Non Immigrant B to Extension to Stay based on Retirement - Options

[cweeze]

Hi all,

Before I ask my questions let me give you some information about myself.

I am a US Citizen over 50 and currently hold a multi entry Non Immigrant B visa issued on October 29, 2015 with an "enter before date" of October 28, 2016 and no work permit. I am currently in Thailand with a "permitted to stay" stamp until August 25, 2016. I travel frequently for work in the Philippines, but live in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. Once my current Non B visa expires, I would like to convert it to an extension to stay based on retirement. I am aware of and meet all the requirements for an extension to stay based on retirement (age, Finances, residence).

I will be traveling between Thailand and the Philippines 4 times from the end of July to Mid September, then I will be returning to the USA at the end of September. I plan to return to Thailand before my current visa expires on October 28, 2016. Once I return to Thailand from the USA, I would like to convert my current visa to an extension to stay based on retirement (if possible). After reading several post on the forum, I realize Thai Immigration will not accept my application for an extension to stay until I have under 30 days left in country. I should get a 90 day stamp as long as I return before October 28, 2016. However, I will need to travel to the Philippines again in November (for a week) so I will not be able to apply for the extension to stay because i will not be under the 30 day window. When I return to Thailand, I will not be able enter on my current visa as it will be expired.

I know i could get a Non Immigrant A-O visa when I am back in the USA, but I really do not want to go through the hassle of obtaining a medical certificate and police check.

If I obtain a reentry permit at Suvarnabhumi when I travel to the Philippines in November, will that allow me to return to Thailand and stay until the original date that is stamped in my passport from my return trip from the USA (Should be end of January)? If so, will I still be considered on my non-B visa so I can convert it to the extension to stay based on retirement?

Also, Once I apply for the extension to stay, how long does it take to actually receive the extension and will I be able to leave the country during the waiting process? I understand I will need a reentry permit to leave the country once I have the extension to stay, but was not sure if that applies during the waiting period if any.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

[ubonjoe]

You could get a single re-entry permit (1000 baht) to keep the remainder the 90 day entry valid when your return form your trip in November and then apply for the extension.

You will get a the extension done on the same day you apply for it at either the immigration office in Khoen Khen or possibley the new one in Chaiyaphum if it is open then. You could apply for a re-entry permit as soon as you get your extension stamp.

[cweeze]

Thanks for the quick reply and advice Ubonjoe. I was not aware that they were opening an immigration office in Chaiyaphum. That is great news as well. Again thanks for the info.