Non imm B expires next week can I apply for retirement visa instead?

[ngieen]

My Non imm "B" expires expires next week. Can I apply for a retirement visa without leaving the country?

[ubonjoe]

What do you have now? Do you have a non-b visa entry or an extension of stay you obtained at immigration.

With a visa entry you might be able to apply for an extension of stay (it is not a visa) based upon retirement if you can meet the financial requirements, If an extension you might be able to change the reason for your extension to retirement. But it would depend upon the immigration office you have to use.

You will probably have to go out to apply for a non-o visa based upon being 50 or over at a nearby embassy or consulate.

[ngieen]

i have an extension (3rd year) of business visa. i am over 50 and meet the financial criteria. i suspect that the company, under which i have my WP, paperwork will fail to grant me an extension (missing company balance sheet) and I am checking my alternatives. ideally it will be applying for an extension in bangkok for retirement purpose. what are my chances avoiding an a trip abroad and completing it at chengwattana?

[ubonjoe]

There have been reports of Chaeng Wattana not changing the reason for an extension from working to retirement. You would just need to try or ask them about it.

It they will do it you would need a termination letter to cancel you current extension so the change can be done.

[ngieen]

thank you

[bkkdriller]

I changed my Non "B" extension to a Non "O" retirement in Bangkok nearly 3 years ago without any problem and without having to leave Thailand. You will need to cancel your Non "B" extension first (with help from your employer) and then have 7 days to either leave the country or change to Non "O" retirement at Chaeng Wattana. Also changed visa status for my wife and daughter at the same time.

[ubonjoe]

Three years ago is a long time ago. Things have changed a lot in just the past year.

There is no 7 days unless you pay 1900 baht for it and immigration will no longer do an extension after those 7 days at most offices.

[ngieen]

done. but i had to use an agent