Extended my OA visa yesterday on the basis of retirement, all done. Been made aware that I could have also extended my visa on the basis of having a son

in Thailand. This would appear to have many benefits apart from having the reduced required 400k THB in the bank, I could possibly obtain a work permit

if an opportunity arose. I am on our sons birth certificate as the father but we're not married. We are looking into legitimising me as the father legally through

the courts now.

 

Is my understanding of this correct?

 

Do I extend my OA visa next year based on family rather than retirement or do I need to apply for a different visa?  

Is it a lot more hassle than extending based on retirement paperwork / requirement wise?

We briefly spoke to immigration and all they said they required was a letter legitimising me as the father and the 400k baht in the bank for three months

next year before applying. They also said I would be eligible to apply for a work permit which I couldn't do on a retirement extension.

 

Anyone doing this now or have experience?

You would change the reason for you extension of stay from retirement to being the parent of a Thai. No need for a new visa.

According to the written rules the 400k baht only has to be in the bank on the date of application. But some offices want it to be in the bank for 2 months which is what is needed for one based upon marriage.

You would need more documents than mentioned and photos of your child in and around the house. Before you go for the extension you should find out exactly what will be required.

There will be a 30 day under consideration period while the application is being approved.

Thanks mate. Not sure about the 30 day consideration thing? For eg: I make the extension application say 40 days before my current stay finishes. Wait 30 days and they say no go. What happens then? Im guessing it would only be knocked back under extreme circumstances but a bit concerning.

 

I had a look at the immigration website and can't really find anything much relating to visa extensions or requirements.

7 minutes ago, Kenny202 said:

Thanks mate. Not sure about the 30 day consideration thing? For eg: I make the extension application say 40 days before my current stay finishes. Wait 30 days and they say no go. What happens then? Im guessing it would only be knocked back under extreme circumstances but a bit concerning.

 

I had a look at the immigration website and can't really find anything much relating to visa extensions or requirements.

The under consideration is also done for extensions based upon marriage. Not a big deal as long as everything is correct on the application. Also if there is a problem they will contact you about it and give you the chance to rectify it. If disapproved they would give you 7 days to leave the country.

Since you are in KK the 30 days will start from the date your current extension ends. If you went 40 days early that would mean a 70 day wait.