Change tourist visa to Non-O in Thailand

[Munotlaw]

Change from a tourist visa to Non-O in Thailand. To make this change on your own (without using any of the well-known lawyer offices) is only possible in Bangkok but not in Pattaya. The change would be based on an income confirmation from the embassy. Am I right?

Munotlaw

[ubonjoe]

It depends upon what basis you are applying for the non immigrant visa on.

Retirement and marriage to a Thai can be applied for in Pattaya and they send it to Bangkok for approval.

[Munotlaw]

It depends upon what basis you are applying for the non immigrant visa on.

Retirement and marriage to a Thai can be applied for in Pattaya and they send it to Bangkok for approval.

 

The extension of the O Visa would be based on retirement. So then its possible? (What would be good news)

Munotlaw

[ubonjoe]

1 minute ago, Munotlaw said:

It depends upon what basis you are applying for the non immigrant visa on.

Retirement and marriage to a Thai can be applied for in Pattaya and they send it to Bangkok for approval.

 

The extension of the O Visa would be based on retirement. So then its possible? (What would be good news)

Munotlaw

You can apply for a change of visa status (TM86  form) at Jomtien immigration in Pattaya up to the last 15 days of your 60 day entry or 30 day extension of it.

You will need to meet the financial requirements to get an extension but if using the money in the bank option it only has to be in the bank on the date you apply. If using an income letter from your embassy it has been reported that they will want the consular officers signature verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[Munotlaw]

Thanks. Many years ago when I needed also this verification, most of the translation offices in Bangkok offered this service. (Go the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get the signature). I assume when in Pattaya you have to go to Bangok.

 

Swisslaw

[ubonjoe]

1 minute ago, Munotlaw said:

Thanks. Many years ago when I needed also this verification, most of the translation offices offered this service. (Go the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get the signature). I assume this hasn't change

 

Swisslaw

If your income letter is not in English it would have to be translated to Thai and the translation certified by the MFA. Not the same as getting the signature verified. But I am certain a translation service can get the verification done as well as the certification done for you.

[Munotlaw]

Yes, now I can remember. Had to TRANSLATE and then get the verification. Same process as 24 years ago. (Back then was for a marriage not a retirement extension)

Munotlaw

[thaibreaker]

8 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

It depends upon what basis you are applying for the non immigrant visa on.

Retirement and marriage to a Thai can be applied for in Pattaya and they send it to Bangkok for approval.

 

Can this be done in Pattaya (or elsewhere) only if you are on a tourist visa, and not on a 30 days visa exemption? 

Or can both be done outside Bangkok?

[BritTim]

For conversion of a tourist entry to a Non Imm entry, it is irrelevant whether you entered on a visa or visa exempt. The important thing is that there is enough time left on your entry.

[thaibreaker]

25 minutes ago, BritTim said:

For conversion of a tourist entry to a Non Imm entry, it is irrelevant whether you entered on a visa or visa exempt. The important thing is that there is enough time left on your entry.

 

Okey, thanx. Pretty sure I have read on this forum that a conversion from a visa exempt only can be done in Bangkok, but I guess only the approvals are made there then.

[jimlek]

Can I get a non O for retirement in Saigon without an onward ticket out of Thailand? I have the necessary income letter approval,  from the U.K.Embassy in Bangkok.

[alexlm]

- How long is the Embassy Income Letter valid?

Because if it needs translation, legalization, etc... it requires at least a few weeks to be done via EMS (ship to and wait from Embassy, Translation office, Legalization office...).

- Can we use a TM87 at any Immigration Office? Sriracha and/or Pattaya? To convert an extension of Visa Exempt Entry into a Non-O marriage stay?

 

[Suradit69]

33 minutes ago, alexlm said:

- How long is the Embassy Income Letter valid?

Because if it needs translation, legalization, etc... it requires at least a few weeks to be done via EMS (ship to and wait from Embassy, Translation office, Legalization office...).

- Can we use a TM87 at any Immigration Office? Sriracha and/or Pattaya? To convert an extension of Visa Exempt Entry into a Non-O marriage stay?

 

Embassy verification of income remains valid for 6 months.

 

"To convert an extension of Visa Exempt Entry into a Non-O marriage stay?"

 

You would be converting to a non-imm O entry. Then during the last 30 to 45 days (depending on which immigration office you use) of that 90 day stay, you would apply for an extension of stay based on either marriage or retirement. 

 

When you do the conversion bring the original income document and a photo copy. They will keep the photocopy. When you apply for the extension, you must hand over the original.

 

" - Can we use a TM87 at any Immigration Office? Sriracha and/or Pattaya?  "

 

For the conversion you can use Pattaya if that is the office that serves your residential area or do it in Bangkok.It will require two visits.  For the extension you must use the office that serves your place of residence.