureau Office

[gdhm]

Hello,

I am just about ready to make my Retirement Visa application

Please can anybody advise me on the following.

First Time Retirement Visa application based on EXTENDING and CHANGING my 90 Non Immigration Visa

1) I am based in Khon Kaen. Logic says I should visit the Nong Khai Immigration Bureau to make my application but I understand there is an Udon Thani SUB Immigration Office. AM I allowed to make my First time application at Udon Thani OR must I visit the Main Immigration Bureau in Nong Khai?

2) Either way, can anybody advise me on the current addresses and opening hours for both offices?

3) Can I apply for my Retirement Visa any time during the official opening hours or are there specific times of the day for accepting these applications?

4) There has been several differing opinions recently in what format the TM.7 is required by the Nong Khai Immigration Bureau. Does anybody know for sure if it must be completed by hand in its entirety OR whether information can be typed into the on-line TM.7 form and then signed and dated by hand?

90 Day Reporting

5) Is the Arrival card I use for each 90 reporting, the last one I received when coming into Thailand.

6) Can reporting ONLY be at an Immigration Bureau office or by post, OR can I also report to the main Police Station in my City (Khon Kaen)

Importing or Personal & Household items into Thailand from Spain

7) Upon the granting of my Retirement Visa I believe I have 6 months to import my personal belongings into Thailand (to avoid import tax etc.).

I have SO FAR been unable to sell my primary home in Spain and am not planning (and do not want) to visit Spain until I have a buyer. Accordingly, until I visit Spain I am not in a position to sort out and export my household belongings to Thailand.

What are my options IF ANY?

Selling houses on the Costa Blanca Spain can take a year or more at the present time. I am very reluctant to fly over to Spain just to sort out my belongings because this would cause a complete extra round trip by plane AND an additional cost of some 1,500 Euros at least (72,000 baht) AND for me to be away form my wife and stepson. I would sooner do it all at once during One trip when my house is sold (if possible and permitted by Thai Immigration)

Single or Multiple exit/entry permits

8) When I have my Retirement Visa. At what stage would I apply for a single or multiple exit and entry permits so my Retirement Visa validity dates are protected, but enabling me to visit Spain to sign the papers to sell my house (when applicable) or just for a family holiday outside Thailand etc.?

Final 3 questions,

Renewal of Retirement Visa

9) Assuming my change to Retirement Visa extension application is granted. what will future requirements be for renewal each year?

Will it be exactly the same requirements as my first original application or, will there be other or lesser requirements for a renewal?

10) Can I use the original UK Embassy Letter dated 14th September 2006 [/u]providing Pension details, at each year at renewal or must I get a new one each year?

11) How long before the expiry of a Retirement Visa should I visit an Immigration Bureau Office and apply for renewal.

Sorry for so many questions, but asking them all together seemed logical and the answers (if received) useful to many and in 1 thread

Kindest Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

1. I believe a responsible officer is available to sign but have no personal knowledge.

2. A search will probably find it.

3. Any time.

4. Bangkok accepts it - can't speak for upcountry.

5. 90 day reports are from date of arrival or first extension of stay - you make your report at the same time you extend this time.

6. Believe it must be Immigration Police.

7. You have no duty free import.

8. Same day you receive or at the latest prior to travel outside of Thailand.

9. The same.

10. They seem to accept a copy for file in Bangkok - not sure upcountry.

11. One or two weeks.

[LoveDaBlues]

Nong Khai immigration has set up an EXTENSION branch in Udon Thani. It is located on the first floor of the AEK Udon Hospital. Open 2 days a week only; Monday and Friday. The hours are 9am to 3pm. The first thing to do when you get there is to take a numbered tag from the table just outside the little office where the immigration people sit.

I'm in the process of applying for my retirement visa. I've been told all the paperwork can be submitted at Udon Thani.

No. 10.....I've been told you can just submit a copy each year.

If you apply at Udon Thani you must provide 2 copies of everything. I'm not sure of this so don't quote me.....but.....I believe one copy of your application is kept on file locally and the other is sent to Bangkok for the actual processing.

[gdhm]

2. A search will probably find it.

.

7. You have no duty free import.

Once again thanks Lopburi3,

With regard to 2. Yes I have found addresses but different and I do not know which are up to date.

I do not feel I can even rely on Thai immigration's website 100% as I do not know how up to date it is (one of there site is still advising that the Udon Thani sub immigration office closed in 2005 which is clearly out of date as it re-opened.

With regard to 7. I admit to being confused. If I have no tax free import allowance on my personal possessions when I get my Retirement Visa and set up home here, then why are some sites (including official talking about 6 months time period, possible extensions etc. etc.. if there is no duty free allowance. Surely I can bring over my possessions ANY TIME I WANT in the future.

Or am I misunderstanding things totally . I wish to know is what I can bring over, if there is a tax liability and whether there is any time period where the tax situation would change. I seem to recall reading MANY months ago on the Internet (but I cannot find it now) that I am only allowed to bring 1 TV or 1 HI-Fi system or I DVD player or I get taxed (Once again this TO ME suggests there are rules and allowances for when a person is moving home to Thailand permanently

Kindest Regards

Dave

[gdhm]

Nong Khai immigration has set up an EXTENSION branch in Udon Thani. It is located on the first floor of the AEK Udon Hospital. Open 2 days a week only; Monday and Friday. The hours are 9am to 3pm. The first thing to do when you get there is to take a numbered tag from the table just outside the little office where the immigration people sit.

I'm in the process of applying for my retirement visa. I've been told all the paperwork can be submitted at Udon Thani.

No. 10.....I've been told you can just submit a copy each year.

If you apply at Udon Thani you must provide 2 copies of everything. I'm not sure of this so don't quote me.....but.....I believe one copy of your application is kept on file locally and the other is sent to Bangkok for the actual processing.

Hello LoveDaBlues,

Many thnaks for the Udon Thani Officer details.

This sounds very promising, as Udon Thani saves nearly 1 hour's journey compared to Nong Khai.

May I ask you 1 question please;

I understand the Main Immigration Bureau Offices decide "there and then" and IF they are happy with your Retirement application, and iF SO, you walk away immediatley with your Retirement Visa and documentation.

LoveDaBluesthanksIFimmediately, is it your understanding or knowledge that the same applies if we apply at Udon Thani OR, do they have to get the paperwork to their Head Office in Nong Khai first for processing before they are able to grant the Visa (thus requiring a second visit to pick up the Visa).

Kindest Regards

Dave

[lopburi3]

I believe everything is subject to tax under current policy that only those with a work permit can import tax free. The operative paragraph is on customs website as below (in red):

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

[pdwarf1]

This is from Thai Customs Website. Maybe this will answer your question.

http://www.customs.go.th/UploadFile/EngAnnounce/A0906002.doc

Importing Personal and Household Effects

Personal Effects refer to items clearly identifiable as personal use, such as clothes, shoes, books, etc. These items at the time of his/her entry into the Kingdom of Thailand are exempted from customs duties. However, such items do not include automobiles, weapons and ammunition, and food items.

Personal effects not granted exemption from payment of customs duty

Pets. Pets brought into the Kingdom of Thailand are not exempted from customs duties. A permit must be granted from the Livestock Department prior to the date of entry.

Food. Any person wishing to bring food items into the Kingdom of Thailand must obtain a permit from the Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health.

Weapons. A permit must be granted from the Department of Provincial Administration.

Automobiles. A permit must be granted from the Commerce Ministry and the Department of Industrial Works, Ministry of Industry.

Household Effects refer to other properties not considered personal effects and which were in the owner’s possession prior to his/her change of residence, such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, household decorations, etc., which have been previously used. In the case of individuals entering the Kingdom of Thailand, only one unit each of such item is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. In the case of a family change of residence, two units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Items may be imported free of tax. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and are charged according to the most highly priced unit or the unit subject to duties the highest tax rate respectively.

Items must arrive in the Kingdom of Thailand not more than one month prior to the owner’s arrival or not more than 6 months after his/her arrival and/of the necessary permits are obtained.

Documentation

1. Passport

2. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

3. Invoice (if any)

4. Delivery Order

5. Inventory or purchase document

6. Customs Permit (if items shipped by air)

7. Identity Card (in the case of personal items)

8. Proof of Change of Residence

8.1 Foreigners must have documentary proof of having received permission to work or reside in Thailand for not less than 1 year. This includes a work permit from the Department of Employment, Labor Ministry, of a visa from the Immigration Department.

8.2 Thai nationals must present proof of having lived abroad for a period of not less than one year.

9. If you are unable to complete these customs procedures yourself, you must provide a letter of proxy appointing someone else to act on your behalf.

Clearance Procedures

1. The importer/agent submits documents for inspection at the Customs Department/port of entry.

2. Customs officials complete importation forms, determine eligibility, and assess duties, if any.

3. Importation forms are returned to the importer/agent bringing goods into the country, who then takes them to be recorded and pay customs duties, if any.

4. Importer/Agent Collects Items from the port of entry.

[lopburi3]

Believe post number 6 is the operative policy and is posted on the Customs website. He does not qualify.

That said customs duty often seems to be quite reasonable for normal HHE.

[Axel]

Point 8.1 even more confirms what lopburi3 said, permission to work, work permit and permit to reside in Thailand for not less than 1 year.

Import duty is subject to the value, usually estimated by the customs officer unless s/he does believe the value declared by the 'importer'. Duty-amount as per customs tariff. Tax = VAT, 7% on top of cif-landed value.

[chas39]

I was told in Pattaya Immigration that the Embassy letter lasted until you have to change your passport.

Also, although I use the income of 65,000 per month route they want to see a letter from a Thai bank ( 200 baht please) stating you have an account with them. Mine only had 2,000baht in it but this was ok.

Good luck

Edited September 19, 2006 by chas39

[LoveDaBlues]

Nong Khai immigration has set up an EXTENSION branch in Udon Thani. It is located on the first floor of the AEK Udon Hospital. Open 2 days a week only; Monday and Friday. The hours are 9am to 3pm. The first thing to do when you get there is to take a numbered tag from the table just outside the little office where the immigration people sit.

I'm in the process of applying for my retirement visa. I've been told all the paperwork can be submitted at Udon Thani.

No. 10.....I've been told you can just submit a copy each year.

If you apply at Udon Thani you must provide 2 copies of everything. I'm not sure of this so don't quote me.....but.....I believe one copy of your application is kept on file locally and the other is sent to Bangkok for the actual processing.

Hello LoveDaBlues,

Many thnaks for the Udon Thani Officer details.

This sounds very promising, as Udon Thani saves nearly 1 hour's journey compared to Nong Khai.

May I ask you 1 question please;

I understand the Main Immigration Bureau Offices decide "there and then" and IF they are happy with your Retirement application, and iF SO, you walk away immediatley with your Retirement Visa and documentation.

LoveDaBluesthanksIFimmediately, is it your understanding or knowledge that the same applies if we apply at Udon Thani OR, do they have to get the paperwork to their Head Office in Nong Khai first for processing before they are able to grant the Visa (thus requiring a second visit to pick up the Visa).

Kindest Regards

Dave

I was told at Udon Thani Immigration that they would deny/grant on the same day. As the hours are 9-3 I'm guessing the smart thing to do would be to submit your paperwork before 10am. In my case it doesn't matter as I live in Udon Thani and could wait for a decision.

On my requirements list from Immigration: (6.) A Letter of Certification from a bank in the Kingdom of Thailand confirming his saving deposit account.

[gdhm]

Point 8.1 even more confirms what lopburi3 said, permission to work, work permit and permit to reside in Thailand for not less than 1 year.

Import duty is subject to the value, usually estimated by the customs officer unless s/he does believe the value declared by the 'importer'. Duty-amount as per customs tariff. Tax = VAT, 7% on top of cif-landed value.

Thanks everybody, What Lopburi3 said does not look good.

Is the value of items based on "second hand resale value" OR "as new" AND please can I ask what "cif-landed value" is.

However, One comment about 8.1 : it actually says:

8.1 Foreigners must have documentary proof of having received permission to work or reside in Thailand for not less than 1 year. This includes a work permit from the Department of Employment, Labor Ministry, of a visa from the Immigration Department.

There is a big difference between AND and OR.

Having said that, what lopburi3 printed Namely "Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)" does sound very ominous.

It seems astonishing (to me) Thailand seems to be selecting against Retirees especially as we are not allowed to work in order to re-buy the items we are forbidden to bring into the country which we own (possibly most of their lives) UNLESS we pay tax on the items.

I love Thailand. I obey ALL the rules, but I am certainly beginning to think Thailand does not love foreigners very much (including the law abiding ones). Thailand makes huge revenue from the Farangs and other foreigners whilst not giving those who are permitted to settle here, many rights or equalities.

1) Near impossible to get Citizenship,

2) 90 day reporting,

3) not being allowed even to own just the land our primary residence stands on,

4) A Retirement Visa level of financial annual income or savings (800,000baht) that is 8 times or more than what most Thailand families manage and are able to live on.

AND

5) if all the info in this thread is correct, taxing every item of possessions a Retiree naturally would wish to bring with him/her to their new home. This seems deliberately highly selective against Retirees to me (I assume if we went for the 400,00 bat marriage Visa we would NOT be taxed) - Interesting as Thailand itself prefers us to get the higher financial requirement Retirement Visa (even if we are married to a Thai National). We as Retirees are not allowed work so we do not take a Thai National's work, so WHY are foreign workers allowed allowances we Retiree are not. I cannot see the logic or fairness. All this weakens the Retirees safeguards and financial situation, and as MANY are actually married to Thai Nationals it impacts on the Thai family (often extended) as well.

I know some will say "It is Thailand's choice what rules it implements, AND that some will say "if you do not like it you do not have to come". I agree!! but that does not make it fair, reasonable or right in some instances. Not that any country is fair or reasonable on everything

Still, I love my wife and family so it looks like I will have to make the financially logical decision and leave all my worldly belongings accumulated over 54 years that are very dear to me (in some instances) behind because by the time I have paid export fee and Thai tax on everything it will be very hard to justify the expense.

I will have to try and fit my PC base unit and 1 favourite ornament into my luggage when I go back to Spain to sell my home and return here. THAT'S assuming Thailand does not have a rule (other than the 20kgs air luggage limit) on PCs being in my luggage.

Regards to all for the advice, and to Lovedablues for the extra info on the Udon Thani immigration office. I will try them. I am going to my Thai Bank tomorrow to ask for the Bank Letter regarding savings (last requirement I need)

Then I will race off to Udon Thani BEFORE 1st Oct 2006, JUST in case Thailand decided 800,000 baht savings is not sufficient.

Dave