From visa exempt to 90-day Non-Im in CM?

[Somnambulist]

"If you are living in Chiang Mai you could convert your visa exempt entry to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry at immigration if you do it before the you have 15 days remaining on your entry. Then apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement during the last 30 days of that entry." That's a quote from UbonJoe in the visa forum and I have never known him to be wrong. Has anyone done this in CM who would care to share their experience on waiting times, which office, etc.?

[Somnambulist]

Ubon Joe has already answered my question. It's Airport, not Promenada in case anyone else was wondering.

[johnatong]

I have literally just got another exempt stamp today via Chiang Khong.

So this guy is saying that I can convert my 30 day visa exempt stamp to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry?

Or am I mixing the visa/stamps up lol

You would need a valid reason for wanting to convert.

[NancyL]

Yes, it can be done at the "old" Immigration office at near the airport. If you're doing it on the basis of retirement, you will need an Income Letter with at least 65,000 baht/month from your Embassy/Consulate or a letter from a Thai bank showing you've opened a bank account with 800,000 baht. To do a "conversion" the money in the Thai bank account doesn't need to be "aged" but it will need to be in the Thai bank at least 60 days before you apply for the first retirement extension during the last 30 day life of that new 90 day O visa that you'll get an the Imm. office near the airport.

Cost is 2000 baht to apply for an O visa.

Also, you'll need proof of where you live. I don't know, but they may ask for evidence that your landlord or owner of your residence has filed a TM 30 on your behalf.

Arrive at the Imm office near the airport by 4:30 am once you have all your documents in order to receive a queue number.

(I know that Ubon Joe says this can be done in Chiang Mai -- and "in theory" in can be, but this is one of the services that Immigration really seems to make difficult for people in an effort to push them to use an agent and you'll find the visa agents charge a high fee to assist you thru this process. Go figure!) Please let us know how it turns out for you.

[northernjohn]

Ubon Joe Is quite correct. He failed to mention it is the same requirements at any immigration office that does these things.

If you had asked about My Hong Son he would have said the same thing.

I have no idea why Bangkok has not offered enough officers to handle the growing population here in Chiang Mai. they are well aware of it. But the fact is they have made the decision to leave it that way and like Nancy said get there early. Yes there are agents who will do it for you. Probably starting around 5,000 baht just for their service.

If you look around you may find a cheaper one. A friend of mine had an agent converted his OP to married with a work permit for 3,000 baht plus the immigration fee.

Some will maybe mention the Agent a few doors down from Immigration at the Promenada I doubt they will do that. You can try.

[NancyL]

NJ -- you're wrong on a number of accounts with your previous post. Very few offices in Thailand are authorized to convert a visa exempt or tourist visa into an O visa, so I doubt Ubon Joe would say the Mae Hong Song office could do this. He would be the best source to know which few offices offer this service. The main office in Bangkok does plus just a few offices popular with retirees.

The "excuse" of Bangkok not sending enough person to CM Immigration has been trotted out for so many years that it's become downright unbelievable. Other offices managed to handle their workload with the staff they're allocated.

I think you'll find that the agents who handle visa conversions in Chiang Mai charge significantly more than 5000 baht. I've heard fees of up to 30,000 baht from new arrivals who have visited visa agents who normally charge 5500 - 6000 for a regular retirement extension. I'll let you draw conclusions about where the money is going for a visa conversion. It really isn't much more work for a visa agent than doing a regular retirement extension.

Interestingly, your "visa agent" a few doors down from Immigration Promenada doesn't handle visa conversions. They just jump the queue for services at the Immigration Promenada office and the conversion process is done at the old office near the airport.

[Atum]

A surprising number of people on ThaiVisa love to answer questions about the visa regulations of Thailand without really knowing what they are talking about. Beware!

[Somnambulist]

NJ - Ubon Joe has answered many of my questions over the years, and has always been 100% correct down to the finest detail, so I have no reason to doubt him now. NancyL's response seems to support that he is right this time as well. Maybe you will trust him in the future, too.

NancyL - Thank you very much for all the info. I was hoping this would not be an ultra early morning thing, but them's the breaks. I will be sure to report back when I have news.

BTW, has anyone flown to Penang from here (via BBK or KL, I assume) for the same reason? What airline would be the best? It sucks that Vientiane and Penang are the two best places to get a Non-O because they are both inconvenient to get to and relatively uninteresting to me, but if I get quoted a silly price just to get a 90 day non-O in CM I'll consider it. I do have stuff I can do in KL so I could do CM-Penang-KL-CM.

[NancyL]

Somnambulist, since you're doing such careful research and preparation, I'd suggest you try to do your own conversion here in Chiang Mai before flying off. Esp. if you're still on your original 30 day visa exempt entry with more than 15 days validity remaining. Have your financial "proof" at the ready (i.e. Embassy/Consular proof of income or Bank Letter for 800,000 baht Thai bank account) and arrive at the Chiang Mai Imm. office near the airport at 5 am one morning and see what happens, after going the day before to fill out the correct form, make copes and do the photo at the shop there so there's no question about the photo being in the right format.

It would be interesting to see what the visa agents in town, such as the ones advertising on this forum, are currently charging to assist someone to get an O visa. I believe the price would also include hand-holding for the 1 year retirement extension at Imm. Prom 60 days later, too.

As for going to Penang to obtain an O visa, Ubon Joe and the Visa subforum would be the best place to post a question about the current conditions there. I believe it's very possible to get a 90-day O visa there, it's just many CM people don't because it's more expensive to fly there, vs. getting to Vientiane.

[Somnambulist]

Ouch, I just got quoted a price of 15,000 baht to get the 90-day Non-Im/O in CM so it's Vientiane here I come. I've decided Penang isn't worth the hassle.

[NancyL]

Somnambulist, you sound like a sensible person and you've gotten some good advice here and on the Visa subforum. Before you head off to Laos, why not go out to Imm. Airport to fill out the application, make copies and get a photo and then turn up early the next day with your correct financial proof and see what happens. You just might be able to score a DIY conversion for 2000 baht. That's suppose to be the official rate. At least you can report on how you're treated and what grounds they use for turning you down or sending you off to Vientiane to apply for an O visa out of the country.

[true blue]

my mate in Bangkok just went through the same procedure,He had lost his off shore job after about 20 years in the oil game been living in Bangkok all that time,After a few talks with him. of to imm in bkk he goes obtained a 3month o visa with rider not to leave country in the mean time,given a date for next appointment,turned up with his bank letter obtained a ext of stay,he was questioned why he wanted a o, He said retirement.

[Dante99]

Ouch, I just got quoted a price of 15,000 baht to get the 90-day Non-Im/O in CM so it's Vientiane here I come. I've decided Penang isn't worth the hassle.

Who quoted that price? It would be nice to know so they can be avoided.

[NancyL]

Ouch, I just got quoted a price of 15,000 baht to get the 90-day Non-Im/O in CM so it's Vientiane here I come. I've decided Penang isn't worth the hassle.

Who quoted that price? It would be nice to know so they can be avoided.

I think you'll find that's a "standard price" for a conversion here in Chiang Mai. I wouldn't necessarily blame the agents.

[Somnambulist]

That's probably a low end price because this particular agent only charges 3,000 for the yearly retirement thingy.

NancyL -Why not get up at 4am and go stand in line for five hours? Hahaha, nice try. I assume Immigration would turn me down flat;

if word got out that they let a foreigner do it for the legal price, everybody would expect the same treatment and they wouldn't get their

occasional big payday.

[NancyL]

That's probably a low end price because this particular agent only charges 3,000 for the yearly retirement thingy.

NancyL -Why not get up at 4am and go stand in line for five hours? Hahaha, nice try. I assume Immigration would turn me down flat;

if word got out that they let a foreigner do it for the legal price, everybody would expect the same treatment and they wouldn't get their

occasional big payday.

Why get up at 4 am -- to save yourself 15,000 baht!

I heard a story of someone doing it successfully a few months ago. I think if you submit everything to them perfectly, they may not turn you down. Instead, they're counting on people being confused and not understanding the process and not coming prepared. Personally, I think it's worth a try. What's the worst you could lose -- a few hours sleep? You're still going to have to obtain your financial documentation yourself, even if you use an agent or go to Vientiane.

[MissAndry]

Ouch, I just got quoted a price of 15,000 baht to get the 90-day Non-Im/O in CM so it's Vientiane here I come. I've decided Penang isn't worth the hassle.

I tried to do exactly the same last week, as a lead up to getting a one year retirement VISA, was told by immigration to use a Visa Agent, I tried the one in Promenada very near immigration and they wanted 12,000bht for the 90 day, then another 5,000bht for the retirement one year. Not entirely sure if this included the fees for immigration at 2,000bht per application.

Still not sure what to do?

Edited June 5, 2016 by MissAndry

[Somnambulist]

Ouch, I just got quoted a price of 15,000 baht to get the 90-day Non-Im/O in CM so it's Vientiane here I come. I've decided Penang isn't worth the hassle.

I tried to do exactly the same last week, as a lead up to getting a one year retirement VISA, was told by immigration to use a Visa Agent, I tried the one in Promenada very near immigration and they wanted 12,000bht for the 90 day, then another 5,000bht for the retirement one year. Not entirely sure if this included the fees for immigration at 2,000bht per application.

Still not sure what to do?

I decided to use an agent. She originally quoted me 15,000 and I offered her 12,000 and she countered with 13,500, which I accepted. But my heart wasn't really in it and by the time I actually told the agent yes, it was just one week before my 30-day visa exempt entry expires and she said it's too late! Hm, what an unusual combination of bribery yet being sticklers for following the rules. Sorry, but I don't remember if that price would have included government fees, but I do know that the 5,000 for later converting to a one-year retirement "non"-visa (there, you pedants happy with that terminology?) does include the 1,900-baht government fee. So it's off to KL and Penang; I have friends in KL so I've warmed up the the idea. And I really hate going to Vientiane.

[MissAndry]

I went to Savannakhet in Laos last week.

Total cost around 7k.

Day 1

16:10 flight CNX to Udon Thani, 1k (Nok Air)

17;20 Bus from Udon airport to Udon bus station 80bht

19:40 bus from Udon Thani to Sakhon Nakon 80bht (3 hours)

22:30 m/c taxi from Sakhon bus station 2Km to nearest hotel 80bht

Overnight in hotel 400bht (aircon nice room)

Day 2

05:50 Free drive to bus station from hotel receptionist, I was told to be at the bus station by 6:00

06:15 VIP Taxi to Mukhadan 80bht (frightening journey at 140kph but driver did detour to friendship bridge 2 and drop me off) NOTE: the VIP taxi is meant to leave at 6:30, but if he arrives early, he doesn't wait (80 minutes).

08:00 Exit Thailand at Friendship Bridge 2 near Mukhadan, bus to Savannakhet side of bridge 50bht

08:30 Lao VISA 1,500bht (save money by paying in $35 US)

09:00 Samlaw to Thai consulate 150bht, application form 20bht, Consulate fee 2,000bht.

09:30 Samlaw to Guesthouse 150bht.

Day 3

Overnight in guesthouse 420bht (no aircon, hot as hell)

13:50 Samlaw to Friendship bridge 2 Via Thai Consulate 100bht (arraigned by owner of guesthouse)

14:00 collect passport with new 90 day VISA (only 10-15 minutes, very fast)

14:30 bus from friendship bridge Laos immigration to Mukhadan town bus station(via Thai immigration, the bus waits for you to go through) 50bht

15:45 VIP Bus from Mukhadan to Chiang Mai, change at Khon Kaen 750bht (14 hours, plus 30 minute stop at KK).

Worth doing once, nothing to see or do at Savannakhet, dinner at the restaurant hanging over the river was quite nice.

I would have caught the plane, Air Asia from Khon Kaen to Chiang Mai but it's an afternoon flight and the bus was there and waiting.

Edited June 19, 2016 by MissAndry

[Somnambulist]

I went to Savannakhet once for the non-Im/marriage. It was nice to do once but never again because it's a very sleepy little town and hard to get to from CM. I was lucky--a cousin of my ex drove me all the way from Udon Thani to the bridge at Mukdahan. What kind of visa/non-visa did they give you?

[MissAndry]

90 day non-O for reason of retirement.

Suvannakhet makes the sidewalks in Chiang Mai seem safe and clear, gaping holes into the sewers all over the place.

Can't believe how backward and primitive everything was in Laos, shops nonexistent, no supermarkets, no 7-11, homes all run down and about to collapse. Beer was very cheap, everything else was much more expensive then Thailand.

Edited June 19, 2016 by MissAndry

[NancyL]

Why Suvannakhet and not Vientiane for your 90-day O visa, Miss Audry?

[manfredtillmann]

I went to Savannakhet once for the non-Im/marriage. It was nice to do once but never again because it's a very sleepy little town and hard to get to from CM. I was lucky--a cousin of my ex drove me all the way from Udon Thani to the bridge at Mukdahan. What kind of visa/non-visa did they give you?

90 day non-O for reason of retirement.

Suvannakhet makes the sidewalks in Chiang Mai seem safe and clear, gaping holes into the sewers all over the place.

Can't believe how backward and primitive everything was in Laos, shops nonexistent, no supermarkets, no 7-11, homes all run down and about to collapse. Beer was very cheap, everything else was much more expensive then Thailand.

next time, guys, take you own car.

there is loads to explore and see around savannakhet, cheap street food at night markets, beautiful and well preserved buildings and homes along the river banks, reflecting the french colonial heritage. new stuff, too, certainly shaming the 'she'll be right' building attitude of the thai's on the other river bank...

i had a really good time in those 28 hours i waited for my visa, saw a lot of new stuff and will definitely go back soon.

and i can do very well without a 7/11 for a few weeks or so.

[MissAndry]

Why Suvannakhet and not Vientiane for your 90-day O visa, Miss Audry?

I don't think all that much about my trips.

Suvannakhet was chosen entirely at random, I'd never been to Laos before.

Wasn't worried about the type of VISA either, a tourist VISA would have been OK.

Next time I'll try somewhere else, Vietnam or Indonesia, never been to either of those places either.

Just happy to be a single person, for the first time in my life, with no family worries, money in my pocket and the urge to wander.

Life begins at 50!

[Somnambulist]

I didn't have a car there but I did borrow a rather unwieldy bicycle from my guesthouse and got around quite a bit on that, as much as the blistering heat allowed. Some of the things missy listed are exactly why I enjoyed it--random conversations on the street, low key atmosphere, less technology--it was a nice break.

[Somnambulist]

Well, for me life continues at 50. BTW, in Penang is my American passport and income statement from the American Embassy all I need? I asked in the visa forum but Joe must be out for the day.

[Somnambulist]

I just got an answer from my agent:

1. paper from your embassy

2. Laos visa application (Malay in my case, I suppose)

3. copy of your passport

4. photo put on application

5. Rental contact (I assume this is 'contract')

[NancyL]

Why Suvannakhet and not Vientiane for your 90-day O visa, Miss Audry?

.......

Wasn't worried about the type of VISA either, a tourist VISA would have been OK.

Next time I'll try somewhere else, Vietnam or Indonesia, never been to either of those places either.

......

If your goal is to obtain a 1-year retirement extension in Chiang Mai, then you were smart (or lucky) in getting the 90-day O visa. You could have had to pay an agent something in excess of 15,000 baht to help "convert" a tourist visa for you, but you stand a very good chance of obtaining a 12-month retirement extension for your O visa on your own. You should turn up to apply at Imm. Promenada 45 days before expiration of your O visa.

As for "next time" trying somewhere else. If you obtain a 12-month retirement extension here in Thailand, then you can travel wherever you like and not have to worry about applying for a visa again -- provided you obtain a re-entry permit at CM Immigration or the airport before you go to keep your extension alive.

[pgthompson]

I went to Savannakhet once for the non-Im/marriage. It was nice to do once but never again because it's a very sleepy little town and hard to get to from CM. I was lucky--a cousin of my ex drove me all the way from Udon Thani to the bridge at Mukdahan. What kind of visa/non-visa did they give you?

90 day non-O for reason of retirement.

Suvannakhet makes the sidewalks in Chiang Mai seem safe and clear, gaping holes into the sewers all over the place.

Can't believe how backward and primitive everything was in Laos, shops nonexistent, no supermarkets, no 7-11, homes all run down and about to collapse. Beer was very cheap, everything else was much more expensive then Thailand.

next time, guys, take you own car.

there is loads to explore and see around savannakhet, cheap street food at night markets, beautiful and well preserved buildings and homes along the river banks, reflecting the french colonial heritage. new stuff, too, certainly shaming the 'she'll be right' building attitude of the thai's on the other river bank...

i had a really good time in those 28 hours i waited for my visa, saw a lot of new stuff and will definitely go back soon.

and i can do very well without a 7/11 for a few weeks or so.

Hi, I'm thinking of taking my car in October from CM.

How long did it take you and what paperwork do you need to take the car in Laos?

Many Thanks.

[manfredtillmann]

I went to Savannakhet once for the non-Im/marriage. It was nice to do once but never again because it's a very sleepy little town and hard to get to from CM. I was lucky--a cousin of my ex drove me all the way from Udon Thani to the bridge at Mukdahan. What kind of visa/non-visa did they give you?

90 day non-O for reason of retirement.

Suvannakhet makes the sidewalks in Chiang Mai seem safe and clear, gaping holes into the sewers all over the place.

Can't believe how backward and primitive everything was in Laos, shops nonexistent, no supermarkets, no 7-11, homes all run down and about to collapse. Beer was very cheap, everything else was much more expensive then Thailand.

next time, guys, take you own car.

there is loads to explore and see around savannakhet, cheap street food at night markets, beautiful and well preserved buildings and homes along the river banks, reflecting the french colonial heritage. new stuff, too, certainly shaming the 'she'll be right' building attitude of the thai's on the other river bank...

i had a really good time in those 28 hours i waited for my visa, saw a lot of new stuff and will definitely go back soon.

and i can do very well without a 7/11 for a few weeks or so.

Hi, I'm thinking of taking my car in October from CM.

How long did it take you and what paperwork do you need to take the car in Laos?

Many Thanks.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/924325-driving-your-own-car-to-laos-mukdahan-to-savannakhet/