Need easiest way to switch from tourist visa to retirement visa

[SteveSamui6262]

I wish to break a one year cycle of 60-day tourist visas/runs by applying for an O-A Retirement Visa.  I've been here for one year plus and have only about 5 blank pages left in my U.S. Passport.  I intend to obtain a U.S. Embassy certified affidavit showing sufficient monthly income to obtain the retirement visa.

 

My question: Can I bring a U.S. Embassy certified affidavit reflecting my monthly pension income to the Immigration office in Bangkok and request a retirement visa there, or would I have to take the affidavit to a Thai Consulate in Laos or Cambodia to apply?  I sure don't want to travel all the way back to the U.S. to apply.  Otherwise, please advise how I might be able to get a one year visa (I am not interested in an educational visa).

 

You thoughts, suggestions, and firsthand knowledge is very much appreciated!

[dddave]

Changing from a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O with a Retirement Extension is a multi step process that you can initiate at the Chaing Wattana Immigration office.

The first step is to get the Income Statement from the Embassy then at CW, apply for a "Change in Visa Status",  As I recall, you need a minimum of 21 days remaining on your existing Tourist Visa. You will need at least one, possibly two visa photos.

They will give you a return date at which time you will receive your Non Im. O.  I had to return a third time to complete the Retirement Extension and I believe that is still the case.  if not, I'm sure others will correct me.

Be sure to make a color copy of your Income Statement.  They collect the original the first visit but require a second when you get the retirement Ext.   They would not accept my copy (5 years ago) and I had to get another statement at the Embassy however many friends have had the color copy they made accepted.  Luck of the draw.

[SteveSamui6262]

Thank you dddave so much for the very helpful informative.

When you say I would need to apply at least 21 days prior to the expiration date remaining on my tv, do you know if those 21 days can be utilized from the remaining 30 day extension?  Can you recall experiencing any difficulty during the process with the io?   And lastly, being a U.S. Citizen, do you think the income statement is the only document I will be required to present.  I know when applying for the retirement visa from the U.S., you also have to get a TB blood test and a criminal background clearance from the local police department.

[dddave]

I recall having to provide a health document that I obtained at a local clinic.  I don't recall having to provide a criminal background check. This was more than 5 years ago.

Others on this forum will have more up-to-date information than I can provide so I will differ to them.  

If you search "Retirement Extension" on this forum, there are a number of posts with persons personal experiences applying for it. 

[SteveSamui6262]

Thank you dddave!  You have made the process sound pretty simple.  I will follow your advice and search Retirement Extension on this forum.  Enjoy your day!!

[phetphet]

In your original post, you say that you want to apply for an OA visa.

 

I don't think that you can apply for that here, only a Non Imm 'O' single entry based on retirement or over 50. That is the one I am going for, but I am going to apply for it in Penang as am based in Samui, then apply for extension based on retirement. HTH

[Eclipse]

You do not need a medical or police report.

[khwaibah]

You can only get an O-A for retirement from your home country and in some cases in a foreign country if you have been working and living there.

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, SteveSamui6262 said:

Thank you dddave so much for the very helpful informative.

When you say I would need to apply at least 21 days prior to the expiration date remaining on my tv, do you know if those 21 days can be utilized from the remaining 30 day extension?  Can you recall experiencing any difficulty during the process with the io?   And lastly, being a U.S. Citizen, do you think the income statement is the only document I will be required to present.  I know when applying for the retirement visa from the U.S., you also have to get a TB blood test and a criminal background clearance from the local police department.

You can apply up to last 15 days of your 60 day entry or the 30 day extension. It was changed to 15 days a few years ago.

You do do not need a medical or police certificate.

You will do a income affidavit at the embassy. Most immigration offices do not ask for backup proof for it.

[Evilbaz]

Haven't there been a number of reports of a local hospital report needed at Samui Immi?

[SteveSamui6262]

2 hours ago, phetphet said:

retirement

Thank you phetphet

I didn't know I could apply for a non-immigrant O single entry.  That sounds good to me.  I'll get my income statement + a couple color copies and head over to BKK immigration.  I've been stressing about the difficulty, expense, and even the (road) risk of making any more border runs.  I'm getting older and its been difficult dealing with that hassle.  Your help is truly appreciated!

[SteveSamui6262]

50 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

police

Thanks for the additional info ubonjoe, and for helping put my mind at ease.

Cheers!