I went to the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur this week to get a non-O visa that I could use to get an extension of stay based on retirement at immigration in Thailand.

They declined my application with the reason that I did not have a residence permit in Malaysia.

I tried to explain that I was not applying for a multiple entry non-OA long stay visa, but just a normal single entry 3 months non-O. But the answer was the same: "Must have residence permit in Malaysia."

That is correct. You could get one in Penang without a residence permit.

OK, thanks!

KL has been reported as not doing a non-o visa based upon being 50 or over.

Penang or Vientiane are the best places to apply for them.

Well, I can certainly confirm that they don't. I'll probably try my luck in Penang next.

I know the horse has bolted, but always good to get advice on here, before rather than after.

could you not get the non 'o' in Thailand by way of a conversion

I know the horse has bolted, but always good to get advice on here, before rather than after.

could you not get the non 'o' in Thailand by way of a conversion

Yes, I could if I had a Thai bank account, which has proved quite difficult to get with a tourist visa. So, since I'm staying in Hat Yai, I thought that a short, cheap flight to Kuala Lumpur would be the easiest solution to that problem.

Last year, in KL, I got a non-O guardian visa for those under 50 with kids in school without any problem. Is it just the first time Non-O retirement visa for those over 50 that is strict or have they clamped down on all Non-O's there? I know a friend of mine just left for Christmas holidays in Europe with his family and has booked a return trip stopping off in KL for a few days upon his return to LOS specifically to get a Non-O guardian visa.

Last year, in KL, I got a non-O guardian visa for those under 50 with kids in school without any problem. Is it just the first time Non-O retirement visa for those over 50 that is strict or have they clamped down on all Non-O's there? I know a friend of mine just left for Christmas holidays in Europe with his family and has booked a return trip stopping off in KL for a few days upon his return to LOS specifically to get a Non-O guardian visa.

It seems to be only for those getting a non-o visa for being over 50.

There is no guardian visa. It is a non-o visa based upon being the parent of a child attending school. I don't think there will a problem getting one in KL Why is he not getting it while in Europe.

Since this topic is about non immigrant o visa I have a question? I applied for a change of visa from a tourist to a non immigrant o visa for retirement. The immigration office in Chiang Mai (one by the airport) they were very nice btw! I received a receipt stapled in my passport that says I have to return in 3 weeks and it's "under consideration"? What's under consideration? I had all the documents that were required???

Since this topic is about non immigrant o visa I have a question? I applied for a change of visa from a tourist to a non immigrant o visa for retirement. The immigration office in Chiang Mai (one by the airport) they were very nice btw! I received a receipt stapled in my passport that says I have to return in 3 weeks and it's "under consideration"? What's under consideration? I had all the documents that were required???

Possibly head officer was not on duty, don't sweat it.

Since this topic is about non immigrant o visa I have a question? I applied for a change of visa from a tourist to a non immigrant o visa for retirement. The immigration office in Chiang Mai (one by the airport) they were very nice btw! I received a receipt stapled in my passport that says I have to return in 3 weeks and it's "under consideration"? What's under consideration? I had all the documents that were required???

You are now awating approval of the application by immigration in Bangkok. They are the only office that can do it.

.

What would keep me from being approved? Just curious since I met all the requirements. Or is this just a formality that someone has to sign off on it?

Thanks!

What would keep me from being approved? Just curious since I met all the requirements. Or is this just a formality that someone has to sign off on it?

Thanks!

If the application was accepted and forwarded to Bangkok it is 99.9999% certain of being approved.

As already said the approval of "conversions" has been centralised in Bangkok .

Good information !

I know the horse has bolted, but always good to get advice on here, before rather than after.

could you not get the non 'o' in Thailand by way of a conversion

Yes, I could if I had a Thai bank account, which has proved quite difficult to get with a tourist visa. So, since I'm staying in Hat Yai, I thought that a short, cheap flight to Kuala Lumpur would be the easiest solution to that problem.

Just some info, i managed to open an account with Kasikorn Bank with a 30 day visa exempt at the sadao border branch .....its the only kasikorn branch there.....5 minite from the immigration check in